Abstract: A light tower includes a base, an extendible mast coupled to the base, a battery pack supported on the base and including a plurality of lithium-ion battery cells, a light assembly including a plurality of light emitting diodes electrically coupled to the battery pack, a display configured to receive inputs and display information, and a controller in communication with the battery pack, the light assembly, and the display. The configured being to: receive a light intensity change input from the display, change a power provided by the battery pack to the light emitting diodes in response to the light intensity change input, and display on the display a change in runtime resulting from the change of the power provided by the battery pack to the light emitting diodes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a signal level display (2) for an audio device (1), comprising a first lamp (7) of a first color and a second lamp (8) of a second color, and comprising a control device (10) for controlling the lamps (7), (8) on the basis of a signal level to be displayed, wherein the control device (10) is designed to display the signal level in at least three stages by means of the lamps (7), (8), wherein the control device (10) is designed to control at least one of the lamps (7), (8) in such a way that, in order to display the different stages of the signal level, the lamp (7), (8) is operated in at least two different intensities not equal to zero.

Abstract: A circuit system for measuring an electrical voltage. The circuit system includes a voltage divider, an integrating element and an evaluating unit. The voltage divider receives, at an input, a first signal that represents the electrical voltage to be measured, and has a first switching element and a second switching element, and is capable of assuming a first state, in which the first switching element is conductive and the second switching element is non-conductive, and a second state in which the first switching element is non-conductive and the second switching element is conductive, and outputs a second signal at an output that is situated between the first switching element and the second switching element. The integrating element is designed to receive the second signal and to output a third signal. The evaluating unit being set up to accept and to evaluate the third signal in order to determine a value for the electrical voltage.

Abstract: Methods and systems include ways to implement change analysis of an automated production line including at least one robot. Monitoring a plurality of operating parameters associated with the automated production line including the at least one robot is followed by recording at least one change to the plurality of operating parameters. A notification is then provided identifying the at least one change to the plurality of operating parameters. The notification can include mapping the at least one change onto a graphical representation of the automated production line, thereby identifying a portion of the automated production line affected by the at least one change. As a result, at least one of the operating parameters can be adjusted in response to the notification. An action can also be performed in response to the notification. In this manner, the change analysis can optimize operation of the automated production line.

Abstract: A wireless process variable transmitter for use in an industrial process includes a process variable sensor configured to sense a process variable of the industrial process. Measurement circuitry connected to the process variable sensor provides an output related to the sensed process variable. Wireless communication circuitry connected to the measurement circuitry wirelessly transmits information related to the sensed process variable to a remote location. A removable industrial power module is configured to hold a replaceable battery and provide power to the process variable sensor, the measurement circuitry and the wireless communication circuitry. Battery test circuitry in the removable industrial power module connects to the replaceable battery and provides a visual output related to a condition of the replaceable battery.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for displaying operating data for a re-chargeable battery for an electric vehicle. The system comprises a re-chargeable battery for powering components of an electrical vehicle, a sensor that detects a present level of charge in the battery and a display. The display receives the present level of charge of the battery from the monitor and displays the present level of charge in the battery, a required level of endurance for the battery that is based on a planned operational parameter for the vehicle, a minimum level of charge in the battery that meets the required level of endurance, and an amount of time needed to re-charge the battery to achieve the minimum level of charge.

Abstract: Provided is a control method which includes: obtaining battery information which is information regarding a battery; calculating a present residual value of the battery based on the battery information obtained; calculating a first residual value using a first model which has been trained, the first residual value being a residual value of the battery in a case where a user uses the battery with a tendency identical to a tendency of a plurality of other users; and issuing a token to the user according to an evaluation value calculated based on the present residual value and the first residual value calculated.

Abstract: This application relates to a battery test system and a battery test method. The battery test system according to an embodiment comprises: an extrusion apparatus configured to be disposed on a first surface of a battery; and a pressure apparatus, disposed above the extrusion apparatus, where the pressure apparatus is configured to apply a predetermined force to the battery in predetermined duration through the extrusion apparatus. The battery test system and the battery test method provided in this application are able to more reasonably evaluate the safety of the soft package battery and identify the risk caused by the defect of the soft package battery.

