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: A secondary battery protection circuit has: a first switch that permits or inhibits charging of a secondary battery by switching a charge conductor between a conducting and a non-conducting state; a voltage detection portion that monitors the voltage of the secondary battery to output an error signal when the voltage is an overvoltage; and a first current path that has one end connected to the positive-side conductor and the other end connected to the negative-side conductor, and through which a current corresponding to the supplied electric power passes. The first current path, other than during charging of the secondary battery, is kept in a non-conducting state and, when the error signal is outputted while the first current path is in a conducting state, is irreversibly brought into a non-conducting state by a current of a predetermined amount or more passing therethrough.

Abstract: A back-gate voltage generator circuit generating a back-gate voltage of a four-terminal back gate switching MOSFET for charge and discharge control is disclosed. The back-gate voltage generator circuit includes first and second n-type MOSFETs connected in series through a common source electrode. A voltage at the common source electrode of the first and second n-type MOSFETS connected in series serves as the back-gate voltage of the four-terminal back gate switching MOSFET, and the back-gate voltage is used as a reference voltage for generating signals for controlling the first and second n-type MOSFETS.

Abstract: The application relates to a power battery module, comprising rechargeable cells having a nominal operating charging temperature, greater than 20° C. According to the application, the module comprises a circuit for managing charging of the cells which comprises: two external charging terminals for charging of the cells, wherein at least one, called second charging terminal, of the two external charging terminals is distinct from the external use terminals, first interruption/connection means between said second charging terminal and one of the use terminals, second linking means between the charging terminals and the heating element to connect, at least in the first interruption position, the charging terminals to a heating element of the cells.

Abstract: An equipment system includes a battery unit (10) having a monitoring circuit (14), which detects at least one operating parameter of the battery unit (10) and furnishes a control signal, dependent on the operating parameter, for switching means (25, 31). The switching means control the charging and discharging process of the battery unit (10) and are located in the electrical device (20) and in the charger (30), respectively. From the battery unit (10), the control signal is transmitted to the switching means (25, 31) in the electrical device (20) and in the charger (30), respectively. By this provision of shifting the switching means (25, 31) out of the battery unit (10) into the electrical device (20) and into the charger (30), respectively, the heat development in the battery unit (10) and also its structure size are reduced.

Abstract: A battery temperature control system, in temperature rise control, sets a maximum chargeable current and a maximum dischargeable current based on detection values of current, voltage, and temperature of a high-voltage battery, and and controls charging/discharging power so that the current of the high-voltage battery does not exceed the maximum chargeable current or the maximum dischargeable current. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the high-voltage battery from abnormal heating and promptly raise its temperature according to change in the internal state of the high-voltage battery. In this control, a plurality of electrical equipment is selectively used. The amplitude of charging/discharging is controlled to reduce vibration noise and driving force fluctuation.

Abstract: Limit values of battery charging and discharging power are set by a battery charge discharge control apparatus, based on the estimation of the internal resistance of a battery according to a detected battery temperature and the sampling of a battery current and a battery voltage respectively detected by a current sensor and a voltage sensor. The limit values are used to control the battery current and the battery voltage to be within a current use range and a voltage use range of the battery, according to conditions of the battery in a vehicle.

Abstract: An electrically-driven vehicle 10 comprises a chargeable and dischargeable battery 20, a charger 16 that charges the battery 20 using a supply of electric power from an external power supply 100, an accessory unit 19 that is driven by a supply of electric power from at least one of the battery 20 and the charger 16; and a PM-ECU 18 that controls drive of the charger 16 so that the charged amount of the battery does not exceed a predetermined charging upper limit. The PM-ECU 18 sets the charging upper limit used when the accessory unit 19 is being driven, lower than the charging upper limit used when the accessory unit 19 is not being driven in order to avoid overcharging when excessive electric power is supplied from the accessory unit 19 to the battery 20.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A method for determining an equalizing charge of a battery in which the battery is overcharged beyond a nominal full state of charge includes detecting full charging operating phases in which the battery is at least in the nominal full state of charge and adding up charge quantities which are charged into the battery in the full charging operating phases to obtain a value of the equalizing charge.

