Abstract: Lithium-ion cells are widely used in various platforms, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and mobile devices. Complete and fast charging of cells has always been the goal for sustainable system operation. However, fast charging is not always the best solution, especially in view of a new finding that cells need to rest/relax after being charged with high current to avoid accelerated capacity fading. A user aware charging algorithm is proposed which maximizes the charged capacity within a user-specified available charging time (i.e., user-awareness) while ensuring enough relaxation (i.e., cell-awareness) and keeping cell temperature below a safe level.

Abstract: In a storage battery system charging control device, on the basis of estimated temperature data until the end of life of a storage battery calculated by a power estimation unit, an ambient temperature estimation unit, and a temperature estimation unit, and a deterioration coefficient stored in a data storage unit, a capacity retention calculation unit sequentially calculates capacity retention data with respect to each state of charge until the end of life of the storage battery, using the state of charge as a parameter. A cumulative capacity calculation unit calculates a cumulative capacity corresponding to each state of charge, on the basis of the rated capacity of the storage battery and the capacity retention data. A charging control voltage determination unit determines charging control voltage on the basis of the cumulative capacities calculated by the cumulative capacity calculation unit.

Abstract: A method of operating a battery system for providing electric energy to a vehicle. Sensor signals representing physical quantities of individual cells and/or individual modules of at least one battery of the battery system are generated. The sensor signals are transferred to a first and a second system controller. Both the first and second system controller evaluates the sensor signals and controls the battery system, depending on corresponding evaluation results. The first system controller is operated in combination with a first monitoring device and the second system controller is operated in combination with a second monitoring device. The first monitoring device monitors an operation of the second system controller and the second monitoring device monitors an operation of the first system controller. Depending on monitoring results of the first monitoring device and of the second monitoring device, the battery system is controlled.

Abstract: A battery system includes a first cell balancing circuit electrically coupled to first and second sense lines and to a first battery cell. The battery system includes an integrated circuit measuring a first cell voltage between first and second sense lines at a first time while a first cell balancing circuit is turned off, and a second cell voltage between second and third sense lines at the first time while the second cell balancing circuit is turned off, and determining first and second cell voltage values based on the first and second cell voltages, respectively. A microcontroller receives the first and second cell voltage values and determines that an open circuit condition exists in the first balancing circuit if the first cell voltage value is greater than a first threshold voltage value, or the second cell voltage value is less than a second threshold voltage value.

Abstract: A control device for controlling charging of a rechargeable battery, the control device including a rechargeable dummy cell, a first circuit configured to charge the battery and the dummy cell, and a second circuit configured to measure the open circuit voltage of the dummy cell. The control device is configured to: determine the open circuit voltage of the dummy cell by using the second circuit, and determine the maximum capacity increment of the battery, which is to be charged until full charging, based on the determined open circuit voltage of the dummy cell. Also, a corresponding method of controlling charging of a rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A vehicle power supply control system includes a communicator configured to receive an emergency notification for notifying that an emergency situation has occurred and a controller configured to control charging and discharging of a secondary battery that supplies electric power to an electric motor for outputting a travel driving force of a vehicle. The controller is configured to perform control for extending an electric power supply range in the secondary battery in a case where the communicator has received the emergency notification.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for battery pack management are provided. Aspects include receiving battery pack data for two or more battery packs, the two or more battery packs comprising a first battery pack and a second battery pack, determining a target performance characteristic for the first battery pack and the second battery pack, determining a first hold up time for the first battery pack and a second hold up time for the second battery pack based at least in part on the battery pack data, determining, based on the target performance characteristic, a target hold up time from the first hold up time and the second hold up time, and determining, based on the battery pack data, a first voltage for the first battery pack and a second voltage for the second battery pack that satisfies the target hold up time.

Abstract: A power supply system includes: a first power storage device; a second power storage device having a lower voltage than the first power storage device; a DC-DC converter including a choke coil, a first switching element, a diode connected in parallel with the first switching element, and a second switching element; a semiconductor relay configured to switch a connection state between a second end of the choke coil and the second power storage device; and a controller configured to perform PWM control of the first switching element and the second switching element to control ON and OFF of the semiconductor relay. When an ON time of the second switching element is controlled to become zero and a current flowing out from the second power storage device exceeds a first reference current, the controller reduces a duty ratio of an ON time of the first switching element.

Abstract: A method of detecting a wirelessly powered vehicle on a roadway uses detection of induced voltages or currents in coils provided in the roadway. Once the vehicle has been detected the appropriate coils can be energised to power the vehicle.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for a vehicle charger system, configured to reduce drain current in a connector proximity detection circuit when a charge connector is inserted in a charge socket and a charge cycle is terminated. The circuit arrangement includes a resistor and a switch connected in parallel and arranged in the proximity detection circuit. The switch is configured to be opened when a charge cycle has started, and the switch is adapted to remain open when the charge cycle has terminated and the charge connector remains in the charge socket.

Abstract: A method of operating an ESS with optimal efficiency includes: collecting charge/discharge efficiency data of a PCS; collecting charge/discharge efficiency data of a battery depending on current state of charge of the battery; creating charge/discharge efficiency data of a unit BESS including the PCS and the battery by using the collected data; determining optimal charge/discharge levels of at least two unit-BESSs included in the ESS by using charge/discharge efficiency data of the at least two unit-BESSs to satisfy commanded input/output power values of the whole ESS at a current point of time; and charging or discharging the at least two unit-BESSs depending on the determined optimal charge/discharge power values.

