Voltage Limiting Device for DC Generator Battery Charging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for recharging batteries in DC generating units for isolated electrical loads often result in overvoltage, which can compromise power supply continuity and shorten the life of the DC generating unit, while also increasing fuel consumption and maintenance requirements.
Innovation Solution
An automatic voltage limiting device is inserted in series with the load during battery recharging, using a series of diodes or a bridge of diodes, controlled by an electronic unit that regulates the engine speed based on charge curves and load demand, ensuring the voltage remains within safe limits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the batteries are charged with an overvoltage (up to 10% higher than maximum nominal voltage) to optimize charging efficiency and reduce recharging frequency, then the charging speed and battery capacity utilization are improved, but the electrical load suffers from excessive supply voltages that can compromise power supply continuity and damage sensitive equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrical circuit into separate paths: one path for charging the batteries (allowing overvoltage) and another path for supplying the electrical load (maintaining nominal voltage). This is achieved through circuit topology that enables independent voltage control for each function, resolving the contradiction between charging efficiency and load protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components (such as voltage regulators, protective devices, or circuit elements) between the generator and the electrical load during battery recharging. These intermediaries limit the voltage delivered to the load while allowing the batteries to receive the full charging voltage, thus protecting the load without compromising charging efficiency.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the internal combustion engine operates at optimal speed to maximize energy efficiency and reduce fuel consumption, then the fuel costs are reduced, but the ability to respond to varying load demands and maintain voltage stability during transient conditions is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the internal combustion engine speed based on real-time monitoring of battery charge state and load requirements. The engine operates at optimal speed during steady-state charging to minimize fuel consumption, but can dynamically adjust speed in response to transient load demands or battery state changes, resolving the contradiction between energy efficiency and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control mechanisms where the system continuously monitors battery voltage, current, and load conditions, then adjusts engine operation accordingly. This feedback loop enables the engine to maintain optimal efficiency during normal charging while automatically responding to changing conditions, balancing fuel consumption with load adaptability.
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 ensures continuous power supply to sensitive loads, reduces fuel consumption, and extends the life of the DC generating unit by maintaining optimal operating conditions and efficient recharging, while minimizing maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
inserting, just during the charging step of the batteries, in a removable manner in series to the load a voltage limiting device
Implementation Method 2
The voltage limiting device can be a series of diodes or a bridge of diodes
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A method for recharging the battery or batteries (15) of a DC generating unit is described for supplying at least an isolated electrical load (20) and in which the batteries are associated to an integrated station incorporating the DC generating unit with a corresponding generator (4) for supplying electric power to the electrical load. Advantageously, it is foreseen for there to be the removable insertion in series to the load (20) of a voltage limiting device (5) during the single charging step of the batteries (15). The invention also concerns a device incorporated in the integrated station for the actuation of the aforementioned method.