Abstract: The present application relates to a battery module, which may include: a plurality of secondary batteries disposed in a row, the plurality of secondary batteries are provided with explosion-proof valves; an insulating plate disposed above the secondary batteries; a monitoring cable set connected with the insulating plate, and the monitoring cable set is corresponding to a position of each of the explosion-proof valves; the monitoring cable set comprises two monitoring cables, and the monitoring cables includes wires and thermomelting insulating layers cladding the wires; when the explosion-proof valve of any of the secondary batteries explodes, the thermomelting insulating layers of the two monitoring cables melt, and two wires are in contact with each other and short-circuited.

Abstract: A reusable battery indicator includes a voltage sensor configured to convert sensed analog characteristics of a battery to digital information; a communication circuit communicatively connected to the voltage sensor; an antenna operatively coupled to the communication circuit; and a connection mechanism having at least a first connector and a second connector that are electrically connected to the voltage sensor, the first connector and the second connector being adapted to be removably connected to a first battery terminal and to a second battery terminal, respectively, thereby completing an electrical circuit between the voltage sensor and the first and second battery terminals when the connection mechanism is coupled to the first battery terminal and to the second battery terminal. One or more of the first connector and the second connector include part of a mechanical lock and key assembly.

Abstract: A reusable battery indicator includes a voltage sensor, a communication circuit communicatively connected to the voltage sensor, an antenna operatively coupled to the communication circuit, and a connection mechanism having a connector and a retainer. The connector and the retainer are electrically connected to the voltage sensor, and the connector is adapted to be removably connected to a first battery terminal, thereby providing an electrical connection between the voltage sensor and the first battery terminal. The retainer is adapted to removably secure the voltage sensor to a can of a battery, thereby providing an electrical connection between the voltage sensor and the can of the battery. An electrical circuit is completed between the voltage sensor and the first battery terminal and between the voltage sensor and the can. The connection mechanism includes part of an electrical lock and key assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control system, in particular a lighting control system, having a control line to control power modes of network components, such as data forwarding components as well as end nodes, e.g. application control components, according to a global application plan. Controlling the power modes may comprise switching off data-ports in the control network. A data-forwarding device having switchable data port can be used to switch off data paths “in efficio” through the control network. Furthermore, a protocol to interrogate the status of a network component as well as to receive a schedule for unattended operation is provided, thereby enabling improved energy usage and enhanced safety.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for evaluating a battery cell. The battery cell may include a hermetically sealed outer casing, a plurality of electrically conductive components enclosed within the outer casing, an electrically conductive terminal having a proximal end that extends within the outer casing and a distal end that extends in a longitudinal direction relative to the battery cell outside the outer casing, and a solid electrical and mechanical joint formed between one or more of the electrically conductive components and the proximal end of the electrically conductive terminal. Evaluation of the battery cell may include measuring the impedance of the battery cell while applying a longitudinal pulling force or a transverse bending force to the electrically conductive terminal and the solid electrical and mechanical joint.

Abstract: Systems and methods for limiting battery discharge based on battery temperature are disclosed. In an example, a controller sets a current limit, using battery temperature, and provides corresponding current limits to a power management device and a system-on-chip (SOC). Upon battery discharge current exceeding the discharge current limit, the controller increases the discharge current limit, and provides updated current limits to the PM device and the SOC. Upon the battery temperature exceeding a battery pack maximum temperature, the controller issues a shutdown command to the PM device and the SOC.

Abstract: The instant disclosure provides a color-changeable capacitor package structure and a color-changeable capacitor casing structure thereof, and a circuit board assembly. The color-changeable capacitor casing structure includes a metal casing, a first covering layer and a second covering layer. The metal casing has an outer surface and an inner surface, and the metal casing has a receiving space for receiving a capacitor. The first covering layer is formed on the outer surface of the metal casing, the second covering layer is formed on the first covering layer, and one of the first covering layer and the second covering layer is a thermochromic layer for showing a color that is changeable according to temperature variation.

Abstract: In an example, a method includes interacting electric fields from charges in conductors in different inertial reference frames to effect motion. The example method implements the mathematical framework that divides electric fields from charges in different inertial reference frames into separate electric field equations in electrically isolated conductors. The example method may implement the interaction of these electric fields to produce a force on an assembly that can, by way of illustration, propel a spacecraft using electricity without other propellant(s).

