Abstract: An SOC of each battery cell is periodically detected, and an SOCmin and an SOCmax are determined. Battery cells having the SOCs larger than SOCmin+? are selectively discharged. After an elapse of a preset equalization processing time period, discharge of all the battery cells is stopped. The equalization processing time period is set based on a rate of change in the SOC of the battery cell subjected to discharge and a rate of change in the SOC of the battery cell not subjected to discharge such that a magnitude relationship between the SOC of the battery cell having the SOCmin and the SOC of another battery cell is not reversed.

Abstract: A battery pack includes: one or two or more secondary batteries; a charge control switch that turns on/off a charging current to the secondary battery; a discharge control switch that turns on/off a discharging current from the secondary battery; a current-detecting element for detecting the charging current and the discharging current; a voltage measuring part that measures the voltage of the secondary battery; a control unit that controls the charge control switch and the discharge control unit; and a storage unit that stores an initial internal resistance of the secondary battery. The control unit measures a closed circuit voltage and a charging current during charging, and a first closed circuit voltage after a first waiting time and a second closed circuit voltage after a second waiting time. The second waiting time is longer than the first waiting time.

Abstract: A protection device includes a voltage detector having N or more sub-circuits each for monitoring a specific battery cell to output a detection signal when at least one of the battery cells outputs an abnormal voltage. Each sub-circuit includes voltage dividing resistors, a reference voltage generator, and a comparator. The voltage dividing resistors generate a voltage division signal by dividing an output voltage of the battery cell. The reference voltage generator generates a reference voltage. The comparator compares the voltage division signal against the reference voltage. Each comparator is powered with voltage across the battery cell associated with the sub-circuit.

Abstract: A power delivery rate from a renewable power source to a load is managed by determining, by processing circuitry, a change in a power generation rate, determining, by the processing circuitry, whether the change in the power generation rate exceeds a limit, and then, adjusting, by control circuitry, a power transfer rate to or from a power storage device, such that the adjusting is sufficient to prevent the power delivery rate from exceeding the limit.

Abstract: A current sensor includes a magnetic balance sensor and a switching circuit. The magnetic balance sensor includes a feedback coil which is disposed near a magnetic sensor element varying in characteristics due to application of an induction field caused by measurement current and which produces a canceling magnetic field canceling the induction field. The switching circuit switches between magnetic proportional detection and magnetic balance detection. The magnetic proportional detection is configured to output a voltage difference as a sensor output. The magnetic balance detection is configured to output, as a sensor output, a value corresponding to current flowing through the feedback coil when a balanced state in which the induction field and the canceling magnetic field cancel each other out is reached after the feedback coil is energized by the voltage difference.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling a hybrid power architecture to provide fuel or energy savings. Recharge time of an energy storage device (ESD) is reduced through the application of a controlled potential and ESD recharge time management over the life of the hybrid system through manipulation of the ESD charge state window of operation. Fuel or energy savings is achieved by controlling the partial-state-of-charge (PSOC) window of the ESD based on a recharge resistance profile of the ESD and by controlling a charging potential applied to the ESD based on a recharge current and/or the estimated recharge resistance profile of the ESD.

Abstract: The present application discloses a cordless charger for a wearable patient monitor. When a patient (10) is diagnosed with a heart condition, or suspected heart condition, they are prescribed a patient monitoring system. The system includes monitors (12) that the patient (10) wears to collect the data of interest. Each day, the patient swaps the monitor (12) he or she is wearing with a fully charged monitor (12) from a cordless charger (14). In this manner, a fresh monitor (12) is always available for monitoring the patient (10). The cordless charger (14) includes a battery (50) that powers the processes of the charger and recharges batteries (34) of the monitors (12). Data from the monitors can be either offloaded to the charger memory (70), or transmitted to a remote database (32) via the patient's Bluetooth enabled cellular phone (30) or other like device.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a system that monitors a battery in a portable electronic device. During operation, the system applies a pulse load to the battery and determines an impedance of the battery by measuring a voltage of the battery during the pulse load. Next, the system assesses a health of the battery based on the impedance. Finally, the system uses the assessed health to manage use of the battery in the portable electronic device.

Abstract: Fuel cell components provide fuel cells on a flexible sheet that defines a wall of a flexible plenum. An external support structure limits expansion of the plenum in response to forces exerted by a pressurized reactant. The external support structure may comprise a portion of a housing of a portable device. Cathodes of the fuel cells may be accessible from an outside of the flexible sheet and exposed to ambient air while anodes of the fuel cell are accessible from an inside of the flexible sheet and exposed to a fuel, such as hydrogen gas.

