Renewable Energy Charge Control for Battery Lifespan
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Solution Overview
Problem
Energy storage devices, such as batteries, degrade faster when consistently charged or discharged at high rates and when at or near full charge, leading to reduced capacity and lifespan, and existing systems often waste renewable energy by charging to full capacity without managing these factors effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for controlling charge rates and start times of energy storage devices, determining an estimated energy production prediction to limit the time spent at full charge, using a first charge rate when energy is available and a second, lower rate when energy exceeds storage capacity, thereby reducing degradation and extending device life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If energy storage devices are charged at high rates to maximize energy capture from renewable sources, then energy utilization efficiency is improved, but battery degradation accelerates and lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts charge rates based on real-time battery state (SOC, temperature) and renewable energy availability. The charge controller continuously modifies charging parameters to optimize between capturing maximum renewable energy and preserving battery health, transitioning between aggressive charging when conditions permit and conservative charging when degradation risks increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (charge rate, charge timing) based on battery state of charge and temperature conditions. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system prevents charging at excessively high rates that cause degradation while still capturing the majority of available renewable energy, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and reliability.
2Quantity of substance
If energy storage devices are charged to full capacity to maximize energy storage, then energy storage capacity is improved, but battery degradation accelerates due to extended time at top of charge
Solution Approach 1:
The system intentionally limits charging to slightly below full capacity (e.g., 90-95% SOC) when renewable energy availability or grid conditions suggest that holding full charge would extend prolonged top-of-charge exposure. This partial charging approach prevents excessive time at maximum charge levels that accelerate degradation, while still maintaining sufficient energy storage capacity for operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge controller continuously monitors battery state of charge and uses feedback signals to adjust charging termination points. When the system detects that extending full charge exposure would harm battery health, it adjusts the charge termination SOC threshold dynamically, thereby balancing energy storage capacity utilization with battery lifespan preservation.
3Speed
If charge rates are increased to reduce charging time, then charging speed is improved, but battery degradation accelerates due to thermal and electrical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts charge rates based on real-time battery temperature and state of charge. When temperature rises or SOC approaches critical thresholds, the system automatically reduces charge rates to prevent thermal runaway and electrochemical degradation. This dynamic adjustment maintains high charging speeds during safe operating conditions while preventing degradation during stress conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements preemptive charge rate reductions when approaching critical temperature or SOC thresholds, cushioning against potential degradation before it occurs. By anticipating degradation risks based on thermal models and electrochemical characteristics, the system adjusts charge rates in advance to prevent harmful thermal and electrical stress, thus preserving battery health while maintaining efficient charging.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems 100 and methods 150 for controlling the charge of an energy storage device 108 include determining 152 an estimated energy production prediction for an energy source 102 from a present time to a target time by which an energy storage device 108 is desired to reach a top of charge TOC energy level when being charged by the energy source 102. An available amount of energy for storage at the energy storage device 108 if the energy storage device 108 is charged from the energy source 102 at a first charge rate from the present time until the target time is determined 154. A present charge rate for the energy storage device 108 is controlled 162 to be the first charge rate when the available amount of energy is less than the energy storage capacity of the energy storage device 108 and to be a second charge rate less than the first charge rate when otherwise 164.