Abstract: A clamp-type probe device comprises a first pressed member, a second pressed member and a probe head. The first pressed member comprises a first clamping portion and a first mounted portion connected to each other, and has a first and a second assembly holes. The second pressed member comprises a second clamping portion and a second mounted portion connected to each other. The second and the first mounted portions are connected to each other. The second and the first clamping portions are separated from each other. The probe head comprises a plurality of contacting members. Each contacting member comprises two bending portions. Two ends of each contacting member are respectively disposed through the first and the second assembly holes. The two bending portions are respectively pressed against an inner side surface of the first assembly hole and an inner side surface of the second assembly hole.

Abstract: An electrode structure for use in an energy storage device comprising a population of electrodes, a population of counter-electrodes and a microporous separator separating members of the electrode population from members of the counter-electrode population. Each member of the electrode population comprises an electrode active material layer and an electrode current conductor layer, and each member of the electrode population has a bottom, a top, a length LE, a width WE and a height HE, wherein the ratio of LE to each of WE and HE is at least 5:1, the ratio of HE to WE is between 0.4:1 and 1000:1, and the electrode current collector layer of each member of the electrode population has a length LC that is measured in the same direction as and is at least 50% of length LE.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a body and at least one propulsion unit operatively coupled to the body. The vehicle also includes an electrical power system at least partially disposed within the body. The electrical power system includes a rechargeable battery and a health management unit operatively coupled to the rechargeable battery. The health management unit includes a state of health module configured to output information corresponding to battery health based on received battery-related data. The battery-related data includes data collected in real time operation of the rechargeable battery and battery relevant fault history of the vehicle.

Abstract: A thin film battery comprises a substrate, anode and cathode current collector layers formed over the substrate, anode and cathode layers formed over and in electrical contact with respective ones of the current collector layers, and an electrolyte layer formed between the anode and cathode layers. The thin film battery further comprises a barrier layer formed from a material such as tin oxide, tin phosphate, tin fluorophosphate, chalcogenide glass, tellurite glass or borate glass. The barrier layer is configured to encapsulate the thin film battery layers and substantially inhibit or prevent exposure of the thin film battery layers to air or moisture.

Abstract: An energy charge storage device, particularly from the group consisting of super capacitor, a hybrid electrochemical capacitor, a metal hydride battery and a fuel cell, comprising a first and second electrode and an electrolyte wherein the electrolyte comprises a printable polyelectrolyte e.g. polystyrene sulfonic acid (PSSH). The present invention also refers to methods of obtaining such energy storage device.

Abstract: A state of charge indicator may include an indicator with a display threshold and an auxiliary cell having an auxiliary cell voltage. The auxiliary cell may be electrically coupled to the indicator such that when a difference between a main cell voltage of a main cell and the auxiliary cell voltage is less than the display threshold, the indicator is inactive and when the difference between the main cell voltage and the auxiliary cell voltage is greater than or about equal to the display threshold, the indicator is active.

Abstract: An electrode structure for use in an energy storage device comprising a population of electrodes, a population of counter-electrodes and a microporous separator separating members of the electrode population from members of the counter-electrode population. Each member of the electrode population comprises an electrode active material layer and an electrode current conductor layer, and each member of the electrode population has a bottom, a top, a length LE, a width WE and a height HE, wherein the ratio of LE to each of WE and HE is at least 5:1, the ratio of HE to WE is between 0.4:1 and 1000:1, and the electrode current collector layer of each member of the electrode population has a length LC that is measured in the same direction as and is at least 50% of length LE.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, an information handling system may include at least one information handling resource and a controller. The controller may be configured to receive signals from a plurality of power supply units, each signal indicative of a temperature associated with a respective power supply of the plurality of power supply units. The controller may also be configured to determine, for each of the plurality of power supply units, a respective derating limit based on the respective signal indicative of the temperature for such power supply unit. The controller may be further configured to communicate messages to each of the plurality of power supply units, each message indicative of the respective derating limit determined with respect to such power supply unit.

Abstract: An information processing method and an electronic device are provided. The method includes displaying a first identifier indicating time information on a display unit of an electronic device; acquiring first operating state information indicating a first operating state of a first functional unit of the electronic device; determining a first display state of the first identifier based on the first operating state information; and controlling the first identifier to be displayed at the first display state to indicate that the first functional unit is in the first operating state. With the method and electronic device of the disclosure, the display area of the display unit can be efficiently used without occupying a specified display area on the display unit to indicate operating state information of the electronic device.

