Apple inc. (20240258801). CHARGING AND BALANCING BATTERIES simplified abstract
Contents
CHARGING AND BALANCING BATTERIES
Organization Name
Inventor(s)
Ashish K. Sahoo of Santa Clara CA (US)
Brandon Pierquet of San Francisco CA (US)
Matteo Telli of Pleasanton CA (US)
CHARGING AND BALANCING BATTERIES - A simplified explanation of the abstract
This abstract first appeared for US patent application 20240258801 titled 'CHARGING AND BALANCING BATTERIES
The abstract describes a battery charging system that utilizes a stacked half bridge rectifier with an upper half bridge (uhb) and a lower half bridge (lhb), a blocking capacitor, a winding coupled between the midpoints of the uhb and lhb, a battery connected between the upper terminal of the uhb and the lower terminal of the lhb, and control circuitry that operates the rectifier as a switched capacitor converter.
- The system operates by alternating between a first switching state where lower switches of the uhb and lhb are closed and upper switches are opened, and a second switching state where upper switches are closed, allowing the system to function as a booster to charge the battery from a lower DC voltage.
- The blocking capacitor acts as a flying capacitor in the system, enabling efficient charging of the battery from a voltage lower than the battery's own voltage.
- By utilizing the stacked half bridge rectifier in this manner, the system can effectively charge the battery using a switched capacitor converter configuration.
Potential Applications: - Electric vehicle charging systems - Renewable energy storage solutions - Portable electronic device chargers
Problems Solved: - Efficient charging of batteries from lower DC voltages - Increased flexibility in battery charging systems
Benefits: - Faster charging times - Improved energy efficiency - Enhanced battery lifespan
Commercial Applications: Title: Advanced Battery Charging System for Various Applications This technology can be applied in electric vehicle charging stations, solar energy storage systems, and consumer electronics chargers, offering faster and more efficient charging capabilities.
Questions about the technology: 1. How does the blocking capacitor function in the system? The blocking capacitor acts as a flying capacitor in the system, enabling efficient charging of the battery from a voltage lower than the battery's own voltage. 2. What are the potential commercial applications of this battery charging system? This technology can be applied in electric vehicle charging stations, solar energy storage systems, and consumer electronics chargers, offering faster and more efficient charging capabilities.
Original Abstract Submitted
a battery charging system can include a stacked half bridge rectifier having an upper half bridge (“uhb”) and a lower half bridge (“lhb”); a blocking capacitor and a winding coupled between a midpoint of the uhb and a midpoint of the lhb; a battery coupled between an upper terminal of the uhb and a lower terminal of the lhb; and control circuitry that can selectively operate the stacked half bridge rectifier as a switched capacitor converter using the blocking capacitor as a flying capacitor by alternating between: a first switching state in which lower switches of the uhb and lhb are closed while upper switches of the uhb and lhb are opened; and a second switching state in which upper switches of the uhb and lhb are closed; wherein the switched capacitor converter operates as a booster to charge the battery from a dc voltage lower than the battery voltage.
