Predictive Parallel Battery Circuit for Shorter Recharge Downtime
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical systems for devices and vehicles relying on batteries often face inefficiencies and reduced battery life due to the use of single large batteries, which can lead to power disruptions and longer recharge times, especially when operating at lower states of charge.
Innovation Solution
The electrical system employs multiple smaller batteries connected in parallel, with a controller and load predictor to manage power distribution, allowing for power redundancy, efficient operation, and optimized charging based on predicted power demands and battery state of charge, enabling continued operation even when one battery is depleted.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a single large battery is used, then the device can operate for longer periods, but the recharge time increases and power disruptions occur at lower states of charge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single large battery into multiple smaller battery modules connected in parallel. Each module can be independently charged and discharged, allowing the system to maintain extended operation duration while reducing individual recharge time. The parallel configuration ensures that while one module charges, others can continue powering the load.
2Reliability
If a single large battery is used, then the device can maintain power supply, but power disruptions occur when operating at lower states of charge
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the battery system into multiple parallel modules, the patent enables independent management of each module's charge state. The controller can maintain each module above minimum voltage thresholds while allowing others to discharge, preventing power disruptions and improving operational efficiency at lower overall state of charge levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by monitoring and controlling the state of charge of each individual battery module separately. This allows the system to optimize power distribution and maintain reliable operation even when the overall system operates at lower aggregate charge levels.
3Reliability
If multiple smaller batteries are used in parallel, then recharge time is reduced and power redundancy is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by using multiple identical battery modules with standardized connections. While this creates parallel complexity, it simplifies management through uniformity - each module has the same characteristics and can be controlled by the same circuitry, reducing the overall complexity burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller circuit is designed with universal functionality to manage multiple battery modules simultaneously. It can perform charging, discharging, and monitoring functions for any number of parallel-connected modules, reducing the need for specialized complex circuitry for each individual module.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electrical system may include a power circuit configured to provide a power output, first and second batteries, and first and second switches configured to connect and disconnect the first and second batteries, respectively, to the power output in parallel with one another. The electrical system may also include a controller electrically connected to the first and the second switches, and configured to control operation of the first switch and/or the second switch. The electrical system may also include a load predictor in communication with the controller and configured to predict power demands of an electric load on the power circuit and send a signal indicative of the predicted power demands to the controller, which may activate the first switch and/or the second switch to connect the first battery and/or the second battery to the power output based at least in part on the signal indicative of the predicted load.