Abstract: Conventional technology is based on the prerequisite that an appropriate value has been established in advance as a target value for power consumption, but this does not does not take into consideration the possibility of establishment of an excessively low value. In order to solve the aforementioned problem, an alarm output device is provided, characterized by determining at all times whether or not electric power expected to be consumed within a regular interval of time exceed the set upper limit target value and by outputting an alarm in case that the electric power exceeds the set upper limit target value at approximately the point in time at which a predetermined interval of time commences or by outputting instructions for changing the set upper limit target value within such interval.

Abstract: An electronic timepiece includes a reception device that receives a satellite signal, a reception control section that activates the reception device to carry out a reception process, a chronograph section that measures time, an input device, and an action control section when detecting time measurement input operation performed on the input device for activating the chronograph section during the reception process carried out by the reception control section, terminates the action of the reception control section, and activates the chronograph section.

Abstract: A method for monitoring at least one parameter of a battery. The method has a step of providing, in which a visual damage signal is provided on an outer surface of the battery when the at least one parameter of the battery is outside a tolerance range.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for varying a usable band range of a battery. The apparatus for varying a usable band range of a battery according to the present invention comprises a sensor for measuring and outputting an electrical characteristic value of the battery; and a controller for calculating the amount of charged or discharged energy of the battery from the electrical characteristic value and varying a usable band range of the battery that is charged and discharged, to maintain the pre-established amount of usable energy depending on the degradation degree of the battery. In accordance with the present invention, a usable band range of a battery can be established depending on the degradation degree of the battery, thereby improving the life time thereof.

Abstract: A power supply is disclosed that is configured for installation in a motor vehicle. The power supply comprises an energy source and a system for accurately measuring the internal resistance of the energy source during the operation of the power supply, without a distortion that would normally result from discharge of the energy storage device.

Abstract: One embodiment of an alignment apparatus for aligning an object, such as a tool or other implement, perpendicular with respect to a horizontal or a vertical target surface, comprises a three-axis accelerometer and at least two forward-facing distance sensors and a projection display comprising four addressable laser projectors. The accelerometer and distance sensor outputs are mapped to a predefined graphic symbol representing the orientation of the tool relative to the target surface, in particular when the tool is perpendicular to the target surface. The projection display projects the predefined symbol onto the target surface where it may be easily viewed by the tool operator allowing the operator to make any necessary corrections to the tool position.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus, an input apparatus and a method of determining a remaining utility of a battery of the same, the electronic apparatus including: a battery configured to supply power to the electronic apparatus; a first detector configured to receive a voltage value of the battery, to convert the voltage value into a signal, and to output the signal; a second detector configured to detect a decrease in the voltage value of the battery to a reference voltage or lower and to output a detection result; and a controller configured to receive the output values of the first and second detectors, to determine a remaining utility of the battery based on the output values of the first and second detectors, and to determine an abnormal state of the battery based on the output values of the first and second detectors.

Abstract: A method is provided for current-based detection of an electrical fault in an electrical network of a motor vehicle, the network having at least: one battery, one pulse-controlled inverter, one d.c. voltage converter, and an intermediate circuit associated with the pulse-controlled inverter. The method includes: detecting magnitudes of each a battery current, a d.c. voltage converter current, and an intermediate circuit current; comparing current magnitudes according to provided equations; and checking based on the comparison of whether a specifiable deviation has been exceeded. An alternative method for voltage-based detection of an electrical fault in an electrical network of a motor vehicle includes: detecting magnitudes of each a battery voltage, a d.c. voltage converter voltage, and an intermediate circuit voltage; comparing voltage magnitudes according to provided equations; and checking based on the comparison of whether a specifiable deviation has been exceeded.

Abstract: An electrical charge detection device for measuring the electrical charge of a dry cell battery comprises electrically conductive arms joined with a rivet pin at their proximal ends with curved tips at their distal ends. The junction formed by the proximal ends has a light source mounted on the planar top surface and is in electrical contact with the pin. The curved tips at the distal ends of the arms are angled to form inward curved prongs that connect with the polar ends of a power source such as a battery. When the arms are squeezed together, one tip contacts the cathode of the battery and the other touches the anode so that any charge in the battery will travel up the arms thereby lighting the bulb. The degree of brightness illuminated by the bulb is indicative of the electrical strength or power remaining therein.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus of an embodiment includes a comparison section which, in the case where a long-life mode of a battery is set, compares a battery detection value with a second low-battery detection value that is higher than a first low-battery detection value. The apparatus further includes a change detection section which detects a change of a power supply. The apparatus further includes a change reflect section which, in the case where it is detected both that the battery detection value is lower than the second low-battery detection value, and that the power supply is changed, changes the low-battery detection value to the second low-battery detection value.

