Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring relative capacity and state of charge between at least two cells, or cell modules, A and B of a plurality of Lithium Sulfur cells arranged in series, comprising: a timer; a voltage monitoring module configured to monitor a voltage drop across each of the Lithium Sulfur cells or cell modules arranged in series based on signals received from a voltage monitoring circuit; and a cell monitoring module coupled to the timer and the voltage monitoring module and configured to, during a charging cycle in which the cells are charged at a constant current: record a time stamp T1(Cell A) at which the monitored voltage of the first cell, cell A, leading the charging reaches a first voltage V1(cell A) set to be near top of charge as the rate of change of the monitored voltage measurably increases; record a time stamp T1(Cell B) at which the monitored voltage of the cell B following the charging reaches the first voltage V1(Cell A); record a time stamp T2(Cell A) at which the monitored voltage of t

Abstract: A rechargeable hexagonal battery for electronic devices is disclosed. The battery includes an outer casing, protecting one or more electronic components. The battery includes a plurality of sides configured with at least six sides. The battery includes at least six points of intersection between one or more of the sides. The battery includes a power button affixed to the casing. The battery includes a charging port positioned on a bottom end of the casing to provide a recharge.

Abstract: A method to control a battery temperature includes: determining state difference information of a first battery, among batteries, based on state information of the first battery and average state information of the batteries; calculating a first output value of a first converter corresponding to the first battery based on the determined state difference information; and controlling a charging and discharging process of the batteries to cause the first converter to generate a power flow based on the calculated first output value.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for are provided for a wireless power receiver.

Abstract: A method of charging a solid-state lithium-based battery that does not include a lithium deposited anode (i.e., lithium anode-free, solid-state lithium-based battery) is provided. The method includes charging a lithium anode-free, solid-state lithium-based battery that needs to be charged utilizing at least an initial charge stage in which a charge rate of 5 C or greater is performed for a period of time of 50 seconds or less. Such charging can produce a reduced deformation of the top electrode of the lithium anode-free, solid-state lithium-based battery.

Abstract: Over a period of operation, non-volatile memory can develop a residual resistance that is impractical to remove. For example, in a NAND string of memory cells, trapped charge may build up in a region between the bit lines and drain side select gates, so that even when all the devices of a NAND string are in an “on” state, the NAND string will not conduct. This effect will skew both hard bit data determinations, indicating the data state of a selected memory cell, and soft bit data determinations which may correlate to the reliability of the hard bit data. Techniques are described to factor in such excessive residual resistance when determining the soft bit data.

Abstract: A method of estimating time required to charge a vehicle is provided. The method reduces an error in estimating the time required for charging due to a difference between the voltage of an external power supply unit, measured when setting a reservation for charging, and the voltage applied to an on-board charger during actual charging of a battery, and a charging reservation method using the same. The method includes detecting an input voltage to an on-board charger from an external power supply unit and estimating an input current. A charging voltage margin value is determined based on the detected input voltage and the input current and a charging setting voltage is determined by applying the charging voltage margin value to the input voltage. A time required for charging is then calculated based on the charging setting voltage, the input current, and a charging demand of a battery.

Abstract: A battery monitoring system, comprises a battery state detection circuit that detects battery states of a plurality of battery cells that are connected in series, based on respective cell voltages of the plurality of battery cells, and a control circuit that monitors state of a battery cell, based on each cell voltage of the plurality of battery cells. The control circuit inputs pseudo voltage information to the battery state detection circuit, and thereby diagnoses whether or not the battery state detection circuit is operating normally.

