Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system and method for calibrating state-of-charge (SOC) of an energy storage device. The method includes monitoring, via a battery management system, at least one of an accumulated capacity of the energy storage device after a first SOC calibration or a time period after the first SOC calibration. Another step includes determining, via the battery management system, whether at least one of the accumulated capacity or the time period is above a predetermined threshold. If at least one of the accumulated capacity or the time period is above a predetermined threshold, then the method includes charging, via the battery management system, the energy storage device for a specified duration until the energy storage device reaches a second SOC calibration.

Abstract: One or more virtual objects are displayed on an electronic programmer. The virtual objects represent initiating and terminating a delivery of a medical therapy to a patient. An actuation of the one or more virtual objects is sensed. The delivery of the medical therapy is terminated immediately if the actuation of the one or more virtual objects corresponds to terminating the delivery of the medical therapy. The delivery of the medical therapy is initiated in a delayed manner if the actuation of the one or more virtual objects corresponds to starting the delivery of the medical therapy. A battery level of the electronic programmer is monitored. At least one of the following tasks is performed if the battery level is lower than a target battery level: disallowing programming of the electronic programmer; terminating the delivery of an existing medical therapy; and precluding the delivery of a prospective medical therapy.

Abstract: A method and system for charging multi-cell lithium-based batteries. In some aspects, a battery charger includes a housing, at least one terminal to electrically connect to a battery pack supported by the housing, and a controller operable to provide a charging current to the battery pack through the at least one terminal. The battery pack includes a plurality of lithium-based battery cells, with each battery cell of the plurality of battery cells having an individual state of charge. The controller is operable to control the charging current being supplied to the battery pack at least in part based on the individual state of charge of at least one battery cell.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment, a supercapacitor system includes a common bus and a number of supercapacitor units, each of the supercapacitor units including one or more supercapacitors, coupled to the common bus via a balancing circuit, where each balancing circuit is configured to balance a charge of the one or more supercapacitors in the supercapacitor units by conducting current to supercapacitor units with a lower charge from supercapacitor units with a higher charge over the common bus, each balancing circuit including at least a first switch and a second switch, each switch controlled by a clock signal.

Abstract: Apparatus for powering a smart load capable of receiving power at a first power-reception level and a second power-reception level greater than the first power-reception level includes a solar panel and a connector operably coupled to the solar panel. A monitoring device is configured to monitor a power-reception level of the smart load when the smart load is coupled to the connector. The apparatus includes an interrupting device configured to interrupt power flow to the smart load based on a determination that the smart load is receiving power at the first power-reception level. The smart load receives power at the second power-reception level in response to the interruption.

Abstract: A reconfigurable energy storage system comprising energy modules comprising interconnected circuits, each circuit having at least two terminals, which can function as input or output terminals; an energy storage unit with a positive and a negative terminal, either of which can be interposed between the terminals; a switch connected to the storage unit, and where the switch module provides parallel, series, and/or bypass connectivity for and enables the ability to reverse polarity in the storage unit, and enables the ability to simultaneously charge and discharge storage units within the system; and a control unit that monitors an operational state of the energy storage unit in the energy modules and controls the switches, to bypass, connect the storage unit in parallel, series, and/or change the polarity of the storage unit, wherein the control unit determines a number of storage units available for use from the storage units in the circuits.

Abstract: A method of intelligent power distribution for a charging system with double charging terminals is provided. The method of the present invention comprises the following steps, determining whether a first vehicle is requesting for charging or not. Then, the next step is determining whether a second vehicle is charging in the system or not. If the determination is affirmative, the first vehicle is then charged by remainder power modules. In the following, it is determining whether remainder power modules can be used for a second output terminal. Subsequently, it is determining whether the first vehicle needs more power by charging. If the determination is affirmative, the remainder power modules are charging to the first vehicle via the second output terminal.

Abstract: A battery pack charging apparatus includes battery modules assigned to charging groups, the battery pack charging apparatus includes a charging factor setter configured to set charging factors of charging groups of the battery pack based on battery information; a sequential charger configured to sequentially charge the charging groups of the battery pack based on the charging factors of the set charging groups; and a charging controller configured to control charging of the charging groups based on either one or both of an individual group control factor and a pack control factor while the charging groups are sequentially charged.

