Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for monitoring and maintaining a plurality of batteries by performing a normal analysis on all of the batteries, selecting a marginal battery, replacing the marginal battery with an auxiliary battery, and offline performing a detailed analysis on the marginal battery. The marginal battery is then serviced/discarded according to the results of the detailed analysis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring and maintaining a plurality of batteries. The batteries are maintained according to a two-part method. In the first part, a normal analysis is performed on all of the batteries. In the normal analysis, it is determined if any one of the batteries has marginal conditions. The marginal battery (which can be one or more batteries) is selected for a second part of the method, which includes a detailed analysis. The detailed analysis is performed on the marginal battery. The marginal battery is then serviced according to the results of the detailed analysis.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling an alternator (605) by turning it ON or OFF depending upon the battery conditions and the operating conditions of the automobile monitored by various sensors (606, 609 and 611). By allowing the batteries of the automobile (610), controlled by a battery control unit (608), to charge and discharge based on its state of charge (SOC), the load imposed by the alternator (605) can be reduced such that the fuel efficiency of the automobile is optimized. By setting SOC limits, the alternator (605) can be turned ON or OFF, using an alternator control unit (604), depending on whether the SOC of the batteries is within the SOC limits. In addition, power loading limits can be preset so that the alternator (605) can be turned ON or OFF depending on the power loading conditions. The alternator (605) may be turned ON or OFF, using an alternator control unit (604), based on other conditions as well.