Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for rapidly and safely estimating the high-rate load test voltage of a storage battery utilizing open-circuit voltage, temperature and a dynamic parameter such as conductance or resistance. An output indicative of the condition of the battery is provided as a function of the estimated load test voltage of the battery compared to industry standards without the necessity to charge the battery or discharge the battery with high-rate loads using bulky load testing equipment.

Abstract: A battery monitoring system (BMS), which utilizes a minimum amount of input data (time, voltage, current, temperature and conductance, for example) to periodically determine a vehicle battery status or condition is provided. The BMS combines electronic hardware and software to give logical and critical data to assess and control a battery-based electrical system. The BMS can include processing circuitry (a microprocessor, for example), which is coupled to a voltage sensor, a current sensor, a temperature sensor, etc., that provide the necessary input data for the microprocessor, which executes program code, to determine the vehicle battery status or condition. A method of monitoring a battery in an operating vehicle is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating a battery tester with a fixed resistance load, such as a widely used Japanese load tester that rates the strength of Japanese batteries that are categorized under the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS), are provided. This invention simulates such a device without invoking large current loads, yields familiar results, utilizes an existing database and provides more conclusive testing. The method includes estimating a battery load test voltage as a function of a measured battery dynamic parameter, an open circuit voltage, the load resistance value of the load tester and the battery temperature. A bounceback voltage (BBV) of the battery is also predicted. The BBV, load voltage and battery temperature are utilized to rate the strength of the battery. Also, to improve the accuracy of test results for a substantially discharged battery, one embodiment projects the results of recharging discharged batteries without actually doing so.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a storage battery is provided in which a battery is measured to obtain a battery dynamic parameter value such as conductance. The battery is measured to obtain an open circuit voltage, a resistance and a recovery voltage differential. A condition of the battery is determined as a function of the measured battery dynamic parameter, the open circuit voltage and the recovery voltage differential.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting the remaining discharge time of a battery are provided. The method includes measuring a dynamic parameter of the battery, obtaining a discharge current of the battery, measuring a voltage of the battery and obtaining a temperature of the battery. The remaining run time of the battery is predicted as a function of the measured battery dynamic parameter, the discharge current, the measured battery voltage, the battery temperature, a full charge battery dynamic parameter and an estimated capacity of the battery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulating a battery tester with a fixed resistance load, such as a widely used Japanese load tester that rates the strength of Japanese batteries that are categorized under the Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS), are provided. This invention simulates such a device without invoking large current loads, yields familiar results, utilizes an existing database and provides more conclusive testing. The method includes measuring an open circuit voltage (OCV), temperature and a dynamic parameter of the battery. A load voltage of the battery is estimated as a function of the measured battery dynamic parameter, the OCV, the load resistance value of the load tester and the battery temperature. A bounceback voltage (BBV) of the battery is then predicted. The BBV, the load voltage and the battery temperature are utilized to rate the strength of the battery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining how a vehicle battery would perform when used to start a vehicle. A discharge voltage/current of the battery is predicted as a function of a battery dynamic parameter, an open circuit voltage of the battery, a battery temperature and a fixed current/voltage value at which the battery is to be discharged. This discharge voltage/current value is compared to a minimum starting voltage/current required to start the vehicle in which the battery is employed and an output indicative of a starting capability of the battery is provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a storage battery is provided that generates a temperature at which the battery will fail to meet performance criteria. The use of a temperature-based system to rate battery performance provides a clearer understanding to those not skilled in the art of battery testing. The critical failure temperature is obtained using the battery parameters of open circuit voltage, temperature and a dynamic parameter such as conductance or resistance.

Abstract: A system for controlling charging of a battery of a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine. The system includes an input that receives an engine shutdown signal indicative that the engine will be shut down during an idle period to thereby conserve fuel. An engine shutdown delay delays shutdown of the engine for a shutdown delay period in response to the engine shutdown signal. Charge boost circuitry increases a charge signal applied to the battery of the vehicle during the engine shutdown delay period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a storage battery is provided that generates a temperature at which the battery will fail to meet performance criteria. The use of a temperature-based system to rate battery performance provides a clearer understanding to those not skilled in the art of battery testing. The critical failure temperature is obtained using the battery parameters of open circuit voltage, temperature and a dynamic parameter such as conductance or resistance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting the remaining discharge time of a battery are provided. The method includes measuring a dynamic parameter of the battery, obtaining a discharge current of the battery, measuring a voltage of the battery and obtaining a temperature of the battery. The remaining run time of the battery is predicted as a function of the measured battery dynamic parameter, the discharge current, the measured battery voltage, the battery temperature, a full charge battery dynamic parameter and an estimated capacity of the battery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for rapidly and safely estimating the high-rate load test voltage of a storage battery utilizing open-circuit voltage, temperature and a dynamic parameter such as conductance or resistance. An output indicative of the condition of the battery is provided as a function of the estimated load test voltage of the battery compared to industry standards without the necessity to charge the battery or discharge the battery with high-rate loads using bulky load testing equipment.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining how a vehicle battery would perform when used to start a vehicle. A discharge voltage/current of the battery is predicted as a function of a battery dynamic parameter, an open circuit voltage of the battery, a battery temperature and a fixed current/voltage value at which the battery is to be discharged. This discharge voltage/current value is compared to a minimum starting voltage/current required to start the vehicle in which the battery is employed and an output indicative of a starting capability of the battery is provided.

