Parallel Battery Cell Charging with Segmented Chargers

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery charging systems face challenges in quickly charging large capacity batteries due to the need for balancing current across multiple battery cells, which can lead to heating issues, circuit enlargement, and the use of expensive components, while also requiring efficient power transmission methods.

Innovation Solution

A power charging apparatus with multiple chargers corresponding one-to-one with battery cells, each controlling the current value to maintain it at the maximum allowable current, and using wireless power transmission coils to efficiently charge battery cells connected in series and parallel configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If multiple battery cells are charged in parallel with a single charger, then charging circuit complexity is reduced, but charging speed decreases and heating issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging circuit complexityVSAvoidcharging speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The charging system is segmented into multiple independent chargers, with each charger dedicated to charging a specific battery cell. This segmentation allows each charger to operate independently at optimal current levels, achieving fast charging without the heating and efficiency problems associated with parallel charging through a single charger.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If high current is used for fast charging, then charging speed increases, but heating and circuit enlargement occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging speedVSAvoidheating
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The total charging current is divided and distributed across multiple independent chargers, each handling a portion of the total current. This segmentation allows the system to achieve fast charging capability without concentrating excessive current in a single circuit path, thereby reducing heating and eliminating the need for enlarged circuit components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the current distribution parameters by using multiple chargers operating at optimized current levels rather than a single charger at high current. This parameter change maintains fast charging speed while reducing the current density in individual circuits, thereby reducing heating and allowing for more compact circuit design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If wireless power transmission is used, then charging convenience improves, but power transmission efficiency may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecharging convenienceVSAvoidpower transmission loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless power transmission system is segmented into multiple independent power transmission coils, each corresponding to a specific charger and battery cell. This segmentation allows for more efficient power transfer by reducing interference between coils and enabling better optimization of each transmission path, thereby maintaining charging convenience while reducing overall power loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 rapid charging of battery cells while preventing heating and circuit enlargement, and reduces the need for expensive components by maintaining optimal current values during charging.

Implementation Method 1

using wireless power transmission coils to efficiently charge battery cells

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2784904B1Power charging apparatus and battery apparatus
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 WITS CO LTD
  • EP2784904B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP2784904B1 patent drawingFigure 1C
  • EP2784904B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A power charging apparatus and a battery apparatus quickly charge a battery with power by separately charging each battery cell with power. The power charging apparatus includes: a power supplier supplying power; and a charging part having at least two chargers corresponding one-to-one to at least two battery cells connected to each other in parallel, each of the at least two chargers charging the corresponding battery cell with power transmitted from the power supplying unit. The battery apparatus includes: a battery having at least two battery cells connected to each other in parallel; and a charging part having at least two chargers corresponding one-to-one to the at least two battery cells and charging the at least two chargers with power received.