Abstract: A battery control apparatus includes a switching unit configured to charge a second battery module from a first battery module; a sensor configured to sense state information of at least one battery module among the first battery module and the second battery module; and a controller configured to control the switching unit and the sensor.

Abstract: An electrical combination. The combination comprises a hand held power tool, a battery pack and a controller. The battery pack includes a battery pack housing connectable to and supportable by the hand held power tool, a plurality of battery cells supported by the battery pack housing, each of the plurality of battery cells having a lithium-based chemistry, being individually tapped and having an individual state of charge. A communication path is provided by a battery pack sense terminal and a power tool sense terminal. The controller is operable to monitor a state of charge of a number of battery cells less than the plurality of battery cells and to generate a signal based on the monitored state of charge of the number of battery cells less than the plurality of battery cells, the signal being operable to control the operation of the hand held power tool.

Abstract: A battery backup unit for supplying electrical energy in response to a power event affecting an ability of a power supply unit to deliver electrical energy may be configured to, in response to the power event, generate a regulated output voltage having a first voltage magnitude for a first period of time to limit power generated by the battery backup unit to a first power magnitude during the first period of time, and after the first period of time, generate the output voltage having a second voltage magnitude lesser than the first voltage magnitude for a second period of time to limit power generated by the battery backup unit to a second power magnitude lesser than the first power magnitude, wherein the second power magnitude is a function of a continuous maximum power supported by the battery backup unit based on characteristics of the battery backup unit.

Abstract: A vehicle includes an audio transducer and a controller. The controller is configured to, in response to a state of charge (SOC) of a battery crossing a charge level threshold (CLT) set by a user of the vehicle, activate the audio transducer to generate an indication that the SOC has crossed the CLT and that is defined by data provided by the user and linked with the CLT according to a rule specified by the user.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a battery pack that may be used in an battery energy storage system. In an embodiment, the battery pack may include an integrated battery management system (BMS) having isolated, distributed, daisy-chained battery module controllers. The daisy-chained battery module controllers may be coupled to a battery pack controller, which may charge and/or discharge the battery pack using the battery modules controllers and a balancing charger.

Abstract: An equalization device for equalizing voltages of battery cells connected in series includes equalization switches, resistors, and a control circuit. Each equalization switch has energization terminals interposed between terminals of a corresponding battery cell. A current path between the energization terminals conducts when a control voltage not less than a threshold voltage is applied between control terminals of the equalization switch. Each resistor is connected between the control terminals of the corresponding equalization switch. The control circuit switches an equalization execution state and an equalization stop state in accordance with an equalization signal provided for each battery cell. In the execution state, the control circuit passes an electric current through the corresponding resistor to generate the control voltage not less than the threshold voltage. In the stop state, the control circuit causes the corresponding resistor to generate the control voltage less than the threshold voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of creating a dynamically reconfigurable energy source comprised of individual, isolated, controllable energy modules, supported by software to measure and manage the energy modules and facilitate the reconfiguration, where the platform consisting of hardware, based upon an inverted H-Bridge circuitry, in combination with software which allows for real-time management, control, and configuration of the modules and uses a combination of software algorithms and localized electronic switches, to achieve a performance and functionality of the invention matching, or exceeding, traditional large, heavy, and expensive power electronics-based products used for charging, energy storage management, power inverting, and motor or load control.

Abstract: A charging control system for charging a secondary battery from a solar battery, including a first path for transmitting power from the solar battery to the secondary battery, a second path for sensing the voltage of the secondary battery, and a comparison unit for comparing the solar battery voltage with the sensed voltage of the secondary battery. The first path includes a first interrupter, controlled by the comparison unit, which interrupts the first path to prevent discharge of the secondary battery through the solar battery when the solar battery voltage falls below the secondary battery voltage. The second path includes a second interrupter that interrupts the second path after the first path is interrupted, to prevent the secondary battery from discharging through the second path when not being charged through the first path.

