Multi-Voltage Battery Charging for Trolling Motor Readiness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Boats with multiple battery circuits of different voltages, such as starting, house, and trolling motor circuits, face challenges in simultaneous charging, especially when the motor is not running, leading to inoperable trolling motors until the boat returns to the dock for charging.
Innovation Solution
A battery management system that can charge two or more battery circuits with different nominal voltages using power from either the boat's motor or a remote power source, including municipal power, and includes a controller to generate specific charging currents for each circuit, along with communication systems for data sharing and notifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the trolling motor battery circuit is not charged while the boat is in use, then the system remains simple, but the trolling motor becomes inoperable until the boat returns to the dock
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary charging action by charging the trolling motor battery circuit during boat operation before the trolling motor is needed. The controller detects when the motor is running and automatically routes power to charge the trolling motor battery, ensuring readiness before the high-voltage circuit is actually used.
2Reliability
If multiple battery circuits with different voltages are charged simultaneously, then all batteries remain charged, but the charging system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The battery management system achieves multi-functionality by providing a single controller that can charge multiple battery circuits with different voltage requirements (12V starting battery and 24V/36V/48V trolling motor battery). The system universally handles different voltage configurations through programmable charging parameters and automatic voltage detection.
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
Enables simultaneous charging of battery circuits with different voltages, prevents battery discharge, provides real-time data and alerts, and ensures that high voltage systems like trolling motors are charged while the boat is in use, reducing the risk of stranding due to dead batteries.
Implementation Method 1
The controller may be configured to generate a first charging current according to a first charging profile for charging batteries in the least one first battery circuit having the first nominal voltage and a second charging current according to a second charging profile for charging batteries in the least one second battery circuit having the second nominal voltage.
Data Source
AI summary
A battery management system for two or more battery circuits on a vessel in which the battery circuits may be charged by a motor on the vessel or by a power source positioned remotely from the vessel is disclosed. As such, the two battery circuits may have different nominal voltages configured to provide different voltages to different devices onboard the vessel. The battery management system may receive input power from the motor on the vessel to charge the battery circuits on the vessel. The battery management system may be configured such that when the battery management system is not receiving power from a motor on the vessel, the battery management system may receive power from a power source positioned remotely from the vessel, such as, a municipal power supply. The battery management system may also include a communication system enabling battery management data to be shared with users.