Abstract: Computer-assisted methods for determining the state of charge of a specific lithium ion battery, without the need for charging and discharging the battery, by utilizing look-up tables or algorithms which store the relationships of state of charge to open-circuit voltage or to ramp-peak current, or to both for that type of specific lithium-ion battery to determine the state of charge for that specific lithium-ion battery.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining engine diagnostic and prognostic information utilizing current, time and crank position data obtained from the starter motor during the starting of an engine and represented as a starter motor current waveform. The time domain waveform is transformed to the spatial domain. Thereafter, the spatial waveform is deconvolved into its constituent components using known digital signal processing, such as Fourier Transformations, and along with derived engine parameters provide engine status and diagnostic information. Weibull techniques may be used to further process the engine status and diagnostic information to improve accuracy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (FIG. 1) for optimizing recharging of batteries (20) in an electric or hybrid vehicle that uses an electric motor (35) powered by the batteries (20) and having a regenerative system (10) that uses mechanical forces of the vehicle to generate current to recharge the batteries. The output of the regenerative system is controlled (15 and 35) to supply a maximum amount of current to recharge the batteries immediately after termination of a pulse or continuous discharge thereby to recapture a larger portion of the discharge current (FIG. 3) and the battery voltage is monitored (35) during recharge and the voltage is controlled (15) during charge so that it does not exceed a predetermined value at which battery gas evolution takes place (FIG. 2), thereby permitting the battery to be charged to a relatively high state of charge.

Abstract: A method of predicting by non-invasive testing the available energy of a battery at any state of charge by acquiring data of the parameters of internal resistance (IR), open circuit voltage (OCV) and temperature (T), the points of voltage and current of the slope on a positive current ramp of Vup and Iup at the transition from charge to overcharge and on a negative current ramp of Vdn and Idn at the transition from overcharge to charge for a plurality of batteries. Next an algorithm in the form of a linear equation is developed using this data. The available energy of a battery under test is predicted by acquiring from it the numerical data values of these parameters and applying them to the algorithm.

Abstract: A system and method for accurate and in real time determination of factors relating to the state of health of a storage battery. The system measures the values of battery temperature, voltage and current flow into and out of the battery. This data is multiplexed into a computer and the battery's internal resistance (IR), polarization resistance (PR), state of charge (SOC) and its cold cranking amp (CCA) capability are computed and displayed. The presence of shorted and mismatched cells also can be determined and displayed. The state of health of the battery is related to these displayed measured values and calculated factors which are made known to the user of the battery.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring and reporting on the condition of a vehicle battery which measures battery voltage and current drain during engine start, and computes the battery dynamic internal resistance (IR) and dynamic polarization resistance (PR) from these quantities. Also, the quiescent voltage (QV) of the battery, which is that measured while the vehicle electrical system has a current drain of from 0 to a predetermined amount, is measured and the battery state-of-charge (SoC) is computed from the QV. From these quantities, calculations are made of quantities such as rate of change of dynamic IR and PR to analyze battery condition, rate of change of QV and SoC to predict the time during which the battery can still start the engine, and minimum ambient temperature at which the battery will be able to start the engine, and of other conditions.

Abstract: A method for determining the state of charge (SOC) of a battery by measuring its open circuit voltage (OCV) either with the battery in a fully rested state of chemical and electrical equilibrium or an active state during a period in which the battery settles after charge or discharge is stopped. A first type algorithm is developed to correlate the OCV in a fully rested condition (OCVREST) to the state of charge at which that measurement is taken. A second type algorithm is developed that predicts a final settling OCV of a battery (OCVPRED), based on the set of parameters of OCV, rate of change of OCV, and battery case temperature, acquired during the settling period of a battery not at rest. To determine the SOC of a battery being tested that is in the fully settled state the measured OCVREST is applied to the first type algorithm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring and maintaining a plurality of batteries by performing a normal analysis on all of the batteries, selecting a marginal battery, replacing the marginal battery with an auxiliary battery, and offline performing a detailed analysis on the marginal battery. The marginal battery is then serviced/discarded according to the results of the detailed analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (FIG. 1) for optimizing recharging of batteries (20) in an electric or hybrid vehicle that uses an electric motor (35) powered by the batteries (20) and having a regenerative system (10) that uses mechanical forces of the vehicle to generate current to recharge the batteries. The output of the regenerative system is controlled (15 and 35) to supply a maximum amount of current to recharge the batteries immediately after termination of a pulse or continuous discharge thereby to recapture a larger portion of the discharge current (FIG. 3) and the battery voltage is monitored (35) during recharge and the voltage is controlled (15) during charge so that it does not exceed a predetermined value at which battery gas evolution takes place (FIG. 2), thereby permitting the battery to be charged to a relatively high state of charge.

Abstract: A system and method for accurate and in real time determination of factors relating to the state of health of a storage battery. The system measures the values of battery temperature, voltage and current flow into and out of the battery. This data is multiplexed into a computer and the battery's internal resistance (IR), polarization resistance (PR), state of charge (SOC) and its cold cranking amp (CCA) capability are computed and displayed. The presence of shorted and mismatched cells also can be determined and displayed. The state of health of the battery is related to these displayed measured values and calculated factors which are made known to the user of the battery.