Abstract: A battery includes at least one battery module line, a sensor means for determining a charging stage of a battery cell, and a control unit. The battery module line includes a plurality of battery modules mounted in series, each module having at least one battery cell and a coupling unit. The at least one battery cell is mounted between a first input and a second input of the coupling unit, and the coupling unit is configured (i) to switch the at least one battery cell between a first terminal of the battery module and a second terminal of the battery module, on a first control signal, and (ii) to connect the first terminal to the second terminal on a second control signal. The sensor means is connectable to the at least one battery cell of each battery module.

Abstract: A device includes a rechargeable battery and a charging line, connected to a terminal of the rechargeable battery, charging the rechargeable battery. The charging line includes two switching elements electrically opening or closing the charging line, and a sense line, connected to a terminal of the rechargeable battery, sensing a battery voltage. The sense line includes two switching elements electrically opening or closing the sense line.

Abstract: A battery system has battery cells, a transformer which has a first winding which can be connected parallel to the cell arrangement, and a plurality of second windings. Each second winding can be connected parallel to one of the battery cells. The transformer includes a third winding, which is provided for feeding energy from an external energy source to the battery system.

Abstract: A condenser is connected to both electrodes of a secondary cell. A first switch is provided between a positive electrode of the secondary cell and a one-side plate of the condenser. An MCU turns ON the first switch when the secondary cell is in a first state to connect both electrodes of the secondary cell to both plates of the condenser, and then turns OFF the first switch. In addition, thereafter, the MCU detects a state of the secondary cell based on a differential voltage output from a differential amplifier circuit when the secondary cell is in a second state.

Abstract: A device for balancing an energy accumulator, especially an energy accumulator in an on-board power supply system of a motor vehicle, is provided. The energy accumulator is formed by a cell assembly of a serial connection of a plurality of cell groups, respective balancing circuits being connected to voltage connections of respective cell groups and comprising a discharge resistor. The discharge resistor of a respective balancing circuit has a temperature-dependent resistance characteristic, and the discharge resistors of at least some of the balancing circuits are thermally intercoupled.

Abstract: A method is provided for setting up an on-board charger in an electrically driven vehicle with the following features: a proxy resistor of a charging socket of the vehicle is queried (44, 68); if the proxy resistor is present (46), a master configuration (48, 50, 52) of the on-board charger is carried out; and if the proxy resistor is not present (70), a slave configuration (72, 74, 76) of the on-board charger is carried out.

Abstract: The method includes obtaining charging related information of a proximity based service used by user equipment; generating a charging request for the proximity based service used by the user equipment based on the charging related information; and transmitting the charging request to a charging system of the wireless communication network.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are described for use in preserving and/or recovering the lifetime and charge storage capacity of batteries. The methods include pulse charging, energy juggling, energy leveling, all resulting in extended battery life. Methods of storing batteries for maintaining their capacity at their nominal level for extended periods of time are also presented.

Abstract: A flow battery includes at least one cell that has a first electrode, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode and an electrolyte separator layer that is arranged between the first electrode and the second electrode. A storage portion is fluidly connected with the at least one cell. At least one liquid electrolyte includes an electrochemically active specie and is selectively deliverable to the at least one cell. An electric circuit is coupled with the first electrode and the second electrode. The circuit includes a voltage-limiting device that is configured to limit a voltage potential across the first electrode and the second electrode in response to a transition of the at least one cell from an inactive, shut-down mode with respect to an active, charge/discharge mode.

Abstract: A system and method for cell charging and cell charge redistribution for a plurality of series connected rechargeable electrical energy storage cells where the objective of charging and redistribution of charge for individual cells is based on the optimization criteria of equalization of remaining coulombmetric capacity for all cells.

Abstract: Rechargeable battery systems and rechargeable battery system operational methods are described. According to one aspect, a rechargeable battery system includes a plurality of rechargeable battery modules coupled between a plurality of terminals, wherein the rechargeable battery modules individually comprise a plurality of rechargeable battery cells and charge balancing circuitry configured to implement, for individual ones of the rechargeable battery modules, first charge balancing operations with respect to the rechargeable battery cells of individual ones of the rechargeable battery modules, and to implement second charge balancing operations with respect to the rechargeable battery modules.

