Abstract: Improved techniques to manage operation of a portable electronic device having a substantially depleted battery when power is available from an external, power-limited source are disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, the substantially depleted battery can be initially charged while a power-intensive operation is delayed. Once the battery has adequate charge to assist the external, power-limited source in powering the portable electronic device, the power-intensive operation can be performed. In this manner, power consumption of a portable electronic device can be managed so that reliable operation is achieved without exceeding limits on power being drawn from an external, power-limited source.

Abstract: A method for performing active balancing control with aid of voltage information sharing is provided. The method is applied to a power supply device. The method includes the steps of: obtaining first voltage information from a specific battery module of a set of battery modules connected in series within the power supply device, where each battery module includes at least one battery cell; obtaining second voltage information from at least one other battery module of the set of battery modules; and determining whether to enable at least one portion of an active balancing circuit of the specific battery module according to the first voltage information and the second voltage information. An associated apparatus is further provided.

Abstract: A balancing circuit for balancing battery units includes a control unit, an inductor unit and an energy transfer unit. The control unit is coupled to at least one battery unit of the battery units. The control unit includes at least one switch device. The inductor unit is coupled between the switch device and the battery unit, and is arranged for taking away an excess energy of the battery unit according to a switch state of the switch device, and accordingly generating an inductive energy corresponding to the excess energy. The energy transfer unit is coupled to the inductor unit, and is arranged for providing the inductive energy to the battery units and storing the inductive energy.

Abstract: A balancing circuit for balancing battery units includes balancing modules. Each of the balancing modules includes a first and a second switch unit, and a first and a second inductive device, wherein the first inductive device is coupled to the second inductive device. The balancing modules include a first and a second balancing module, respectively coupled to a first and a second battery unit of the battery units. The first inductive device of the first balancing module takes away an excess energy of the first battery unit according to a switch state of the first switch unit of the first balancing module, and stores an inductive energy corresponding to the excess energy in the second balancing module. The second inductive device of the second balancing module provides the inductive energy for the second battery unit according to a switch state of the second switch unit of the second balancing module.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to suppress damages to a drive circuit for a switching device due to a counter electromotive force of an inductor. A balance correcting apparatus includes: an inductor; a first switching device; a second switching device; a control signal generating unit that has a first reference voltage input terminal electrically connected to the other end of the first electricity storage cell and a second reference voltage input terminal electrically connected to the other end of the second electricity storage cell, and allows the first switching device and the second switching device to perform an ON-OFF operation alternately; and a voltage stabilizing circuit that keeps a voltage difference between the voltages of the first reference voltage input terminal and the second reference voltage input terminal to be within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A system and method for recorded renewable energy certificates from power produced by small power generators is provided. An appliance can include a renewable energy source and electronics to monitor and control the charging of batteries in the appliance utilizing power from the renewable energy source. Power from the batteries can be utilized to power or charge external devices. The electronics also records the total power production from the renewable energy source and uploads transaction records to either an external device for transmission to a records server or uploads it directly to the records server itself. The records server compiles the transaction records and generates renewable energy certificates by aggregating the transaction records. Renewable energy certificates can be redeemed in exchange for real or virtual goods and services.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a first terminal to couple to a first node of a stacked battery pack having a first cell block and a second cell block, a second terminal to couple to a second node between the first cell block and the second cell block, and a voltage management circuit to detect an output voltage at the second terminal and to adjust energy within the battery pack based on the output voltage to be detected at the second terminal.

Abstract: An energy storage device and method for decreasing a rush current to protect battery cells and battery management systems (BMSs) from a rush current by sequentially coupling battery packs to each other in parallel to a grid. To this end, the BMS measures voltages of at least three battery packs and then sequentially in parallel couples battery packs in order from a smallest to a largest voltage to thereby reduce the rush current.

Abstract: A portable charging station is provided for selectively charging a plurality of personal electronic devices. The portable charging station includes a wall charger, a hub separate from the wall charger and having a plurality of USB ports to selectively charge one or more of the plurality of personal electronic devices and a case movable between a transport configuration in which the case encloses the wall charger and the hub and a charging configuration in which the case reveals the wall charger and the hub. The portable charging station may further include a battery and the hub may include a switch for switching between a battery charging mode and an outlet charging mode. Related methods of charging personal electronic devices are also provided.