Abstract: A lithium-ion battery includes a lithium-ion cell, a positive electrode terminal, a positive/negative electrode insulation sheet, a connector and a housing used as a negative electrode. The lithium-ion cell is arranged in the housing, the connector is arranged between the lithium-ion cell and the housing. The positive electrode terminal is installed on one end of the lithium ion cell. A circuit board is arranged between the battery positive/negative electrode and the lithium-ion cell. A voltage/current control and overcharge/over-discharge protection circuit is integrated on the circuit board. The voltage/current control and overcharge/over-discharge protection circuit can adjust the voltage of the lithium-ion battery to be a voltage of 1.5V/1.2V. The shape and size of the housing can be designed to be any shapes to replace traditional dry batteries according to requirements. The lithium-ion battery can be designed to be using the same port to do the discharging and charging work.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating current is disclosed. The current estimation apparatus may receive a voltage value of a battery pack and voltage values of cells included in the battery pack, and may estimate a current of the battery pack based on the voltage value of the battery pack, the voltage values of the cells included in the battery pack, and resistance components within the battery pack.

Abstract: A battery pack, a method for detecting the battery pack, a charging assembly, and an electric tool are provided for detecting voltage and disconnection of the battery cells. The battery pack may have an output voltage of at least 56V and may include a plurality of series connection units. A voltage detecting module may be utilized for detecting voltage in the battery pack. A battery control module configured to control voltage detecting module may also be employed. The method may involve determining whether the series connection units are disconnected based on rates of voltage change or internal-resistance of the series connection units.

Abstract: A method (300) and system (600) of adjusting a charging current to one or more cells (601) is provided. The method includes obtaining (301) a plurality of charging time periods, where each charging time period defined as a time period required to charge the one or more cells with a predefined current at one of a plurality of different temperatures. A temperature of the one or more cells is determined (302). A predetermined current is scaled (306) by a quotient of a first charging time period defined by a first one of the plurality of different temperatures divided by a second charging time period defined by a second one of the plurality of different temperatures to obtain a magnitude of the charging current. The cells are charged (307) with the charging current at the magnitude to more rapidly charge the one or more cells at temperatures above room temperature.

Abstract: System and methods for identifying a weak subdivision in a battery system are presented. In certain embodiments, a system may include a battery pack that includes multiple subdivisions. A measurement system may be configured to determine multiple subdivision electrical parameters associated with the subdivisions. A battery control system may identify a weakest subdivision based one on or more calculated derivative ratios of a subdivision electrical parameter associated with one subdivision of the battery pack relative to a subdivision electrical parameter associated with another subdivision.

Abstract: Temperature characteristics of battery cells are detected. In accordance with one or more embodiments, an intercept frequency is detected for each battery cell, at which frequency an imaginary part of a plot of impedance values of the battery cell exhibits a zero crossing. The impedance values correspond to current injected into the cell. A temperature of the cell is determined based upon the detected intercept frequency for the cell and stored data that models operation of the cell. Various approaches are implemented with different types of circuits coupled to detect the impedance values of the respective cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a battery management apparatus of a high voltage battery for a hybrid vehicle, in more detail, a battery management apparatus of a high voltage battery for a hybrid vehicle which includes: a plurality of battery packs including a plurality of unit cells; slave battery management modules measuring and monitoring temperature and voltage of the unit cells in the battery packs; temperature/voltage measurement wires connecting the unit cells with adjacent unit cells for the slave battery management modules to measure temperature and voltage between the unit cells and the adjacent unit cells; a master battery management module connected with the slave battery management modules; and communication wires connecting the modules.

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: Provided are battery SOC estimating apparatus and method. The battery SOC estimating apparatus according to the present invention includes a first SOC calculating unit which applies a predetermined parameter to calculate a first state of charge (SOC) of a battery; one or more second SOC calculating units which individually apply different parameters to calculate one or more second SOCs of the battery; and an optimal parameter extracting unit which confirms a second SOC which is the closest to an actual SOC of the battery from one or more second SOCs to extract a parameter which is applied to the second SOC which is the closest to the actual SOC as an optimal parameter, in which the first SOC calculating unit applies the optimal parameter to calculate a final SOC of the battery.

Abstract: A battery pack includes: a battery unit in which a plurality of battery modules with a plurality of secondary batteries connected in series to each other is connected in parallel to each other so that output current; and a battery management unit. The battery management unit calculates a first allowable current value of each of the plurality of battery modules and calculates second allowable current values of the other battery modules based on the first allowable current value of one battery module from the plurality of battery modules. The battery management unit calculates a value corresponding to the sum of the first allowable current value used as the reference and the respective second current values as an allowable current value when each of the second allowable current values is equal to or smaller than the first allowable current value of the corresponding battery module.

