Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for regulating the state of charge of a battery. An exemplary electrical system includes a fuel cell coupled to a bus and a battery coupled to the bus via a switching arrangement coupled to a capacitor. An exemplary method for operating the electrical system involves operating the switching arrangement such that a voltage of the battery is substantially equal to a voltage of the fuel cell when a state of charge of the battery is greater than a lower threshold value and less than an upper threshold value, and operating the switching arrangement to couple the capacitor electrically in series between the battery and the bus when the state of charge of the battery is not between the lower threshold value and the upper threshold value.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of serial multi-vehicle quick charge systems and stations for battery propulsion vehicles and methods thereof. One charging system comprises a charging unit having a plurality of charging circuits configured to be individually switched. The plurality of charging stations is electrically connected to the charging unit through the plurality of charging circuits. A controller is programmed to initiate charging of a vehicle connected to the charging unit through one of the charging stations by signaling a corresponding one of the charging circuits to close, track order of connection of each vehicle connected to the charging unit and initiate charging of each subsequently connected vehicle one at a time based on the order of connection, such that an individual vehicle is charged until a predetermined fraction of battery charge capacity has been obtained before the controller initiates charging of a vehicle next in the order of connection.

Abstract: An energy management system and method connecting a load to multiple energy sources. The system includes a load connection, source connections for each energy source, a control unit and at least one energy management module having an inductor and four switches. The first source is in parallel with the load. The first switch couples the first source positive terminal to the first inductor end, second switch couples the first source negative terminal to the first inductor end, third switch couples the second source positive terminal to the second inductor end, and fourth switch couples the second source negative terminal to the second inductor end. The control unit controls the four switches of each module to transfer energy between the energy sources through the module inductor. The system can have more than two sources. Modes including one or two switch, synchronous or asynchronous, and buck or boost can be used.

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: An electromagnetic touch input pen having a USB interface, used to provide touch input to an information processing device, the pen including: an electromagnetic touch input pen, having a battery module; and a USB plug, coupled with the battery module, wherein the battery module can access a charging power with the USB plug inserted into a USB socket of the information processing device.

Abstract: A power management method and an electronic system using the same are provided. The electronic system includes a display device and an auxiliary device, and has dual batteries and two subsystems. By detection and control mechanisms of the subsystems, the electronic system may allow the display device to maintain in a full power state, in the case where the external power is available or the power of the auxiliary device is sufficient. On the other hand, the auxiliary device may apply to the display device, such as a notebook computer, and the battery time may also be extended since the computer has two batteries.

Abstract: System and method are provided for transferring electrical energy among multiple electrical energy storage devices via multiple differential power buses and capacitive load switched-mode power supplies. The switched-mode power supplies transfer the electrical energy between the load capacitors and the differential power buses to which the electrical energy storage devices (e.g., rechargeable batteries and/or capacitors connected in parallel or series or combinations of both) are electrically connected via bus switches. As a result, electrical energy is efficiently transferred and distributed among the electrical energy storage devices.

Abstract: An electric power tool system comprises a tool main body, a battery pack detachably attached to the tool main body, and a first charger that charges the battery pack. The first charger comprises a rechargeable battery that supplies current to at least one rechargeable battery of the battery pack. The at least one rechargeable battery of the first charger preferably has a larger charge storage capacity than the at least one rechargeable battery of the battery pack.

Abstract: A power manager includes a converter and a controller. The converter is coupled between first and second energy storage devices, and the controller controls transfer of power between the first and second energy storage devices through the converter. The first energy storage device is to supply power to a first power subsystem of an electronic device, and the second energy storage device is to supply power to a second power subsystem of the electronic device. The subsystem may have different operating voltage requirements. When a level of the second battery falls below a first reference value, the controller controls the transfer of power from the first energy storage device to the second energy storage device. A transfer of power in a reverse direction may occur when a level of the first energy storage device falls below a second reference value.

Abstract: A multi-energy storage device system is provided that includes a first energy storage device (ESD) coupled to a direct current (DC) link. A bi-directional buck/boost converter includes an output channel coupled to the DC link and an input channel. A second ESD coupled to the input channel has a usable energy storage range defining an entire amount of usable energy storable therein. A database includes stored information related to a known acceleration event. A system controller is configured to acquire the stored information related to the known acceleration event and, during the known acceleration event, cause the buck/boost converter to boost the voltage of the second ESD and to supply the boosted voltage to the DC link such that after the known acceleration event, the state of charge of the second ESD is less than or substantially equal to a minimum usable energy storage state of charge.

