Detection Of Current Or Voltage Amplitude Patents (Class 320/152)
-
Patent number: 7956583Abstract: A lithium polymer (LiPo) battery pack having LiPo battery cells is provided which includes battery protection circuitry, charging circuitry, cell balancing circuitry, and control and communication circuitry. The batteries can be charged while in use by an internal charger. Battery charging and discharging are accomplished in a controlled and protected manner to avoid overcharging and overdischarging conditions. The novel battery pack has built-in safeguards against dangerous LiPo battery conditions and is implemented in a small, portable unit which contains the battery cells, control and protection circuitry, internal charger and display gauge. The battery pack is useful for powering an intravenous fluid warmer or other medical or electrical devices and equipment.Type: GrantFiled: June 21, 2010Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: David Cassidy
-
Publication number: 20110121789Abstract: A battery pack includes a battery cell, a charge-blocking unit, a voltage sensing and balancing circuit, and a microcomputer, the microcomputer including a controller that detects at least one selected from the group of abnormal analog-to-digital conversion, abnormal voltage, and abnormal temperature of the battery cell, the controller outputting a charge control signal to the charge-blocking unit to inhibit charging of the battery cell.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 16, 2010Publication date: May 26, 2011Inventors: Jong-Woon Yang, Segawa Susumu, In-Kyu Park, Testyua Okada, Jin-Wan Kim
-
Publication number: 20110094762Abstract: An electric power tool has a drive motor and an electronic control unit. Power is supplied by a battery pack with several individual cells and a monitoring circuit for the operating parameters of the cells. A communication line connects electronic control unit and monitoring circuit. Digital data are exchanged through the communication line between electronic control unit and monitoring circuit. A controller controls data traffic through sending and receiving units. The communication voltage is higher than a permissible input voltage level of the controller and lower than a maximum battery pack voltage. The receiving unit, as a filter, converts a received first signal level that is lower than a first voltage to a LOW signal and lowers a received second signal level that is higher than a second voltage to the input voltage level of the controller and relays the second signal level as a HIGH signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: ANDREAS STIHL AG & CO. KGInventor: Gernot Liebhard
-
Publication number: 20110057624Abstract: An improved battery charging method is usable by a battery charger to charge a battery. The charging method may include an optional desulfation process, a first constant current process, a constant voltage process, a second constant current process and a float charge process. The charging method preferably improves various charge and usage characteristics of the battery through a single or continued use of the battery charger utilizing the charging method.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 6, 2009Publication date: March 10, 2011Inventor: Ronald A. Rizzo
-
Patent number: 7893658Abstract: Methods and systems for battery charging are provided. A system includes a battery charger electrically coupled to at least one battery and a plurality of sensors configured to measure a voltage of the battery, a charging current supplied to the battery, and a temperature of the battery wherein the battery charger is configured to determine a state of charge of the battery using at least one of the plurality of sensors to control gassing of the battery during charging.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: Ramesh Chandra Bhardwaj
-
Publication number: 20110037438Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that charges a battery. During operation, the system obtains a set of charging currents {I1, . . . , In} and a set of charging voltages {V1, . . . , Vn}. Next, the system repeats constant-current and constant-voltage charging operations, starting with i=1 and incrementing i with every repetition, until a termination condition is reached. These constant-current and constant-voltage charging operations involve charging the battery using a constant current Ii until a cell voltage of the battery reaches Vi, and then charging the battery using a constant voltage Vi until a charging current is less than or equal to Ii+1.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 17, 2009Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Ramesh C. Bhardwaj, Taisup Hwang, Richard M. Mank
-
Publication number: 20110037439Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide an improved rechargeable lithium battery. This rechargeable lithium battery includes a cathode current collector with a coating of cathode active material. It also includes an electrolyte separator, and an anode current collector with a coating of anode active material. Within this rechargeable battery, the thickness of the coating of cathode active material and the thickness of the coating of anode active material are selected so that the battery will charge in a predetermined maximum charging time with a predetermined minimum cycle life when the battery is charged using a multi-step constant-current constant-voltage (CC-CV) charging technique.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2009Publication date: February 17, 2011Applicant: APPLE INC.Inventors: Ramesh C. Bhardwaj, Taisup Hwang
-
