Abstract: A portable cooler includes a cooler body formed of an insulating shell defining an interior storage section, a rechargeable battery, and a charging port coupled to the rechargeable battery to guide energy from the rechargeable battery to an external electrical device coupled to the port. The port may be, for example, a USB port or other port. The port may be protected from water infiltration. In some aspects the charging port is a universal port and various specific ports may be included as port attachments. The port attachments allow for a variety of devices to be coupled to the charging port. In some aspects the rechargeable battery may be a high-voltage battery coupled to the charging port through a voltage limiter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ascertaining the maximum power obtainable from a traction storage-battery system that includes a plurality of storage-battery elements connected in series. The method provides for: determining at least one power indicator for each storage-battery element, and ascertaining a quantity of the smallest power indicators of all determined power indicators of all storage-battery elements. The quantity includes the smallest power indicator or a subgroup thereof of all power indicators of the storage-battery elements. A power-output limit for the quantity is provided, starting from the power indicators of the quantity. The maximum power obtainable from the traction storage-battery system is extrapolated based on the power-output limit and linked by the extrapolation and because of the series connection, to a power output of the at least one storage-battery element for which the quantity of the smallest power indicators was ascertained.

Abstract: A battery pack includes a first battery and a second battery connected electrically in parallel and performing charge and discharge, and a heater generating heat. The first battery can perform charge and discharge with a current larger than that of the second battery. The second battery has an electric storage capacity larger than that of the first battery. The heater is placed at a position closer to the first battery than the second battery.

Abstract: Charging and discharging an energy storage device (ESD) generates heat and may prevent its temperature from dropping to unsafe levels. By monitoring and managing the charge and discharge of an ESD with respect to the periods of time in which demand charges are determined, the heating will have minimal adverse effect on demand charges. ESDs may also exchange energy in a controlled manner for heating purposes and reduce reliance on utility grid-based energy sources. ESD heating may also be made more efficient by offsetting the heating with load shedding during charging periods. Precharging the ESD while heating or preheating the ESD by charging and discharging can prevent new maximum demand levels from appearing and thereby limit increases in demand charges.

Abstract: In a semiconductor integrated circuit device including a digital circuit region in which a digital circuit is formed, and an analog circuit region in which an analog circuit is formed, the analog circuit region is separated into an active element region in which an active element of the analog circuit is formed, and a resistive and capacitive element region in which a resistor or a capacitor of the analog circuit is formed, the resistive and capacitive element region is arranged in a region adjacent to the digital circuit region, and the active element region is arranged in a region separated from the digital circuit region.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for state of charge compensation of a battery having a plurality of battery units. The method comprises the steps of calculating a depth of discharge of each battery unit after the battery units have been charged, calculating an available charge of each battery unit before the battery units are charged, calculating a state of charge compensation requirement value on the basis of the calculated depth of discharge and the calculated available charge for each battery unit, and discharging each battery unit on the basis of the calculated state of charge compensation requirement value. The disclosure also relates to a method for charging a battery which has a plurality of battery units. Also specified are a computer program and a battery management system set up to perform the method, and a battery and a motor vehicle having a drive system connected to such a battery.

Abstract: A battery warm up system according to the present disclosure includes an open signal receiving unit to receive a door open signal for opening a door of a vehicle, a temperature measuring unit to measure a temperature of a battery pack connected to a starter of the vehicle, a control unit to output a forced discharging start signal by referring to information associated with the temperature measured by the temperature measuring unit when the door open signal is received by the open signal receiving unit, and a forced discharging circuit unit to force a plurality of battery modules constituting the battery pack to be discharged in response to the forced discharging start signal.

Abstract: A device includes a battery pack receptacle that removably connects to a particular adapter of multiple adapters for a particular associated battery pack that is used for a cordless device. A universal serial bus (USB) port is connected to the battery pack receptacle. The battery pack is used as a power source for the USB port.

Abstract: The method for charging or discharging a battery comprises measurement of the voltage at the terminals of the battery and comparison of the measured voltage with an end of charging or discharging voltage threshold. The method also comprises measurement of a temperature representative of the temperature of the battery and measurement of the current flowing in the battery to form a pair of measurements. The voltage threshold is then determined according to the pair of measurements. Charging or discharging of the battery is stopped when the voltage threshold is reached.

Abstract: In a voltage monitoring system, a voltage monitoring module includes an adjusting current control circuit to generate an adjusting current so that the operating current consumed by the voltage monitoring modules reaches a specified value corresponding to a first operation current setting command, and stops generating the adjusting current according to an operating current switching command; and an operating current measurement circuit to measure the operating current according to the operating current measuring command following the operating current switching command; and in which a module control circuit sends a second operation current setting command based on the operating current that was measured, and the adjusting current control circuit generates an adjusting current so that the operating current reaches a specified value corresponding to the second operating current setting command.

