Abstract: In one aspect, the invention comprises an apparatus for balancing cells in a series string of modules having cells. The apparatus comprises a processing system and a communication circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive an average cell voltage value from each module. The processing circuit is further configured to determine an overall average cell voltage for all the cells. The processing circuit is also configured to cause each the modules to determine a relative capacitance for each of its cells and cause each of the modules to balance its cells based on the respective relative capacitances. The communication circuit is configured to receive the average cell voltage value from the modules.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing energy includes a plurality of energy storage cells, a switching circuit configured to control a transient voltage support to a battery provided by the plurality of energy storage cells, a charging circuit configured to charge the plurality of energy storage cells, and a processing system. The processing system is configured to control the charging circuit to charge the plurality of energy storage cells, and control the switching circuit to control the transient voltage support of the plurality of energy storage cells to the battery. The switching circuit and the charging circuit provide parallel paths between the plurality of energy storage cells and the battery terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing energy includes a plurality of energy storage cells, a switching circuit configured to control a transient voltage support to a battery provided by the plurality of energy storage cells, a charging circuit configured to charge the plurality of energy storage cells, and a processing system. The processing system is configured to control the charging circuit to charge the plurality of energy storage cells, and control the switching circuit to control the transient voltage support of the plurality of energy storage cells to the battery. The switching circuit and the charging circuit provide parallel paths between the plurality of energy storage cells and the battery terminal.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention comprises an apparatus for balancing cells in a series string of modules having cells. The apparatus comprises a processing system and a communication circuit. The processing circuit is configured to receive an average cell voltage value from each module. The processing circuit is further configured to determine an overall average cell voltage for all the cells. The processing circuit is also configured to cause each the modules to determine a relative capacitance for each of its cells and cause each of the modules to balance its cells based on the respective relative capacitances. The communication circuit is configured to receive the average cell voltage value from the modules.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a engine start system. In one aspect, the engine start system includes: a booster battery selectively connected in parallel with the primary batteries of the engine. The booster battery is disconnected when the battery voltage of the primary batteries is below a first target voltage. The booster battery is connected when the battery voltage of the primary batteries is at or above the second target voltage, or in response to an external input.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a combined battery/capacitor energy storage device. The device includes a first device terminal, a second device terminal, a battery connected between the first terminal and the second terminal, and a capacitor connected in parallel with the battery. In one aspect, a rectifier is connected between the first terminal and the capacitor, the rectifier configured to allow substantially unidirectional current flow from the first terminal to the capacitor. In another aspect, a switch is between the capacitor and the first terminal. In another aspect, a current limiter extends between the first terminal and the capacitor.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a combustion engine start system. In one aspect, the combustion engine start system includes a capacitor system and a controller configured to detect a battery voltage of an output of a battery system and receive an external input, wherein the controller is programmed to upon receiving the external input, if the battery voltage is below a first voltage threshold, connect an output of the capacitor system to the output of the battery system such that the battery voltage increases to a value that is at or above the first voltage threshold and below a second voltage threshold.

Abstract: A device (1) monitors and/or balances an ultracapacitor (3) and/or a module (4) comprising a plurality of ultracapacitors (3) connected in series, the module (4) being connectable in series or in parallel with other modules (4). The device comprises an electronic board (2) comprising digital control and/or command means, such as a microcontroller (5), executing a program for monitoring and balancing the ultracapacitor (3) and/or the module (4). The relative capacitances of the capacitors are measured, and this information is employed to determine when to carry out a controlled discharge of particular capacitors. Temperature information is also employed to determine when to carry out a controlled discharge of particular capacitors. In this way the lifetime of any particular capacitor is, desirably, extended to be no shorter than the lifetime of other longer-lived capacitors in the module.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a engine start system. In one aspect, the engine start system includes: a booster battery selectively connected in parallel with the primary batteries of the engine. The booster battery is disconnected when the battery voltage of the primary batteries is below a first target voltage. The booster battery is connected when the battery voltage of the primary batteries is at or above the second target voltage, or in response to an external input.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a battery system. The battery system includes an enclosure, a battery disposed within the enclosure; and at least one ultracapacitor. The ultracapacitor is disposed within the enclosure and coupled to the battery to provide electrical energy via battery terminals. The enclosure conforms to a standard form factor for a battery that comprises one or more conventional storage cells without an ultracapacitor.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a combined battery/capacitor energy storage device. The device includes a first device terminal, a second device terminal, a battery connected between the first terminal and the second terminal, and a capacitor connected in parallel with the battery. In one aspect, a rectifier is connected between the first terminal and the capacitor, the rectifier configured to allow substantially unidirectional current flow from the first terminal to the capacitor. In another aspect, a switch is between the capacitor and the first terminal. In another aspect, a current limiter extends between the first terminal and the capacitor.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a combined battery/capacitor energy storage device. In one aspect, the device includes a housing with an integrated battery housing portion, a capacitor housing portion, and a housing lid. A plurality of battery electrodes and electrolyte are contained directly within the integrated battery housing portion and are configured to form an integrated battery within the integrated battery housing portion. The capacitor is connected in parallel with the battery and contained within the capacitor housing portion. A first device terminal and a second device terminal extending through the housing.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a combined battery/capacitor energy storage device. The energy storage device includes an energy storage device housing, with a battery housing portion, a capacitor housing portion, and a housing lid. The energy storage device includes a battery disposed within the battery housing portion. The battery includes a first battery terminal extending through a battery lid enclosing the battery housing portion. The energy storage device includes a capacitor disposed within the capacitor housing portion and connected in parallel with the battery. The capacitor includes a first capacitor terminal. The energy storage device includes a first bus bar electrically connecting the first battery terminal and the first capacitor terminal. The energy storage device includes a first external device terminal extending through the energy storage device housing and configured to electrically connect to the first battery terminal and the bus bar.

Abstract: A device (1) monitors and/or balances an ultracapacitor (3) and/or a module (4) comprising a plurality of ultracapacitors (3) connected in series, the module (4) being connectable in series or in parallel with other modules (4). The device comprises an electronic board (2) comprising digital control and/or command means, such as a microcontroller (5), executing a program for monitoring and balancing the ultracapacitor (3) and/or the module (4). The relative capacitances of the capacitors are measured, and this information is employed to determine when to carry out a controlled discharge of particular capacitors. Temperature information is also employed to determine when to carry out a controlled discharge of particular capacitors. In this way the lifetime of any particular capacitor is, desirably, extended to be no shorter than the lifetime of other longer- lived capacitors in the module.