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: There is provided a method of thermally controlling an electric storage device. The method comprises increasing cooling medium supplied to the electric storage as an electric charge stored in the electric storage device increases. According to the method, by increasing the cooling medium supplied to the electric storage device as an electric charge stored in the electric storage device increases, the electric storage device may be kept at a temperature that increases the efficiency of charging or discharging the electric storage device. It is asserted to be more efficient to lower the temperature of the electric storage device when more electric charge is stored in the electric storage device. Also, an adequate amount of the cooling medium may be supplied to the electric storage. As a result, the overall efficiency of the electric system may be improved.

Abstract: Improved protection for a rechargeable battery from damage by being discharged below a cut-off voltage is provided. The measured voltage of a battery under load is lower than the measured voltage of the battery under no load. As the cut-off voltage for the battery is specified as a no load voltage, comparing the measured voltage of the battery under load to the cut-off voltage would result in stopping use of the battery with useable charge remaining. Through testing, a set of relationships for estimating the no load voltage of a battery under load has been determined. Using this set of relationships with battery measurements, an estimated no load voltage for the battery is determined. This estimated no load voltage is compared to the cut-off voltage. This allows for full use of the battery while stopping use of the battery when its voltage reaches the cut-off, thereby preventing damage.

Abstract: A method of evaluating battery packs is described. The method includes measuring a cell open voltage for each battery cell group in a section of battery cells; measuring a voltage under charge, or a voltage under load, or both, at a predetermined time interval for each battery cell group in the section of battery cells; determining the magnitude of the difference between the open cell voltage and the voltage under charge, or the voltage under load, or both, for each battery cell group in the section of battery cells by subtracting the voltage under charge from the cell open voltage, or subtracting the voltage under load from the cell open voltage, or both; and determining if the magnitude of the difference between the open cell voltage and the voltage under charge, or the voltage under load, or both, for each battery cell group in the section of battery cells exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: A charge control circuit equipped with a function of controlling a charging current to be supplied to a secondary battery, comprises: a detecting unit for monitoring a temperature; and a charge control unit for controlling so as to break the charging current when the monitored temperature rises to a temperature equal to or more than a predetermined set temperature, decrease the charging current as the monitored temperature becomes higher when the monitored temperature is in a predetermined temperature range lower than the set temperature, flow the charging current having a predetermined current value in a state where the monitored temperature is lower than a lower limit temperature of the temperature range, or flow the charging current having a current value smaller than the current value when the monitored temperature is within a range of from an upper limit temperature of the temperature range to the set temperature.

Abstract: A charging circuit for charging a battery includes a processor, a switching circuit, a voltage converter, and a power voltage detecting circuit. A first terminal of the switching circuit is connected to a power source. A second terminal of the switching circuit is connected to a first output of the processor. A first terminal of the voltage converter is connected to a third terminal of the switching circuit. A second terminal of the voltage converter is connected to the battery. The power voltage detecting circuit is connected to the power source, and a first input and a second output of the processor.

Abstract: In a voltage monitor, an abnormality detecting unit receives first information outputted from a first obtaining unit and second information outputted from a second obtaining unit, and determines that an abnormality that affects on at least one of first and second diagnostic thresholds arises in the voltage monitor when the first information is different from the second information. The abnormality detecting unit receives a first forced signal outputted from a first forced-output unit and a second forced signal outputted from a second forced-output unit. The abnormality detecting unit determines whether a timing at which the level of the first diagnostic threshold is switched for each step is deviated from a timing at which the level of the second diagnostic threshold is switched for a corresponding step based on a result of a comparison between the first forced signal and the second forced signal.

