Power Management Unit for Multi-Source Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power management systems frequently discharge lithium-ion battery packs to meet heavy power demands, shortening their lifespan and increasing system costs when a primary power source with higher output capacity is introduced, which also leads to heat dissipation issues.
Innovation Solution
An electronic system with a power management unit that selectively directs power from multiple primary power sources and a secondary power source to a load, allowing the primary power sources to charge the secondary power source and meet load requirements, preventing frequent discharging of the secondary power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a primary power source with larger output power capacity is used to prevent secondary power source discharging, then the secondary power source lifespan is improved, but heat dissipation increases and system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the primary power source into multiple smaller primary power sources (e.g., multiple fuel cells or AC/DC adapters). Each primary power source has a smaller individual output capacity, but collectively they can meet the system's power requirements. This segmentation prevents the need for a single large-capacity primary power source that would generate excessive heat, while still preventing the secondary battery from frequent discharging cycles that would shorten its lifespan.
2Productivity
If the lithium-ion battery pack discharges frequently to meet heavy power demands, then the system performance is maintained, but the battery lifespan is shortened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple primary power sources that are ready to provide power before heavy load demands occur. The power management device can allocate power from these primary sources in advance or in real-time to meet heavy power demands, preventing the secondary battery from being forced into frequent discharging cycles. This preliminary availability of power capacity protects the battery while maintaining system performance.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple primary power sources are used to charge the secondary power source, then the secondary power source lifespan is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the power management device with a universal power allocation mechanism that can handle multiple primary power sources through a standardized interface and control logic. The power management device is capable of receiving power from any of the multiple primary power sources and intelligently allocating it to either the load or the secondary power source charging. This multi-functional design manages the complexity by providing a unified control approach rather than requiring separate management circuits for each power source.
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 solution extends the lifespan of the secondary power source, reduces heat dissipation, and maintains system performance by optimizing power distribution and reducing the need for high-capacity primary power sources, thereby minimizing costs.
Implementation Method 1
a power management unit coupled to the primary power sources and the secondary power source. The power management unit is operable for selectively directing power of each of the primary power sources to a load according to a power requirement of the load
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic system includes a plurality of primary power sources operable for powering a load and charging a secondary power source, and a power management unit coupled to the plurality of primary power sources and the secondary power source. The power management unit is operable for selectively directing power of each of the primary power sources to the load according to a power requirement of the load. The power management unit is further operable for directing power of the secondary power source to the load if the power requirement of the load exceeds a total power capacity of the plurality of primary power sources.