UPS Battery SOC Limit Control for Runtime and Lifespan Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing uninterruptible power supplies (UPSs) face challenges in efficiently managing energy storage device runtime and state-of-charge (SOC) during changeover times, which can lead to reduced battery lifespan and inefficient energy usage.
Innovation Solution
A power system is designed with a controller that determines battery-mode parameters, sets a maximum state-of-charge (SOC) limit, and controls the power converter to charge the energy storage device to this limit, optimizing runtime and extending battery lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the energy-storage device is charged to 100% SOC to maximize runtime, then the available runtime is increased, but the battery lifespan is reduced due to excessive strain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent dynamically adjusts the maximum SOC threshold parameter based on battery age and operational conditions. Instead of fixed 100% charging, the system modifies the charging threshold to optimize the balance between runtime and battery lifespan, reducing strain on aging batteries while maintaining adequate operational duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static charging parameters to dynamic adjustment based on real-time battery conditions. The maximum SOC limit is continuously adapted according to battery age, operational history, and environmental factors, allowing the system to respond to changing battery characteristics and extend overall lifespan.
2Reliability
If the maximum SOC limit is reduced to extend battery lifespan, then the battery lifespan is improved, but the runtime during changeover times is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary assessment of battery age and operational needs before determining the maximum SOC limit. By evaluating battery characteristics in advance and pre-calculating appropriate charging thresholds, the system ensures adequate runtime for anticipated changeover scenarios while protecting battery lifespan through appropriate SOC limitations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that monitor actual runtime performance and battery conditions. Based on this feedback, the maximum SOC limit is continuously optimized to maintain sufficient runtime for changeover operations while preventing excessive strain on the battery, creating a self-adjusting system that balances both objectives.
3Reliability
If the power system operates in battery mode for extended periods, then the reliability during power source transition is improved, but the energy consumption of the energy-storage device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system takes preliminary action by limiting the maximum SOC charge level, which prevents excessive energy accumulation in the battery. This anticipatory measure reduces the total energy that would otherwise be consumed and recharged during extended battery mode operations, while still maintaining sufficient energy reserves for reliable power delivery during transitions.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of the disclosure include a power system comprising an input configured to be coupled to at least one power source, an output configured to be coupled to at least one load, an energy-storage-device connection configured to be coupled to at least one energy-storage device, at least one power converter, and at least one controller configured to control the at least one power converter to provide power to the output in a battery mode of operation, determine one or more battery-mode parameters associated with the battery mode of operation, determine a maximum state-of-charge (SOC) limit based on the one or more battery-mode parameters, and control the at least one power converter to charge the at least one energy-storage device to the maximum SOC limit.