Publication number: 20110031932Abstract: A method for recovering the accumulator battery, according to which method performed are the steps of: charging the accumulator battery that is carried out by passing therethrough the sequence of the rectangular current pulses which have a magnitude in the range of 400 to 480 A and a duty factor of 100 to 400; discharging the accumulator battery that is carried out in the pauses between the actions of the rectangular pulses for charging; and ceasing the cycles of charging with the rectangular pulses and discharging in the pauses therebetween when the measured amounts reach the values of the parameters defining the end of the process for charging the battery and recorded preliminary into the memory; then measuring the battery capacity by using the control discharge of the battery, and ceasing the control discharge when the voltage amount of the battery reaches the maximum permissible value set for this battery.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2010Publication date: February 10, 2011Inventor: Gennadiy Dmitrievich Platonov
-
Patent number: 7880442Abstract: One of first through fourth target state of charge levels, which are set at values that increase gradually over time, is selected on the basis of an ON/OFF state of a specific current consumer installed in the vehicle and a state of charge immediately preceding an engine stoppage. A target state of charge is set on the basis of the selected target state of charge level and an elapsed time after the lead storage battery is installed in the vehicle, whereupon the target state of charge is compared with the actual state of charge of the lead storage battery. The lead storage battery is charged in accordance with the comparative result.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Motohiro Takeuchi
-
Patent number: 7876070Abstract: An electronic timepiece with a generator function according to a first aspect of the invention has a generator, a storage unit that stores electrical energy produced by the generator, a timekeeping controller that is driven by the electrical energy stored in the storage unit, a time display that is controlled by the timekeeping controller and displays time, a voltage detector that detects the voltage of the storage unit, and a discharge unit that discharges the charge stored in the storage unit when the voltage of the storage unit detected by the voltage detector reaches a preset first setting.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2008Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Joji Kitahara
-
Publication number: 20110012562Abstract: A battery cell charging system, including a charger and a controller, for low-temperature (below about zero degrees Celsius) charging a lithium ion battery cell, the battery cell charging system includes: a circuit for charging the battery cell using an adjustable voltage charging-profile to apply a charging voltage and a charging current to the battery cell wherein the adjustable voltage charging-profile having: a non-low-temperature charging stage for charging the battery cell using a charging profile adapted for battery cell temperatures above about zero degrees Celsius; and a low-temperature charging stage with a variable low-temperature stage charging current that decreases responsive to a battery cell temperature falling below zero degrees Celsius.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2009Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.Inventor: Anil Paryani
-
Patent number: 7872448Abstract: A power supply system for portable equipment has a lithium-ion secondary battery as a power supply, a temperature detection portion for detecting a temperature of the power supply, a voltage detection portion for detecting a voltage of the power supply, a memory portion, and a forced discharge portion. The memory portion stores a control operating temperature, a control operating voltage and a control termination voltage. The forced discharge portion recognizes an abnormality of the power supply when the temperature of the power supply is at least the control operating temperature and the voltage of the power supply is at least the control operating voltage. Then, the forced discharge portion electrifies the notification portion and makes it inform a message indicating that the abnormality is being avoided. The forced discharge portion forcedly discharges the power supply until the voltage of the power supply reaches the control termination voltage.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2005Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Akihiro Taniguchi, Toshihiko Ichinose
-
Publication number: 20100327812Abstract: A method for managing electric quantity of a battery is disclosed. The method includes charging a battery normally with a 4.2V voltage when a temperature of the battery is lower than a first threshold temperature; charging the battery continuously when the temperature of the battery is higher than the first threshold temperature and lower than a second threshold temperature and the electric quantity of the battery is lower than a first threshold voltage. On the contrary, the battery is not charged any more when the temperature of the battery is between the first threshold temperature and the second threshold temperature and the electric quantity of the battery is higher than the first threshold voltage or a first capacity. If the temperature of the battery is higher than a second threshold temperature, the battery is not charged any more regardless of the battery voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2010Publication date: December 30, 2010Applicant: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC.Inventor: Yueh-Nu Hsieh
