PWM Multi-Battery Charging Under Variable Power Constraints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing battery charging systems are inefficient when dealing with multiple batteries of different capacities, chemistries, and physical designs, especially when the power source is limited and variable, as they often waste energy by not optimally distributing power between batteries once one battery reaches a current or voltage limit.
Innovation Solution
A multiple-battery charger with a switching subsystem and control element that uses pulse width modulation to dynamically distribute energy between batteries based on their individual charging attributes and priorities, allowing for rapid switching (100's-1000's times per second) to ensure optimal power delivery and prevent overcharging, even when the energy source's output varies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If independent battery chargers are used for each battery, then each battery can be charged independently, but energy is wasted when the power source is constrained and one battery reaches charging limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent charging circuits into a single integrated charging system that shares a common power source interface and control unit. This merging allows the system to pool available power and dynamically allocate it to multiple batteries, preventing energy waste when one battery reaches charging limits while others still need power.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system implements dynamic power distribution by continuously monitoring the state of charge and charging status of each battery. The control unit dynamically adjusts the power allocation to each battery in real-time, switching power flow between batteries as they reach their charging limits, thereby optimizing energy utilization from the constrained power source.
2Productivity
If multiple batteries are charged simultaneously from a constrained power source, then charging time is reduced, but power distribution becomes inefficient without dynamic control
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor the charging status, voltage, and current of each battery. This feedback information is fed back to the control unit, which uses it to dynamically adjust power distribution ratios, ensuring that power is allocated efficiently to batteries that can accept it, thereby simultaneously achieving fast charging and energy efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically changes the electrical parameters (current allocation, voltage distribution) supplied to each battery based on their individual charging states. By adjusting these parameters in real-time, the system optimizes both the overall charging speed and the efficiency of power distribution from the constrained source.
3Device complexity
If a single charging system manages multiple batteries with different characteristics, then device complexity is reduced, but managing different chemistries and capacities becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The charging system is designed with universal charging circuits that can handle multiple battery types, chemistries, and capacities through a single integrated platform. The control unit incorporates adaptive algorithms that automatically detect battery characteristics and adjust charging parameters accordingly, enabling one system to serve multiple battery types without requiring separate specialized chargers for each.
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 enables simultaneous charging of multiple batteries with different characteristics, optimizing energy use and reducing charging time by dynamically adjusting the power distribution based on the batteries' states and available energy, ensuring efficient and safe charging.
Implementation Method 1
The control element is configured to deliver one or more pulse width modulated signals to the switching subsystem. The one or more pulse width modulated signals establish a duty cycle with which each of the plurality of batteries is electrically connected to the constrained energy source
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple-battery charger includes a switching subsystem and a control element. The switching subsystem is configured to selectively electrically connect each of a plurality of individual batteries one at a time to a constrained energy source having electrical power production that varies over time. The control element is operatively connected to the switching subsystem. The control element is configured to deliver one or more pulse width modulated signals to the switching subsystem. The one or more pulse width modulated signals establish a duty cycle with which each of the plurality of batteries is electrically connected to the constrained energy source to receive electrical power from the constrained energy source.