Abstract: An electrically powered vehicle has a main battery and an auxiliary battery mounted therein. In external charging, a charging device performs AC/DC power conversion converting power received from an external power supply into power charged to main battery. A sub charging relay is connected between a predetermined node on an electric conduction path of the charging device in the AC/DC power conversion and the auxiliary battery. The sub charging relay is turned off in the external charging. The charging device is configured such that when the external charging is not performed and the sub charging relay is turned on the charging device performs DC/DC power conversion to convert power of the main battery via at least a portion of the electric conduction path in the AC/DC power conversion into power to be charged to the auxiliary battery and outputs the converted power on the predetermined node.

Abstract: A charging control system for charging a secondary battery from a solar battery, including a first path for transmitting power from the solar battery to the secondary battery, a second path for sensing the voltage of the secondary battery, and a comparison unit for comparing the solar battery voltage with the sensed voltage of the secondary battery. The first path includes a first interrupter, controlled by the comparison unit, which interrupts the first path to prevent discharge of the secondary battery through the solar battery when the solar battery voltage falls below the secondary battery voltage. The second path includes a second interrupter that interrupts the second path after the first path is interrupted, to prevent the secondary battery from discharging through the second path when not being charged through the first path.

Abstract: Charging service vehicles and methods using modular batteries are disclosed. The service vehicles are vehicles having electric vehicle (EV) charging equipment, and removably mounted battery modules or battery module connection points. The battery modules are connected to the EV charging equipment as a source of electrical energy. Some embodiments disclose integrating the EV charging equipment with the vehicle, recharging modules through a distribution grid connection, the manner of discharging the batteries, modes of connecting and disconnecting the modules, the size and weight of the modules, quick-disconnectability of modules, control and monitoring of the modules and charging equipment, and/or ways of connecting modules to the vehicle.

Abstract: A charging system for a battery pack, including a charging station transferring energy to the battery pack at a maximum fast charge rate in a first operational mode and transferring energy to the battery pack at a slower charge rate in a second operational mode; a data collection system acquiring data indicating a state of charge of the battery pack and one or more desired charge optimization parameters; and a station control, responsive to the data and to the desired charge optimization parameters, automatically establishing a charging profile for the battery pack to assert a control signal and operate the charging station in the second operational mode whenever the charging station is able to transfer sufficient energy to the battery pack at the slower charge rate to meet an SOC target and a charge completion time target.

Abstract: Rechargeable battery systems and rechargeable battery system operational methods are described. According to one aspect, a rechargeable battery system includes a plurality of rechargeable battery cells coupled between a plurality of terminals and charge shuttling circuitry configured to couple with and shuttle electrical energy between individual ones of the rechargeable battery cells, and wherein the charge shuttling circuitry is configured to receive the electrical energy from one of the rechargeable battery cells at a first voltage and to provide the electrical energy to another of the rechargeable battery cells at a second voltage greater than the first voltage.

Abstract: A method for balancing multiple battery cells which are grouped into multiple battery modules includes: obtaining cell parameters of the battery cells, respectively; calculating an average cell parameter for each of the battery modules according to the cell parameters; identifying a donator module and a receiver module from the battery modules based upon the average cell parameter; and transferring energy from the donator module to the receiver module to balance the battery cells.

Abstract: Systems for improving electric storage batteries and their use for powering vehicles.

Abstract: A charging control method of a master device receiving an operating power from an auxiliary battery device or an internal battery, the auxiliary battery device including a battery having a first power supply and a first power supply output port for outputting the first power supply, is provided. The method includes converting a second power supply to the first power supply upon detecting the second power supply at an input port of the master device in order to provide the converted first power supply as an operating power of the master device and/or a charging power of the internal battery, and detecting a connection with the auxiliary battery device upon detecting the first power supply at the input port in order to provide the first power supply as the operating power of the master device and/or the charging power of the internal battery without voltage drop.

Abstract: A reel type power bank includes a predetermined shaped housing with an accommodating space, at least one rechargeable battery installed on a side of the accommodating space, a control circuit board electrically coupled to rechargeable battery and having a DC-to-DC power conversion circuit for regulating an output voltage of the rechargeable battery, a USB output interface coupled to DC-to-DC power conversion circuit, and a reel built in the housing, and installed on a side of the control circuit board, and including a winder and a charging cable wound around the winder. The charging cable has an outer end coupled to a USB plug and an inner end extended from the winder and out of the storage case, and electrically coupled to the DC-to-DC power conversion circuit, such that the charging cable can be pulled out for use or wound and hidden into the housing of the power bank.

Abstract: An intelligent charging system includes a charging device, a battery pack, an electric tool powered by the battery pack, and a terminal device capable of communicating with the charging device and having a network communication function on its own. The charging system provides effective information chains between the integral parts, achieves remote operation or setting, improves utilization rate of the charging system, and facilitates the user to use an apparatus obtaining electrical energy from the charging system in a planned manner. The charging assembly helps the user to use the terminal device to control the charging procedure.