Abstract: An user-interactive charging paradigm is presented that tailors the device charging to the user's real-time needs. The core of approach is a relaxation-aware charging algorithm that maximizes the charged capacity within the user's available time and slows down the battery's capacity fading. The approach also integrates relaxation-aware charging algorithm existing fast charging algorithms via a user-interactive interface, allowing users to choose a charging method based on their real-time needs. The relaxation-aware charging algorithm is shown to slow down the battery fading by over 36% on average, and up to 60% in extreme cases, when compared with existing fast charging solutions. Such fading slowdown translates to, for instance, an up to 2-hour extension of the LTE time for a Nexus 5X phone after 2-year usage, revealed by a trace-driven analysis based on 976 charging cases collected from 7 users over 3 months.

Abstract: Apparatuses and systems are provided for improving wireless power transmission for mobile devices. An enclosure for a mobile device may include a first electrical coil configured to establish a first wireless coupling with a transmitter coil of a power supply and a second electrical coil configured to establish a second wireless coupling with the first electrical coil and to establish a third wireless coupling with a receiver coil of a mobile device. A distance between the receiver coil and the transmitter coil may exceed a range over which the transmitter coil may be able to transfer power to the receiver coil via a single wireless coupling between the transmitter coil and the receiver coil. The first wireless coupling, the second wireless coupling, and the third wireless coupling, when established, may enable the transmitter coil to perform a wireless power transfer to the receiver coil.

Abstract: A mobile device includes a drive element, a first battery configured to supply power to the drive element, and a stopping unit stopping supplying of power to the first battery when a voltage of an attachable/detachable second battery configured to supply power to the drive element is greater than or equal to a first voltage for driving the drive element.

Abstract: A portable power bank and mobile computing device are described, where the mobile computing device includes a rechargeable battery that receives electric charge from the power bank via an electrical connection. Systems and methods facilitate determination of a “number of potential rechargings” of the mobile computing device battery via the power bank, e.g., how many times the power bank can charge the mobile computing device battery to a desired fuel gauge (e.g., 100%) before the power bank is depleted. The number of potential rechargings is determined based upon the desired fuel gauge of the mobile computing device, present fuel gauges of the mobile computing device and the power bank, and charging efficiency factors corresponding to the mobile computing device and the power bank, respectively.

Abstract: Conventional internal combustion engine technology has been around for decades and historically has been the primary power source for virtually all industrial equipment. It relies on carbon-based fuels, is loud, polluting, and the machines it powers are expensive to operate and maintain. A self-contained, rechargeable battery system is provided that possesses improved power than comparable diesel and gas engines and it generates zero emissions, is virtually maintenance free, is quiet, and recharges overnight via a standard electrical outlet. The rechargeable battery power system can be installed in new and used construction equipment and may be used wherever a source of power is required including smart grid application. It can be safely used indoors, in neighborhoods and other locations sensitive to the side effects of internal combustion engines. There is a battery management system that controls sequential shutdown system and a power reserve system to control operation of the battery.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a charging station for electric vehicles with a ground foundation and a column arranged above the ground foundation and accommodating charging electronics. The ground foundation and the column are formed in one piece. The column includes an opening which runs transversely to the longitudinal axis of the column and extends into the interior of the column. The opening is arranged for accommodating a charging electronics, in particular the opening is arranged as receptacle for the charging electronics and comprises locking means for the charging electronics.

Abstract: A heating circuit for an energy storage device having a core with an electrolyte, the energy storage device having inputs, characteristics of a capacitance across the electrolyte and the core, and internal surface capacitance between the inputs which can store electric field energy between internal electrodes of the energy storage device that are coupled to the inputs, the battery heating circuit including: a controller configured to switch between a positive input voltage and a negative input voltage provided to one of the inputs at a frequency sufficient to effectively short the internal surface capacitance of the energy storage device to generate heat and raise a temperature of the electrolyte, the controller being further configured to discontinue the switching when the temperature of the electrolyte and/or the energy storage device is above a predetermined temperature that is considered sufficient to increase a charging efficiency of the energy storage device.

Abstract: A method for heating an energy storage device having a core with an electrolyte, the method including: providing the energy storage device having inputs and characteristics of a capacitance across the electrolyte and the core and internal surface capacitance between the inputs which can store electric field energy between internal electrodes of the energy storage device that are coupled to the inputs; switching between a positive input voltage and a negative input voltage provided to one of the inputs at a frequency sufficient to effectively short the internal surface capacitance of the energy storage device to generate heat and raise a temperature of the electrolyte; and discontinuing the switching when the temperature of the electrolyte is above a predetermined temperature that is considered sufficient to increase a charging efficiency of the energy storage device.

Abstract: A method of wirelessly charging batteries of devices includes detecting at least two devices being simultaneously present on a charging mat. It is determined, for each of the at least two devices, whether the device is compatible with a wireless charging standard. It is determined, for each of the two devices, whether the device is enabled for a near field communication. Charging of the devices is prevented if at least one of the devices is enabled for a near field communication but not compatible with the wireless charging standard.