Transient Power Management Circuit for Battery Bus Voltage Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium metal cells, optimized for long life and low average power requirements, often struggle to meet high but transient instantaneous power demands in electronic devices, potentially compromising device operation.
Innovation Solution
A transient power management circuit, including a boost converter and control circuit, is used to charge a capacitor bank while maintaining a minimum voltage on the battery bus, ensuring that high transient power requirements are met without interrupting device operation, and including a method to estimate battery state of charge based on charging time measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a lithium metal cell is used to optimize for long lifetime and low average power requirements, then battery lifetime is improved, but instantaneous power delivery capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery function is segmented between two battery technologies: lithium metal cells provide long-term average power, while a capacitor bank handles transient high-power demands. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specialized function without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
A transient power management circuit acts as an intermediary between the lithium metal cell and the load. It includes a boost converter and control circuitry that charges a capacitor bank during low-demand periods and discharges it during high-power transient events, mediating between the limited instantaneous power of the lithium cell and the high transient power requirements.
2Power
If a capacitor bank is charged rapidly to meet transient power requirements, then instantaneous power capability is improved, but inrush current may interrupt battery operation
Solution Approach 1:
The charging rate of the capacitor bank is dynamically adjusted based on real-time battery voltage conditions. The control circuit monitors battery voltage and modulates the charging current accordingly, preventing excessive inrush current that would drop battery voltage below operational thresholds while still achieving sufficient charge for transient power needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The transient power management circuit employs feedback control where the control circuit continuously monitors battery voltage and capacitor charge state, adjusting the charging current to maintain battery voltage within operational limits. This feedback mechanism prevents inrush current from interrupting battery operation while ensuring the capacitor is adequately charged for transient power delivery.
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 solution effectively manages transient power requirements, preventing power interruptions and prolonging battery life by optimizing energy storage and usage, ensuring reliable operation of electronic devices with low average but high transient power needs.
Implementation Method 1
a boost converter having an input coupled to the battery bus and an output coupled to a capacitor bank
Implementation Method 2
a capacitor bank... configured to meet the transient instantaneous power requirement of the at least one load
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device can include a battery bus, a load having a transient power requirement, and a transient power management circuit coupled between the battery bus and the load and configured to meet the transient instantaneous power requirement of the load while maintaining a minimum voltage on the battery bus. The transient power management circuit can include a boost converter coupled between the battery bus and a capacitor bank, and the load may be coupled to the capacitor bank. A control circuit may be configured to operate the boost converter to charge the capacitor bank. A control switch may be coupled between the boost converter and the capacitor bank, and the control circuit may be further configured to limit inrush current into the capacitor bank. Additionally, a state of charge of the battery may be estimated from a time required to charge the capacitor bank.