Abstract: Battery pack may include rechargeable battery cells Battery charger may include power source circuit. Power source circuit may be connected with an external power source and battery cells. The external power source may supply power to the power source circuit and then, the power source circuit may supply charging current to battery cells. Battery charger may also include voltage detector for detecting the voltage input from the external power source to power source circuit. Battery charger may further include processor for controlling power source circuit. Processor may determine the amount of charging current supplied to battery cells based upon the external power source voltage detected by the voltage detector.

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 for predicting remaining capacity of a battery includes: (a) determining an initial battery capacity; (b) measuring a second voltage; (c) calculating a maximum possible battery voltage and a minimum possible battery voltage according to the second voltage, a maximum possible battery current and a minimum possible battery current, and an internal resistance; (d) calculating a maximum possible battery remaining capacity and a minimum possible battery remaining capacity according to the maximum possible battery voltage, the minimum possible battery voltage, and the voltage-remaining capacity table; (e) comparing the maximum possible battery current with the minimum possible battery current; and (f) calculating a remaining capacity of the battery according to a comparison result in step (e), the maximum possible battery remaining capacity, and the minimum possible battery remaining capacity.

Abstract: An energy saving type feeder voltage compensation apparatus improved in availability at low temperatures, wherein when a electric energy storage apparatus is lower in temperature than a predetermined value, an output voltage output to a feeder side is made equal to or higher than a no-load output voltage of a substation connected in parallel. Power is supplied to a power running rolling stock preferentially from the electric energy storage apparatus. The heating value of the secondary battery is increased and the battery temperature is raised by this discharging, whereby internal resistance of the electric energy storage apparatus is lowered, and the charging and discharging loss is suppressed, and the efficiency and availability of the energy saving type feeder voltage compensation apparatus as a whole are improved.

Abstract: A battery charging apparatus includes a controlled rectifier circuit for rectifying an output of a magneto AC generator and supplying a rectified output to a battery. The controlled rectifier circuit includes thyristors as rectifying elements, and components of the controlled rectifier circuit are mounted on a circuit board. The charging apparatus includes a protection circuit which has a sensor detecting a temperature of the circuit board and inhibits a trigger signal from being supplied to thyristors of said rectifier circuit when a temperature detected by said sensor is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

Abstract: In a method of charging a battery pack, the pack is inserted in a charger and an initial set of checks of cell voltage and pack temperature is performed. Once the initial set of checks is satisfied, the cells may be charged at a first constant current level. The first constant current level is adjusted to one or more lower levels of constant current until cell voltages of all the cells are within a full charge voltage window. The voltage window is defined between a minimum full charge cell voltage level and a maximum full charge cell voltage level. The charge may be terminated once all of the cells are within the full charge voltage window.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery with active over-temperature protection includes an energy storage unit for storing energy provided by a recharging device, a temperature sensing unit coupled to the energy storage unit for sensing temperature of the energy storage unit in order to generate a temperature sensing signal, and an insertion status unit coupled to the temperature sensing unit for outputting an indication signal to the recharging device so as to control operations of the recharging device.

Abstract: A controller for a rechargeable battery and a temperature estimation method and a deterioration determination method for a rechargeable battery enabling an accurate battery temperature to be obtained through calculation. The controller calculates a heat generation amount of Joule heat generated in the rechargeable battery and a heat generation amount of chemical reaction heat generated in the rechargeable battery to calculate the battery temperature of the rechargeable battery based on the calculated Joule heat generation amount and the calculated chemical reaction heat generation amount. When a cooling device is connected to the rechargeable battery, the controller preferably calculates the battery temperature of the rechargeable battery using the Joule heat generation amount, the chemical reaction heat generation amount, and a value indicating the cooling capability of the cooling device.

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 battery pack includes a battery including a positive electrode and a negative electrode, a switching module including a charge switching device and a discharge switching device, the charge switching device and discharge switching device being electrically connected to a high current path of the battery, a battery management unit (BMU) electrically connected to the switching module, the BMU being configured to adjust a limit value for a charging current supplied by the charge switching device and to set a magnitude of the charging current supplied by the charge switching device to be equal to or less than the adjusted.