Abstract: The electronic apparatus allows a user to arbitrarily set a display of a remaining battery level. The apparatus includes a detector which detects a remaining battery level of a battery, and a threshold-value-setting part which is operated by a user to set a threshold value for performing a display relating to the remaining battery level. The apparatus further includes a controller which displays in a display device an image representing the remaining battery level in accordance with the result of a comparison between the remaining battery level detected by the detector and the threshold value set with the threshold-value-setting part.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for an electronic device. The apparatus includes a dynamic electrical load, a secondary power coil receiver module that inductively receives a current from a primary coil of an power conversion system, a means for monitoring a current in the secondary receiver module being delivered to the dynamic load, a means for transmitting a power control signal to the power conversion system through the secondary charging coil, a current monitoring circuit that measures a current delivered to the dynamic load and a current limiter circuit that limits the current to the dynamic load based upon the measured charging current.

Abstract: A charging system which is particularly suitable for recharging the batteries of electrically powered motor vehicles using a charge head with multiple contacts that mate with an array of charge receiving electrodes onboard the vehicle being recharged. The charge head is supported from overhead, and may, using a power assisted system, be lowered, into place against the array of charge receiving electrodes onboard the vehicle. Switches may be spaced apart so that, like the grasping elements of the handle, use of both hands is required. The charge head causes breaking of series connections of batteries within the vehicle so that individual batteries may be charged in parallel. A battery temperature monitor is provided. An annunciator locally or remotely signals errors or indicates completion of charge. Payments are accepted near the charge head, thereby allowing for commercial operation.

Abstract: A charging signal Vi responding to a charging current is inputted to one input terminal (?) of an operational amplifier 95 forming a comparator and a setting signal Vr corresponding to a setting current value is inputted to the other input terminal (+) of the operational amplifier 95. When the charging signal Vi is not higher than the setting signal Vr, a charging stop signal is generated from the output terminal of the operational amplifier 95 to interrupt a switch unit 4. A starting signal Vcc larger than the setting signal Vr applied to the other input terminal (+) is applied to the one input terminal (?) of the operational amplifier 95 through a condenser 94 till a prescribed time elapses from the start of a charging operation to generate a charging start signal from the output terminal of the operational amplifier 95 and electrically conduct the switch unit 4.

Abstract: An energy storage unit has several storage elements (2, 2?) which are switched in series and a charge redistribution circuit (6, 6?). The latter is installed in such a manner that the voltage of the storage element (UELn, UEln?) is measured and compared with a voltage threshold value (UTHRn, UTHR, UTHRn?, UTHR?). When the threshold value is exceeded by a storage element, it removes charge from said storage element, thus reducing its voltage. According to one aspect, a storage-related temperature determination is conducted, and the threshold value is set variably in dependence on the determined temperature (Tn, T) in such a manner that it is reduced as the temperature increases. According to a further aspect, the threshold value is set variably in dependence on the current vehicle operating state, in such a manner that it is set higher for relatively brief periods of time when the storage or removal requirement is relatively high.

Abstract: A battery assembly having batteries connected in series to form rows and columns of battery cells into packs that combine the energy of multiple batteries. The battery cells are joined together to form columns of cells connected mechanically together by an exterior connection sleeve, and mechanically and electrically connected together by a conductive epoxy joining the end of one cell to the end of an adjacent cell in series. The columns of cells are mounted and held in place by racks, with bolts passing through the racks to form a sandwich structure that secures the position and orientation of the cells and columns, and that maintains the electrical connection between joined cells. Perpendicularly disposed to the direction of the columns are a series of conductive bands that join adjacent cells together along rows of cells.

Abstract: The rechargeable battery abnormality detection apparatus is provided with an internal short circuit detection section (20b) that monitors rechargeable battery (1) voltage change when no charging or discharging takes place, and detects internal short circuit abnormality when battery voltage drop during a predetermined time period exceeds a preset threshold voltage; a degradation appraisal section (20d) that judges the degree of rechargeable battery degradation; and a threshold control section (20c) that incrementally increases the threshold voltage according to the degree of degradation determined by the degradation appraisal section (20d).

