Pulsed Battery Charging with Rest Periods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery charging methods are inefficient, spending a significant amount of time loading a small amount of charge during the constant voltage phase, which extends the overall charging time.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize controlled current pulses with rest periods to accurately determine the battery's state of charge, adjusting pulse duration and intensity based on measured battery voltage, allowing for efficient charge injection and preventing overcharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional two-phase charging method (CC followed by CV) is used, then battery charging is performed in a controlled manner, but the overall charging time is significantly extended due to the CV phase consuming large time for small charge injection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic pulsed charging instead of continuous charging. Current pulses are applied intermittently with rest periods in between, allowing the battery to relax and accept charge more efficiently during each pulse while preventing overheating and voltage buildup that would limit charging speed in conventional continuous CV phase
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts the charging process by monitoring battery voltage during rest periods and adapting the pulse parameters. The state of charge is determined during rest periods when voltage stabilizes, allowing real-time adjustment of subsequent pulse duration and intensity to optimize charging speed while maintaining safety
2Productivity
If constant current pulses are applied continuously without rest periods, then charge injection speed is maximized, but accurate determination of battery state of charge becomes difficult due to voltage distortion from parasitic resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces rest periods between current pulses. During these rest periods, current flow ceases and voltage distortion from parasitic resistance disappears, allowing accurate measurement of the true battery voltage and state of charge. This periodic interruption enables both fast charging during pulses and precise measurement during rests
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous progress toward charging by immediately resuming current pulses after each rest period. The rest periods are kept brief and purposeful, serving only for measurement, while the majority of time is spent injecting charge during pulses, thus maintaining high productivity while enabling accurate monitoring
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for charging a battery is provided, wherein current pulses are supplied to the battery, wherein each pulse is followed by a rest period during which no current is supplied to the battery, and wherein the state of charge of the battery is determined during the rest period.