An Optimized Fuzzy Controlled Charging System for Lithium-Ion Batteries Using a Genetic Algorithm

Fast charging is an attractive way of charging batteries; however, it may result in an undesired degradation of battery performance and lifetime because of the increase in battery temperature during fast charge. In this paper we propose a simple optimized fuzzy controller that is responsible for the regulation of the charging current of a battery charging system. The basis of the method is a simple dynamic equivalent circuit type model of the Li-ion battery that takes into account the temperature dependency of the model parameters, too. Since there is a tradeoff between the charging speed determined by the value of the charging current and the increase in temperature of the battery, the proposed fuzzy controller is applied for controlling the charging current as a function of the temperature. The controller is optimized using a genetic algorithm to ensure a jointly minimal charging time and battery temperature increase during the charging. The control method is adaptive in the sense that we use parameter estimation of an underlying dynamic battery model to adapt to the actual status of the battery after each charging. The performance and properties of the proposed optimized charging control system are evaluated using a simulation case study. The evaluation was performed in terms of the charge profiles, using the fitness values of the individuals, and in terms of the charge performance on the actual battery. The proposed method has been evaluated compared to the conventional contant current-constant voltage methods. We have found that the proposed GA-fuzzy controller gives a slightly better performance in charging time while significantly decreasing the temperature increase.

Kinetics of the Near Infrared Electrochemiluminescence from Metal Nanoclusters on Surface and in Solution

The electronics structures of some metal nanoclusters enable strong photoluminescence in the near infrared spectrum range. Activation of the luminescence via electrode reactions, rather than light source, i.e., electrochemiluminescence (ECL), has received growing interests due to the various potential benefits, but has been mostly limited to steady-state behaviors such as overall emission intensity and materials optimizations. Here, the ECL kinetics in representative experiments where nanoclusters as luminophores are either immobilized on the surface or free diffusing in solution were investigated based on classic theory. An analytical equation derived under a sequential mass transport limit regime quantitates the experimental ECL kinetics features in a wide range of conditions. Deconvolution of non-faradic charging current from redox current provides the threshold in time ranges for the analysis of ECL kinetics. The ECL kinetics profiles suggest that bimolecular or pseudo first order reactions limit the ECL generation immediately following the establishment of the applied potentials, while later ECL generation is governed by diffusion or mass transport displaying a Cottrell type decay over inverse square root time. Physical meanings of key parameters as defined in classic theorem are discussed in representative experimental systems for appropriate quantitation and evaluation of ECLs properties from different materials systems.

Evaluation of the influence of high-power charging cycles on the capacity degradation of lithium-ion batteries under various temperatures

High-power-charging (HPC) behavior and extreme ambient temperature not only pose security risks on the operation of lithium-ion batteries but also lead to capacity degradation. Exploring the degradation mechanism under these two conditions is very important for safe and rational use of lithium-ion batteries. To investigate the influence of various charging-current rates on the battery-capacity degradation in a wide temperature range, a cycle-aging test is carried out. Then, the effects of HPC on the capacity degradation at various temperatures are analyzed and discussed using incremental capacity analysis and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The analysis results show that a large number of lithium ions accelerate the deintercalation when the HPC cycle rate exceeds 3 C, making the solid electrolyte interphase at the negative surface unstable and vulnerable to destruction, which results in irreversible consumption of active lithium. In addition, the decomposition of electrolyte is significantly promoted when the HPC temperature is more than 30°C, resulting in accelerated consumption of electrode materials and active lithium, which are the main reasons for the capacity degradation of lithium-ion batteries during HPC under various temperatures.

An LLC and LCL-T Resonant Tanks Based Topology for Battery Charger Application

To achieve the constant current (CC) and constant voltage (CV) charge of the lithium battery, the traditional LLC resonant converter requires the switching frequency varies in a wide range, which brings difficulty to the magnetic components design, and the system efficiency would also be degraded. In this article, a novel topology based on LLC and LCL-T resonant tanks is proposed to reduce the range of operating switching frequency. During the CC charge state, the proposed converter is operating with the LCL-T resonant tank, and it can be regarded as a current source, which provides constant charging current to the battery. During the CV charge state, the LCL-T resonant tank is bypassed and the structure of the proposed converter is modified to a traditional LLC resonant converter, and it is functioning as a CV source. Owing to the high accuracy of the CC and voltage sources, the required operating switching frequency range can be significantly reduced when compared with traditional LLC approaches. Operational principles and design guidelines for the proposed converter are described. Experiment and simulation results from a 180 W prototype are provided to validate the theoretical analysis.

Optimizing operation of electrical fuse circuit with controllable overload current

The article discusses the application of a rapid action electrical fuse with controllable overload current in the schemes of industrial and household electrical equipment. There has been found a deficiency in the basic version of the scheme. A variant of the circuit was proposed, which helps to get rid of the drawback in the basic version: if a condenser with relatively large capacity (C ≥ 100 μF) is present in the protected circuit (in the load circuit), the circuit may not reach the operating mode, because, when the condenser is on, its large charging current triggers the electronic fuse and the load remains unconnected. This situation can be avoided only if the charging current of the condenser is greatly reduced, for which a current source on a field-effect transistor VT3 and a timing circuit R10R11C1 were introduced into the circuit. As C1 is being charged, through the current source VT3 there is a smooth increase in the bias voltage at the emitter junctions of the composite transistor switch VT1VT2 with a gradual increase in its conductivity. As a result, the starting current through the capacitive load at the first moment of time turns out to be much less, and the electronic fuse enters the operating mode. The optimal relationships were found between individual elements of the circuit, their values and modes of operation, depending on the size and nature of the load, while, thanks to the use of the domestic element base, the cost of the device turned out to be minimal compared to other circuits of a similar type. The research data can be used for operation of the devices of a similar type in the household and for industrial applications.