Abstract: A system including a plurality of cells connected in series in a rechargeable battery pack and a plurality of cell balancing modules. Each cell balancing module performs voltage balancing of a respective pair of cells. Each cell balancing module includes a communication module to (i) transmit, via a communication link, information about voltages of the respective pair of cells to an adjacent cell balancing module and (ii) receive, via the communication link, from the adjacent cell balancing module, information about voltages of cells corresponding to the adjacent cell balancing module. Each cell balancing module performs, based on the information received from the adjacent cell balancing module, the voltage balancing in response to a voltage difference between any of the plurality of cells being greater than or equal to a predetermined threshold instead of performing the voltage balancing based on a difference between voltages of the respective pair of cells.

Abstract: A personal electronic device carrying case is described. The carrying case includes a securing mechanism for retaining the personal electronic device in place, a charging unit, and a physical keyboard. The charging unit includes a charger, a battery, and a connecting cable. The charging unit and physical keyboard may be connected such that a single connecting cable is used to connect the charger and keyboard to the personal electronic device. This carrying case provides advantages in protecting the personal electronic device while providing a means to charge the personal electronic device in the event that the personal electronic device's battery runs low. This will be especially appealing when a wall receptacle is unavailable to recharge the personal electronic device battery, for instance when a user is on an extended plane flight.

Abstract: A method, a device and an electrical system for discharging a first electrical network. The first electrical network comprises in particular an intermediate circuit which comprises in particular an intermediate-circuit capacitor. The first electrical network is connected to a second electrical network by means of a DC-DC converter for this purpose. The first electrical network is discharged by means of the DC-DC converter. At the same time, the DC-DC converter transfers electrical energy into the second electrical network. For discharging, the output voltage of the DC-DC converter is set to a first voltage value, which is larger than the nominal voltage of the second electrical network. For discharging, the output voltage of the DC-DC converter is set to the first voltage value for a predefinable first period of time.

Abstract: A battery balance apparatus with a battery pack of N battery cells, an inductor, a first rectifying switch, a second rectifying switch, a third rectifying switch, a fourth rectifying switch and N+1 controllable switches.

Abstract: A mobile charger device including a first connector that electrically connects a first mobile device to the mobile charger device, a second connector that electrically connects a second mobile device to the mobile charger device, a connector element that electrically connects the first mobile device electrically connected by the first connector with the second mobile device electrically connected by the second connector, and a switch operable to select which one of the first and second mobile devices supplies power through the connector element to the other of the first and second mobile devices.

Abstract: A system including a first cell, a second cell, a first switch, a second switch, an inductance, and a control module. The first cell and the second cell are connected in series to each other and respectively output a first voltage and a second voltage. The first switch and the second switch are connected in series to each other and are connected across the first cell and the second cell. The inductance is connected between the first switch and the second switch, and between the first cell and the second cell. The control module generates control signals to control the first switch and the second switch, and to transfer charge between the first cell and the second cell via the inductance until a difference between the first voltage and the second voltage is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold. The predetermined threshold is not equal to zero.

Abstract: An electronic device may include a first charging port. A peripheral device connected to the first charging port can be sensed. The first charging port can be electrically connected to a battery charger of the electronic device by a first connection and configured to provide a charge to the battery charger through the first connection. The first charging port can be further electrically connected to a battery of the electronic device by a second connection and configured to receive a charge from the battery by the second connection. A charge (i.e., power) can be provided to the peripheral device from the battery through the second connection. A charge on the first connection can be directed away from the battery charger.

Abstract: A non-contact recharging apparatus and method provides a recharge menu to a first mobile terminal when performing non-contact recharging using inductive coupling. A user can set and operate a menu for recharging a second mobile terminal according to the recharge menu to perform inter-recharging between the mobile terminals. A recharge menu setting state is displayed in the form of icon, and the mobile terminal performs short-range communication with the counterpart terminal during the recharging to exchange information about the remaining battery capacity and the amount of current. The exchanged information is displayed on a display module such that the user can easily check which one of the mobile terminals is being recharged and can also check the recharge level of the mobile terminal being recharged.