Abstract: An air battery system that can inhibit production of hydrogen. The air battery system includes a battery cell which is provided with an air electrode, an anode containing an active material capable of releasing lithium ions, and a solid electrolyte layer and aqueous electrolytic solution layer having lithium ion conductivity which are disposed between the air electrode and the anode; a detecting device which is capable of detecting a voltage between the anode and the air electrode; and a signaling device which emits a signal when the voltage detected by the detecting device becomes 2.2 V or less.

Abstract: A battery pack discharging device is provided. The device includes a hand-held member having a handle portion and first and second actuation members extending from the handle portion. The device further includes a docking device having a housing, first and second switches, and a resistor. The housing has first and second apertures extending therethrough. First and second actuation members of the hand-held member are disposed in first and second apertures, respectively, of the housing such that the first and second actuation members transition the first and second switches, respectively, to first and second closed operational positions, respectively, to discharge the battery pack.

Abstract: There is a composition comprising mesoporous silica particles. The particles may have a MCM-48 three-dimensional framework and be characterized by having a surface area of about 300 to 2,000 square meters per gram, a pore volume of about 0.5 to 1.5 cubic centimeters per gram, an average pore diameter dimension of about 1 to 20 nanometers, and an average particle size of about 5 to 2,000 nanometers based on the average diameter of the silica particles. There is also a lithium-sulfur cell comprising an article comprising mesoporous silica particles. The cell also comprises a negative electrode, a circuit coupled with the negative electrode, a lithium-containing electrolyte medium and an interior wall of the cell. There are also associated methods of making and methods of using the silica particles and the cell.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus includes a terminal, a grip portion and a controller. A first battery is provided inside the terminal. The grip portion is positioned outside of the terminal and includes a second battery unit electrically connected to the terminal. The controller controls the second battery unit to supply power to the terminal before power of the first battery unit is supplied to the terminal. Accordingly, the controller first supplies the power of the second battery unit to the terminal rather than the power of the first battery unit.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a power dissipation apparatus including a conductive trace formed on a substrate and to methods of using the power dissipation apparatus. The power dissipation apparatus may be used to dissipate heat generated from electrical current passed through the conductive trace of the power dissipation apparatus. The current may be provided from, for example, a battery conditioner.

Abstract: An inductive battery system includes a primary coil system (102) and an inductive battery (122). The primary coil system (102) provides inductive power (106). The inductive battery (122) includes a secondary coil system (108), charge circuitry (110), output circuitry (112), and an internal battery (114). The secondary coil system (108) receives the inductive power (106) and provides electrical power. The charge circuitry (110) receives the electrical power and supplies suitable power to the internal battery (114) for charging and/or device operation. The output circuitry (112) receives electrical energy from the internal battery (114) and provides the electrical energy external to the system (100) as external power (124). The internal battery (114) stores the received electrical power from the charge circuitry (110) and supplies the electrical power to the output circuitry (112).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a supply network component for a supply network for a network medium, comprising at least one contact unit for contacting a further supply network component of the supply network, a functional group having at least one functional unit, and at least one coupling unit for coupling the at least one contact unit to the functional group, wherein the at least one contact unit has a communication interface for communicating with a further supply network component of the supply network and a transport interface for transporting the network medium to a further supply network component. The present invention furthermore relates to an energy storage block comprising a plurality of the proposed supply network components.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus comprising: a main body including a reception unit and a processing unit; and a power supply device switches between an operation state for supplying power from an external power source to the main body and a standby state for supplying power from a secondary battery to the reception unit without supplying power from the power source to the main body. Charging of the battery with power from the power source is performed during the operation state and is terminated when a value indicating power level of the battery reaches a threshold value Vt satisfying (discharge lower limit VL+Vs)?Vt<charge upper limit VH, Vs denoting a decrease in power level occurring when power from the battery is supplied to the reception unit for an estimated maximum duration of the standby state within a time period having a unit time length.

Abstract: In a memory, the surface temperature and the internal resistance of an assembled battery detected under the condition where a difference between the surface and the internal temperature is within a predetermined value are stored, and an internal temperature diagnosis unit that diagnoses whether or not the internal temperature estimated by an internal temperature estimation unit is correct, detects the internal resistance with an internal resistance calculation unit when the internal temperature estimation unit estimates the internal temperature, searches for an internal resistance corresponding to the surface temperature equal to the estimated internal temperature value from among the stored internal resistances, and diagnoses the estimated internal temperature value based upon the result of comparison of a search result of the internal resistance and the internal resistance detected during internal temperature estimation.