Abstract: The present invention is a control system for charging a lead-acid battery based on the knowledge of the state of charge of the battery to provide a more consistent percent return target across the range of discharge levels and life of the battery.

Abstract: Disclosed is a battery pack including: a plurality of cell modules including a plurality of battery cells; and a battery management system for transmitting a control signal on charging to at least one of the plurality of cell modules based on state information of a battery cell transmitted by the cell modules, and controlling a current supplied to the cell modules by an external charger based on the state information, wherein the cell modules are charged to a predetermined capacity of the battery cell in connection with the external charger, and are charged to full capacity of the battery cell individually according to the control signal so the battery pack is fully charged very quickly without a cell balancing process.

Abstract: A battery charger including a converter unit, a terminal adaptor, a cable, a battery, and/or multiple power connectors. A terminal, such as an electronic device, can be connected to the converter unit using the cable or directly to the converter unit without the cable. The converter unit determines when to draw power from an external power and when to cease drawing power from the external power source by detecting a power enablement condition or a power disablement condition. The power disablement condition occurs when the terminal is fully charged, the terminal is disconnected from the converter unit, and/or a charge time of the terminal exceeds the predetermined charge time threshold. The power enablement condition occurs when the terminal is initially connected to the converter unit and/or the terminal needs to be charged. The battery supplies power to components of the converter unit and/or the terminal.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a charging circuit is provided. The apparatus includes a first detector, a second detector, and a controller. The first detector detects a voltage level at a first time and generates a first indication value corresponding to the voltage level at the first time, where the voltage level corresponds to an output voltage of the charging circuit. The second detector detects the voltage level at a second time after the first time and generates a second indication value corresponding to the voltage level at the second time. The controller receives the first and second indication values, and generates a control signal according to the first and second indication values for turning the charging circuit on and off.

Abstract: Power management techniques are disclosed. For instance, an apparatus may include a bidirectional voltage converter circuit, and a control module that selectively operates the bidirectional voltage converter circuit in a charging mode and a delivery mode. The charging mode converts a voltage provided by an interface (e.g., a USB interface) into a charging voltage employed by an energy storage module (e.g., a rechargeable battery). Conversely, the delivery mode converts a voltage provided by the energy storage module into a voltage employed by the interface.

Abstract: A charging device capable of appropriately grasping the charged state of a battery pack using data stored in a memory of the battery pack even when the battery pack becomes commercial as a new product. A charging device determines charged state data indicative of a charged state of a battery pack mounted thereon based on a charging current supplied and/or a charging voltage applied to the battery pack. A charge control microcomputer reads charging characteristics data from a memory of the battery pack, and generates a data table associating at least one of the charging current supplied and the charging voltage applied to the battery pack and the charged state data with each other, based on the charging characteristics data read out. The microcomputer determines charged state data indicative of a charged state of the battery pack, based on the generated data table.

Abstract: A method of developing an optimum a lithium battery charging algorithm is conducted by providing a salt dissolved in solvent permitting lithium ions to leave a cathode in large format battery cells. Charge and discharge are then measured under different C-rate conditions. Using the cathode material phase transformations to ascertain a differential curve, peaks in the differential curve are observed with all data plotted against dV/dt and V, where V represents voltage and t represents time. Areas in voltage ranges are then observed where the rate of increase is higher than in other areas. By varying the charging current, an optimum charging voltage can be ascertained and maintained.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a device for balancing a flow of electrical energy from a vehicle to an external power source is provided. The device comprises a balance circuit being configured to receive an input current signal from the power source and to transmit an output current signal to the external power source for charging a element in a vehicle. A differential resistance causes the input current signal and the output current signal to be different. A current measuring device is configured to generate an output differential signal indicating a difference between the input and output current signals. A current generating device is configured to generate a compensated current signal in response to the output differential signal and to adjust the output current signal with the compensated current signal such that the input and output current signals are generally similar to one another.

Abstract: In a hybrid vehicle equipped with an engine, a planetary gear mechanism linked to the output shaft of the engine and to a driveshaft, a first motor linked the planetary gear, a second motor inputting and outputting power to and from the driveshaft, and a battery inputting and outputting electric power to and from the motors, when the battery temperature Tb is lower than the preset reference temperature Tbref, drive control prohibits the intermittent operation of the engine and controls the engine and the motors to output the torque demand to the driveshaft with warm-up control of the battery. When the battery temperature Tb is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature Tbref and the cooling water temperature Tw is higher than or equal to the preset reference temperature Twref, drive control performs the intermittent operation of the engine and controls the engine and the motors to output the torque demand to the driveshaft.

