Abstract: A model of battery reserve life that a function of a SOH indicator is adaptively modified responsive to intermittent capacity tests of a battery, e.g., based on reserve life estimates generated responsive to the capacity tests. The SOH indicator for the battery is monitored to generate SOH indicator values, and estimates of reserve life are generated from the generated SOH indicator values according to the adaptively modified model of reserve life. For example, a capacity test may be performed responsive to detection of a change in reserve life as estimated by the model of reserve life, and the model of reserve life may be modified responsive to the capacity test. The battery reserve life model may, for example, express reserve life as a function of a float voltage, a float current, a temperature, a charge/discharge cycling, an impedance, a conductance, a resistance, and/or a coup de fouet parameter. The invention may be embodied as methods, apparatus and computer program products.

Abstract: An electric vehicle 10 includes a power supply apparatus 15. The power supply apparatus 15 includes a fuel cell system 22, capacitor 24 and secondary battery 26 that are connected in parallel to wiring 50. When a drive motor is performing regeneration, the capacitor 24 is collecting the regenerated electric power. The fuel cell system 22 generates electric power in accordance with the load demand. The switches 20 between the fuel cell and the wiring are closed when the load becomes small and the regenerated voltage attains a predetermined level. As a result, the generation of electric power by the fuel cell system is suspended under low-load conditions where the energy efficiency of the fuel cell system 22 is low.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging batteries in a system of batteries. The method and apparatus involve producing a set of state of charge signals indicative of the states of charge of each battery in the system, successively identifying, from the state of charge signals, a most discharged battery in the system and applying a charging current to the most discharged battery for at least part of a first period of time less than a period of time required to fully charge the most discharged battery before identifying a succeeding most discharged battery in said system. The batteries are charged according to a dynamic charging sequence in which batteries are added into the charging sequence in order of increasing state of charge as batteries already in the charging sequence are charged to exceed the state of charge of a battery having the next higher state of charge relative to the state of charge of the batteries already in the charging sequence.

Abstract: A system and method for determining and balancing state of charge among plural series connected electrical energy storage units is provided. State of change of a selected storage unit in a string of storage units is determined by (i) applying a non-dissipative load to the selected storage unit, resulting in an energy transfer between the selected storage unit and the string of electrical energy storage units through the non-dissipative load and (ii) determining the state of charge of the selected unit from voltage and current data of the selected storage unit resulting from the energy transfer. When the state of charge of the selected unit is different than a target state of charge, energy can be transferred between the selected unit and the string of storage units, such that the state of charge of the selected unit converges toward the target state of charge.

Abstract: A rechargeable multiple cell battery pack has an application associated therewith that draws power from the battery pack. While the battery pack is in operation, voltage, current, state-of-charge (SOC), and impedance data are collected on a per-cell basis and an algorithm is performed to determine a state-of-charge for each individual cell of the battery pack consistent with predetermined criteria. The individual cells are charged to the respective, determined state-of-charge (SOC) levels.

Abstract: According to an example embodiment, an arrangement charges equipment batteries, for example, while the equipment is being towed by a towing vehicle. In this example application, the towing vehicle has a primary battery and a rearward-located hitch for towing a trailer that carries the equipment batteries. The arrangement includes a charging circuit that automatically alternates a power connection from the primary battery to each of the equipment batteries, one battery at a time.

Abstract: To provide a method of controlling charge and discharge of a secondary battery for automatic guided vehicle that can decide the timing of refresh charge and discharge accurately and minimize the frequency of refresh charge and discharge.

Abstract: A battery having a complete discharge mechanism includes a spring-biased switch with an element spring-biased from the switch and acts to close the switch when in a fully extended position. A block is position above the element with a passageway aligned with the element. A flexible positioned between the element and the passage prevents the element from extending into the passage. The tab extends through the battery casing. When pulled the tab allows the element to extend into the passage thereby closing the spring-biased switch and completing the discharge circuit.

Abstract: A recharging system for portable electronic devices that have specialized recharging ports and accept only specifically shaped connectors. The recharging system includes a plug connector for engaging an external power source. A generic terminal connector is also provided. A wire cord is used to connect the plug connector and the terminal connector. At least one adaptor is provided. Each adaptor has a receptacle and a specialized connector. The receptacle selectively receives and electrically interconnects with the generic terminal connector. The specialized connector on the adaptor selectively engages the portable electronic device, therein electrically interconnecting the portable electronic device to the generic terminal connector. The portable electronic device is then recharged by the flow of electricity through the generic terminal connector.

Abstract: Battery charging circuitry and systems are provided. One embodiment may include at least one switch having a full conduction state and a controllable conduction state and switch control circuitry capable of sensing a condition. The switch control circuitry may further be capable of generating at least one control signal capable of controlling the conduction state of the switch based on, at least in part, the sensed condition.

