Notebook Power Module With Series-Charge Parallel-Discharge Batteries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current notebook computer battery configurations in parallel architecture face challenges with low output voltage, high risk of overheating due to large charging currents, and require high component specifications for the charging circuit.
Innovation Solution
A power module design that includes two battery units connected in series through a third current path, with switches controlled by a unit to manage discharging and charging operations, allowing parallel discharging and series charging to optimize voltage and current management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If battery units are connected in parallel architecture, then output voltage is low which reduces voltage conversion loss, but large charging current is required causing overheating risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between parallel and series connections of battery units based on operational state (discharging vs. charging). During discharging, batteries are connected in parallel to provide low voltage output; during charging, they switch to series connection to reduce charging current. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction by adapting the circuit topology to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical connection parameters (series/parallel configuration) of battery units based on operational state. By switching between different connection modes, the system alters voltage and current parameters dynamically - using parallel connection for low-voltage discharge and series connection for low-current charge, thereby resolving the overheating issue while maintaining energy efficiency.
2Loss of energy
If battery units are connected in parallel architecture, then voltage conversion loss is reduced, but component specifications of charging circuit must be high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses dynamic switching between parallel and series battery configurations to reduce charging current requirements. By switching to series connection during charging, the system halves the charging current compared to parallel connection, allowing the use of lower-specification charging components while maintaining energy efficiency.
3Temperature
If battery units are connected in series, then charging current is reduced, but output voltage becomes high increasing voltage conversion loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically switches between series and parallel battery connections based on operational state. During charging, series connection is used to reduce current; during discharging, parallel connection is used to reduce voltage and minimize conversion loss. This temporal separation of optimization strategies resolves the contradiction between current reduction and loss minimization.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides a power module, including a first power input/output (I/O), a second power I/O, a first battery unit, a second battery unit, and a control unit. A first current path and a second current path extend from the first power I/O to the second power I/O. A third current path extends from the first current path to the second current path. The first battery unit is disposed on the first current path. The second battery unit is disposed on the second current path and is electrically connected to the first battery unit in serial through the third current path. A first switch, a second switch and a third switch are respectively disposed on the first current path, the second current path, and the third current path. The control unit receives a control signal to control conductive states of the first switch, the second switch, and the third switch.