-
Publication number: 20100301803Abstract: A method of charging or recharging a NiMH battery. The disclosure further relates to a charging station and a system. The object of the disclosure is to provide a charging algorithm that charges the battery in a relatively short time and at the same time is relatively gentle as regards its life time degradation. The problem is solved in that the method includes a) providing a constant charge current until a predefined threshold voltage is reached; b) when the predefined threshold voltage is reached, keeping the voltage constant by reducing the charge current; and wherein the predefined threshold voltage is determined depending on the temperature of the battery. This has the advantage of providing a charging algorithm with a compromise between charging speed and battery life time. The disclosure may, e.g., be used for the portable communication devices, e.g. listening devices, such as hearing instruments.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: Oticon A/SInventor: Frederik FLEMMING
-
Publication number: 20100302050Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for controlling charging of a portable terminal equipped with a solar battery that converts solar energy into an electrical energy, the apparatus including a thermistor in which a resistance value changes according to a temperature change; a comparator which outputs a first signal when a temperature surrounding the thermistor is less than a preset reference temperature as determined by the resistance value change of the thermistor according to the temperature change and outputs a second signal when the temperature is at least the preset reference temperature or more; and a charging unit which is activated and receives the electrical energy from the solar battery to charge a battery when the first signal is inputted from the comparator, and is deactivated and blocks the charge of battery in case the second signal is inputted.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2010Publication date: December 2, 2010Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.Inventors: Jun Chul KANG, Seung Chul CHOI, Jae Ahn RYU
-
Patent number: 7830115Abstract: A cradle charging system comprises a charging cradle defining a space for a battery of an electronic device. Transformer charging circuitry for charging the battery in the electronic device includes a primary side circuitry for receiving a charging voltage. Secondary side circuitry inductively couples the charging voltage to the battery. The secondary side circuitry provides a controlled output signal based on either constant voltage control or constant current control responsive to a charge level of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2007Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Intersil Americas Inc.Inventor: Chuck Wong
-
Publication number: 20100277130Abstract: According to one embodiment, an information processing apparatus powered by a battery and an external power supply, comprises a power supply circuit which comprises a temperature sensor and converts power obtained from the external power supply and supplies a first charge current to the battery, and a controller which supplies a current to the battery with a second charge current smaller than the first charge current if a temperature received from the temperature sensor has exceeded a threshold, and supplies the current to the battery with the first charge current if both the temperature received from the temperature sensor and a battery level have exceeded corresponding thresholds.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2010Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBAInventor: Kazuhiko TSUJI
-
Publication number: 20100277129Abstract: The application discloses a method and apparatus for controlling the charging of a battery in a communication device. The method includes sensing temperature of the battery while charging the battery, and determining that the temperature is greater than a predetermined temperature threshold value. The method then includes monitoring a charging status of the battery when the determined temperature is greater than the predetermined temperature threshold value. The charging status indicates an amount of charge in the battery. The method further includes determining that the amount of charge in the battery is less than a predetermined charge threshold value. The method then includes suspending charging of the battery, until the temperature falls below the predetermined temperature threshold value, when the determined amount of charge in the battery is less than the predetermined charge threshold value.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2009Publication date: November 4, 2010Applicant: MOTOROLA, INC.Inventors: Bradley E. Long, Daniel J. Jakl
-
Patent number: 7825624Abstract: A battery-operated power output device includes a battery seat for receiving a dry cell power source, a charging signal generator connected to the battery seat for generating a charging signal output, a power source connector for connection to a rechargeable battery load, a safety switch for making or breaking connection between the power source connector and the charging signal generator, a detecting module for detecting voltage and current values of the charging signal output, and a switch controller that controls the safety switch according to a timer signal from a timer unit and detected voltage and current values from the detecting module.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2007Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Inventor: Yi-Jang Yeh
