Abstract: An electronic device includes: first and second processing circuits; a current limiting circuit configured to limit the electric current supplied to the first processing circuit; and a power storage unit inserted between the current limiting circuit and the first processing circuit to be in parallel to the first processing circuit. The first processing circuit is supplemented with electric charge stored in the power storage unit in a case where an electric current exceeding a current limit value of the current limiting circuit is consumed. In response to the connection to an external power supply, a limit of inflow of the electric current to the first and second processing circuits is made and a charging mode is started, and then the limit is released and it is switched to an operating mode.

Abstract: A parameter estimation system includes a first coil configured to be loosely inductively coupled to a second coil. A controller is programmed to output parameters of the first coil and second coil. The controller is programmed to estimate the parameters based on voltage and current measurement from only the first or the second coil. The voltage and current measurements may be used in a Kalman filter. In some configurations, the controller is further programmed to command a short circuit between terminals of the second coil and apply a test voltage to the first coil. The first coil may be part of a vehicle charging station and the second coil may be part of a vehicle. The parameters may be utilized to control charging of the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of controllers and methods for use in climate control systems. In an exemplary embodiment, a controller for use in a climate control system includes a charger for providing a charge current to a battery of the controller. The controller also includes a variable resistance for selectively limiting the charge current. A control is configured to monitor the charge current and a voltage of the battery. Based on the monitoring, the control varies the resistance to keep the monitored voltage in a range defined by (a) a top charge voltage less than full capacity of the battery and (b) a discharge end voltage greater than a cut-off voltage of the battery. The monitored voltage has a substantially minimized rate of change within the range.

Abstract: Present embodiments of the disclosure are directed to a zero-footprint charging station for use with vehicles having quick-charge batteries. The disclosed embodiments enable the “quick-charge” power conversion equipment to disappear entirely into a passenger station structure. The passenger station structure may include a structural component of a bus stop (or other vehicle station) that is designed to accommodate passengers waiting to board the bus (or other transportation vehicle). By housing the power conversion electronics within a larger structure that serves a purpose at the vehicle station, the system may enable larger amounts of power electronics to be incorporated into a relatively strong and stable structure conforming to a desired size for the area (e.g., bus stop).

Abstract: A robotic work tool system, comprising a charging station and a robotic work tool, said robotic work tool comprising two charging connectors arranged on an upper side of the robotic work tool and said charging station comprising two charging connectors and a supporting structure arranged to carry said charging connectors and to extend over and above said robotic work tool as the robotic work tool enters the charging station for establishing electrical contact between the charging connectors of the robotic work tool and the charging connectors of the charging station from above, wherein said supporting structure is arranged to allow the robotic work tool exit the charging station by driving through the charging station without reversing.

Abstract: Wearable devices are described herein including a housing and a mount configured to mount a contact surface of the housing to an external surface of a wearer. The wearable devices further include a coil disposed in the housing proximate to the contact surface and at least one sensor disposed on the contact surface and configured to detect one or more properties of the body of the wearer. The wearable devices are powered by a rechargeable battery disposed within the wearable devices. The wearable devices additionally include a recharger disposed within the wearable devices and configured to recharge the rechargeable battery using electromagnetic energy received by the coil. The sensor is disposed within a central portion of the contact surface enclosed by the coil.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for charge equalization of batteries, and a battery pack using such a method are provided. A method of charge equalization of batteries involves determining a ratio between first state difference information for each of the batteries and second state difference information calculated based on values of items included in the first state difference information, and defining an output value for each converter corresponding to each of the batteries based on the ratio.

Abstract: A system and method for selecting a battery pack of a plurality of battery packs being wirelessly charged. The system includes a wireless charger having a power supply and a plurality of charging coils, each charging coil coupled to the power supply and configured to wirelessly charge a battery pack of the plurality of battery packs using power received via the power supply. The wireless charger communicates with each battery pack to receive battery information. The system further includes an optimal battery selection device configured to detect a battery pack request; select an optimal battery pack of the plurality of battery packs based on a battery pack request and battery information; and provide a notification indicative of the optimal battery pack selected.

Abstract: An ECU performs a program including: during charging, when abnormality information has been received, bringing each of an SMR and a CHR into an OFF state; when a charging connector is disconnected and when a vehicle is in a Ready-On state, starting a ground fault detection process; when it is determined that a ground fault has occurred on the vehicle side, performing a display process (1); and in the state where it is not determined that a ground fault has occurred on the vehicle side, when a prescribed detection time period has elapsed, performing a display process (2).

Abstract: A battery pack is provided for use with a power tool. The battery pack includes a housing and a plurality of battery cells connected in series within the housing, such that an inter-cell node is defined between each pair of adjacent battery cells. A plurality of terminals is at least partially exposed outside of the housing for coupling the battery cells to at least one of a power tool or a battery charger. The plurality of terminals include a positive terminal, a negative terminal and one or more inter-cell terminals, where at least one of the inter-cell terminals is electrically coupled via a positive temperature coefficient thermistor to one of the inter-cell nodes.