Abstract: A method for controlling a plurality of sodium-sulfur batteries that, in an interconnected system in which a power generation device that fluctuates in output and an electric power storage-compensation device are combined to supply power to an electric power system, are each included in the electric power storage-compensation device and compensate for output fluctuations of the power generation device, is provided. When one sodium-sulfur battery of the plurality of sodium-sulfur batteries reaches a discharge end, the sodium-sulfur battery reaching the discharge end is charged from a sodium-sulfur battery other than the sodium-sulfur battery reaching the discharge end. When one sodium-sulfur battery of the plurality of sodium-sulfur batteries reaches a charge end, the sodium-sulfur battery reaching the charge end is discharged to charge a sodium-sulfur battery other than the sodium-sulfur battery reaching the charge end.

Abstract: A DC-DC voltage down-converter for an electronic device supplied by a battery and having a bus interface for the interconnection with another electronic device capable of supplying electric power is provided. The DC-DC voltage down-converter includes a terminal coupled to a voltage supply line of the bus interface and operable to receive a input current from the another electronic device. The DC-DC voltage down-converter further includes an electric energy storage element coupled between the battery and the terminal, the electric energy storage element being operable to storage/release electric energy and a drive circuit arranged to control the storage/release of the electric energy storage element, so as to cause an electric power generated by the input current supplied by the another electronic device through the voltage supply line to re-charge the battery.

Abstract: A redox flow battery, in particular a vanadium redox flow battery, with at least two functional units, for example at least two stages with at least one battery cascade, or at least two battery cascades, has a device for electrically decoupling at least one of these units. In order to ensure fault-free and functionally reliable operation of an energy supply system on the basis of such a redox flow battery alongside best-possible efficiency, a device for connecting a decoupled functional unit to at least one store for electrical energy is provided.

Abstract: A power supply system includes a main power storage device and a plurality of sub power storage devices. A converter is connected to a selected one of the sub power storage devices to convert voltage between the selected sub power storage device and an electric power feeding line bidirectionally. In response to decrease in SOC of the selected sub power storage device being used, a request to switch the sub power storage device is generated and accordingly a switching process for a relay is performed. Here, while a process for starting or stopping an engine is being performed, the request to switch will not be generated even when decrease in SOC is detected. Likewise, while a process for switching the sub power storage device is being performed, the process for starting or stopping the engine will not be started even when a request to start or stop the engine is generated.

Abstract: A power supply system includes a main power storage device and a plurality of sub power storage devices. A converter is connected to a selected one of the sub power storage devices to convert voltage between the selected sub power storage device and an electric power feeding line bidirectionally. The sub power storage device undergoes a connection switching process, and when the last sub power storage device is currently used, then, in accordance with that sub power storage device's SOC and the vehicle's state, a request is generated to disconnect the sub power storage device and a relay is turned off. In doing so, if a process is currently performed for starting or stopping an engine, generating the request is refrained even if a decreased SOC is sensed. Similarly, if a process is performed to disconnect a sub power storage device, and therewhile a request is generated to start/stop the engine, starting the process performed for starting or stopping the engine is refrained.

Abstract: A control device (200) calculates, on the basis of the transition of the expected amount of power generation of a power generation unit (160), the transition of the expected amount of power supply of a power supply unit (110), and the current amount of stored electrical power of a storage battery (120), a transition of the expected amount of the stored electrical power of the storage battery (120) in a case where electrical power continues to be supplied from a power distribution network (300) to the storage battery (120).

Abstract: The present invention provides a new and useful apparatus for charging battery powered electronic devices using a rolling means. The rolling means transfers mechanical energy from a plurality of wheels to a generator by way of a gear ratio. The generator in turn yields electrical energy that is later transformed via integrated circuitry into viable power for the purposes of charging an optional internal batter or that of an attached device. This apparatus does not limit the user's mobility and can be used in everyday settings. The apparatus can be an integral part of a piece of luggage or added to an existing hand cart. Additionally, the apparatus can have a connection for a DC input to charge the internal battery when the apparatus is not in motion.