Abstract: A charging method, a charging apparatus, a charger, a chargeable device and a charging system are provided. The charging method includes: acquiring a first current value of a control current from a chargeable device; acquiring a first voltage value corresponding to the acquired first current value of the control current based on a preset relation, wherein the preset relation represents correlations between current values and voltage values; and adjusting a voltage value of an output voltage of a charger to the acquired first voltage value corresponding to the first current value of the control current. Accordingly, capability of the charger can be fully used, and fast charging can be achieved.

Abstract: Apparatus for a modular battery management system for a battery having a main load and an auxiliary load across a portion of the battery. The system includes interchangeable slave modules connected to each cell and a master module controlling the system. All the modules receive power through a transfer switch that selectively switches between external sources and the battery. The external sources provide capacity information used by the master module. Each slave module is configured to charge and monitor its associated cell individually. Each slave module is electrically isolated from the other modules. The slave modules are autonomous and shut down the battery and disconnect the module when a critical parameter of the cell is reached. When the battery is in service and a cell parameter approaches the critical level, the master controller instructs the corresponding slave module to charge the cell using battery power.

Abstract: A communication system includes an information display apparatus and an information providing apparatus which perform communication with each other. The information display apparatus transmits, through the network, an information transmission request for requesting transmission of specific information related to the information providing apparatus to a plurality of apparatuses connected to the network by broadcast communication, receives the specific information transmitted, through the network, from the information providing apparatus to a plurality of apparatuses connected to the network by broadcast communication, as a response to the information transmission request, and controls a display unit to display the specific information received as the response to the information transmission request.

Abstract: A motorized window treatment may provide a low-cost solution for controlling the amount of daylight entering a space through a window. The window treatment may include a covering material (e.g., a cellular shade fabric or a roller shade fabric), a drive assembly for raising and lowering the covering material, and a motor drive unit including a motor configured to drive the drive assembly to raise and lower the covering material. The motorized window treatment may comprise one or more battery packs configured to receive batteries for powering the motor drive unit. The batteries may be located out of view of a user of the motorized window treatment (e.g., in a headrail or in a battery compartment). The motorized window treatment may use various power-saving methods to lengthen the lifetime of the batteries, e.g., to reduce the motor speed to conserve additional battery power and extend the lifetime of the batteries.

Abstract: Various techniques described herein relate to battery packs of electric vehicles, batteries, and battery charging systems. Batteries may comprise a plurality of battery modules, wherein each battery module may be provided with one or more battery cells, and the plurality of battery modules may be connected in series when providing electric power output. Battery charging systems described herein may comprise a charging circuit that connects a plurality of battery modules in series, and may be used for charging the plurality of battery modules in the battery in series. Additional charging circuits may be connected respectively to the plurality of battery modules, and the additional charging circuits may be used for charging at least one battery module in the plurality of battery modules.

Abstract: To provide a power supply system equipped with a storage battery assembly including a plurality of storage battery control units, the power supply system being configured such that a group of the storage battery control units, which are selected from the storage battery control units, and which have output voltages within a predetermined voltage range, are first connected to the parallel connection line, and such that the voltage range is set so as to maximize the number of the storage battery control units having output voltages within the voltage range.

Abstract: The battery monitoring chips each include a battery monitoring function section that is provided so as to correspond to a respective battery cell group and to monitor a state of each battery cell contained in the corresponding battery cell group, and a regulator that generates a drive voltage to supply to a configuration circuit of the battery monitoring function section based on power supplied from the battery. The battery monitoring chips are connected together in series to give a communication path, with an input end of the regulator electrically connected to an output end of another regulator. A microcomputer is connected to a battery monitoring chip, and is driven by a drive voltage generated by the regulator of the battery monitoring chip accompanying power consumption by each of the battery cells.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for balancing the battery cells of a battery including a plurality of pairs of battery cells. Each pair of battery cells is connected to a charge balancing unit which is configured to balance the cell voltages of the battery cells of the pair of battery cells with respect to each other. The device further includes a measuring device which is configured to output a current that is proportional to a minimal cell pair voltage to a plurality of resistors that are connected in series. Comparators are also provided, each of which is connected to a pole of a first battery cell of an assigned pair of battery cells and to a respective resistor on an input side and to a control electrode of a respective discharging unit on an output side.