Abstract: A charging device including a battery; a first induction coil coupled to the battery; and an induction core extending through the first induction coil. The induction core has a portion which extends in an outward direction from the charging device and is adapted to removably couple with a second induction coil of a portable electronic device by extending into the second induction coil.

Abstract: A micro-generator for providing electrical power to a battery charger capable of charging lithium ion, lithium polymer and other rechargeable batteries of the type which power portable electronic devices and MEMS. The micro-generator includes a micro-combustor and a thermoelectric module consisting of a number of quantum well thermoelectric panels connected between spaced heat spreaders, one of which is mounted in thermal communication with the micro-combustor. Different types of hydrocarbon fuel may be supplied to the micro-combustor where it is burned within a combustion chamber. The entire system is controlled in real time by a micro-controller which is powered upon start up by an ultra capacitor and thereafter by the electric power produced by the thermoelectric module.

Abstract: When a primary winding current increases to an upper limit determined by a reference voltage having a soft-start characteristic, a power switch is turned OFF. When a secondary winding current decreases to a lower limit determined by another predetermined reference voltage, the power switch is turned ON. A minimum ON-time limiting unit prevents the power switch from being turned OFF before a minimum ON-time expires. The minimum ON-time may be provided with a soft-start modulation. A minimum OFF-time limiting unit prevents the power switch from being turned ON before a minimum OFF-time expires. A maximum ON-time limiting unit prevents the power switch from still remaining ON after a maximum ON-time expires.

Abstract: A method and system for battery charging. In some aspects, an electrical combination comprises a first battery having a Lithium-based chemistry, the first battery having a first nominal voltage in a nominal voltage range, a second battery having a Lithium-based chemistry, the second battery having a second nominal voltage, the second nominal voltage being different than the first nominal voltage and being outside of the nominal voltage range, and a battery charger operable to charge the first battery and the second battery.

Abstract: A battery monitoring apparatus that obtains a current measurement for a current in a conductive element. The battery monitoring apparatus includes conductive lines configured to couple to a conductive element having an electrical current, a filter coupled to the conductive lines and configured to filter noise from a signal derived from a voltage difference between the conductive lines, an analog-to-digital converter that converts the signal filtered by the filter and outputs a digital signal, and a controller that receives the digital signal from the analog-to-digital converter.

Abstract: A method and system for enhanced battery control improves the performance of a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). The HEV includes an internal combustion engine, at least one motor operable as a generator and a battery. A hybrid control module determines various discharge and recharge allowances limiting operation of the battery with different operating conditions of the hybrid electric vehicle. It also determines various periods of time limiting operation of the battery with different operating conditions of the hybrid electric vehicle. The allowances and periods of time may be used as limits that are imposed on commands for the motor.

Abstract: A rapid charging circuit for charging a power module is disclosed. The power module includes one or more ultracapacitors. The power module is charged using an energy source connected to the power module. The charging circuit includes a control circuit adapted to maintain a constant power level at the power module during charging as the voltage level across the power module increases. The control circuit includes a pulse-width modulator and an inductor connected in series with the power module. The pulse-width modulator can control a charge level of the inductor. The charge level may correspond to a current level which is in accordance with a desired power level at the power module and an instantaneous voltage level across the power module. The inductor may be adapted to limit a current level through the power module to a predetermined peak level.

Abstract: An AC plug of a battery charger is arranged so as to be enclosed into a casing of the battery charger or projected therefrom when it is laterally rotated. The AC plug has two conductive blades and an edge surface for projecting them at an almost right angle. A first surface and a first rotary shaft are provided for a first side surface. A second surface and a second rotary shaft are provided for a second side surface opposite to the first side surface. A first contact portion electrically connected to one conductive blade is projected from the first rotary shaft. A second contact portion electrically connected to the other conductive blade is projected from the second rotary shaft. Conductive spring terminals which are elastically come into contact with the front edges of the first and second contact portions are provided for a board in the casing. By reducing a rotational radius of each contact portion, a small battery charger is provided.

Abstract: A fuel cell power module is provided. The module comprises (a) power production unit, (b) a power conditioning and protection unit, and (c) a control unit, each unit being modules and integrated into a module for independent removal. Multiple modules are networked so that each module is connected to a master controller so that if one module is removed from operation, the other is able to continue operation.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus includes first and second modules, and a control unit. The first module includes a first charging circuit to be coupled to a first power source, and a first battery unit coupled to the first charging circuit. The second module is connected removably to the first module, and includes a second charging circuit to be coupled to a second power source, and a second battery unit coupled to the second charging circuit. The control unit enables the first and second battery units to be charged independently and respectively through the first and second charging circuits using the first and second power sources when the second module is disconnected from the first module, and enables the first and second battery units to be charged through the first charging circuit using the first power source when the second module is connected to the first module.