-
Publication number: 20100270980Abstract: Embodiments include methods for charging a battery of an electrical system. The electrical system includes the battery, a battery charger, and a controller. The battery charger is adapted to produce an output power in response to a control signal from the controller. The controller is adapted to control a battery charging process by determining a temperature of the battery pack, determining a voltage setpoint for the battery charger based on the temperature, and providing the control signal to the battery charger. According to an embodiment, when the temperature of the battery exceeds a first temperature value, the battery charging process is temporarily suspended prior to satisfying a charging termination criterion. Determining the temperature of the battery is repeated, and when the temperature of the battery is less than a second temperature value, the battery charging process is resumed.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 24, 2009Publication date: October 28, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: VERNON L. NEWHOUSE, RICHARD A. MARSH, CAROL L. JOHNSON, PAUL G. GROSHEK
-
Patent number: 7821233Abstract: In a charging circuit charging a battery based on a power supply voltage from an external power supply, a charging transistor is provided on a path from the external power supply to the battery. A charging control circuit is integrated on a semiconductor substrate, and adjusts an ON state of the charging transistor to control a charging current supplied to the battery. The voltage adjusting circuit provided on an electric power supply path from the external power supply to a power supply terminal of the charging control circuit generates a necessary voltage drop. The current adjusting circuit adjusts the ON state of the charging transistor such that a voltage of the battery is brought close to a predetermined voltage value. The clamp circuit clamps a voltage at the power supply terminal of the charging control circuit below a predetermined clamp voltage.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2007Date of Patent: October 26, 2010Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventors: Satoru Nate, Isao Yamamoto, Sachito Horiuchi
-
Publication number: 20100253291Abstract: A system and method of controlling charging process of an electronic device. The electronic device is installed with a battery and a protection circuit. The method includes setting a time interval to check a charging state of the electronic device, checking whether the battery is in an error state before a power supply charges the electronic device, and checking whether the electronic device is in an charging error state according to the time interval till the electronic device completes the charging process. When there is an abnormity, the method can output a message to a user and end the charging process using the protection circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2009Publication date: October 7, 2010Applicant: CHI MEI COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, INC.Inventor: CHIA-PIN LIN
-
Publication number: 20100244779Abstract: A charging control device (1) of the present invention monitors a charging current (I3) for a secondary battery (3) and controls the charging of the secondary battery (3) such that the current value of the charging current is equal to which of a target value preset within the device and a target value freely set from an outside of the device is smaller.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2008Publication date: September 30, 2010Applicant: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hideo Hara
-
Patent number: 7800247Abstract: An electrical energy storage system for maximizing the utilization of renewable energy. In the system an inverter connected to at least one battery module is integrated with a grid power source and home or office electrical devices. Additionally, a renewable energy source can be included in the system. A controller is used to control the components for reducing demands on the grid power source during peak demand periods and for maximizing the utilization of the renewable energy source connected to the system.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2008Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Inventors: Chun-Chieh Chang, Olivia Pei-Hua Lee
-
Publication number: 20100225281Abstract: A battery charger includes: a circuit board including terminal portions provided to be exposed to the outside from an insertion portion, in which a secondary battery is inserted, and electrically connected to the secondary battery; a power circuit portion obtaining a voltage from an external power source and supplying a charging current to the secondary battery; a temperature detection unit detecting a battery temperature of the secondary battery; a charging control switch turning on/off the charging current; and a controller controlling the power circuit portion or the charging control switch based on a voltage and a current of the power circuit portion and the battery temperature, wherein the temperature detection unit is provided in a part of the circuit board opposed to the insertion portion at a distance from electronic components constituting the power circuit portion and the controller based on a heat generation temperature of the electronic components.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventor: Mitsugu Sato
-
