Series Battery Charging With Energy Storage Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional battery formation systems face challenges such as high upfront capital expenditures, energy inefficiency, and difficulty in preventing overcharging or undercharging due to parallel charging arrangements, leading to energy waste and increased costs in manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a battery module, an energy storage system, and a controller that allows bi-directional energy transfer between the energy storage system and the battery module, enabling efficient charging and discharging of batteries connected in series or parallel configurations, with a cell fixture for flexible connection and a power source to supplement energy storage when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If parallel charging arrangements are used, then multiple batteries can be charged simultaneously, but energy waste and overcharging/undercharging issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an energy storage system as an intermediary component between the power source and battery modules. This mediator stores excess energy when supply exceeds demand and releases it when demand exceeds supply, preventing energy waste while enabling simultaneous charging of multiple battery modules through series connection.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of connecting batteries in parallel for simultaneous charging, the patent inverts the approach by connecting batteries in series and using an energy storage system to manage power distribution. This inversion allows multiple batteries to be charged simultaneously while maintaining better energy efficiency and control.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional battery formation systems are used, then batteries can be charged, but high upfront capital expenditures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system serves multiple functions: it acts as a buffer between power source and batteries, enables series connection of multiple battery modules, provides overcharge protection, and allows for scalable system configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment, thereby lowering capital expenditures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the battery system into modular battery modules that can be connected in series, with each module independently managed by the control system. This segmentation allows for scalable deployment and more efficient use of the energy storage system, reducing overall system cost compared to conventional approaches.
3Loss of energy
If series battery charging is implemented, then energy efficiency improves, but complex control mechanisms are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the charging state of each battery module and the energy storage system, using feedback signals to adjust power distribution in real-time. This feedback mechanism enables efficient series charging while automatically preventing overcharging and undercharging conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the charging parameters and power distribution based on real-time conditions of the batteries and energy storage system. The control mechanism adapts its operation to optimize energy efficiency while managing the complexity through intelligent, condition-based control strategies.
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 energy consumption and capital expenditures by allowing simultaneous charging and discharging of multiple batteries, optimizing energy use, and preventing overcharging or undercharging, thereby enhancing the efficiency and yield of the battery manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage system electrically coupled to the battery module, operable in a first operating state in which energy is transferred from the energy storage system to the battery module to charge the battery module
Implementation Method 2
a second operating state in which energy is transferred from the battery module to the energy storage system to discharge the battery module
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for charging and discharging a plurality of batteries are described herein. In some embodiments, a system includes a battery module, an energy storage system electrically coupled to the battery module, a power source, and a controller. The energy storage system is operable in a first operating state in which energy is transferred from the energy storage system to the battery module to charge the battery module, and a second operating state in which energy is transferred from the battery module to the energy storage system to discharge the battery module. The power source electrically coupled to the energy storage system and is configured to transfer energy from the power source to the energy storage system based on an amount of stored energy in the energy storage system. The controller is operably coupled to the battery module and is configured to monitor and control a charging state of the battery module.