Abstract: A disengageable electrical capacitive coupling system with enhanced conductivity of the coupling is provided. The coupling is designed for transmitting high frequency AC electrical current and includes dual connectors on the vehicle side mating with dual couplers on the charger side. The system includes a selection of applicators for applying liquid cleaner materials to the plates of the dual connectors/couplers to loosen and remove substantially all foreign particles, as well as air pockets. The applicators include porous rollers, a combination spray nozzle and squeegee, a direct applicator through the foam forming the coupler plates and a scraper to provide additional beneficial treatment to the plate surface. The cleaner materials can be water or a conductive liquid solution, including an additive of a strong electrolyte, to further enhance the coupling function.

Abstract: A disengageable electrical capacitive coupling for transmitting high frequency AC electrical current is provided. In an electric vehicle charging system, dual first connectors form the vehicle inlet, and mating dual second connectors form the coupler. A dielectric material, such as barium titanium oxide, is positioned between the connectors to form capacitors. A holder secures the connectors together with the dielectric material in between. The interface formed is sufficient for establishing a highly efficient, compact electrostatic field for transmitting the current. Provision is made in the holder for easily disengaging the connectors once the charging cycle is complete. When utilized as a charging system, the capacitive charge coupling is connected between a high frequency drive unit on the charger side and a DC power conversion unit on the energy storage side, such as in an electric vehicle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to charge a battery including a DC charge current supply having a variable output. The charging current is varied in accordance with several sensed parameters in the circuit so that battery voltage is accurately controlled. Initially, constant charging current is applied, and upon detecting that battery voltage increases to the gassing voltage, an incremental step reduction in charging current is triggered. The step reduction causes a decrease in battery voltage, dropping it below the gassing voltage. The step reduced charging current is then applied to increase battery voltage back up to the gassing voltage, thereby triggering another step reduction in charging current. This process is repeated multiple times providing a stepped current profile, i.e., each battery voltage increase to the gassing voltage triggering a step reduction in charging current, and in turn a corresponding voltage reduction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to charge a battery including a DC charge current supply having a variable output. The charging current is varied in accordance with several sensed parameters in the circuit so that battery voltage is accurately controlled. Initially, constant charging current is applied, and upon detecting that battery voltage increases to the gassing voltage, an incremental step reduction in charging current is triggered. The step reduction causes a decrease in battery voltage, dropping it below the gassing voltage. The step reduced charging current is then applied to increase battery voltage back up to the gassing voltage, thereby triggering another step reduction in charging current. This process is repeated multiple times providing a stepped current profile, i.e., each battery voltage increase to the gassing voltage triggering a step reduction in charging current, and in turn a corresponding voltage reduction.