Abstract: A protection circuit for a battery pack, comprising: a thermistor for indicating a temperature of a cell in the battery pack; a first comparator coupled to the thermistor for determining whether the temperature has exceeded a charge cut-off temperature threshold for the cell, and if so, for turning off a first switch in series with the cell to prevent charging of the cell; and, a second comparator coupled to the thermistor for determining whether the temperature has exceeded a discharge cut-off temperature threshold for the cell, and if so, for turning off a second switch in series with the cell to prevent discharging of the cell.

Abstract: A protection circuit is provided for protecting a secondary battery from overcharging and excessive discharge current by a simple circuit. The protection circuit is provided with a connection terminal (T3) for connecting the secondary battery (6); a connection terminal (T1) for connecting a charging device for charging the secondary battery (6) and/or a load device driven by a discharge current from the secondary battery (6); a bimetal switch (SW1) that is provided between the connection terminals (T1, T3) and turned off in the case of exceeding a specified temperature set beforehand; a heater (R2) for heating the bimetal switch (SW1); and an integrated circuit (IC1) for turning the bimetal switch (SW1) off by causing the heater (R2) to generate heat if a voltage applied to the connection terminal (T3) by the secondary battery (6) exceeds a preset reference voltage.

Abstract: A power source comprised of a metal-air battery pack and a non-metal-air battery pack is provided, wherein thermal energy from the metal-air battery pack is used to heat the non-metal-air battery pack. In one aspect, a thermal energy transfer system is provided that controls the flow of thermal energy from the metal-air battery pack to the non-metal-air battery pack. In another aspect, the flow of thermal energy from the metal-air battery pack to the non-metal-air battery pack is controlled and used to heat the non-metal-air battery pack prior to charging the non-metal-air battery pack.

Abstract: A system includes an input configured to connect to a power source providing an input voltage, an output configured to connect to a load and to transfer power from the power source to the load, a battery selectively coupled to the input to receive current from the power source, a detector configured to indicate whether the input voltage drops more than a threshold amount, and a processor configured to regulate the selective coupling of the battery to the input to regulate a charging current supplied to the battery, the processor configured to regulate the selective coupling such that if a first charge current induces a drop in the input voltage beyond the threshold amount, then the processor will change the charging current to a second charge current that is lower than the first charge current.

Abstract: A protection circuit for a battery pack, comprising: a thermistor for indicating a temperature of a cell in the battery pack; a first comparator coupled to the thermistor for determining whether the temperature has exceeded a charge cut-off temperature threshold for the cell, and if so, for turning off a first switch in series with the cell to prevent: charging of the cell; and, a second comparator coupled to the thermistor for determining whether the temperature has exceeded a discharge cut-off temperature threshold for the cell, and if so, for turning off a second switch in series with the cell to prevent discharging of the cell.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a battery management system includes a charger controller for controlling a charging current of a battery according to a status of a load which is powered by the battery, and a counter coupled to the charger controller for determining a charging time according to such status. Advantageously, a first charging current is selected when the load is off. A second charging current that is less than the first charging current is selected when the load is on. Furthermore, a frequency of the counter is set to a first frequency when the load is off. The frequency is set to a second frequency that is less than the first frequency when the load is on.

Abstract: A system for balancing energy delivery devices within the one or more battery packs and for providing isolated monitoring of the battery packs includes at least one group of energy delivery devices electrically connected in series. For each group of energy delivery devices, the system includes a balancing circuit for each adjacent pair of energy delivery devices. The balancing circuit adjusts charge stored in each energy delivery device of the pair so that the charge stored in the energy delivery devices of the pair is substantially equal, and the charge stored in each energy delivery device remains above a threshold. The system also includes a voltage monitoring module for sequentially selecting each of the energy delivery devices and providing a voltage associated with the selected device at an output port. The voltage monitoring module uses a low on-resistance differential multiplexer to select each of the energy delivery devices.