Publication number: 20100225282Abstract: In a vehicle charging system, conservation of energy may be achieved by an energy-routing device that selectively routes electrical energy generated from moving air to an energy-storage device, to an energy-dissipation device, or to both. The determination of where to route the electrical energy may be based on sensor measurements of voltage, current, and temperature. A processor may use measurements of sensors within the system to determine whether the energy-storage device may safely or efficiently store additional electrical energy.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2010Publication date: September 9, 2010Inventor: Mitchell Andrew Paasch
-
Patent number: 7786706Abstract: A method for charging a rechargeable battery by using a charge power supply that charges the rechargeable battery at constant voltage is provided. A pulse charge operation is performed at a charge process start. The charge process is stopped when current in the pulse charge operation is not greater than a predetermined value and it is determined that the rechargeable battery is in a full-charge state. On the other hand, the rechargeable battery is charged at constant voltage when the current in the pulse charge operation is greater than the predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2007Date of Patent: August 31, 2010Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takahiro Yamashita, Tomoya Fukuda
-
Patent number: 7782014Abstract: A method and system for managing a plurality of batteries and useable by way of example with a partially or completely electrically powered vehicle (EV) includes a plurality of monitor modules each coupled to at least one of the plurality of batteries and configured to monitor the voltage and temperature thereof, a master controller, and a non-conductive fiber optic network coupling the plurality of monitor modules to one another and to the master controller. The master controller commands the transmission of battery voltage and temperature information from the plurality of monitor modules over the network, receives battery voltage and temperature information from the monitor modules over the network, and perform calculations based on the received information to determine if any of the plurality of batteries require balancing measures, and based thereon, commands the corresponding monitor modules to implement balancing measures over the network.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2008Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: AC Propulsion, Inc.Inventor: David Sivertsen
-
Patent number: 7782017Abstract: Apparatus is configured for producing an output signal indicating an operating status of a monitored circuit. An input signal relating to the monitored circuit is received at an input node. A pulse train generator, coupled to the input node, is configured for generating a pulse train of a prescribed repetition rate at a duty cycle alternated between first and second duty cycle values at a prescribed frequency. The duty cycle and frequency are indicative of operating status of the monitored circuit.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2006Date of Patent: August 24, 2010Assignee: Linear Technology CorporationInventors: Thomas P. Hack, Robert C. Dobkin, Alfonso Centuori, Andrew Bishop
-
Publication number: 20100207587Abstract: When the relation of battery temperature Tb1>battery temperature Tb2 is satisfied, a temperature increase request for a power storage unit becomes relatively large. Therefore, a target power value P2* for the power storage unit is determined with priority. The target power value P2* is calculated by multiplying the required power value Ps* by a distribution ratio Pr2 (0.5?distribution ratio Pr2?1.0) determined in accordance with temperature deviation between battery temperature Tb1 and battery temperature Tb2. The target power value P1* is determined by subtracting the target power value P2* from the required power value Ps*.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2007Publication date: August 19, 2010Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Hichirosai Oyobe, Shinji Ichikawa, Eiji Sato
-
Patent number: 7777454Abstract: A battery charger integrated circuit with temperature control is disclosed that includes a temperature sensor circuit and a charging current generator circuit. Upon receiving a temperature reading voltage (VDT), the temperature sensing circuit is operable to generate a second reference voltage (VREF) that is a function of the first reference voltage (VREF1). The charging current generator circuit generates and continuously adjusts a reference current (I1) and a charging current (IOUT) according to the second reference voltage (VREF). Whenever the temperature reading voltage (VDT) exceeds the first reference voltage, the temperature sensor circuit is operable to adjust the second reference voltage (VREF).Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2009Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Monolithic Power Systems, Inc.Inventor: Zhengwei Zhang
-
Publication number: 20100201326Abstract: A storage battery system includes a battery module including nonaqueous electrolyte secondary batteries. The storage battery system further includes a temperature sensor which measures a temperature of the battery module, a voltmeter which measures a voltage of each of the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary batteries and a charge control unit which controls a maximum end-of-charge voltage V1 (V) of the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary batteries to fall within the range defined in formula (1) given below when the temperature of the battery module is not lower than 45° C. and is not higher than 90° C.: 0.85×V0?V1?0.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 22, 2010Publication date: August 12, 2010Inventors: Norio TAKAMI, Hiroki Inagaki, Yoshinao Tatebayashi, Yuji Sato