Abstract: Charge processes and systems are provided for charging a supercapacitor. The charging includes: charging a supercapacitor by applying a constant charge to the supercapacitor; and controlling termination of the constant charging of the supercapacitor. In one approach, the controlling termination includes dynamically determining, during the charging, a remaining charge time for the constant charging to substantially fully charge the supercapacitor; and allowing the charging to continue for the remaining charge time, and based on expiration of the remaining charge time, terminating the charging.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a portable charger including a power supply and an adapter. The power supply includes a battery module, a first terminal set, a voltage control module and a first switch portion. The battery module has an initial voltage. The adapter includes a second casing, a second terminal set, an output connector and a second switch portion. When the adapter is detached from the power supply, the portable charger is in a first state, and the voltage control module adjusts the initial voltage to a first voltage, allowing the first terminal set to output the first voltage; when the adapter is disposed on the power supply, the portable charger is in a second state, and the voltage control module adjusts the initial voltage to a second voltage which is different from the first voltage, allowing the first terminal set to output the second voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging one or more electric devices. The device may comprise a resonant circuit configured to wirelessly couple to the one or more electric devices, a boost converter configured to convert a system voltage received by the apparatus to an input voltage of a power amplifier that drives the resonant circuit, a sensing circuit configured to detect the input voltage and an associated input current, and a controller. The controller may be configured to receive the detected input voltage and the detected input current, compare the received input voltage and the received input current with stored voltage and current information, identify a difference between the received input voltage and a predetermined voltage according to the stored voltage and current information, and control the boost converter to adjust the input voltage by the identified difference to the predetermined voltage. The adjustment may not need any feedback or communication from the power receiver unit.

Abstract: An electrical-power storage device includes: a storage battery; a movement detector that detects movement of the electrical-power storage device including the storage battery; a reporter that reports that the electrical-power storage device has an abnormality to outside; and a controller that causes the reporter to report that the electrical-power storage device has an abnormality, when the movement detector detects movement of the electrical-power storage device, and the storage battery is not executing discharging.

Abstract: A terminal device and a charge control method are provided by the disclosure. The terminal device includes a first processor, which includes a first communication interface. The first processor receives a firmware transmitted by a second processor through the first communication interface when the first communication interface is open, and reads control instructions recorded in the firmware when the terminal device is coupled to an adapter, to control the adapter to charge the terminal device, wherein when the first processor stores no firmware, the first communication interface is open; a second processor acquires the firmware from a server, and when the first communication interface is open, transmits the firmware by the first communication interface. Therefore, the improved charge method based on the control of the terminal device is more practical and universal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a quick charging method, a power adapter, and a mobile terminal. The method includes: transmitting, by the power adapter, clock signal to the mobile terminal via a first data line of the USB interface in a process of that the power adapter is coupled to the mobile terminal, wherein the clock signal indicates a communication sequence between the power adapter and the mobile terminal; conducting, by the power adapter, a bidirectional communication with the mobile terminal via a second data line of the USB interface under control of the communication sequence, so as to determine to charge the mobile terminal in the quick charging mode; and adjusting, by the power adapter, a charging current of the power adapter to the charging current corresponding to the quick charging mode to charge the mobile terminal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for a Battery Management System (BMS) for the controlling of the charging and discharging of a plurality of battery cells (12). Each battery cell has an associated plurality of control circuits (32, 36) which monitor and control the charging of individual battery cells. These units are controlled by a central microcontroller (14) which shunts current around the battery cell if fully charged and stops discharge if a battery cell is fully discharged in order to prevent damage to the other cells.

Abstract: A portable charger and cradle assembly is provided for holding and charging an electronic device from an internal battery or an external power source wirelessly or via direct connection between the electronic device and the assembly. The assembly has a cradle housing with a support surface against which the electronic device may be held for wireless charging, and a support member attached to the cradle housing for positioning the cradle and electronic device as desired. At the end of the support member, a power connection interface is provided for coupling with an external power source to provide a charge to the electronic device via the charger and cradle assembly. In alternate embodiments, mounting means, such as a clip, can be provided at the end of the support member for holding the assembly in place.

Abstract: A charging system for a high voltage battery includes a pair of contactors each electrically connected to one of positive and negative terminals of the battery and configured to enable charging of the battery when closed; and a controller programmed to generate a notification indicating that one of the contactors is welded closed based on port voltage values achieved while issuing a predetermined sequence of open and close commands to the contactors after charge completion.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for powering a mobile device are provided. The method comprises detecting whether an external battery is useable for powering a mobile device through an interface. The method also comprises receiving power through the interface upon detecting the external battery being useable for powering the mobile device through the interface. With the methods and apparatuses of the present disclosure, it is easy to detect the availability of the external battery, which results in an extended battery life and enhanced battery capacity.