Abstract: A system for an electric vehicle for authorizing the utilization of a reserve charge portion of a battery of the electric vehicle for powering the electric vehicle. The authorization system may include a remote device that communicates with the electric vehicle via a telematic link. Upon receipt of one or more data from the electric vehicle (e.g., reserve charge amount of the battery, recharge locations, warranty waiver information, billing information, previous authorization information, etc.) the remote device transmits an authorization signal to the electric vehicle for using at least part of the reserve charge portion of the battery based upon the data. The authorization system may incorporate live personnel for determining whether to authorize the electric vehicle or such authorization may be determined automatically by a processor of the remote device. The authorization system may be entirely local to the electric vehicle such that no remote device is needed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a charge control circuit for supplying power from an external power source to a first common node and charging a second common node from the first common node. A regulator circuit is coupled between the external power source and the first common node, and a transistor is coupled between the first common node and the second common node. The present invention detects an operation parameter of the transistor and controls an internal voltage source to generate a non-predetermined voltage difference accordingly. When the sum of the voltage at the second common node and the non-predetermined voltage is equal to or higher than the reference voltage, the voltage at the first common node is regulated to a level higher than the voltage at the second common node, and the transistor is in an optimum conductive state.

Abstract: A control, protection and power management system for an energy storage system, comprises an interface configured to communicate and provide energy exchange with a host power system, a local load, and the energy storage system, and processing structure configured to receive signals from the host power system and the energy storage system, to determine a mode of operation of the energy storage system and to provide control, protection and power management to the energy storage system.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a device for testing a battery may be provided. The device for testing a battery may include: a determination circuit configured to determine at least one of a differential enthalpy of the battery and a differential entropy of the battery; and an evaluation circuit configured to evaluate a health state of the battery based on the determined at least one of the differential enthalpy and the differential entropy.

Abstract: A discharge control apparatus includes: two or more battery packs equipped with a secondary battery; and a main control unit controlling discharge from the battery packs, in which the two or more battery packs are controlled such that at least one of the battery packs selected by the main control unit discharges, and when switching the battery packs so that only the selected battery pack discharges, the main control unit controls switching such that the battery pack after switching discharges and then the battery pack before switching stops discharge.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for diagnosing an abnormality in a cell balancing circuit. The apparatus may include a plurality of cell balancing circuits respectively connected to a plurality of battery cells included in a battery pack for balancing the voltages of the battery cells, a diagnosis resistor respectively installed between the cell balancing circuit and a cathode terminal and an anode terminal of the corresponding battery cell, a voltage measuring unit for measuring a voltage difference of the balancing circuit corresponding to each of the battery cells, and a control unit for turning on or off a cell balancing circuit to be diagnosed and for determining whether there is an abnormality in the cell balancing circuit to be diagnosed, based on a variation pattern of a voltage difference of a cell balancing circuit adjacent to the cell balancing circuit to be diagnosed that is measured by the voltage measuring unit.

Abstract: A system, a method, and a mobile terminal for sharing a battery between mobile terminals are disclosed, which can solve a problem that the battery can not be shared between mobile terminals in the prior art. In accordance with the present invention, a mobile terminal having power supplying ability is able to supply power to a mobile terminal lacking power by an external power supply line, power control circuits of the power supply end and the power utilization end are controlled, the power utilization end is able to detect an electricity quantity of the power supply end, and the sharing of a battery between two mobile terminals can be achieved, thereby greatly increasing utilization modes of the battery without external charging power supply so as to facilitate the using of a user.

Abstract: The control system according to the present disclosure integratedly manages a plurality of solar cell lighting apparatuses, each solar cell lighting apparatus including a light emitting source to emit light by a discharge power of a secondary battery and a control unit to adjust a magnitude of the discharge power, and includes a main control unit to collect charge capacity information of each of the secondary batteries included in the plurality of solar cell lighting apparatuses from the control unit of each of the plurality of solar cell lighting apparatuses, determine at least one solar cell lighting apparatus needed to control a light intensity based on the charge capacity collected from the secondary batteries, and output a light intensity control signal to the control unit of the determined solar cell lighting apparatus, to achieve charge capacity balancing of the secondary batteries.