Abstract: An automatic flow control apparatus includes a solar cell module that provides a received light signal, an energy storage module, a charging circuit, a regulating module, a control module, a rainfall detection module for generating a detected rainfall signal, and a pair of conductors. The control module converts the received light signal and the detected rainfall signal into measured light data and measured rainfall data, and stores a measured data set that includes the measured light data and the measured rainfall data. The controller determines based on at least the measured data set whether to output a control signal to the regulating module for controlling regulation of fluid flow.

Abstract: A speaker device providing backup power includes a main body, at least one speaker unit and at least two power-storing units. The main body includes a charging port for electrically connecting to an external power source, an audio port for connecting to a portable electronic device, a discharging port for electrically connecting to the portable electronic device, and a control circuit unit for connecting to the charging port, audio port and discharging port. The speaker unit is electrically connected to the control circuit unit to obtain audio signal via the audio port. The two power-storing units store power from the external power source, and include a first power-storing unit for driving the speaker unit and a second power-storing unit for electrically connecting to the discharging port to allow charging power stored in the second power-storing unit to charge into the portable electronic device connected to the discharging port.

Abstract: A lamp base having an electrical device recharging receptacle configured to receive a plug from a recharging device for a portable rechargeable electronic device. The receptacle is configured as a standard automobile cigarette lighter receptacle. The receptacle includes standard cigarette lighter receptacle electrical contacts that are connected to a voltage and current conversion circuit for receiving standard household voltage and converting it into standard automotive voltage and current. An adapter receptacle is provided in the lamp base with securable replacement electrical and mechanical connection mechanism, wherein the conversion circuit provides a voltage and current to the adapter receptacle. A replaceably securable USB adapter plug comprising a second conversion circuit for converting the voltage and current provided to the adapter receptacle into a standard USB voltage and current.

Abstract: A stuffed animal cell phone charging device includes a cushioned main body having an internal rechargeable battery and a securing member for releasably holding a cell phone. The charging device may be adapted for wirelessly coupling with the cell phone for inductive charging or include at least one power plug adaptor for wired charging of the cell phone. An AC power plug in connection with the rechargeable battery recharges the rechargeable battery. The device includes speakers having wireless data exchange connectivity for wirelessly pairing with the cell phone to play music stored on a cell phone. Further embodiments of the charging device may include a pillow or other cushioned object. The device may include a handle or strap for carrying the device. The internal battery, speakers, power plug adaptors, audio connections and AC power plug may be removed so that the stuffed animal, or other cushioned object, may be washed.

Abstract: A control device controls, with regard to a regenerative current exceeding a current value set at a power migration start point, a first power storage device to be assigned with a current value set at the power migration start point and a second power storage device to be assigned with the regenerative current exceeding the current value set at the power migration start point. The control device increases a sharing ratio of the first power storage device along a curve with a lapse of time, and performs discharge from the second power storage device to the first power storage device when a charge current is equal to or smaller than the current value set at the power migration start point in a period during which the regenerative current exceeding the current value set at the power migration start point is being charged in the first power storage device.

Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a traction battery, an auxiliary battery, and a controller. The controller is configured to prevent the traction battery from charging the auxiliary battery while the auxiliary battery has more than a minimum energy. The controller is further configured to, upon the auxiliary battery having the minimum energy, enable the traction battery to charge the auxiliary battery such that the auxiliary battery is maintained at the minimum energy.

Abstract: A system and method dynamically equalizes battery voltages with low inherent power losses in a string of series connected electrochemical batteries. The method includes charging/discharging a group of batteries using magnetic storage in a transformer with bipolar magnetic excursion, individually isolated circuits and pulsed energy transfer. A method also exchanges current between batteries using direct current transfer between them and limiting inductance. Using this method, battery voltage may be measured from an isolated circuit, thus enabling information transfer to a central monitoring system. The method also has the benefit of providing an estimation of battery internal resistance from isolated circuits in the series of batteries.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery set integrated into pants belt. The belt includes a front elongate belt strip member, a rear elongate belt strip member, a plurality of rechargeable batteries, a plurality of battery retaining cover plates, a belt buckle, a female mini jack, a voltage regulator circuit and a mini jack to smart phone connection cable. The mini jack to smart phone connection cable is capable of extending from the voltage regulator circuit at one end the female receptacle of a standard cell phone enabling the phone to be charged by the rechargeable batteries located within the pants belt.

