Abstract: A system for balancing a plurality of battery pack system modules connected in series comprising: a plurality of battery pack system modules, wherein a high charge module of the plurality of battery pack system modules has a charge greater than a that of other modules. At least one zener diode connected in series with a current limiting resistor is connected in parallel to the plurality of battery pack system modules. A power source is in communication with a disconnect circuit of at least one of the battery pack system modules. The disconnect circuit is actuated when the battery pack system module reaches a predetermined state of charge. The zener diode enables current from the power source to bypass charged battery pack system modules to charge other battery pack system modules.

Abstract: A rechargeable power assembly having at least one lithium ion cell comprising an anode, a cathode, an electrolyte gel; a pulsed balancing circuit connected to the at least one lithium ion cell for maintaining the at least one lithium ion cell in a balanced phase; at least two photovoltaic cells concurrently connected to the pulsed balancing circuit and at least one lithium ion cell, wherein the at least two photovoltaic cells are connected in series for recharging the at least one lithium ion cell; an insulating layer between the at least one lithium ion cell and the at least two photovoltaic cells, wherein the at least two photovoltaic cells each have a surface for absorbing radiation, the surfaces for absorbing radiation are disposed opposite the respective insulating layers forming an apparatus for providing usable DC current directly from an electric circuit connected to the at least one lithium ion cell.

Abstract: A rechargeable power assembly having at least one lithium ion cell comprising an anode, a cathode, an electrolyte gel; a pulsed balancing circuit connected to the at least one lithium ion cell for maintaining the at least one lithium ion cell in a balanced phase; at least two photovoltaic cells concurrently connected to the pulsed balancing circuit and at least one lithium ion cell, wherein the at least two photovoltaic cells are connected in series for recharging the at least one lithium ion cell; an insulating layer between the at least one lithium ion cell and the at least two photovoltaic cells, wherein the at least two photovoltaic cells each have a surface for absorbing radiation, the surfaces for absorbing radiation are disposed opposite the respective insulating layers forming an apparatus for providing usable DC current directly from an electric circuit connected to the at least one lithium ion cell.

Abstract: A method for balancing cells or groups of cells connected in parallel and in series for a battery pack by providing a continuously balanced state of charge while in a discharge phase, a charge phase, a quiescent phase, a storage phase, or combinations of these phases.

Abstract: A battery pack control module for balancing a plurality of cells or groups of cells connected in series includes a controller assembly, a disconnect circuit, a pack sensing circuit, a balancing circuit, and computer instructions for instructing the controller assembly to control the disconnect circuit and the balancing circuit. The disconnect circuit engages the controller assembly and a plurality of cells or groups of cells connected in series. The pack sensing circuit connects to the controller assembly and the plurality of cells or groups of cells connected in series. The balancing circuit connects between the plurality of cells or groups of cells connected in series, and engages the controller assembly. The plurality of cells or groups of cells connected in series is balanced when the battery pack control module operates in a charging phase, a discharging phase, a quiescent phase, or a storage phase.

Abstract: A method for extending the power duration of lithium ion cells or groups of lithium ion cells connected in parallel and in series by providing a continuously balanced state of charge while in a discharge phase, a charge phase, a quiescent phase, a storage phase, or combinations of these phases.

Abstract: A safety device for lithium ion cells or groups of lithium ion cells connected in parallel and in series by providing a continuously balanced state of charge while in a discharge phase, a charge phase, a quiescent phase, a storage phase, or combinations of these phases.