Abstract: A battery pack and charging method for the same are disclosed. The battery pack automatically regulates the full-charge voltage of a battery according to the temperature of the battery. The battery pack includes: a battery being rechargeable and having a positive electrode and negative electrode; a switching module having a charge switching device and discharge switching device electrically connected to a high-current path of the battery; and a battery management unit electrically connected to the switching module to control the charge switching device and discharge switching device, and changing a full-charge voltage of the battery according to temperature of the battery.

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 thin and compact battery module capable of suppressing an increase in temperature of the battery in the battery module when the battery is charged. The battery module 20 includes a power circuit 21 having a heat-generating multilayer inductor 21A, a resin layer 22 in which the power circuit 21 is embedded, and a secondary cell arranged on the top face of the resin layer 22. The resin layer 22 has multiple recesses 22A in a portion that is in contact with the secondary cell 23.

Abstract: A battery-containing unit and a charging base are a battery-containing unit includes a lithium ion battery, and a charging base to which the battery-containing unit to be charged is placed. The battery-containing unit includes a charging circuit that converts an alternating current produced in an energized coil into a direct current, and a transmitter that detects the voltage of the lithium ion battery and transmits a voltage signal to the charging base. The charging base includes a receiver that receives the signal from the transmitter and detects the voltage signal, and a high frequency power supply that provides AC power to the energizing coil The power supply of the charging base detects the voltage of the lithium ion battery through the receiver and the transmitter, and is controlled to charge the lithium ion battery so that the voltage of lithium ion battery does not exceed a predetermined voltage.

Abstract: There is provided a digital cassette charging apparatus including: a charging unit loadable with plural types of digital cassette each comprising a rechargeable battery, the charging unit capable of charging the rechargeable batteries of the plural types of digital cassette at the same time; an identification unit for identifying each of the respective types of the plural digital cassettes that have been loaded in the charging unit; a storage unit stored with a charging profile for each of the digital cassettes, the charging profile representing the charging characteristics of the rechargeable battery; and a control unit for reading out from the storage unit the respective charging profile corresponding to the type of digital cassette identified by the identification unit from the plural types of digital cassette, and for controlling the charging unit based on the respective read-out charging profile.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that adaptively charges a battery, wherein the battery is a lithium-ion battery which includes a transport-limiting electrode, an electrolyte separator and a non-transport-limiting electrode. To charge the battery, the system first determines a lithium surface concentration at an interface between the transport-limiting electrode and the electrolyte separator. Next, the system uses the determined lithium surface concentration to control a charging process for the battery so that the charging process maintains the lithium surface concentration within set limits.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for accurately characterizing thermodynamic and materials properties of electrodes and electrochemical energy storage and conversion systems. Systems and methods of the present invention are configured for simultaneously collecting a suite of measurements characterizing a plurality of interconnected electrochemical and thermodynamic parameters relating to the electrode reaction state of advancement, voltage and temperature.

Abstract: A battery charging apparatus includes a switching power source supplying a current to a battery pack, an input voltage detecting unit detecting an input voltage of the switching power source, a charging current control unit that detects a charging current of the battery and controlling the charging current in accordance with a charging current set value, and a microcomputer detecting whether the current supplied to the battery to be charged is less than a predetermined value on the basis of a detection signal of the input voltage detecting unit and controls the charging current set value in accordance with the input voltage. When it is discriminated that the input voltage is less than a predetermined value on the basis of the detection signal, the microcomputer sets the charging current set value to be a value less than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A modular and scalable power source can be used to supplement an existing source of power. In one embodiment, a DC source can be used to maintain a power source of a host system in a specific state in order to cause a desired behavior.

Abstract: A battery pack comprising a power cell for providing power to a load or for receiving a charge from a charger, a first protection circuit for protecting from overvoltage and/or overcurrent conditions, and a second protection circuit for protecting from overtemperature conditions. The protection circuits independently control one or more electronic switching devices, through which passes substantially all of the current supplied by the power cell. When overvoltage and/or overcurrent conditions exist, the first protection circuit causes at least one of the switching devices to move to a non-conducting condition. Similarly, when an overtemperature condition exists, the second protection circuit causes at least one of the switching devices to move to a non-conducting condition.