Abstract: A method and integrated circuit for preserving a battery's charge and protecting electrical devices is disclosed. A maximum and a minimum battery voltage value at the output port are stored in a memory. A steady state battery voltage at the output port is measured and stored in the memory. A processor compares the measured steady battery voltage value to the maximum and the minimum battery voltage values. If the measured steady state battery voltage value is greater than the maximum battery voltage value, an over voltage state is reported by the processor. If the measured steady state battery voltage value is less than the minimum battery voltage value, a low battery voltage state is reported by the processor.

Abstract: A method and integrated circuit for preserving a battery's charge and protecting electrical devices is disclosed. A maximum and a minimum battery voltage value at the output port are stored in a memory. A steady state battery voltage at the output port is measured and stored in the memory. A processor compares the measured steady battery voltage value to the maximum and the minimum battery voltage values. If the measured steady state battery voltage value is greater than the maximum battery voltage value, an over voltage state is reported by the processor. If the measured steady state battery voltage value is less than the minimum battery voltage value, a low battery voltage state is reported by the processor.

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: An apparatus and method for improving use efficiencies of lead-acid batteries, and more particularly to 12V external lead-acid batteries used in vehicles of all types, load-leveling installations, and backup power applications. A method includes the steps of: a) determining a state of charge (SOC) for a lead-acid battery; b) comparing the SOC against a predetermined charge zone, the charge zone having an upper bound no more than about 90% maximum charge and more preferably no more than about 85% maximum charge and the charge zone having a lower bound no less than about 70% maximum charge and more preferably no less than about 75% maximum charge; and c) maintaining a charge of the lead-acid battery wherein the SOC is within the charge zone.

Abstract: The abnormality detection apparatus for a battery pack includes a first determining function of making a first determination that abnormality is present when a voltage across a unit battery of interest is higher than a first threshold, a second determining function of making a second determination that abnormality is present when the voltage is lower than a second threshold lower than the first threshold, a short-circuit function of making a short-circuit between a detection line of interest connected to one electrode of a unit battery of interest and an adjacent detection line connected to the other electrode of the unit battery, and a third determining function of making a third determination that there is faulty electrical continuity in the detection line of interest if the first determining function makes the first determination and the second determining function makes the second determination when the short circuit function makes the short-circuit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for charging a USB device. A USB connector may be used to couple the system to a USB port on the USB device, the USB connector including a bus voltage (Vbus) connector, a positive data (D+) connector, and a negative data (D?) connector. Charger circuitry may be used to receive a source voltage and convert the source voltage into the bus voltage (Vbus), wherein the bus voltage (Vbus) is used to charge the USB device. Presence detect circuitry may be used to compare a first voltage present on the D+ connector with a second voltage present on the D? connector in order to detect when the USB connector is coupled to the USB port of the USB device.

Abstract: A control apparatus (30) estimates a status of charge (SOC) by a first estimation method by temporarily changing the SOC of a battery (B) so that the SOC of the battery (B) falls within a first region in the case a period, during which the estimated value of the status of charge of the battery (B) falls within a second region, exceeds a prescribed period.

Abstract: A method and integrated circuit for preserving a battery's charge and protecting electrical devices is disclosed. A maximum and a minimum battery voltage value at the output port are stored in a memory. A steady state battery voltage at the output port is measured and stored in the memory. A processor compares the measured steady battery voltage value to the maximum and the minimum battery voltage values. If the measured steady state battery voltage value is greater than the maximum battery voltage value, an over voltage state is reported by the processor. If the measured steady state battery voltage value is less than the minimum battery voltage value, a low battery voltage state is reported by the processor.

Abstract: The management method comprises a charging phase and may comprise an optional prior phase of estimating the state of charge of the battery. Comparison of the absolute value of the slope of the voltage at the battery terminals with a full-charge threshold at the end of each period, when a pulsed current is applied, is used as end-of-charging criterion in the charging phase and/or as full-charge criterion in the phase of estimating the state of charge. The charging phase by pulsed current is interrupted when the slope reaches the full-charge threshold. This same comparison constitutes the criterion for estimating the necessity for going to a charging step after the prior phase of estimating the state of charge of the battery.

Abstract: A battery charger includes a power source for supplying a primary charge current to a first battery, and a charge manager for charging a second battery. The charge manager is coupled to the power source and is configured to charge the second battery with a secondary charge current in accordance with a continuous comparison between a predefined maximum current limit and a total current drawn from the power source.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of monitoring a battery in an automotive vehicle are provided. An output is provided which can be a relative output as a function of minimum and maximum parameters of the battery.

