On-Board Power Prioritization for 12V Lithium Battery Charging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods fail to effectively recharge a 12V Lithium electrical energy store in vehicles without impacting the power supply to the on-board network components, due to uncontrolled currents leading to saturation and insufficient energy delivery.

Innovation Solution

A method that prioritizes the electrical supply to the on-board network by managing the voltage across the electrical energy store, activating a prioritization strategy when certain conditions are met, such as exceeding a maximum charging rate and activation current, and determining a maximum voltage setpoint based on internal resistance, no-load voltage, temperature, and state of charge to limit current draw and prevent saturation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the electrical power producer charges the electrical energy storage system at high current, then the charging speed is improved, but the battery lifespan is reduced due to excessive current

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidbattery lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically adjusts the voltage setpoint parameter based on the state of charge of the electrical energy storage system. By changing the voltage parameter according to SOC levels, the system optimizes charging current to prevent excessive current while maintaining efficient charging speed, thus resolving the contradiction between charging productivity and battery reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Quantity of substance

If the electrical power producer prioritizes recharging the power battery, then the energy storage is improved, but the power supply to on-board network components becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storageVSAvoidpower supply to on-board network
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic prioritization strategy where the charging priority of the electrical energy storage system is adjusted in real-time based on the load rate of the electrical power producer and the power demands of on-board network components. When the power producer is saturated, the system dynamically reduces charging current to ensure sufficient power supply to critical components, resolving the contradiction between energy storage quantity and power supply reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the electrical power producer operates at high load rate to charge the battery, then the charging efficiency is improved, but the saturation of the power source occurs leading to insufficient power for vehicle systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging efficiencyVSAvoidpower supply reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a feedback control mechanism where the control unit continuously monitors the load rate of the electrical power producer and adjusts the voltage setpoint accordingly. When the load rate approaches saturation levels, the feedback loop reduces the voltage setpoint to prevent power source saturation, ensuring reliable power supply to vehicle systems while maintaining optimal charging efficiency. This resolves the contradiction between charging productivity and power supply reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Ensures efficient recharging of the vehicle battery without impacting the power supply to on-board network components, maintaining battery durability and ensuring sufficient energy for vehicle systems.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical power producer (3) constructed and arranged to recharge said electrical energy storage system (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

an electrical energy storage system (2) constructed and arranged to store electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Implementation Method 3

this type of battery has internal resistance that generates charging currents which can naturally be very high

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP4107840B1Method for prioritizing an electric power supply to an on-board network und vehicle constructed and arranged to carry out the steps of the method
Publication Date: 2024.02.28 STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
  • EP4107840B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

One aspect of the invention relates to a method (100) for prioritizing an electric power supply to an on-board network over the recharging of a vehicle battery, said method (100) comprising: - A step (101) of a computer activating prioritization of an electric power supply to the on-board network when the following conditions are met: - An estimated percentage of the level of charge of an electrical energy producer is greater than or equal to a predetermined maximum level of charge, - An estimated current of an electrical energy store is greater than or equal to a predetermined activation current, and - No request for intentional saturation of said electrical energy producer is requested, - A step of determining (102) a voltage to be applied across the terminals of said electrical energy store by the electrical energy producer, - A step (103) of said computer transmitting a maximum voltage setpoint, said maximum voltage setpoint being equal to said determined voltage to be applied across the terminals of said electrical energy store.