Pulse Charging Rechargeable Batteries for Data Centers
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited lifespan of backup batteries in computing systems, which are often caused by non-instantaneous transitions between primary and auxiliary power sources, leads to premature battery degradation due to conventional charging methods that apply constant current or voltage, reducing their capacity and lifespan.
Innovation Solution
The method involves pulse charging rechargeable batteries using current and voltage pulses tailored to the battery's age, with parameters such as pulse duration, frequency, shape, amplitude, and voltage thresholds, to prolong their lifespan and maintain optimal capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If constant current or voltage is applied to charge the rechargeable battery, then the battery can be charged to maximize available charge and time between full charge and full discharge, but the battery lifespan is reduced due to heat generation and improper ion diffusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic pulse charging instead of continuous constant current/voltage charging. The charger delivers charging current in periodic pulses with on-duration and off-duration, allowing the battery to rest between pulses. This periodic action reduces cumulative heat generation and enables proper ion diffusion into the negative electrode, thereby extending battery lifespan while still achieving full charge capacity over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent estimates the battery's age before applying the charging regimen and uses this information to pre-calculate appropriate pulse parameters (on-duration, off-duration, amplitude). This preliminary action allows the charging process to be optimized from the start based on the battery's current state, preventing harmful effects before they occur rather than correcting them after damage has been done.
2Reliability
If backup batteries are used to supply power during transitions between primary and auxiliary power sources, then uninterrupted power can be provided, but the batteries have limited lifespans that are far shorter than the power supply lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
By using periodic pulse charging instead of continuous charging, the battery experiences reduced thermal stress and better ion diffusion during each charging cycle. This extends the operational life of the battery, allowing it to serve as reliable backup power for longer periods before requiring replacement, thus matching the power supply lifespan more closely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates battery age estimation and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust pulse charging parameters. As the battery ages, the system adapts the pulse characteristics to accommodate degradation, thereby maximizing the remaining useful life of the battery while maintaining its ability to provide uninterrupted power during transitions.
3Productivity
If conventional charging methods are used, then the battery can be charged quickly, but heat is generated that reduces battery lifespan over time
Solution Approach 1:
The periodic pulse charging method delivers charge in intermittent bursts rather than continuously. During the on-duration, charging occurs at high current for quick charge accumulation. During the off-duration, the battery rests and dissipates heat. This periodic action maintains high charging productivity while preventing excessive heat buildup that would otherwise reduce battery lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies charging current at higher amplitudes during the pulse on-duration than would be used in continuous charging, accepting temporary excessive charging action. The subsequent off-duration allows the battery to cool and recover. This partial excessive action during pulses achieves fast charging goals while the rest periods prevent cumulative thermal damage.
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 useful life of backup batteries by dynamically adjusting charging parameters based on the battery's age, ensuring optimal charging and reducing heat-related degradation and ion diffusion issues, thereby providing uninterrupted power during transitions.
Implementation Method 1
a battery charger to pulse charge the rechargeable battery using the pulse parameter
Implementation Method 2
prevent ions of the rechargeable battery from properly diffusing into the negative electrode of the rechargeable battery
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for pulse charging rechargeable batteries may include (1) identifying a rechargeable battery, (2) estimating an age of the rechargeable battery, (3) calculating, based at least in part on the age of the rechargeable battery, a pulse parameter for pulse charging the rechargeable battery, and (4) pulse charging the rechargeable battery using the pulse parameter to prolong the useful life of the rechargeable battery. In some examples, the rechargeable battery may be a backup battery that supplies backup power to a power supply within a data-center rack. Various other methods, systems, and apparatus are also disclosed.