Partial Charge Voltage Control for Backup Battery Lifespan
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Solution Overview
Problem
The frequent transitions between primary and auxiliary power sources in computing systems lead to non-instantaneous power disruptions, resulting in the premature degradation of backup batteries, which have limited lifespans and require frequent replacement, and conventional charging methods can further reduce battery lifespan.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that determine the discharge duration and age of partial-use batteries, calculating a partial charge voltage to prolong battery life by floating the voltage at a level that enables discharge cycles to last for the required duration, rather than charging to a full voltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional charging methods charge batteries to full voltage to maximize available charge, then the battery capacity and time between full charge and full discharge are improved, but the battery lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial charging by charging the battery only to the extent needed for the expected discharge duration rather than to full capacity. The charging system determines the discharge duration requirement and charges the battery to a corresponding partial charge voltage, avoiding the harmful effects of overcharging while still meeting the power supply needs during transitions between primary and auxiliary power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the charging parameter from fixed full-voltage charging to variable partial-voltage charging. The charging voltage is adjusted based on the expected discharge duration and battery age, using different charge voltage thresholds for different discharge duration requirements. This parameter change allows the battery to operate at lower voltages during charging, reducing stress and extending lifespan.
2Reliability
If backup batteries are replaced frequently to ensure uninterrupted power supply, then the reliability of power supply is improved, but the maintenance cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback-based charging control system that monitors battery characteristics and adjusts charging parameters accordingly. The system determines the expected discharge duration, estimates battery age, and calculates appropriate charge voltage thresholds based on this feedback information. This closed-loop control ensures the battery is charged to the optimal level for its current state, maximizing its service life while maintaining reliable power supply capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery management system performs self-assessment by estimating the battery's age and health status, then autonomously adjusts charging parameters without requiring external intervention or replacement decisions. The system calculates the appropriate charge voltage threshold based on the battery's current state and the required discharge duration, enabling the battery to serve itself optimally throughout its lifecycle.
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 extends the lifespan of backup batteries by optimizing charge levels based on age and usage, ensuring they can supply power during transitions without unnecessary degradation, thereby reducing replacement frequency and maintaining uninterrupted power supply.
Implementation Method 1
A typical battery charger may charge a depleted rechargeable battery by applying a constant current to the rechargeable battery
Implementation Method 2
the rechargeable battery may supply power to the computing system during transitions between the computing system's primary and auxiliary power sources
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for charging partial-use batteries may include (1) determining a discharge duration for a partial-use battery, (2) estimating an age of the partial-use battery, (3) calculating, based on the age, a partial charge voltage for the partial-use battery that will enable a discharge cycle of the partial-use battery to last for the discharge duration, and (4) floating the voltage of the partial-use battery at the partial charge voltage to prolong the partial-use battery's life. The partial-use battery may be a backup battery of a power supply that will experience a transition from a first power source to a second power source, the transition may be expected to last for a transitional duration, the backup battery may supply power to the power supply during the transition, and the discharge duration may be greater than or equal to the transitional duration. Various other methods, systems, and apparatus are also disclosed.