Abstract: A wireless charging system having a battery with at least one cell, a receiving coil wrapped around the at least one cell and a charger having a transmitting field designed to couple with the receiving coil of the battery. A battery is further described having at least one cell and having a receiving coil wrapped around at least one cell.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at the use of an energy generator system, containing a thermal electric generator (TEG), within a portable device, such as a mobile communication device, to recover waste heat within the device. This waste heat may then be recovered in the form of electricity that can then be use for various applications such as for powering the portable device or recharging a power source.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed at a method and apparatus for controlling fuel cell operating conditions. The apparatus includes a set of sensors for monitoring the fuel cell operating conditions and a processing unit, in communication with the set of sensors for determining when the fuel cell operating conditions are outside of an acceptable range. When it is determined that the fuel cell operating conditions are outside of the acceptable range, an electrolyser is activated to electrolyse waste liquid water or water vapour to assist in controlling the fuel cell operating conditions.

Abstract: There is provided a power source system which includes a self-charging system. In one embodiment, the power source system is used to power portable devices and may include a power source such as a set of rechargeable batteries or a battery pack. The power source system comprises a self-charging system which includes an energy harvester operatively connected to a vibrational energy source such as a plurality of piezoelectric elements (piezos). The piezos preferably include a plurality of cantilevers which are composed of a piezoelectric material which may be the same or may be different from the substrate material of the piezos.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a power management module measures different observable quantities of a battery, such as terminal voltage or current, and measures a voltage response of the battery based upon the measurements. The measured voltage response of the battery is compared to a plurality of reference voltage responses, which may be determined for authentic batteries, for example. If the measured voltage response corresponds to each of the reference voltage responses, the battery is authenticated for use with an electronic device. If necessary, additional voltage responses may be measured and compared against corresponding reference voltage responses until the battery is authenticated by a sufficient number of corresponding responses. A relative condition of the battery, such as an age or state of health, may also be estimated based on the measured voltage response of the battery.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment, a power management module measures an electromagnetic radiation spectrum or a voltage response of a battery module. The measured electromagnetic radiation spectrum or voltage response of the battery is compared to a plurality of reference electromagnetic radiation spectrums or voltage responses, respectively, which may be determined for authentic batteries, for example. A relative condition of the battery, such as an age or state of health, may be estimated based on the measured electromagnetic radiation spectrum or voltage response of the battery module, and stored in a memory store. The rate of change of the relative condition of the battery over a period of time may be determined to identify potential defects in the battery.

Abstract: Diagnostic use of physical and electrical battery parameters is made to enhance battery authentication and security. A power management module measures an electromagnetic radiation spectrum of a battery module based on signal strengths of the electromagnetic radiation detected at one or more antennas. The measured electromagnetic radiation spectrum of the battery is compared to a reference electromagnetic radiation spectrum, which may be specified for authentic batteries, for example. If the measured electromagnetic radiation spectrum corresponds to the reference electromagnetic radiation spectrum, the battery is authenticated for use with the mobile communication device. A relative condition of the battery, such as an age or state of health, may also be estimated based on the measured electromagnetic radiation spectrum of the battery module.

Abstract: A method of hot-swapping in a portable electronic device having at least two power sources comprising determining one of the at least two power sources requires replacement; confirming that the portable electronic device is being powered by another of the at least two power sources; and transmitting an indication that the power source requiring replacement may be replaced without shutting down the portable electronic device.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a mobile electronic device having a fuel cell configured to receive fuel and generate therefrom electrical power for the mobile electronic device, a fuel tank adapted to store fuel and provide fuel to the fuel cell, and an energy storage device configured to provide power to the mobile device. The fuel tank is sized and shaped to at least partially surround the energy storage device. The fuel tank and the energy storage device may be in thermal contact.

Abstract: According to one aspect, a mobile electronic device having a fuel cell configured to receive fuel and generate therefrom electrical power for the mobile electronic device, a fuel tank adapted to store fuel and provide fuel to the fuel cell, and a solid-state battery configured to provide power to the mobile device. The solid-state battery is sized and shaped to at least partially surround at least one of the fuel cell and the fuel tank.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving a temperature indication, the temperature indication being a function of a temperature of a power pack of a portable electronic device; determining, as a function of the temperature indication, whether the temperature is within an elevated operating temperature range; and reducing a charge termination voltage and a charging current when the temperature is within the elevated operating temperature range.