Abstract: A modular and scalable power source can be used to supplement and/or replace existing sources of power. In some embodiments, a DC source can be used to charge a battery in a host system, provide power as a back-up system, or be a primary source of power. The power source includes a set of battery units and one or more circuits that provide an alternative signal path around the battery units if the battery units are at a particular charge level. Temperature sensors are used to turn off or otherwise adjust the alternative signal paths if the temperatures of the alternative signal paths become too high.
Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer program products are disclosed for determining a reported state of charge (“SOC”) of a battery system, the methods, apparatus, and computer program products including determining the reported SOC according to a first determining method when a previous SOC is greater than a first SOC threshold percentage and less than or equal to 100%; determining the reported SOC according to a second determining method when the previous SOC is greater than a second threshold percentage and less than or equal to the first SOC threshold percentage; and determining the reported SOC according to a third determining method when the previous SOC is greater than or equal to 0% and less than or equal to the second SOC threshold percentage.
Abstract: This disclosure includes battery systems and operational methods. According to one aspect, a battery system includes conversion circuitry, a plurality of main terminals configured to be coupled with a load, a charger and a plurality of rechargeable battery modules which are coupled in series with one another intermediate the main terminals, switching circuitry configured to couple a first of the battery modules with an input of the conversion circuitry, and the conversion circuitry being configured to modify an electrical characteristic of electrical energy received from the first of the battery modules and to output the electrical energy having the modified characteristic to a second of the battery modules.
Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring and controlling at least one electrochemical cell is disclosed and described, having a cell management device in electrical communication with the electrochemical cell. The cell management device monitors the electrochemical cell and controls electrical input into and output from the electrochemical cell based on a predetermined set of conditions.
Abstract: Battery charge indication methods, battery state of charge monitoring devices, rechargeable batteries, and articles of manufacture are described. According to one aspect, a battery charge indication method includes first determining a state of charge of a battery at a first moment in time using a first method, second determining a state of charge of the battery at a second moment in time using a second method different than the first method, and providing information regarding the state of charge of the battery at the first and second moments in time using information of the first and second determinings.
Abstract: Electrical energy supply methods and electrical energy power supplies are described. According to one aspect, an electrical energy supply method includes providing first and second battery assemblies individually configured to store electrical energy, coupling the first and second battery assemblies to form a unitary device configured to supply electrical energy to a load, charging one of the first and the second battery assemblies using electrical energy from a supply at a first moment in time, discharging electrical energy from the first and second battery assemblies to the load at a second moment in time, and disabling discharging of electrical energy from the other of the first and second battery assemblies during the charging.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
February 10, 2005
Date of Patent:
May 18, 2010
Assignee:
Valence Technology, Inc.
Inventors:
Joseph Lamoreux, John Cummings, Lawrence Stone