Abstract: In a charging/discharging control system for controlling an allowable power level of a secondary battery at the time of charging/discharging operations, excessive discharging or recharging of the secondary battery is prevented, and excessive suppression of the charging/discharging of the secondary battery is prevented. A vehicle ECU controls charging/discharging of the secondary battery in accordance with a predetermined allowable power level. A battery ECU detects an actual loading power level of a secondary battery; calculates a differential power level between the detected actual loading power level and an allowable power level; measures the number of times the calculated differential power level has become equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold value; and downwardly revises the allowable power level when the count has become equal to or greater than a predetermined upper-limit level.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for accurately estimating a state of charge of a battery, which can measure a change of temperature and an open circuit voltage so as to estimate the state of charge at an initial time when a vehicle is not driven, and while measuring a decrement in a capacity of a battery according to charging and discharging of the battery when the vehicle is driven. The method includes the steps of: measuring a temperature in an initial estimation of the state of charge; measuring an open circuit voltage; obtaining parameters indicating a change of the open circuit voltage according to a change of temperature; and calculating the state of charge using the parameters and the open circuit voltage which is measured depending on the obtained parameters.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows the end user to optimize the performance of an all-electric or hybrid vehicle and its charging system for a desired mode of operation is provided. The system of the invention includes multiple charging/operational modes from which the user may select. Each charging/operational mode controls the cut-off voltage used during charging and the maintenance temperature of the battery pack.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows the end user to optimize the performance of an all-electric or hybrid vehicle and its charging system for a desired mode of operation is provided. The system of the invention includes multiple charging/operational modes from which the user may select. Each charging/operational mode controls the cut-off voltage used during charging and the maintenance temperature of the battery pack.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows the end user to optimize the performance of an all-electric or hybrid vehicle and its charging system for a desired mode of operation is provided. The system of the invention includes multiple charging/operational modes from which the user may select. Each charging/operational mode controls the cut-off voltage used during charging and the maintenance temperature of the battery pack.

Abstract: In a remote battery charging system comprising a charging circuit there is always a voltage loss due to inherent resistances in the system from such things as connectors and conductors. These resistances create voltages losses in the system such that charging times are increased substantially. The present invention compensates for voltage losses on the system by generating a dynamic adjustment voltage over the charging period. A voltage translator circuit is used to measure charging circuit output voltage and current over a plurality of incremental time periods during the charging period an calculate a signal proportional to changes in output voltage and current over the incremental time period. The signal is then applied to the charging circuit to offset any voltage losses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a battery charge. The embodiment may measure the charge level of a battery and determine if the charge level equals or exceeds a threshold. When the battery charge level does not equal or exceed the threshold, the battery may be charged.

Abstract: A method for charging a secondary battery with a constant current, in which a peak of output voltage is detected by utilizing a predetermined current value, and then the battery continues to be charged with a current value lower than the predetermined current value, so that the peak of output voltage or a voltage drop subsequent to the peak is detected, or alternatively a timer may be used, for termination of the charging operation.

Abstract: A battery module for a portable electronic device is disclosed. The battery module is connected with the portable electronic device with at least three contacts. The battery module includes a battery, a recognition circuit, and a thermal sensing circuit. The recognition circuit has an energy storage element and a current limiting element, and the thermal sensing circuit has a switch and a thermal sensing element. The thermal sensing element varies its electric parameter in accordance with the temperature of the battery module. With the charging curve of charging the energy storage element by way of the current limiting element, the portable electronic device can determine a battery type, and the thermal sensing circuit is then initiated to acquire the thermal information of the battery module.

Abstract: A charging/discharging apparatus, method and system that receives power from a power supplying apparatus. The method includes a temperature measuring step for measuring an internal temperature of the charging/discharging apparatus. A first transmitting step transmits the internal temperature data of the charging/discharging apparatus to the power supplying apparatus. Charged state information of a battery pack attached to the charging/discharging apparatus is collected and supplied to the power supplying apparatus. A battery pack temperature measuring step measures an internal temperature of the battery pack and a second transmitting step transmits the internal temperature data of the battery pack to the power supplying apparatus.

Abstract: In accordance with various embodiments, there is a method for determining the state of charge of a battery. Various embodiments include the steps of determining the specific gravity of the battery and measuring an open circuit voltage of the battery at rest. The open circuit voltage at rest can be used to determine the battery state of charge from a correlation function dependent on the battery specific gravity.