Kinetic regularities of electrochemical oxidation of the methionine anion on platinated platinum

The purpose of this study was the determination of the kinetic regularities of the methionine electrooxidation process on the Pt(Pt) electrode in an aqueous-alkaline medium.The main kinetic regularities of the methionine anion electrooxidation process were determined using by the methods of cyclic voltammetry, coulometry, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The concentration of methionine in the alkaline solution before and after anodic oxidation was determined spectrophotometrically using spectrophotometer UNICO 2800. The measurements were carried out at room temperature both in an argon atmosphere and in an aerated aqueous solution. The results of voltammetric measurements were adjusted for the limiting oxygen recovery current and the charging current of the double electric layer.The range of potentials of the electrochemical activity of the methionine anion on the Pt(Pt) electrode, the number of electrons involved in the anode process, and its kinetic scheme were determined. The main product of the electrooxidation of methionine in an alkaline medium on Pt(Pt) was the methionine sulfoxide anion. It was shown that the electrooxidation of the methionine anion on Pt (Pt) was carried out from the adsorbed state and was irreversible.

Battery Capacity Estimation Based on Incremental Capacity Analysis Considering Charging Current Rate

Incremental capacity analysis (ICA) is widely used in the battery decay mechanism analysis since the features of battery incremental capacity (IC) curves are closely related to battery aging and maximum available capacity. However, the traditional ICA method to estimate battery capacity mainly focuses on a single charging condition, and the influence of charging current on IC curves is ignored. In this paper, an adaptive capacity estimation method based on ICA considering the charging current is established. First, the charging experiments using different charging current rates under different battery aging statuses are designed and conducted. Then, the relationship between battery maximum available capacity, IC curve features, and charging current is investigated. Furthermore, the fitting method and data-driven method considering charging current are proposed and compared. Finally, the capacity estimation results prove the accuracy and adaptability of the proposed method.

Alignment-Free Wireless Charging of Smart Garments with Embroidered Coils

Wireless power transfer (WPT) technologies have been adopted by many products. The capability of charging multiple devices and the design flexibility of charging coils make WPT a good solution for charging smart garments. The use of an embroidered receiver (RX) coil makes the smart garment more breathable and comfortable than using a flexible printed circuit board (FPCB). In order to charge smart garments as part of normal daily routines, two types of wireless-charging systems operating at 400 kHz have been designed. The one-to-one hanger system is desired to have a constant charging current despite misalignment so that users do not need to pay much attention when they hang the garment. For the one-to-multiple-drawer system, the power delivery ability must not change with multiple garments. Additionally, the system should be able to charge folded garments in most of the folding scenarios. This paper analyses the two WPT systems for charging smart garments and provides design approaches to meet the abovementioned goals. The wireless-charging hanger is able to charge a smart garment over a coupling variance with only 21% charging current variation. The wireless-charging drawer is able to charge a smart garment with at least 20 mA under most folding scenarios and three garments with stable power delivery ability.

Influence of Charging Losses on Energy Consumption and CO2 Emissions of Battery-Electric Vehicles

Due to increasing sales figures, the energy consumption of battery-electric vehicles is moving further into focus. In addition to efficient driving, it is also important that the energy losses during AC charging are as low as possible for a sustainable operation. In many situations it is not possible or necessary to charge the vehicle with the maximum charging power e.g., in apartment buildings. The influence of the charging mode (number of phases used, in-cable-control-box or used wallbox, charging current) on the charging efficiency is often unknown. In this work, the energy consumption of two electric vehicles in the Worldwide Harmonized Light-Duty Vehicles Test Cycle is presented. In-house developed measurement technology and vehicle CAN data are used. A detailed breakdown of charging losses, drivetrain efficiency, and overall energy consumption for one of the vehicles is provided. Finally, the results are discussed with reference to avoidable CO2 emissions. The charging losses of the tested vehicles range from 12.79 to 20.42%. Maximum charging power with three phases and 16 A charging current delivers the best efficiencies. Single-phase charging was considered down to 10 A, where the losses are greatest. The drivetrain efficiency while driving is 63.88% on average for the WLTC, 77.12% in the “extra high” section and 23.12% in the “low” section. The resulting energy consumption for both vehicles is higher than the OEM data given (21.6 to 44.9%). Possible origins for the surplus on energy consumption are detailed. Over 100,000 km, unfavorable charging results in additional CO2 emissions of 1.24 t. The emissions for an assumed annual mileage of 20,000 km are three times larger than for a class A+ refrigerator. A classification of charging modes and chargers thus appears to make sense. In the following work, efficiency improvements in the charger as well as DC charging will be proposed.