Abstract: Systems and techniques are disclosed for individually controlling energy storage devices in an array of devices. An energy storage regulation unit (ESRU) is described that enables the connection of an energy storage device to a system load bus and a charging/diagnostic bus such that the energy storage device may be individually charged and/or disconnected for maintenance. The ESRU comprises switches for selectively connecting the system load bus circuit, charging circuit, or a bypass circuit. An energy storage regulator is further described for enabling the control of one or more ESRUs. A regulator controller may receive sensor or measurement data from the ESRUs connected to the energy storage regulator, and may also issue control instructions that control the switches of the individual ESRUs. Measurement data can include, for example, voltage, current, or temperature information relating to a specific ESRU.

Abstract: In a power supply system using various kinds of storage batteries such as a large capacity storage battery or a small capacity storage battery, an electric power path is complicated, which may increase failures such as a short circuit trouble. There is a problem in that, when a short circuit trouble between storage batteries occurs, damage to a smaller capacity storage battery is serious. Accordingly, in a power supply system according to the present invention, the relationship among voltages, current capacities, and electric power capacities of various kinds of storage batteries such as a large capacity storage battery or a small capacity storage battery is defined so that damage to the storage batteries may be minimized even when malfunction occurs in, for example, switching a switch, and energy transfers from a higher voltage storage device.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide irrigation valve control apparatuses comprising: multiple terminals coupled with a multi-wire path; a first charge storage circuitry electrically coupled with at least one of the multiple terminals, wherein the first charge storage circuitry is configured to be charged by a voltage on the multi-wire path; a control circuitry configured to determine the voltage on the multi-wire path; and a boost circuitry controlled by the control circuitry, wherein the control circuitry in response to determining that the voltage on the multi-wire path is below a threshold activates the boost circuitry to increase a voltage stored by the first charge storage circuitry.

Abstract: A battery system has a battery with a plurality of battery modules which can be selectively activated or deactivated by means of actuation, wherein, in the activated state, the battery module voltage of a respective battery module contributes to an output voltage of the battery and, in the deactivated state, the battery module is uncoupled from the current path of the battery. The battery system comprises a circuit for charging the battery modules which has components which are arranged in accordance with a switching converter topology, which is integrated in the battery system in such a way that the battery modules can be charged independently of whether a respective battery module which is to be charged is in the activated or in the deactivated state. A method for charging battery modules, a method for balancing battery modules, and a motor vehicle include the battery system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for balancing multi-cell batteries are provided. In one embodiment, the battery balancing circuit includes a battery including a plurality of cells coupled in series, a first terminal and a second terminal, a transformer including a primary winding and a plurality of secondary windings, where each secondary winding is coupled to one of the plurality of cells via a secondary switch and a rectifier circuit, where the primary winding is coupled between the first terminal and the second terminal of the battery, a primary switch in series with the primary winding of the transformer, and a control circuitry coupled to the primary switch, the plurality of secondary switches, and each of the plurality of cells.

Abstract: A non-contact type power charging apparatus and a non-contact type battery apparatus may transmit power to each of a plurality of battery cells in a capacitive coupling scheme. The non-contact type power charging apparatus may include a power transmitting apparatus transmitting power in a capacitive coupling scheme, and a power receiving apparatus receiving the power transmitted from the power transmitting apparatus to charge each of a plurality of battery cells with the power. The non-contact type battery apparatus may include a plurality of power receiving electrodes each receiving power transmitted in a capacitive coupling scheme, and a plurality of battery cells each charged with the power transmitted to the plurality of power receiving electrodes.

Abstract: A voltage detecting device includes a plurality of voltage detecting circuits provided for battery modules of a battery, the battery being formed by connecting, in series with each other, the battery modules each formed by connecting battery cells in series with each other, the plurality of voltage detecting circuits being configured to detect voltage of each of the battery cells; a plurality of voltage detecting lines connecting the battery cells to the voltage detecting circuits; and a control device controlling charge and discharge of the battery cells on a basis of detection information obtained from the voltage detecting circuits, a voltage detecting line having a lowest potential being connected to one of the voltage detecting circuits and a voltage detecting line having a highest potential being connected to the other of the voltage detecting circuits, being adjacent and connected to each other via a first capacitor.