Abstract: A system, a method, and an article of manufacture for determining an estimated battery cell module state indicative of a state of a battery cell module of a battery pack are provided. The method includes measuring at least one of a battery cell module voltage, a battery cell module current, and a battery cell module temperature. The method further includes determining the estimated battery cell module state of the battery cell module at a predetermined time based on an estimated battery pack state and at least one of the battery cell module voltage, the battery cell module current, and the battery cell module temperature. The method further includes storing a vector corresponding to the estimated battery cell module state in a memory.

Abstract: A charging current for a secondary battery is reduced when the secondary battery voltage gets close to a previously set constant voltage. When the charging current has become less than a charging completion current value as a reference for determining whether the charging has been completed, a charging control sequence circuit determines that the charging of the secondary battery has been completed and proceeds to a first flow consumption current mode. The charging control sequence circuit turns off a first switch to cut off an electrical connection to stop the operation of the charging control circuit, whereby a switching element and a switching element for synchronous rectification are turned off to cut-off electrical connections so that the charging current becomes 0 mA.

Abstract: An integrated circuit and method for monitoring and controlling power and for identifying an open circuit state at an output port is disclosed. A circuit is implemented to determine whether an open circuit state exists based on a comparison of data received from the output port and attached loads. The data received from the output port and attached loads is compared to a minimum open circuit current value of the output port, wherein the minimum open circuit current value is based on the hardware characteristics of the output port and attached loads. A possible open circuit state at the output port is reported based on the comparison.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for charging a USB device. A USB connector may be used to couple the system to a USB port on the USB device, the USB connector including a bus voltage (Vbus) connector, a positive data (D+) connector, and a negative data (D?) connector. Charger circuitry may be used to receive a source voltage and convert the source voltage into the bus voltage (Vbus), wherein the bus voltage (Vbus) is used to charge the USB device. Presence detect circuitry may be used to compare a first voltage present on the D+ connector with a second voltage present on the D? connector in order to detect when the USB connector is coupled to the USB port of the USB device.

Abstract: An apparatus, which controls the temperature of a secondary battery formed by combination of a plurality of single cells or a plurality of battery modules each made by series connection of multiple single cells, prevents variations in the temperature or voltage of the single cells or the battery modules, which could otherwise be caused when the secondary battery is heated. A temperature control section controls the quantity of heat by means of which a heater heats a secondary battery formed by combination of a plurality of battery modules made by series connection of multiple single cells. The temperature control section detects a rate of temporal changes in an open circuit voltage of the secondary battery. When a detected rate of temporal changes in open circuit voltage has exceeded a predetermined threshold voltage value, the heater is controlled to thus diminish the quantity of heat used for heating the secondary battery.

Abstract: An internal short-circuit detecting device for detecting an internal short circuit of a battery being subjected to constant current charge using a constant current amount (I) has: a voltage detection unit for detecting a terminal voltage of the battery; a terminal voltage acquisition unit for acquiring a terminal voltage (V1), as predetermined by the voltage detection unit, at a starting point of a first period (?W1) and a terminal voltage (V2) at an ending point; a voltage increase amount calculation unit for calculating an actual increase amount (?V3) of the terminal voltage of the first period (?W1) from the terminal voltages (V1 and V2); a voltage increase amount prediction unit for calculating a predicted increase amount (?V4) of the terminal voltage for the period when charging is performed using the current amount (I) for the first period (?W1); and an internal short-circuit determination unit for determining that the internal short circuit is generated when the actual increase amount (?V3) is equal to

Abstract: A storage battery managing apparatus which ensures charge-discharge control of a storage battery in consideration of state variation of each unit cell even if the battery pack includes a number of component unit cells, and a vehicle controlling apparatus providing the same. A storage battery includes a plurality of chargeable-dischargeable unit cells connected in which battery management ICs detect the cell voltage of each unit cell, a voltage sensor detects a storage battery voltage and a current sensor detects currents to be charged and discharged in the storage battery. A degree of SOC imbalance is obtained by use of detected cell voltage of each unit cell when the storage battery is being neither charged nor discharged.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a novel system and method of charging rechargeable batteries of all types, sizes, and voltages, including lithium-ion batteries, through the application of an oscillatory or other time-dependent voltage and/or current prior to, following, and/or simultaneously with the application of a constant voltage and/or current during the charging phase of the rechargeable battery. The novel battery charging method results in a reduction in charging time and an increase in discharge capacity and cell lifetime without adversely affecting the capacity of the battery.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining a residual charge on a battery (12), comprising applying a discharge pulse to the battery (12) and measuring a first voltage on the battery (12) at a first time (t1). Additional voltages on the battery are measured at additional times (t2, t3) subsequent to the first time (t1). Delta voltages (?V1, ?V2) are determined by subtracting each of the additional voltages from the first voltage and delta times (?t1, ?t2) are determined by subtracting the first time from each of the additional times. Regression equation coefficients (?, ?) are determined from regression analysis of the delta voltages and delta times, and are applied to a database for determining the residual charge.