-
Publication number: 20100194351Abstract: A charging method for charging a secondary battery includes the steps of: (a) performing constant-current charging with a first current; and (b) when a voltage of a secondary battery reaches a first voltage, performing constant-voltage charging at the first voltage. When a temperature of the secondary battery is equal to or higher than a reference temperature in step (a), step (b) includes the steps of (b1) when the voltage of the secondary battery reaches a second voltage lower than the first voltage, performing constant-voltage charging at the second voltage, (b2) after step (b1) and when the temperature of the secondary battery falls below the reference temperature, performing charging with a second current, and (b3) when the voltage of the secondary battery reaches the first voltage, performing constant-voltage charging at the first voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 3, 2009Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventors: Takeaki Nagashima, Yoshiyuki Nakatamari
-
Publication number: 20100188053Abstract: A battery charging apparatus and method adapted to reduce battery capacity as a function of increased temperature thereby permitting partial charges at temperatures in excess of manufacturer's recommendations. The method includes steps of reducing charging current and charging voltage as a function of battery temperature thereby averting chemical instability within the battery. The apparatus detects battery temperature and includes a controller that will control charger voltage and current as a function of temperature and determine a suitable charging capacity.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 22, 2010Publication date: July 29, 2010Inventors: STEVE CARKNER, Paul Jan Melichar, Joon Kim
-
Patent number: 7759903Abstract: A voltage between both terminals of each unit battery is amplified by a differential amplifier and is then converted by a converter into a predetermined physical quantity that corresponds to the voltage between both terminals of the unit battery. The converted physical quantity is then level-shifted by a detection circuit and is converted into a voltage on a reference potential of the lowest electric potential of the battery assembly. A control unit sequentially selects the converted voltages by a multiplexer, generates serial digital signals by an A/D conversion, and then transmits the serial digital signals to a control operation unit via an isolation buffer circuit. It is, therefore, possible to provide a battery voltage measurement circuit capable of measuring a voltage of each of unit batteries constituting a battery assembly with high accuracy by using a common measurement circuit in a relatively simple and inexpensive configuration.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2007Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: Keihin CorporationInventor: Seiji Kamata
-
Publication number: 20100176768Abstract: A charging control circuit for a secondary battery includes a temperature detection terminal for detecting the temperature of a secondary battery from an input detected voltage; a temperature comparison part having four threshold voltages corresponding to four reference temperatures, the temperature comparison part being configured to compare the four threshold voltages with the detected voltage input to the temperature detection terminal and to output a temperature range signal indicating the temperature range of the detected voltage; and a control part configured to control a charging current and/or a charging voltage based on the temperature range signal output from the temperature comparison part.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2008Publication date: July 15, 2010Applicant: Mitsumi Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Daisuke Kimura, Koichi Yamaguchi, Iwao Kitamura
-
Patent number: 7755329Abstract: A system for optimizing battery pack charging is provided. In this system, during charging the coupling of auxiliary systems (e.g., battery cooling systems) to the external power source are delayed so that the battery pack charge rate may be optimized, limited only by the available power. Once surplus power is available, for example as the requirements of the charging system decrease, the auxiliary system or systems may be coupled to the external power source without degrading the performance of the charging system.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2009Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Telsa Motors, Inc.Inventors: Scott Ira Kohn, Ernest Matthew Villanueva
-
Publication number: 20100164438Abstract: The present invention relates to a battery controlling apparatus for a vehicle and effectively prevents overcharge upon battery charging with a simple configuration. The battery controlling apparatus for a vehicle includes a charging ratio detection section 1b for detecting a charging ratio of a battery 4 upon starting of constant current control, an elapsed time measurement section 2a for measuring elapsed time from a point of time at which the constant current control starts, a timeout setting section 2c for setting timeout time of the constant current control based on the charging ratio detected by the charging ratio detection section 1b, and a current cutoff section 2d for cutting off current to be supplied to the battery 4 when the elapsed time measured by the elapsed time measurement section 2a, upon the constant current control, exceeds the timeout time set by the timeout setting section 2c.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2008Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: Mitsubishi Jidosha Kogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Jun Saito