Abstract: A charging circuit includes: a connecting terminal for connection to a nonaqueous-electrolyte secondary battery; a heating portion heating the nonaqueous-electrolyte secondary battery; a charging portion charging the nonaqueous-electrolyte secondary battery connected to the connecting terminal; and a control unit which allows the charging portion to charge the nonaqueous-electrolyte secondary battery after allowing the heating portion to heat the nonaqueous-electrolyte secondary battery, lowers the temperature of the nonaqueous-electrolyte secondary battery, and allows the charging portion to further charge the nonaqueous-electrolyte secondary battery.

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 charger that charges a battery unit including a secondary battery, includes a receiving unit, a detection unit, a determination unit, and a control unit. The receiving unit receives, from the battery unit, battery state information indicating a state of the battery unit, if the secondary battery is being charged. The detection unit detects charge state information indicating the state of the battery unit, if the secondary battery is being charged. The determination unit determines, using the battery state information and the charge state information, whether the battery unit is in a normal state. The control unit controls charging of the secondary battery in the battery unit depending on whether the battery unit is in the normal state.

Abstract: In a battery pack, an overcharge detecting circuit compares a voltage between a positive electrode and a negative electrode of a secondary battery with a threshold voltage to detect an overcharge of the secondary battery, and turns off a switching element. A series circuit including a thermistor and a resistor is arranged near the secondary battery and connected in parallel to the secondary battery. A comparator compares a voltage at a junction point of the thermistor and the resistor with a reference voltage corresponding to a predetermined temperature. In response to an output signal of the comparator, a changing unit changes the threshold voltage to a first value when a temperature of the secondary battery is below the predetermined temperature, and changes the threshold voltage to a second smaller value when the temperature of the secondary battery is above the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A charging method includes first and second charging steps to charge a lithium-ion battery. In the first charging step, a temperature rise gradient of the battery to a current is detected. A battery temperature when the battery is charged to a first predetermined capacity is predicted based on the gradient. A charging current is controlled based on the predicted temperature. The battery is charged, at a current that brings a battery temperature lower than a predetermined temperature, to the first predetermined capacity. In the second charging step, a temperature rise gradient of the battery is detected. A battery temperature when the battery is charged to a second predetermined capacity is predicted based on the gradient. A charging current is controlled based on the predicted temperature. The battery is charged, at a current that brings the temperature of the battery lower than the predetermined temperature, to the second predetermined capacity.

Abstract: A portable device is disclosed that includes a charge control circuit configured to control charging of a secondary battery included in a battery pack, the secondary battery being configured to supply power to the portable device; a temperature detection terminal at which the temperature of the secondary battery is detected from a temperature detection part of the battery pack; positive and negative power terminals to be connected to the battery pack; a control circuit configured to control the operation of the portable device; and an interface circuit connected between the temperature detection terminal and each of an input terminal of the charge control circuit and an input terminal of the control circuit, in which a signal detected at the temperature detection terminal is fed to each of the charge control circuit and the control circuit through the interface circuit.

Abstract: In a cordless power tool system, protection methods, circuits and devices are provided to protect against fault conditions within a battery pack that is operatively attached to a power tool or charger, so as to prevent internal or external damage to the battery pack or attached tool or charger. The exemplary methods, circuits and devices address fault conditions such as over-charge, over-discharge, over-current, over-temperature, etc.

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 battery protection system is provided for a rechargeable battery. The system has a switch module that selectively interrupts battery current based on a control signal, a battery voltage sensor that senses battery voltage, a battery temperature sensor that generates a battery temperature signal, and a control module that generates said control signal based on said battery temperature signal and said battery voltage.