Abstract: In a method for transferring energy between at least two energy storage cells in a controllable energy store that serves to control and to supply electrical energy to an n-phase electric machine, which energy store has n power supply arms which each have at least two series-connected energy storage modules which each include at least one electrical energy storage cell with an associated controllable coupling unit, and are connected to one respective phase of the electric machine, in a charging phase, all coupling units of those energy storage modules which are to be used as an energy source are controlled in such a way that the respectively associated energy storage cells are connected into the respective power supply arm.

Abstract: An electric power supply adapter device that plugs into a charging receptacle of an electric golf car or electric utility vehicle used to power an electronic apparatus. The main components consist of input electric connectors positioned in the housing and adapted to fit a charging receptacle of an electric golf car or electric utility vehicle, a DC converter module to convert input power from the charging receptacle of an electric golf car or electric utility vehicle into the required DC output power, and an output electric connector adapted to receive an electronic apparatus and to transmit the DC output power from the DC converter module to the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for continuously powering tools downhole for extended periods of time, such as for the life of the producing well. Batteries may power the downhole tools, but traditionally, the batteries may last up to 2 years, and in some cases, up to 5 years may be reached with an optimized data sampling rate and power management scheme. After that time, operations may be halted temporarily for replacing the batteries. According to embodiments of the present invention, in contrast, rechargeable batteries may be utilized downhole to provide power to operate the tools, and rather than halting operations and retrieving the rechargeable batteries to the surface for recharging, reserve batteries may be used for recharging the rechargeable batteries. In many cases, these well tools may be designed to operate for a long period of time (e.g., around 10-20 years), depending on the life of the producing well.

Abstract: A method and an active battery balancing circuit for balancing an electric charge in a plurality of cells of a battery that are electrically connected in series is disclosed. A first subset of the cells of the battery is electrically connected to an inductance for providing a current flow from the first subset through the inductance. The first subset of the cells is disconnected from the inductance, and a current is allowed to flow from the inductance into a second subset of the cells of the battery. At least one of the first and the second subset of the cells of the battery comprises two or more cells.

Abstract: This invention provides a portable computing device powered by a surface-mediated cell (SMC)-based power source, the portable device comprising a computing hardware sub-system and a rechargeable power source electrically connected to the hardware and providing power thereto, wherein the power source contains at least a surface-mediated cell. The portable computing device is selected from a laptop computer, a tablet, an electronic book (e-book), a smart phone, a mobile phone, a digital camera, a hand-held calculator or computer, or a personal digital assistant.

Abstract: A device is configured to receive a request for two or more battery partitions; create the two or more battery partitions according to the received request, where each of the two or more battery partitions relate to a respective function of the device; calculate usage of the two or more battery partitions; present information regarding the usage of the two or more battery partitions; receive a request to change an allotment of at least one of the two or more battery partitions; and re-partition two or more battery partitions according to the received request to change of the allotment of the at least one of the two or more battery partitions. Additionally, the device can be configured to charge one or more battery partitions in an order of priority, re-assign one or more battery partitions to a different area, and provide notifications of usage.

Abstract: Terminals, terminal systems, charging/discharging methods for the terminals, charging/discharging methods for the terminal systems, and discharging methods are disclosed. The terminal is coupled to a second terminal including a second switching unit, a second charging unit and a second battery unit. The second charging unit is coupled to the second battery unit. The terminal includes a first switching unit and a first battery unit. The first switching unit is coupled to each of the second switching unit and the first battery unit. The first switching unit is configured to receive a control instruction or a control signal, and to switch to the second switching unit based on the control instruction or the control signal so as to supply power to the second terminal with the first battery unit, or switch to the second charging unit based on the control instruction or the control signal so as to charge the second battery unit with the first battery unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a charging device comprising: a DC-to-DC converter for converting electrical power obtained from a battery source into a charging current for transmission to an electronic device; a voltage latch electrically connected to the DC-to-DC converter, the voltage latch for controlling the DC-to-DC converter so as to mitigate oscillation in the battery source; and an output current control electrically connected to the DC-to-DC converter, the output current control for regulating the charging current transmitted to the electronic device.