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: A system for and method of estimating the state-of-age of a secondary cell utilizing an adaptive group filter algorithm, includes battery current, voltage, and temperature sensors, a communication device, and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensors and device, configured to filter data by analyzing only sample data points from instantaneous charge or discharge events, selecting only a sample of n instantaneous points for further regression, including n/2 charge event points and n/2 discharge event points, and separately averaging the charge and discharge event points, and further configured to determine the state-of-age by determining a resistance slope based on the rate of current and voltage change between the averages of the points, and matching the slope to a calibrated scalar or relational database.

Abstract: A power system including an electrochemical device, a load device, a power generator, and a charge/discharge controller of the electrochemical device. The electrochemical device includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a liquid electrolyte or a solid electrolyte. The charge/discharge curve of the electrochemical device has at least one step, and a given step of the at least one step has an inflection point. A voltage corresponding to the inflection point or a point adjacent to the inflection point is set as a threshold value, and the charge/discharge controller is configured to control charge/discharge of the electrochemical device such that the voltage of the electrochemical device approaches the threshold value.

Abstract: A battery charger and a method of judging a charging condition of a secondary battery capable of judging precisely a charging condition of the secondary battery are provided. Charging conditions of the secondary battery are classified to four charging conditions depending on change of the voltage value of the secondary battery during charging operation, and one of these four charging conditions is displayed on the secondary battery by detecting the voltage value of the secondary battery at predetermined intervals.

Abstract: A method for charging a battery pack for an electric vehicle charges at a preselected maximum charging current until the battery pack voltage reaches a reference voltage level. The battery pack is then charged while maintaining the reference voltage until the charging current decreases to a first reference current level. Charging continues at the first reference current level until a time rate of change of the battery pack voltage reaches a first reference time rate of change. The battery pack voltage is determined and whenever the battery pack voltage is less than a decision voltage reference level, the battery pack is further charged at a second reference current level until the time rate of change of the battery pack voltage reaches a second reference value. A manually initiated pack recovery charge routine is also provided to address new battery pack installations.

Abstract: An embodiment contemplates a method for estimating a capacity of a battery. A state of charge is determined at a first instant of time and at a second instant of time. A difference in the state of charge is determined between the first instant of time and the second instant of time. A net coulomb flow is calculated between the first instant of time and the second instant of time. The battery capacity is determined as a function of the change in the state of charge and the net coulomb flow.

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 of fault detection for battery chargers includes sensing a charge current applied to a battery with a resistive element. The method includes measuring a voltage across the resistive element. The method includes generating a trigger signal when the measured voltage across the resistive element exceeds a predetermined value. The method includes generating from the trigger signal an interrupt signal for a microprocessor. The method includes initiating an over-current handling routine in the microprocessor.

Abstract: A system for charging a battery includes a battery pack having at least two lithium ion cells. A controller detects a rate of change of voltage with respect to a state of charge (dV/dSOC) of the battery pack based on a calculated dV/dSOC that represents the battery pack as a whole, without calculating dV/dSOC individually on a cell-by-cell basis. Charging is terminated when dV/dSOC reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A charging circuit for field devices is disclosed. The circuit has at least three modes and automatically shifts between the modes depending on voltage of the generator. In a first mode, the charging circuit provides voltage regulation. In a second mode, the charging circuit couples the generator directly to en energy storage device. In a third mode, the charging circuit decouples the generator from the storage device. A field device utilizing the charging circuit is also disclosed.

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: The battery charging method uses a pulsed current alternately taking first and second amplitudes during first and second periods (t1, t2). At least one of the parameters, amplitude and duration, of the current during the first period (t1) is automatically servo-controlled as a function of a first value of the slope (P1) of the voltage (U), measured at the terminals of the battery to be charged. The first slope value (P1) is calculated at least at the end of the first period (t1). Likewise, a second value of the slope (P2) of the voltage (U) can be calculated at least at the end of the second period (t2) and at least one of the parameters of the current during the second period (t2) can be automatically servo-controlled as a function of the second slope value (P2). The different parameters of the pulsed charging current are thus continuously servo-controlled as a function of the voltage slope to keep the slope (P) within a range comprised between 1 mV/s and 6 mV/s.