Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for charging silver-zinc rechargeable batteries and an apparatus for practicing the charging method. The recharging apparatus includes recharging management circuitry; and one or more of a silver-zinc cell, a host device or a charging base that includes the recharging management circuitry. The recharging management circuitry provides means for regulating recharging of the silver-zinc cell, diagnostics for evaluating battery function, and safety measures that prevent damage to the apparatus caused by charging batteries composed of materials that are not suited for the charging method (e.g., non-silver-zinc batteries).

Abstract: A method for charging a rechargeable battery comprises estimating an initial state of charge of the battery (SOC0), which may be estimated based on a time to polarization or an initial voltage of the battery. The method also comprises charging the battery according to a first charging strategy if the initial state of charge (SOC0) is greater than a threshold state of charge (SOCX) and according to a second charging strategy if the initial state of charge (SOC0) is less than the threshold state of charge (SOCX). The first charging strategy comprises charging, by charging circuitry, the battery at a temperature-independent constant charge voltage (CVXT) and at a first current (I1) with power provided from a power source in electrical communication with the charging circuitry.

Abstract: A method for charging a rechargeable battery comprises estimating an initial state of charge of the battery (SOC0), which may be estimated based on a time to polarization or an initial voltage of the battery. The method also comprises charging the battery according to a first charging strategy if the initial state of charge (SOC0) is greater than a threshold state of charge (SOCX) and according to a second charging strategy if the initial state of charge (SOC0) is less than the threshold state of charge (SOCX). The first charging strategy comprises charging, by charging circuitry, the battery at a temperature-independent constant charge voltage (CVXT) and at a first current (I1) with power provided from a power source in electrical communication with the charging circuitry.

Abstract: A method (600, 700, 800) for charging a battery (102) comprises obtaining, by charging circuitry (120), an open circuitry voltage of the battery prior to a charging session. The charging circuitry is in electrical communication with a power source (110) and the battery. The method also comprises initiating the charging session to charge the battery at a constant charge current-constant charge voltage with power provided from the power source and obtaining an ambient temperature (T) measured by a temperature sensor (160) in communication with the charging circuitry. The method also comprises obtaining a charge termination time (tt) based on the ambient temperature and terminating the charging session when the charge termination time is reached.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for charging silver-zinc rechargeable batteries and an apparatus for practicing the charging method. The recharging apparatus includes recharging management circuitry; and one or more of a silver-zinc cell, a host device or a charging base that includes the recharging management circuitry. The recharging management circuitry provides means for regulating recharging of the silver-zinc cell, diagnostics for evaluating battery function, and safety measures that prevent damage to the apparatus caused by charging batteries composed of materials that are not suited for the charging method (e.g., non-silver-zinc batteries).

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for charging silver-zinc rechargeable batteries and an apparatus for practicing the charging method. The recharging apparatus includes recharging management circuitry; and one or more of a silver-zinc cell, a host device or a charging base that includes the recharging management circuitry. The recharging management circuitry provides means for regulating recharging of the silver-zinc cell, diagnostics for evaluating battery function, and safety measures that prevent damage to the apparatus caused by charging batteries composed of materials that are not suited for the charging method (e.g., non-silver-zinc batteries).

Abstract: A method (600, 700, 800) for charging a battery (102) comprises obtaining, by charging circuitry (120), an open circuitry voltage of the battery prior to a charging session. The charging circuitry is in electrical communication with a power source (110) and the battery. The method also comprises initiating the charging session to charge the battery at a constant charge current-constant charge voltage with power provided from the power source and obtaining an ambient temperature (T) measured by a temperature sensor (160) in communication with the charging circuitry. The method also comprises obtaining a charge termination time (tt) based on the ambient temperature and terminating the charging session when the charge termination time is reached.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for charging silver-zinc rechargeable batteries and an apparatus for practicing the charging method. The recharging apparatus includes recharging management circuitry; and one or more of a silver-zinc cell, a host device or a charging base that includes the recharging management circuitry. The recharging management circuitry provides means for regulating recharging of the silver-zinc cell, diagnostics for evaluating battery function, and safety measures that prevent damage to the apparatus caused by charging batteries composed of materials that are not suited for the charging method (e.g., non-silver-zinc batteries).