Abstract: A heating device may comprise a control assembly having a self-contained, on board power supply. A control unit may control the operation of the heater and the power supply may comprise a first power source in electrical communication with the control unit, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the first power source to selectively supply electrical power to at least a portion of the heating device; and, a second power source in electrical communication with the control unit, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the second power source to selectively supply electrical power to at least a portion of the heating device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a battery conditioning apparatus for conditioning a battery. The apparatus includes a pulse generator circuit for generating pulses to be applied to the battery. A loading circuit is provided for loading the battery. The apparatus also includes a controller for controlling the pulse generator circuit and loading circuit to concurrently apply the pulses to and load the battery.

Abstract: One embodiment includes a battery pack receptacle that removably connects to a battery pack used for a cordless device. A universal serial bus (USB) receptacle is connected to the battery pack receptacle. The battery pack is used as a power source for the USB receptacle.

Abstract: A battery control module for a battery system comprises a voltage measuring module that measures battery voltage and a current measuring module that measures battery current. A state of charge (SOC) module that communicates with said current and voltage measuring modules and that estimates SOC based on a power limit ratio.

Abstract: An estimation method for residual discharging time of batteries includes the steps of: providing a set of battery-discharge-current intervals and a set of battery-discharge equations, setting the discharge time of each battery-discharge-current intervals at zero; detecting a discharge current, voltage and time of batteries; judging whether the discharge current exceeds all of the battery-discharge-current intervals; selecting one of the battery-discharge-current intervals and the associated battery-discharge equation according to the detected discharge current; calculating an estimation of residual discharging time; accumulating and recording the discharge time; judging whether the discharge voltage is lower than a predetermined value and calculating an estimation error of the residual discharging time; and adjusting parameters of the battery-discharge equation for reducing the estimation error of the residual discharging time if the estimation error is greater than a predetermined error value.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling home communication receives first battery information on a first battery of an electric vehicle, receives second battery information on a second battery of a home power storage device, and receives power policy information from a power supply facility. The apparatus for controlling home communication decides available options for charging the first battery on the basis of the first battery information, the second battery information, and the power policy information. The apparatus for controlling home communication comprises a step of controlling the charging of the first battery according to the available options.

Abstract: The invention provides a data storage system, comprising: one or more data storage media; a midplane to which the one or more data storage media are, in use, connected; at least one input/output module for providing control of data transfer between the or each of the data storage media and one or more hosts to which, in use, the data storage system is connected; and a back-up power supply to provide power to the input/output modules in the event of a failure of regular power sources therefor, the back-up power supply being provided separately from the at least one input/output module.

Abstract: Discharging a battery is accomplished by: applying an electrical stimulus to the battery; measuring a response to the electrical stimulus, the measured response providing an indication of discharge efficiency of the battery; determining a target frequency corresponding to a maximum discharge efficiency; and then discharging the battery with a discharge current profile comprising current pulses having a frequency component selected based on the determined target frequency.

Abstract: Provided is a method for operating a molten salt battery having a sodium compound (NaCrO2) in a positive electrode and tin (Sn) in a negative electrode with a molten salt as an electrolytic solution. Although the operating temperature range of the molten salt battery is originally from 57° C. to 190° C., the molten salt battery is operated with an internal temperature thereof (temperature of electrodes and molten salt) set at from 98° C. to 190° C. to cause sodium to turn to a liquid phase. The sodium penetrates into a Sn—Na alloy micronized in the negative electrode, so that separation of the Sn—Na alloy is suppressed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for restoring service within electrical power systems are disclosed. The methods may include identifying a restoration path for an outage area within a power system, selecting a mobile energy resource connection site that is electrically connected to at least one of the restoration path and the outage area, sending power injection requests to a plurality of mobile energy resources, at least some of which may be proximate the connection site, receiving power injection acceptances from participating ones of the plurality of mobile energy resources, and implementing the restoration path. The systems may include a processor and a computer readable storage medium having a plurality of machine-readable instructions embodied thereon and con figured for execution by the processor to carryout the method.

Abstract: A method of charging a battery at multiple charges rates includes determining a type of power source connected to a charging circuit and determining a voltage of a battery to be charged by the power source. A desired charging voltage is determined in response to the power source type and the battery voltage. A difference between the desired charging voltage and the battery voltage is determined. A digital potentiometer is selectively commanded to adjust the desired charging voltage to vary the difference and alter a charging rate of the battery, such that the difference is increased to increase the charging rate or is decreased to decrease the charging rate.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides for an electrochemical cell comprising: a fuel electrode comprising a metal fuel, a second electrode, and an ionically conductive medium communicating the electrodes; the ionically conductive medium comprising hetero-ionic aromatic additives. The fuel electrode and the second electrode are operable in a discharge mode wherein the metal fuel is oxidized at the fuel electrode functioning as an anode, whereby electrons are generated for conduction from the fuel electrode to the second electrode via a load. An ionically conductive medium and methods of operating an electrochemical cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: Multi-dimensional battery networks are presented that are intrinsically superior to the standard battery networks that are currently being used in electric vehicle applications. The higher dimensional battery networks are more stable against failures in individual batteries. The networks can be implemented using Li-ion batteries and enhance the lifetime of battery networks, which is critically important, for example in automotive applications.