Abstract: A device is introduced for cell-balancing a plurality of battery cells connected in series. The device includes a measuring device which is connectable to each of the battery cells and which is configured to generate a current which is proportional to a minimum cell voltage of all the cell voltages of the battery cells and to output the current to resistors which are connected in series. The device also contains a multiplicity of comparators which compare a cell voltage of an assigned battery cell to the minimum cell voltage which is replicated by the current which is proportional to the minimum cell voltage and the resistors. The comparators are configured to output a control signal, which is dependent on a result of the comparison, to an assigned discharging unit which allows a discharge current to flow from the respective battery cell as a function of the control signal.

Abstract: A modular system of devices, in which a (master) device can be combined with one or more of other (slave) devices to transform to functional electronic devices having expanded functionalities and features in different form factors and/or platforms. The master device is docked to the slave device via a data/electrical interface, to transform the master device to the larger form factor of the slave device, with the master device maintaining control of the slave device, substantially based on the operating system installed in the master device, with access to the data, application programs, functionalities and features embodied in the master device. An intermediate removable physical interface adaptor (or docking adaptor) is provided to facilitate docking compatibility of the master device to the slave device. An enhanced charging and power management scheme is provided to optimize power management for the master device and the slave device.

Abstract: A shunt circuit includes: a shunt resistor; a transistor connected in parallel to a storage element via the shunt resistor; a first OP amplifier configured to compare a battery voltage supplied to the storage element with a detection voltage; and a second OP amplifier configured to shunt a shunt current from a charging current supplied from a charging unit when the battery voltage reaches the detection voltage. The detection voltage is increased step by step, and the shunt current is increased whenever the battery voltage reaches the detection voltage.

Abstract: A charging device switchable between a first charging current and a second charging current includes a USB port and an identification signal providing circuit. The identification signal providing circuit outputs an identification signal to the electronic device when the electronic device is first coupled to the USB port. The electronic device determines whether the charging device matches the electronic device or not according to the identification signal. The electronic device is recharged using the first charging current when the charging device does match the electronic device, and the electronic device is recharged using the second charging current when the charging device does not match the electronic device.

Abstract: A battery pack has first and second battery terminals, plural battery cells each with a battery element, a cell supervisor electrically connected to the battery element, and a communication section to communicate with the cell supervisor. The battery elements are connected serially between the first and second battery terminals. Bus interfaces are arranged in alternating fashion with the battery cells to define a daisy chain bus, each such bus interface being configured for signal communication, the interfaces respectively connecting the communication sections of two adjacent battery cells. A battery manager communicates with the battery cells via the daisy chain bus. The battery manager sends a command message to the battery cells using a through mode protocol, and each battery cell sends at least one of a confirmation message and a service request to the battery manager using a shift mode protocol.

Abstract: Disclosed are a voltage measuring apparatus and a battery management system including the same. The voltage measuring apparatus is connected to a plurality of battery cells connected to each other in series to measure respective voltage of the battery cells. The voltage measuring apparatus includes a first node coupled to one of an positive electrode and a negative electrode of one of a plurality of battery cells as a voltage measuring target, amplifies a voltage difference between the first node and the second node to generate an error voltage, converts the error voltage into a digital signal, and compensates for a polarity of the digital signal.

Abstract: To provide a hybrid power source system in which either a solar cell or a fuel cell and a secondary cell are combined with each other, and the secondary cell is used as an electric power buffer and which can maintain a high energy efficiency even when there is a change in a charging state of the secondary cell, a change in an operating condition, or a secular change in a member, prevent overcharging of the secondary cell, and suppress thermal deterioration of the solar cell or the fuel cell due to generation of a surplus electric power unable to be taken out.

Abstract: A battery equalization system has two accumulator stages in series, each including an accumulator, and ±poles, a voltage generator for each accumulator stage, and an associated charging device powered by the generator. The charging device includes an inductor and capacitors. One capacitor connects to the generator's positive pole, the other connects to its negative pole, a first diode, whose anode connects to a negative pole of the accumulator stage and whose cathode connects to the first capacitor, a second diode whose anode connects to the negative pole of the accumulator stage and whose cathode connects to the second end of the second capacitor, and a switch connected to the inductor and to the positive pole of the accumulator stage, and a control device that controls the generator, closes the switch and causes the inductor to stores energy and to transfer it to the associated accumulator stage.