-
Publication number: 20100164437Abstract: Method and system for forming or charging batteries or power cells. The system includes control processor; input switch coupled to a power supply, charging switch coupled to the battery, filter network between the input and charging switches, battery temperature sensor, input voltage sensor, and charging voltage and current sensors. The control processor monitors the sensors and controls the switches to deliver a charging waveform to the battery selected to perform an efficient charging of the battery. The method includes applying a charging current pulse, having a current value and a pulse width, to the battery at a repetition rate; monitoring battery temperature; determining whether to change the current value, repetition rate or pulse width; and changing them when determined. Battery resistance can be a determinant. A sensor on a battery post can monitor battery temperature. A hardware temperature sensor can monitor system temperature and be used to detect system resonance.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 22, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Inventors: Joseph P. McKinley, Stephan A. Sellers, Kent R. Colclazier
-
Publication number: 20100164430Abstract: An intelligent adaptive energy management system and method that manages the charge and discharge process as well as the environmental quality of the energy resource to maximize its safety and its energy output. The system includes multiple features that may be used alone or in combination. One feature includes one or more sensors capable of measuring various characteristics of the battery cells and their environment such as cell temperature, rate of rise in cell temperature, cell voltage, cell density, cell internal resistance and cell shape deformation. The sensors communicate the measured data to a controller which controls activities such as cell charging, cell discharging, cell balancing, and/or cell availability to provide energy to the device served. Another feature includes a charging module in communication with the controller adapted to provide varying types and/or durations and/or amplitudes of the charge to the cells.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 14, 2009Publication date: July 1, 2010Applicant: VBI 2000, LLCInventors: CUI LU, PENGCHENG ZOU, DALLAS LEE NASH, II
-
Publication number: 20100156356Abstract: A charging current is maintained at a predetermined constant quick charging current (S1) and a full charge determination is made at a point in time (S7) when the terminal voltage (V1) (S6) reaches the charge end voltage Vf?. The charge end voltage Vf? is taken as a voltage (S5) obtained by adding a voltage drop amount VD (S4) that is obtained by multiplying an internal resistance value (S3) estimated from the temperature T (S2) of a secondary battery by a quick charging current value to a predetermined initial charge end voltage Vf. Therefore, a constant high current can be supplied from the beginning to the end and quick charging can be performed up to a full charge, while preventing overcharge, in place of the conventional CC-CV charging.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2008Publication date: June 24, 2010Inventors: Jun Asakura, Takuma Iida, Hajime Nishino
-
Publication number: 20100156355Abstract: A battery charging system and method for charging a plug-in electric vehicle with power from an external power source, such as a standard 110 volt or 220 volt AC wall outlet. The method senses various internal and external conditions and uses this information to charge the plug-in electric vehicle in an optimum fashion that reduces charging time yet avoids damage to components of the charging system. In one embodiment, the battery charging system includes an external power source, a battery charger with sensors for monitoring the external power source and the charger, a battery unit with sensors for monitoring the battery, a battery charging control module for processing the information, and a user interface that allows user-specified custom charging constraints. All of these components, with the exception of external power source, may be located on the vehicle.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 19, 2008Publication date: June 24, 2010Applicant: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC.Inventors: Paul A. Bauerle, Vernon L. Newhouse, Jeffrey T. Wolak
-
Patent number: 7741814Abstract: A power supply device includes battery equipment and voltage detecting circuitry. The battery equipment includes positive-side and negative-side battery blocks that are connected to each other at a reference midpoint. The voltage detecting circuitry detects the respective voltage values of serially-connected battery modules of the battery equipment. The voltage detecting circuitry includes positive-side and negative side voltage management ICs with respect to the reference midpoint. The positive-side and negative side voltage management ICs manage the voltage conditions of the battery modules in the positive-side and negative-side battery blocks, respectively. Positive-side and negative-side voltage power lines of each of the positive-side and negative side voltage management ICs are connected to positive-side and negative-side output terminals of the battery equipment so that all the battery modules supply electric power to each of the voltage management ICs.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: Sanyo Electric Co., Ltd.Inventor: Hiroyoshi Yamamoto