Abstract: A sulfur-containing electrode has a binder comprising a single-lithium ion conductor. The electrode may be used a cathode in a lithium-sulfur or silicon-sulfur battery.

Abstract: A battery pack discharging device is provided. The device includes a hand-held member having a handle portion and first and second actuation members extending from the handle portion. The device further includes a docking device having a housing, first and second switches, and a resistor. The housing has first and second apertures extending therethrough. First and second actuation members of the hand-held member are disposed in first and second apertures, respectively, of the housing such that the first and second actuation members transition the first and second switches, respectively, to first and second closed operational positions, respectively, to discharge the battery pack.

Abstract: A battery management apparatus is provided. The battery management apparatus includes a switched capacitor level shifter having a first port and a second port. The first port is configured to couple to a cell in a battery stack and the second port is configured to couple to a voltage measurement device. The apparatus includes a discharge device coupled to the second port, wherein the discharge device is configured to discharge the cell via the switched capacitor level shifter. A method of managing a battery stack is also included.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides for an electrochemical cell comprising: a fuel electrode comprising a metal fuel, a second electrode, an ionically conductive medium communicating the electrodes, the ionically conductive medium comprising at least two different additives, wherein at least one additive is selected from the group consisting of: macroheterocyclic compounds, phosphonium salts, hetero-ionic compounds and their derivatives; and, at least one additive is selected from the group consisting of: macroheterocyclic compounds, phosphonium salts, hetero-ionic compounds, and their derivatives. The fuel electrode and the second electrode are operable in a discharge mode wherein the metal fuel is oxidized at the fuel electrode functioning as an anode, whereby electrons are generated for conduction from the fuel electrode to the second electrode via a load. An ionically conductive medium and methods of operating an electrochemical cell are also disclosed.

Abstract: A plurality of battery pack accessories are presented. The accessories include a battery power gauge adapted to be applied to a battery pack and provides a visual indication of the state of the charge in the battery pack, a light adapted to the battery pack such that the battery pack can be used as a flashlight when needed, a connector (e.g., a Universal Serial bus (USB) connector) that can be used for charging the battery pack or to allow the battery pack to charge a device.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a power generation system. The power generation system includes a first generator and a first battery charger. The first battery charger is adapted to charge a first battery and a second battery. The first battery and the second battery are each adapted to provide power to start the first generator. The power generation system further includes a controller that determines a state of charge for each of the first battery and the second battery. Based on the state of charge for each of the first battery and the second battery, the controller determines which of the first battery and the second battery receives charging current from the first battery charger.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for initiating a charging system. The method, for example, may include, but is not limited to, providing, by the charging system, an incrementally increasing voltage to a battery up to a first predetermined threshold while the energy conversion module has a zero-percent duty cycle, providing, by the charging system, an incrementally increasing voltage to the battery from an initial voltage level of the battery up to a peak voltage of a voltage source while the energy conversion module has a zero-percent duty cycle, and providing, by the charging system, an incrementally increasing voltage to the battery by incrementally increasing the duty cycle of the energy conversion module.

Abstract: A battery charging method includes generating a plurality of charge profiles, each for a different one of a plurality of batteries, wherein a charge profile indicates a charge current as a function of charge time, and at least two of the charge profiles have a different charge current at a same charge time, and concurrently charging each of the plurality of batteries based on a corresponding charge profile.

Abstract: A method of producing an electrical potential by way of a rechargeable battery with a positive electrode of lead and a negative electrode of highly pure zinc. The electrolyte is an aqueous solution of an alkali metal bisulfate. Upon discharge, lead dioxide is reduced to lead sulfate, zinc is oxidized to zinc oxide, and the electrolyte is converted to an alkali metal hydroxide. The reactions are reversed when the battery is charged.

Abstract: A vehicular battery system includes an oxygen reservoir having a first outlet and a first inlet, a multistage compressor supported by the vehicle and having a second inlet and a second outlet, the second outlet operably connected to the first inlet, a cooling system operably connected to the multistage compressor and configured to provide a coolant to the multistage compressor to cool a compressed fluid within the multistage compressor, and a vehicular battery system stack including at least one negative electrode including a form of lithium, the vehicular battery system stack having a third inlet removably operably connected to the first outlet, and a third outlet operably connected to the second inlet.