Abstract: Current flowing into and out of a battery installed in a vehicle (V) with the required cable between one of the battery terminals and a reference point on the vehicle is determined by measuring the voltage across the cable and computing the current from the digital value of the measured current. The resistance value of the cable can be known in which case the current is computed using Ohms law and a differential current sensor can be used to respond to the voltage measured across the cable to accommodate for different ranges of current. In an embodiment where the cable resistance is unknown, a reference current source produces a known voltage that is used to set the input value to an amplifier of fixed gain for the voltage measured across the cable by controlling the output of a potentiometer so that the amplifier output voltage can be set to match the reference current generator output voltage, thereby establishing the voltage output of the amplifier as a measurement of the current flow in the cable.

Abstract: Deficiencies in the electrolyte level of the cells of NiCd battery can be detected by measuring the internal resistance of the cells. Initially, data is collected for a battery type and capacity, correlating measured internal resistance with the amount of water that must be added to bring the cell resistance to an acceptable value. Subsequently, cells of other batteries of the same type and capacity can be measured to determine how much water must be added and the levels quickly restored. The polarization value of the cells can be used lieu of the internal resistance in the same fashion.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for automatic recovery of sulfated lead acid batteries rely on monitoring battery voltage, current and internal resistance during battery charging. The lead acid battery is recovered for usage by measuring the internal resistance to see if it is so high such that the battery is unrecoverable, or so low such that the normal charging methods can be used. If the internal resistance is between the two limits, the battery receives a first constant charge current. As the lead acid battery is being charged slowly by a constant charge current, the battery voltage is measured. The decrease in the internal resistance (IR) of the battery causes the battery voltage to decrease during charging, while the charging causes the battery voltage to increase. According to the present invention, if it is detected that the battery voltage has reached the minimum voltage and begun to increase in a predetermined period of time, the charge current is substantially increased (e.g.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diagnosing the status of a battery having high and low voltage plateau states corresponding to its state of charge in which the battery open circuit voltage is measured (S106) to determine its voltage state and its internal resistance also is measured (S114). A battery having a low voltage state (S116) is tested to determine if its internal resistance is greater than a predetermined maximum resistance (S118) and if it does the battery is considered as possibly having a low electrolyte level, and if it does not the battery is subjected to a current ramp test to determine from the voltage response a point of current transition (S130) due to a battery chemical gassing reaction. The battery state of charge (S132) is determined from curves or algorithms of state of charge versus current transition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and maintaining a plurality of batteries. The batteries are maintained according to a two-part method. In the first part, a normal analysis is performed on all of the batteries. In the normal analysis, it is determined if any one of the batteries has marginal conditions. The marginal battery (which can be one or more batteries) is selected for a second part of the method, which includes a detailed analysis. The detailed analysis is performed on the marginal battery. The marginal battery is then serviced according to the results of the detailed analysis.

Abstract: A system and method for comprehensive analysis of a multi-cell battery, such as of the nickel-cadmium type, on an individual cell level basis and overall battery basis. For an unsealed battery, which affords access to the individual battery cells, (FIG. 2) tests are carried out to determine the presence of any shorted or reversed cells, and these can be repaired or replaced ((6)-(11)). The individual cells are then tested for sufficient electrolyte on the basis of comparing the cell internal resistance to a maximum internal resistance for the cell and electrolyte added as needed ((12)-(15)). A sealed battery, to which there is no access to the individual cells, is first tested for shorted or reversed cells on a battery level basis ((16)-(19)).

Abstract: The invention provides for a timesaving method of determining whether a nickel cadmium (NiCd) battery is stricken with memory effect. A fully charged NiCd battery under test ("test battery") is subjected to a positive sloped current charge ramp and then a negative sloped current charge ramp while continuously monitoring the battery terminal voltage. The maximum measured terminal voltage of the test battery is compared to the measured terminal voltage of a NiCd battery of the same nominal voltage and capacity and known not to have memory effect ("normal"battery). A NiCd battery is determined to have memory effect if the maximum voltage of the test battery exceeds the maximum voltage of the normal battery.

Abstract: The invention provides for a timesaving method of determining the capacity of a nickel cadmium (NiCd). A fully charged NiCd battery under is subjected to a positive sloped current charge ramp and then a negative sloped current charge ramp while continuously monitoring the battery terminal voltage. The voltage is plotted and the maximum slope of the measured terminal voltage determines l.sub.gas. The value of I.sub.gas is compared to a temperature calibration curve to determine the capacity of the battery under test.

Abstract: A device for treating and conditioning engine coolant for use with an internal combustion engine includes a housing having an inlet and outlet and a filtering media and container carrying coolant treatment material located within the housing. Coolant passes through the filter, and then is exposed to the tip of a rod which erodes away to permit treatment material to be discharged in the coolant. As the corrosiveness of the coolant decreases, erosion of the rod is discontinued, so that additional treatment material is no longer discharged into the coolant. Accordingly, the corrosiveness of the coolant is controlled to within relatively narrow limits.

Abstract: A vehicle storage battery is monitored to determine battery capacity, state of charge and certain fault conditions. The ambient temperature, battery voltage alternator/regulator output voltage and current to and from the battery are continuously measured. Current voltage (I-V) data is analyzed to determine the internal resistance and polarization of the battery. A determination is made regarding state of charge and fault conditions produced by corroded terminals and low electrolyte level. The low temperature starting limit is determined by comparing the battery's power output capability with starting power requirements of the vehicle. Data produced by the comparison are indicated on the dashboard of the vehicle.