-
Patent number: 7741805Abstract: An electrical power storage device provides power to crank an internal combustion engine. Thereafter available power from the electric power storage device to crank the engine again is continually updated. Remedial measures are invoked if the available power is less than a predetermined power threshold.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2007Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, Inc.Inventors: Xiaodong Zhang, Nick S. Kapsokavathis, Mutasim A. Salman, David W. Walters, Xidong Tang
-
Patent number: 7741815Abstract: A lithium polymer (LiPo) battery pack having LiPo battery cells is provided which includes battery protection circuitry, charging circuitry, cell balancing circuitry, and control and communication circuitry. The batteries can be charged while in use by an internal charger. Battery charging and discharging are accomplished in a controlled and protected manner to avoid overcharging and overdischarging conditions. The novel battery pack has built-in safeguards against dangerous LiPo battery conditions and is implemented in a small, portable unit which contains the battery cells, control and protection circuitry, internal charger and display gauge. The battery pack is useful for powering an intravenous fluid warmer or other medical or electrical devices and equipment.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2006Date of Patent: June 22, 2010Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventor: David Cassidy
-
Publication number: 20100134073Abstract: A system for optimizing battery pack charging is provided. In this system, during charging the coupling of auxiliary systems (e.g., battery cooling systems) to the external power source are delayed so that the battery pack charge rate may be optimized, limited only by the available power. Once surplus power is available, for example as the requirements of the charging system decrease, the auxiliary system or systems may be coupled to the external power source without degrading the performance of the charging system.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2009Publication date: June 3, 2010Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.Inventor: Scott Ira Kohn
-
Patent number: 7728559Abstract: A charging device that may perform charging with larger current is provided. The charging device comprises a switching element for increasing or decreasing charging power, a PWM controlling circuit for intermittently turning the switching element on and off, a current detecting circuit for detecting current flowing through the switching element, and a correcting circuit for correcting output voltage of the current detecting circuit depending on the temperature of the switching element. The PWM controlling circuit has a limiter terminal for turning off the switching element when voltage equal to or above a predetermined value is input, and corrected voltage from the correcting circuit is input to the limiter terminal.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2008Date of Patent: June 1, 2010Assignee: Makita CorporationInventor: Hitoshi Suzuki
-
Publication number: 20100127666Abstract: A battery charger circuit includes a transistor having a first current electrode for receiving a charging voltage, a control electrode for receiving a control signal, and a second current electrode for providing an output voltage. The battery charger circuit further includes a rectifier having a terminal coupled to the second current electrode of the transistor, and another terminal coupled to a power supply voltage terminal. The battery charger circuit also includes a control and regulation circuit having an input for receiving a feedback signal representative of a temperature, and an output for providing the control signal. The control and regulation circuit operates in either a switching mode or a linear mode in response to the feedback signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2008Publication date: May 27, 2010Inventor: Alan R. Ball
-
Publication number: 20100129690Abstract: Provided is a vehicular power source unit having an external electric power supply controlling element (94) configured to control the operation of a heater (16) and a recharger (22) operated by an electric power supplied from a commercial power source (70) via an external power source connector (25) according to a terminal voltage and temperature of a fuel cell (10) detected by a fuel cell state detecting element (91) and a state of a battery (20) detected by a battery state detecting element (92) when a fuel cell vehicle is halted, the supply of reactant gas to the fuel cell (10) by a fuel cell controlling element (93) is stopped and the external power source connector (25) is connected to the commercial power source (70).Type: ApplicationFiled: November 25, 2009Publication date: May 27, 2010Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Takuro UEMURA, Keisuke FUJIMAKI
-
Patent number: 7723993Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for rapidly and safely estimating the high-rate load test voltage of a storage battery utilizing open-circuit voltage, temperature and a dynamic parameter such as conductance or resistance. An output indicative of the condition of the battery is provided as a function of the estimated load test voltage of the battery compared to industry standards without the necessity to charge the battery or discharge the battery with high-rate loads using bulky load testing equipment.Type: GrantFiled: September 2, 2003Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Midtronics, Inc.Inventor: James K. Klang