Abstract: A charging device for a power storage device includes a power conduit configured to deliver current to the power storage device and a detection system configured to be coupled to the power conduit. The detection system includes a current control device coupled to the power conduit and configured to control the current delivered to the power storage device. The detection system also includes a test conductor, a current sensor coupled to the test conductor, and a controller coupled to the current sensor by the test conductor. The current sensor is arranged to detect an amount of current within the test conductor and configured to generate a current measurement signal representative of the current detected. The controller is configured to generate a test signal, transmit the test signal through the test conductor, receive the current measurement signal, and determine a status of the detection system based on the current measurement signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed towards an adjusted display interface method and apparatus for displaying the charge condition of a battery in a gateway or similar device. In accordance with implementations of the present principles, a mapping is created between the actual battery charge percentage and a desired battery display condition that includes several conditional display levels configured to avoid user confusion.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for making a battery value evaluation index, includes applying a predetermined charge/discharge pattern to a predetermined battery, detecting a largest SOC value and a smallest SOC value of the predetermined battery, and setting a width between the largest SOC value and the smallest SOC value as “A”, detecting a charge limit SOC value at which the predetermined battery shows the highest SOC value, detecting a discharge limit SOC value at which the predetermined battery shows the lowest SOC value, and setting a width between the charge limit SOC value and the discharge limit SOC value as “B”, and determining that a life of the predetermined battery has ended in the predetermined charge/discharge pattern when a state of B>A has changed into a state of B?A.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying a state of current consumption of a battery in a portable terminal are provided. The method includes measuring a value of consumed current at a preset period, supplying the measured current value to an Analog-to-Digital Converter (ADC) through an ADC port, confirming battery compensation offset values by the ADC, determining whether values corresponding to the battery compensation offset values are present in a preset table, and if it is determined that the values are present, calculating a battery voltage level compensation value with reference to the table, applying the battery voltage level compensation value to an actual detected voltage, and displaying a remaining amount of the battery according to the compensation value applied voltage.

Abstract: An ambulatory infusion device comprising a replaceable energy storage for electrically powering its functional units is presented. Control units provide to a monitoring system data about energy consuming activities or consumed energy by the functional units. Based on this data, the monitoring system determines energy consumed by the functional units and triggers measurement of the voltage of the energy storage at a point in time which depends on the determined energy consumed in a time interval preceding the point in time. Adapting the time of measurement to the actual energy drawn from the energy storage makes it possible to detect reliably and early a low energy state of any conventional standard battery, regardless of its electrochemical design and electrical behavior.

Abstract: A system and method for calculating and displaying average auxiliary power use in a vehicle is herein provided. The vehicle includes one or more batteries for powering auxiliary electrical devices, an auxiliary battery controller, a display for displaying both instantaneous and average auxiliary power consumption, and an electric motor. A main battery powers the drive motor and supplies power to the auxiliary loads. An auxiliary battery is connected to the main battery via a DC/DC converter and also supplies power to the auxiliary loads. A sensor detects instantaneous auxiliary power usage from each of the auxiliary loads. The instantaneous auxiliary power data from the sensor is averaged to calculate and display the average auxiliary power usage from each of the auxiliary loads. The vehicle operator is able to identify and manage how auxiliary load power consumption affects overall power consumption of both batteries during operation of the vehicle.

Abstract: A battery capacity display method to display a full charge capacity of a battery and a residual capacity of the battery, respectively, as a full charge capacity display value and a residual capacity display value, the battery capacity display method includes: correcting the full charge capacity display value and/or the residual capacity display value so as to decrease a difference between the full charge capacity display value and the residual capacity display value when the battery is in the full charge state and the full charge capacity and the residual capacity in the full charge state are different from each other, and displaying a corrected full charge capacity display value and/or a corrected residual capacity display value.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for detecting abnormality of a current sensor operative to measure a charge or discharge current of a battery pack. The method comprises measuring current and voltage of the battery pack; and detecting abnormality of the current sensor by comparing variations in current and voltage over a predetermined time with a current reference value and a voltage reference value, respectively. According to the present invention, it is capable of improving reliability of the battery pack, and in case that the current sensor is out of order, of protecting the battery pack from dangerous accidents such as explosion.