Abstract: A battery pack burn-in test system comprising first and second interconnection circuits for electrically interconnecting a first and a second battery pack respectively to the system; a data communication bus for coupling to respective battery management integrated circuits (ICs) of the first and second battery packs; and a system management unit coupled to the data communication bus. The system management unit may control a charging of the first battery pack during a burn-in test from a discharging of the second battery pack.

Abstract: A portable power system which contains a battery, which is intended for use as a power source for charging the batteries of portable electronics devices or for powering other electrical systems. It contains a USB connection for power input and a myriad of adapters for connecting the power system with the proprietary connectors of portable devices, as well as a screen to output system information to the user. The power system also contains a microcontroller which controls internal systems, input and output current and voltage, such that the power system may operate with any portable device as well as any type of USB port.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for powering a handheld data capture device. The apparatus includes a cradle configured to accommodate a handheld data capture device detachably settled therein. The apparatus also includes an energy reservoir installed in the cradle, a charging interface, and a port operative to charge at least the energy reservoir with a current-limited host. The charging interface on the cradle is operative to charge the handheld data capture device with at least the energy reservoir.

Abstract: A disclosed method (and system) corresponds to rapidly charging a rechargeable device. An embodiment of the method comprises charging a first supercapacitor attached to a charging unit. In response to the device coupling to the charging unit, determining whether the charging unit is authorized to charge the device. The first supercapacitor discharging in response to the determining that the charging unit is authorized to charge the device, the discharging of the first supercapacitor resulting in a first current being generated. The first current is transferred to the device through an output of the charging unit for charging a second supercapacitor included in the device. The amount of the first current generated is regulated. In response to the to the voltage at the output increasing at a rate above a set threshold, reducing the rate at which the voltage is increasing.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for charging battery in electric vehicle that includes a DC-DC converter unit formed in two channels for converting a charge of the low voltage battery to a power source by receiving a power source from the high voltage battery.

Abstract: A multifunctional computer chargeable battery application system and its application method are provided. The multifunctional computer chargeable battery application system includes a computer unit, a chargeable battery, a computer interface connected to the chargeable battery with the computer unit so that the battery is used to supply power to the computer unit or charge the computer unit, and an extension application functional module, wherein the battery is used to supply power to or charge the extension application functional module, and the extension application functional module is combined together with the chargeable battery by an embedding mode into a whole, or combined together with the chargeable battery through a detachable connection.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a battery heating circuit, wherein: the battery comprises a first battery and a second battery; the heating circuit comprises a first switch unit, a second switch unit, a damping component R1, a damping component R2, a current storage component L3, a current storage component L4, a switching control module and an energy storage component V1; the first battery, the damping component R1, the current storage component L3, the energy storage component V1 and the first switch unit are connected in series to constitute a first charging/discharging circuit; the second battery, the damping component R2, the current storage component L4, the energy storage component V1 and the second switch unit are connected in series to constitute a second charging/discharging circuit.

Abstract: An outdoor monitoring system includes a camera, a direct-current adapter, a solar cell unit and a power management unit. The power management unit includes a controller, a rechargeable power source, a first voltage detection circuit, and a second voltage detection circuit. The first voltage detection circuit detects a charging voltage of the solar cell unit for charging the rechargeable power source. The second voltage detection circuit detects an output voltage of the rechargeable power source applied to the camera. The controller selectively connects the rechargeable power source or the direct-current adapter to the camera according to the output voltage and connects or disconnects the rechargeable power source to the solar cell unit according the output voltage and the charging voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus, and an associated method, for providing charging energy to a portable power supply, sourced at the portable power supply of another portable electronic device. The portable electronic devices are arranged in a charging configuration in which the portable electronic device from which energy is to be sourced is coupled to the portable electronic device to which the charging energy is to be applied. A controller controls the charging operations to ensure that energy of a host portable power supply is not depleted beyond a minimum level, and the application of the charging energy is terminated when a recipient portable power supply is charged to a desired level or the host portable power supply is depleted to the minimum level.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention includes a resilient power supply having a charger to charge a battery with a low voltage and to provide back-up battery power to a system; and a main power supply to provide a plurality of voltages for operation of the system. The resilient power supply may be used to discharge the battery into the main power supply upon loss of alternating current (AC) power in the system.