Abstract: A charging system of the present invention is a charging system for charging a battery mounted on a portable telephone 100, and includes a charging control unit 174 that performs supply and control of the charging electric current and the charging voltage to the battery, a device temperature monitoring unit 170 that monitors the device temperature inside the portable telephone 100, and a battery temperature monitoring unit 172 that monitors the battery temperature of the battery. The charging control unit 174 controls the charging electric current to be supplied to the battery according to the device temperature monitored by the device temperature monitoring unit 170 and controls the charging voltage to be supplied to the battery according to the battery temperature monitored by the battery temperature monitoring unit 172.

Abstract: A battery is charged in a number of states, with a change from a third charge stage to a fourth charge stage (e.g., final stage) is executed when a battery voltage reaches a change voltage or when a charge time reaches an upper time limit, in order to inhibit the overcharging or undercharging of the battery. The upper time limit is set in response to a battery temperature detected at the end of a second charge stage. In addition, if the charge stage is changed to the fourth stage in response to a determination of whether the upper time limit has elapsed or not, a complete charge mode cycle is increased. At the fourth stage, a charge time calculated using a charge electricity quantity, a battery temperature and a charge mode of the first stage is set.

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: A battery charging system uses power line carrier communications, for communicating battery state information associated with charging batteries, between a battery charger and a battery management system (BMS) located on the battery or battery pack. The power line carrier includes transmitters and receivers transmitting and receiving battery state information, such as current, voltage and temperature, as digital signals on existing cable conductors located between the battery/battery pack and the battery charger. The battery management system (BMS), which is physically located on the battery pack, receives the information from the power line carrier, in order to measure a variety of parameters relating to charging the battery, which may be a motor vehicle battery or a battery for operating machinery, such as fork lifts, bulldozers and other earth moving and product transportation vehicles.

Abstract: In a battery pack with battery charger, a circuit derives a relatively low constant current from the charge current of the battery charger, and this relatively low constant current is used to charge the battery pack when temperature is below a threshold. Otherwise, the charge current from the battery charger is used, at least up to a high temperature threshold.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling power generation of a generator mounted on a vehicle, the generator charging a on-vehicle battery, comprising a detecting device that detects information indicating the internal status of the battery that includes temperature of the battery, a power supply circuit that supplies power to the detecting device, a calculator for calculating the internal status of the battery using the information detected by the detecting device, a circuit board on which the calculator, the power supply circuit, and the detecting circuit are mounted and a controller that controls the power generation of the generator based on the internal status of the battery. The temperature sensing element is arranged on a bus bar that is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the battery, and the bus bar and the temperature sensing element are coupled thermally to each other.

Abstract: A voltage detecting device for an on-vehicle high-voltage battery in which secondary batteries are connected in series, the on-vehicle high-voltage battery being divided into blocks each including at least one secondary battery, includes: voltage detecting means each assigned to each block for detecting a voltage of each secondary battery included in the block; and control means for controlling the voltage detecting means, wherein a common secondary battery is selected from the secondary batteries, a voltage of the common secondary battery being detectable by two voltage detecting means, wherein the control means causes the two voltage detecting means to detect the voltage of the common secondary battery, computes a detection error between the two voltage detecting means from the detected voltage values of the common secondary battery, and makes corrections in voltage values detected by the two voltage detecting means on the basis of the computed detection error.

Abstract: 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 or off, a current detecting circuit for detecting current flowing through the switching element, and a rectifying circuit for rectifying output voltage of the current detecting circuit in response to power supply voltage. The PWM controlling circuit has a limiter terminal for turning off the switching element when voltage equal to or above a determined value is input, and rectified voltage from the rectifying circuit is input to the limiter terminal. In this charging device, an amount of temperature increase of the switching element is suppressed so as to remain within a fixed range, and the charging power is not restricted unnecessarily.

Abstract: The present invention provides a battery charger and a method for preventing both an overshoot charging current and an overcharged battery voltage during a mode transition. The battery charger includes a charging regulation circuit having an input terminal, an output terminal, and a control terminal, in which the charging regulation circuit outputs a charging current whose amount is regulated based on a first regulation signal at the control terminal. The battery charger also includes an operational amplifier having a positive input terminal, a negative input terminal, and an output terminal for generating the first regulation signal; The battery charger contains a first switch unit and a second switch unit for controlling current flow in the battery charger.