Abstract: This invention relates to a method for charging a rechargeable battery especially lead-acid batteries. In this method, the open circuit voltage of the battery is measured and the minimum number of cells is estimated from this value. The battery is then charged at any charge rate and at a constant current until the battery voltage is substantially equal to the estimated number of cells multiplied by a voltage which is characteristic of the battery, and thereafter the battery is charged at any charge rate and at the aforesaid battery voltage until the current decreases to some predetermined value. The foregoing steps are repeated alternatively until a constant or substantially constant value for the estimate number of cells is obtained. Thereafter, the battery is charged at a voltage equal to the number of cells multiplied by the characteristic voltage of the battery until the current reaches a predetermined value and then the battery is charged at some predetermined current for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a methjod for charging a rechargeable battery. In this method, the open voltage of the battery is measured and the number of cells estimated. The state of charge of the battery is then tested by supplying a controllably varying charging current to the battery and testing for evolution of gas. If no gas is evolved, the battery is charged until the voltage equals the estimated number of cells multiplied by a voltage which is characteristic of the battery. The foregoing steps are repeated alternately until gas evolution occurs. The true number of cells is then determined and the battery is charged at any charge rate until the voltage equals the true number of cells multiplied by a predetermined voltage. The battery is then charged at that voltage until the charge current decreases to a predetermined low value followed by charging at that predetermined current at any voltage for a predetermined period of time.