Battery Charging Circuit Using Pulsed DC Waveforms
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery charging systems face inefficiencies and reduced battery lifespan due to the pile-up of ions at the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer, leading to increased electrical resistance and premature battery failure, and require complex electronic circuits for constant voltage or power operations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that continuously monitor battery properties during charging, varying the charging current in real-time using oscillating or pulsed DC waveforms to minimize ion pile-up and reduce resistance, while eliminating the need for complex power factor correction circuits by using a flyback converter and controller to adjust switching frequency and duty cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional constant current or constant voltage charging is applied, then the battery charging system can maintain stable operation, but ion pile-up occurs at the SEI layer leading to increased electrical resistance and reduced battery lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic pulsed charging current with variable duty cycles to prevent ion pile-up at the SEI layer. By intermittently applying charging current and allowing rest periods, ions are given time to distribute evenly throughout the electrolyte, preventing accumulation at the electrode interface. This periodic action reduces electrical resistance and extends battery lifespan while maintaining effective charging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts charging parameters including current amplitude, pulse width, and duty cycle based on real-time battery state monitoring. The charging system transitions from static constant current/voltage to dynamic variable parameters, optimizing the charging process at different stages of battery charge and preventing harmful ion pile-up effects throughout the charging cycle.
2Measurement precision
If complex electronic circuits are used to provide constant voltage or power operations, then precise charging control is achieved, but device complexity and component cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex analog electronic control circuits with a microcontroller-based digital control system. The microcontroller implements charging algorithms through software, eliminating the need for complex analog voltage and power regulation circuits. This substitution maintains precise charging control while significantly reducing component count, circuit complexity, and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The microcontroller serves multiple functions including monitoring battery voltage and current, implementing charging algorithms, adjusting pulse parameters, and providing user interface control. This single component replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated circuits for each function, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining precise charging control capabilities.
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 reduces battery charging time, minimizes heat generation, and extends battery lifespan by maintaining safe charging currents, all while simplifying the charging system architecture and improving power factor efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a flyback converter and controller adapted to vary the switching frequency and/or duty cycle
Implementation Method 2
providing a charging current to the battery; wherein the charging current has an oscillating or pulsed DC waveform
Data Source
AI summary
A method of charging a battery, the method comprising the steps of:providing a charging current to the battery; determining a property of the battery substantially continuously during charging; and varying a property of the charging current in dependence on the determined property of the battery.