How to choose automatic voltage levels from a battery

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the design of an automatic voltage level chooser module for a 40V Lithium Ion battery to be used in both 20V and 40V applications. Participants explore various methods for voltage conversion, efficiency considerations, and practical implementations.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests using a Switch Mode voltage converter for efficient conversion from 40V to 20V, noting that simple resistors would not suffice.
  • Another participant questions the concept of an "automatic voltage level chooser," implying that equipment typically requires manual voltage selection.
  • A participant shares their experience with a power supply box that uses a toggle switch to select between different input voltages, indicating a preference for manual selection.
  • There is a suggestion to use separate plugs and sockets for the 20V and 40V systems to prevent cross-connection, which is seen as a simple solution.
  • Current requirements for the 20V application are specified as 1.5A, leading to a recommendation for a Buck DC-DC voltage regulator to achieve the necessary output.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for more specifications regarding the quality of the DC output if the device is to be built, mentioning factors like regulation, ripple, and efficiency.
  • It is noted that 40V and 20V are considered odd voltages, with more common alternatives being 48V and 24V.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the feasibility and necessity of an automatic voltage level chooser, with some advocating for manual solutions and others exploring automatic options. No consensus is reached on the best approach.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight various design considerations, such as efficiency, voltage regulation, and the complexity of the system, indicating that the discussion is still in a preliminary stage without definitive conclusions.

Nikhil N
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Hi..
I have a 40 volt (2.5Ah) , Lithium Ion battery. I need to use this battery for 20V application as well as 40V application. How to make an automatic voltage level chooser module for respective application?
 
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To convert the 40V to 20V efficiently, you can't just use a Resistor in series (sorry if this is blindingly obvious to you). You will need a Switch Mode voltage converter which will lose very little energy in the conversion.
I found this link (one of many) that is possibly along the lines that you need. (Dropping the extra few volts could be done with two or three power diodes without too much power waste, if you can't find a unit with possible 40V input. Have a rummage on Google.
 
Nikhil N said:
Hi..
I have a 40 volt (2.5Ah) , Lithium Ion battery. I need to use this battery for 20V application as well as 40V application. How to make an automatic voltage level chooser module for respective application?
What is your current requirement for the 20V application?
 
Nikhil N said:
automatic voltage level chooser module
I just read this again. What could you possibly mean by that requirement? Even a Human needs to read the rating on the side of equipment in order to know what supply voltage it should be provided with. This would truly be Machine Intelligence :woot:
 
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sophiecentaur said:
I just read this again. What could you possibly mean by that requirement? Even a Human needs to read the rating on the side of equipment in order to know what supply voltage it should be provided with. This would truly be Machine Intelligence :woot:
I was thinking the same thing. I built a little power supply box for my telescope that can take an ac (to dc psu) or direct dc input and provides 12VDV out for the telescope and 5VDC out for a USB hub: a simple double-throw toggle switch selects the active input and a voltage converter like the one linked takes 12V down to 5V for the hub. The trick was that "12V" isn't 12V, so i had an additional one for that.
 
But you had an 'intelligent demand' circuit. This guy wants an 'intelligent source' circuit.
Perhaps the easiest way would be to have two different plugs and sockets, one for each voltage so the 20V system couldn't access the 40V supply and vice versa. That's so simple that I have only just thought of it. :wink:
 
sophiecentaur said:
But you had an 'intelligent demand' circuit. This guy wants an 'intelligent source' circuit.
Yes. And still manual.
Perhaps the easiest way would be to have two different plugs and sockets, one for each voltage so the 20V system couldn't access the 40V supply and vice versa. That's so simple that I have only just thought of it. :wink:
I have that too; and with different style plugs so I can't mix them up.
 
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berkeman said:
What is your current requirement for the 20V application?
Current required is 1.5A
 
Nikhil N said:
Current required is 1.5A
So at 30W output, you should be using a Buck DC-DC voltage regulator. You can probably find one off-the-shelf that will do what you want.
 
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  • #10
Nikhil N said:
Hi..
I have a 40 volt (2.5Ah) , Lithium Ion battery. I need to use this battery for 20V application as well as 40V application. How to make an automatic voltage level chooser module for respective application?

Like berkeman said, you can use one step down converter to supply both your applications. Adjust the duty cycle to adapt to either of your applications. However, you need to dig into some more design aspects if this is being designed for some application outside academic course/project work.
 
  • #11
If you want to build this device there are a lot of options, and you should specify a lot more then the current and the voltages. ( Quality of the DC: regulation and ripple, temperature, efficiency, complexity) However if you are just looking to buy one, search for DC/DC converter. 40 and 20V are odd voltages. 48 and 24 are more common.
 
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