Modulated Pulse Charging for Reconfigurable Battery Packs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery charging and discharging methods do not effectively account for real-time electrochemical and macrokinetic processes within battery cells, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage due to uneven energy dissipation and charge saturation.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable battery pack system with a controller that uses modulated pulse charging and discharging techniques, adjusting pulse periods and duty cycles based on real-time measurements to manage energy flow and prevent charge saturation, while dynamically reconfiguring battery cell connections to optimize voltage and current delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If continuous charging is applied to battery cells, then charging speed is improved, but charge saturation and uneven energy dissipation occur causing potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging speedVSAvoidbattery safety

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic pulsed charging instead of continuous charging. The controller delivers charging current in discrete pulses with specific duty cycles (e.g., 10-90% duty cycle) and pulse widths (e.g., 1ms-100ms), allowing the battery electrochemical processes to keep pace with energy input and prevent charge saturation and overheating

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Loss of time

If high charging current is applied to battery cells, then charging time is reduced, but uneven energy dissipation and heat buildup occur causing potential damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging timeVSAvoidheat buildup

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses pulsed charging with controlled duty cycles to deliver high current in intermittent bursts rather than continuous flow. This periodic application allows heat dissipation between pulses while maintaining effective charging, preventing thermal runaway and damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller pre-configures pulse parameters (duty cycle, pulse width, amplitude) based on battery state before applying charging current. This preliminary setup ensures optimal energy delivery that charges efficiently while preventing excessive heat generation from the outset

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If fixed battery cell configuration is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but inability to adapt to varying charge/discharge rates reduces efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebattery configurationVSAvoidcharging efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic reconfiguration of battery cell connections during charging and discharging operations. The controller adjusts which cells are connected in series or parallel based on real-time conditions, enabling adaptation to varying charge/discharge rates and optimizing efficiency without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The battery pack controller provides multiple functions: it manages pulsed charging, pulsed discharging, cell reconfiguration, and monitoring. This multi-functional approach allows a single device to handle diverse operating conditions and battery states, improving overall system efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Power

If fast discharging is applied to battery cells, then power delivery is improved, but charge depletion and potential damage occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower deliveryVSAvoidbattery longevity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies periodic pulsed discharging where the controller delivers power in controlled bursts with specific duty cycles and pulse widths. This intermittent discharge pattern allows electrochemical processes to keep pace with power extraction, preventing damage while maintaining high effective power delivery

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enhances battery efficiency, reduces damage from charge buildup, and extends battery life by ensuring optimal energy distribution and usage, maintaining stable solid electrolyte interphase layers and balancing cell discharge.

Implementation Method 1

A battery cell may be pulse charged by a controller providing charging current to the battery cell for a predetermined time period, and pulse discharged by the controller providing discharging current from the battery cell for a predetermined time period

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reactions: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 2

maintaining stable solid electrolyte interphase layers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolid electrolyte interphase formation: Electrolysis

Data Source

PatentUS10069313B2Modulated pulse charging and discharging of a reconfigurable battery pack

Publication Date: 2018.09.04 GBATTERIES ENERGY CANADA INC

AI summary

Disclosed is pulse charging and pulse discharging of a reconfigurable battery pack that uses frequency modulation to vary the pulse periods of the charging pulses and the discharging pulses. Battery measurements can be made to determine the duty cycles of the charging pulses and the discharging pulses. Additionally, the battery pack can be reconfigured to match with varying charging devices and varying loads.