17942392. CURRENT AND HEAT BALANCING CONSTANT VOLTAGE CHARGING simplified abstract (Intel Corporation)

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CURRENT AND HEAT BALANCING CONSTANT VOLTAGE CHARGING

Organization Name

Intel Corporation

Inventor(s)

Naoki Matsumura of San Jose CA (US)

Colin Carver of Hillsboro OR (US)

Tod Schiff of Portland OR (US)

CURRENT AND HEAT BALANCING CONSTANT VOLTAGE CHARGING - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17942392 titled 'CURRENT AND HEAT BALANCING CONSTANT VOLTAGE CHARGING

Simplified Explanation

The patent application describes a method for charging batteries using a stepped constant voltage to prevent dendrite formation and ensure safe current levels.

  • The stepped constant voltage method involves calculating voltage levels for each charging period to keep current levels below a safe limit.
  • Voltage transitions between periods can occur based on time or current level thresholds.
  • Battery heat is monitored and kept below a reference level to improve battery cycle life.
  • Battery heat can be measured directly or estimated from other data.

Potential Applications

This technology could be applied in various industries where battery charging is a critical process, such as electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and renewable energy storage systems.

Problems Solved

1. Dendrite formation during battery charging 2. Ensuring safe current levels and preventing overheating of batteries

Benefits

1. Prolonged battery cycle life 2. Improved safety during charging processes

Potential Commercial Applications

Optimizing Battery Charging Process for Extended Battery Life

Unanswered Questions

How does this technology compare to existing battery charging methods in terms of efficiency and cost-effectiveness?

This technology aims to improve battery cycle life and safety during charging, but further research and testing are needed to determine its efficiency and cost-effectiveness compared to traditional charging methods.

What impact could this technology have on the overall sustainability of battery-powered devices and systems?

By extending battery cycle life and improving safety during charging, this technology could contribute to reducing electronic waste and promoting the sustainability of battery-powered devices and systems.


Original Abstract Submitted

A constant voltage may be used during battery charging to reduce or avoid the formation of a dendrite, such as a stepped constant voltage. For each charging period, each level of the stepped constant voltage may be calculated to ensure a corresponding current level within each period remains below a safe current limit. A voltage transition between any two periods may occur in response to expiration of a predetermined time, or in response to a determination that the current level has fallen below a lower current limit. A current level during each period may be maintained such that the battery heat is maintained below a reference heat level, which may increase battery cycle life (e.g., battery capacity or maximum recharging cycles). The battery heat may be measured directly or indirectly, or may be estimated based on other measured or controlled values.