Solar Tracker Battery Circuit for Low-Temperature Pulse Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Solar-powered position trackers face challenges in providing high pulse current to loads like GPS and GSM modules under extreme temperatures due to poor charge and discharge rates of secondary rechargeable batteries under low temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A battery system comprising lithium-thionyl chloride primary batteries and lithium-ion rechargeable batteries, managed by a two-stage charging process and a solar management and protection circuit, ensures stable power supply by switching between primary and solar power sources to meet high pulse current demands across extreme temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a secondary rechargeable battery is used to meet high pulse current demands, then the position tracker can operate with solar power, but the charge and discharge rate deteriorates under low temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite battery system combining two different battery chemistries: lithium-thionyl chloride primary batteries and lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. Each battery type compensates for the other's weaknesses - the primary battery provides reliable high pulse current at low temperatures while the rechargeable battery handles solar charging, together resolving the temperature-dependent performance issue
Solution Approach 2:
The battery system is segmented into distinct functional components: a non-rechargeable primary battery for cold-weather high pulse current delivery, a rechargeable secondary battery for solar energy storage, and a management system that segments the charging/discharging control into different modes based on temperature and power demands
2Power
If a two-stage battery management system is implemented, then high pulse current demands are met, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery management system dynamically switches between different power sources and charging modes based on real-time conditions. The system adjusts its operation between two stages: a first stage using the primary battery for rapid high pulse current delivery, and a second stage using solar charging for energy replenishment, optimizing performance while managing complexity through adaptive control
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
The system provides continuous and stable power supply to GPS and GSM modules by optimizing charging times and energy storage, enhancing battery performance under temperatures ranging from -30°C to 85°C.
Implementation Method 1
a solar cell configured to charge the rechargeable battery
Implementation Method 2
The two-stage battery management system charges the rechargeable battery from a non-rechargeable primary battery
Data Source
AI summary
A solar-powered position tracker includes a load including one or more of a GPS module, a GPS antenna, a GSM module, or a GSM antenna. The load is powered by a rechargeable battery, which may be charged by one or more of a non-rechargeable primary battery and a solar cell. The solar-powered position tracker includes a battery management system for powering the position tracker by controlling the solar cell, rechargeable battery and the non-rechargeable primary battery. The two-stage battery management system charges the rechargeable battery in two stages and includes a solar management and protection circuit interconnecting the solar cell, and the rechargeable battery. The battery management system is configured to execute a charging process for recharging the rechargeable battery from solar cell and protect the rechargeable battery under a high pulse current discharge process to meet a high current or high pulse current discharge demand by the load.