Abstract: A system for controlling charging of a battery of a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine. The system includes an input that receives an engine shutdown signal indicative that the engine will be shut down during an idle period to thereby conserve fuel. An engine shutdown delay delays shutdown of the engine for a shutdown delay period in response to the engine shutdown signal. Charge boost circuitry increases a charge signal applied to the battery of the vehicle during the engine shutdown delay period.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a storage battery is provided that generates a temperature at which the battery will fail to meet performance criteria. The use of a temperature-based system to rate battery performance provides a clearer understanding to those not skilled in the art of battery testing. The critical failure temperature is obtained using the battery parameters of open circuit voltage, temperature and a dynamic parameter such as conductance or resistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides a straightforward diagnostic system and testing procedure that gives relevant data on the performance of the charging system in a battery-based electrical system. The overall method for testing the alternator comprising determining a threshold voltage of the battery-based electrical system, powering the alternator, determining a charging current generated by the alternator, and determining a charging voltage generated by the alternator. In this manner, an apparatus and system capable of rapidly determining whether a vehicle charging system is operating properly are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for performing automatic and rapid diagnostic testing and charging of a battery. The diagnostic test unit utilizes a charger combined with a rapidly variable load. After inputting battery characteristics including the cranking rating (CCA or CA) and the temperature of the battery, a diagnostic ramp procedure is utilized to provide an instantaneous current versus voltage analysis to determine the instantaneous cranking value (i.e., the single crank capability at full charge) of the battery being tested. If the instantaneous cranking value of the battery is above a level determined acceptable, a sustained discharge is carried out to tax the capacity of the battery. At the end of the constant current discharge, the current is again to determine a loaded cranking value which simulates the battery power after multiple cranking attempts. If the loaded cranking value is below a desired percentage of the cranking rating, then the battery is put into charge.

Abstract: A method and system for performing automatic and rapid diagnostic testing and charging of a battery. The diagnostic test unit utilizes a charger combined with a rapidly variable load. After inputting battery characteristics including the cranking rating (CCA or CA) and the temperature of the battery, a diagnostic ramp procedure is utilized to provide an instantaneous current versus voltage analysis to determine the instantaneous cranking value (i.e., the single crank capability at full charge) of the battery being tested. If the instantaneous cranking value of the battery is above a level determined acceptable, a sustained discharge is carried out to tax the capacity of the battery.

Abstract: A method and system for performing automatic and rapid diagnostic testing and charging of a battery. The diagnostic test unit utilizes a charger combined with a rapidly variable load. After inputting battery characteristics including the cranking rating (CCA or CA) and the temperature of the battery, a diagnostic ramp procedure is utilized to provide an instantaneous current versus voltage analysis to determine the instantaneous cranking value (i.e., the single crank capability at full charge) of the battery being tested. If the instantaneous cranking value of the battery is above a level determined acceptable, a sustained discharge is carried out to tax the capacity of the battery. At the end of the constant current discharge, the current is again to determine a loaded cranking value which simulates the battery power after multiple cranking attempts. If the loaded cranking value is below a desired percentage of the cranking rating, then the battery is put into charge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for efficiently charging lead-acid batteries applies small voltage steps to probe the charging efficiency of a battery being charged. The application of a voltage step causes the current to change from a base current to a surge current immediately after the voltage step, and to decay asymptotically to a plateau current after the surge current. A current ratio, defined as the difference between the plateau current and the base current divided by the difference between the surge current and the base current, is used as an indicator of the charging efficiency. The output voltage of the power supply charging the battery is then adjusted according to the measured current ratio. A current-voltage slope, defined as the difference between the plateau current and the base current divided by the magnitude of the voltage step, may also be used as an indicator of the charging efficiency for controlling the charging process.