Abstract: A battery assembly includes a battery, an outer layer, and a power indicator apparatus. The battery includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The power indicator apparatus comprises an electrical conductor and a mechanical switch. The electrical conductor is configured to be in continuous electrical communication with the first terminal. The mechanical switch is configured to be actuated by an application of pressure at a single location, and upon actuation, to place the electrical conductor in electrical communication with the second terminal such that the power indicator apparatus can facilitate a reading of a potential energy stored in the battery. Methods of assembly and methods of determining a potential energy stored in the battery are also provided herein.

Abstract: An electrical charge detection device for measuring the electrical charge of a dry cell battery comprises electrically conductive arms joined with a rivet pin at their proximal ends with curved tips at their distal ends. The junction formed by the proximal ends has a light source mounted on the planar top surface and is in electrical contact with the pin. The curved tips at the distal ends of the arms are angled to form inward curved prongs that connect with the polar ends of a power source such as a battery. When the arms are squeezed together, one tip contacts the cathode of the battery and the other touches the anode so that any charge in the battery will travel up the arms thereby lighting the bulb. The degree of brightness illuminated by the bulb is indicative of the electrical strength or power remaining therein.

Abstract: One terminal of a switch 53 is connected to a resistor 51 having its other terminal connected to a rechargeable battery, and the other terminals connected through a resistor 54 to a capacitor 55. Another capacitor 52 is connected to the node between the switch 53 and the resistor 51. Initially, while the switch 53 is in the OFF state, the rechargeable battery charges the capacitor 52 towards the battery voltage through the resistor 51. When the switch 53 is turned ON, capacitor 55 and capacitor 52 become connected in parallel and the voltage across capacitor 55 rises within a short time period. When the switch 53 again turns OFF, voltage indication continues in compliance with the voltage across the capacitor 55 even as that voltage decays according to the time constant of the parallel circuit formed by the capacitor 55 and a series-connection of resistors 71, 72.

Abstract: A battery pack includes at least one battery cell that expands and contracts in relation to the chemical conditions of the battery cell. A substrate is configured to contact the at least one battery cell. A sensor is attached to the substrate and the sensor produces a signal indicative of the displacement of the substrate. A controller is communicatively connected to the sensor such that the controller receives the signal from the sensor. The controller processes the signal to produce an indication of a status of the battery cell. A method of monitoring battery safety includes movably securing a substrate across at least one cell of a battery. A displacement of the substrate is measured. The measured displacement is processed with a controller to identify a safety status of the at least one cell. An output device is operated with a controller to provide an indication of the safety status of the at least one cell of the battery.

Abstract: A charge state detection circuit, which detects a state of charge of a battery block in which are parallel-connected a plurality of series circuits of a secondary battery and a cutoff element which assumes a cutoff state of cutting off the charge/discharge path of the secondary battery and a conducting state different from the cutoff state, the charge state detection circuit comprising: an effective battery number detection portion which detects, as the number of effective batteries, the number of cutoff elements in the conducting state from among the plurality of cutoff elements included in the battery block; a capacity information generation portion which, based on the number of effective batteries, generates capacity information related to actual full charge capacity, which is the actual full charge capacity of the battery block; a total current detection portion, which detects as a total current value a current flowing in the entire battery block; an electricity quantity calculation portion, which calcula

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating a state of a battery to a vehicle controller are disclosed. In one example, a battery pack outputs a signal indicative of an amount of capability the battery pack has to source or sink current at present operating conditions. The system and method may improve vehicle drivability and reduce battery pack degradation.

Abstract: A charging device which enables the charged state and remaining capacity of the battery pack to be accurately grasped. In the charging device on which a battery pack including a nonvolatile memory and a secondary battery cell is mounted, a charge control microcomputer measures a charging current supplied to and a charging voltage applied to the battery pack. Charged state data indicative of the charged state of the battery pack is determined based on at least one of the measured charging current and the measured charging voltage. The charge control microcomputer writes the determined charged state data in the memory of the battery pack.