Parallel Charger Feedback Control for Stable Battery Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices with dual on-board chargers face inconsistencies in power delivery to power storage devices due to latency in communication with external power sources and inaccurate representation of current usage by unregulated parallel chargers, leading to inconsistent charging and increased wear on power storage devices.
Innovation Solution
A regulated parallel charger with a controller that determines the actual current provided to power storage devices, adjusting its operation to ensure consistent power delivery by accounting for current sunk by electrical loads, thereby reducing latency and smoothing out power delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If an unregulated parallel charger is used to charge power storage devices, then the device complexity is reduced, but the power delivery consistency deteriorates due to latency in communication with external power sources and inaccurate current representation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller monitors the actual current being charged to the power storage device and uses this information to regulate the parallel charger's output. This closed-loop feedback system ensures accurate current representation and consistent power delivery without requiring complex communication protocols with external power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The parallel charger circuit is designed to self-regulate by directly measuring its own output current and adjusting accordingly. The controller within the charger autonomously manages the current delivery based on real-time measurements, eliminating the need for external communication and latency-prone control loops.
2Reliability
If communication with external power source is used to regulate parallel charger current, then the power delivery control is improved, but the latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The parallel charger performs self-regulation by directly measuring its own output current through onboard sensing circuitry. The controller autonomously adjusts the charger operation based on real-time current measurements, eliminating communication latency with external power sources while maintaining accurate power delivery control.
Solution Approach 2:
A real-time feedback loop is established within the charger circuit itself, where the controller continuously monitors the actual charging current and immediately adjusts regulation parameters. This internal feedback mechanism provides instantaneous response without the time delays inherent in external communication protocols.
3Device complexity
If unregulated parallel charger is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of charging current deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements feedback control by continuously measuring the actual current flowing to the power storage device and comparing it with the desired charging current. Based on this precise measurement and comparison, the controller dynamically adjusts the parallel charger operation to maintain accurate current delivery, achieving high measurement precision through active regulation rather than passive unregulated operation.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, techniques are described that are directed to a device that includes a power storage device, an electrical load, and a first regulated power converter including components configured to generate, during a first time period and using electrical energy received from a power source external to the device, a first power signal to charge the power storage device. A second regulated power converter includes components configured to determine a charging current at which to charge the power storage device, determine a total amount of current flowing to the power storage device that includes current sourced by the second power converter less current sinked by the electrical load, and generate, during a second time period that is non-overlapping with the first time period, using electrical energy from the power source and based on determined the total amount of current, a second power signal to charge the power storage device.