Abstract: A power supply system includes a first charge storage. A series circuit with a plurality of n charge storage modules is connected between load terminals. A second charge storage includes load terminals. A charge transfer arrangement includes at least one charge transfer unit coupled between one of the charge storage modules and the load terminals of the second charge storage. The charge transfer arrangement is configured to transfer upon request electrical charge from the one charge storage module to the second charge storage.

Abstract: A portable charger is provided for charging electronic devices from a rechargeable internal battery. To accommodate multiple electronic devices, a portable charger unit is combined with multiple power output connection interfaces for connecting to more than one electronic device, as necessary, including connector cables attached to the charger housing or power connection ports. The charger also includes at least one power input connection interface for recharging the internal battery from an external power source, including an AC wall plug interface and a DC car charger interface, each connected to the charger housing and movable between a retracted, storage position and an extended use position. The power output connector cables can also be stored within storage cavities formed in the charger housing when not in use and extended therefrom for connection with electronic devices in need of recharging. The power connection ports can act as power inputs, power outputs, or both.

Abstract: A computer system to charge a rechargeable battery of an external device regardless of power on/off of the computer system when the external device having the rechargeable battery is connected, and a control method thereof. The computer system includes a connector having a terminal to which an external device is connected, a power supply to supply power to the connector, and a recognition signal generator to generate a predetermined recognition signal to initiate charging a rechargeable battery of the external device with power supplied from the power supply through the connector when the external device having the rechargeable battery is connected to the connector through the terminal. Thus, it is possible to charge the battery of the external device even when the computer system is powered off.

Abstract: In a DC/DC converter for bidirectional power transmission, a first switching circuit is connected between a first winding of a high-frequency transformer and a DC power supply, and a second switching circuit is connected between a second winding and a battery. In the first and second switching circuits, capacitors are connected in parallel to semiconductor switching devices, and first and second reactors are connected on AC input/output lines. Upon power transmission, the switching circuit on the primary side of the high-frequency transformer performs zero voltage switching, and the switching circuit on the secondary side performs a step-up operation by using the reactor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for charging mobile devices are described, embodiments of the systems including: a base station; and a plurality of satellite charging units; each of the satellite charging units include a rechargeable power supply which can be recharged by the base station; each of the satellite units are arranged to recharge mobile devices by way of transferring charge from their power supply to the mobile device.

Abstract: A portable charger is provided for charging one or more electronic devices from a rechargeable internal battery. The portable charger includes wireless power transmission components, such as a transmitter and a receiver for recharging the charger as well as electronic devices via wireless power transmission methods. The portable charger also includes at least one power connection for connecting the charger with an external power source, or at least one electronic device, or both, for direct charge connectivity. The power connection can be a power connection port or a power connector cable, attached to the charger housing, each capable of acting as a power input, a power output, or both. A processing unit controls operation of the charger for wireless and direct charging.

Abstract: The present invention employs more than two secondary batteries; most output of one battery is supplied to load, and rest output is used to charge another battery for improving the battery efficiency and prolong the battery usable time (discharge time). The object of the present invention is to provide a power supplying device and battery mode switching method by using the secondary battery cells.

Abstract: A photovoltaic (PV) sub-generator junction box (1) for a PV system (100) comprises a plurality of electric terminals (11) for optionally connecting one respective PV string (2) of one or more serially connected PV modules (3). Said PV sub-generator junction box (1) further comprises a sub-generator line terminal (12) for connecting a PV sub-generator line (4) of a remote central PV inverter (5) or connecting a PV sub-generator line (4) of an inserted PV generator junction box (6). The PV sub-generator junction box (1) also comprises an electronic control unit (10) that is connected to a central control unit (7) of the PV inverter (5) in order to exchange data (DAT0). According to the invention, the PV sub-generator junction box (1) comprises a power line modem (8) for feeding and retrieving the data (DAT) via the PV sub-generator line (4).

Abstract: An electric power converter (1A) transmits and receives, via a transformer (14), electric power between alternating current power source (2) and second battery (4) or between first battery (3) and second battery. The electric power converter includes: a common bus bar (CB) for connecting the following members to primary winding (141a, 141b) of transformer (14): first electrode of alternating current power source, and first electrode of first battery; a first switch circuit (13) for selectively connecting the following members to primary winding (141a, 141b) of transformer: second electrode of alternating current power source, and second electrode of first battery; a second switch circuit (15) for connecting second battery to secondary winding (142a, 142b) of transformer; and a controller (100) for controlling the electric power of the alternating current power source, first battery and second battery by turning on and off switches of the first and second switch circuits (13, 15).

Abstract: A charging device used in a handheld device comprises a main body, a coupling portion connected to an end of the main body and the coupling portion has a connector, and a battery unit connected to another end of the main body. When the charging device is in a first status, the battery unit and the connector are coupled together; when it is in a second status, the battery unit is detached from the connector so that the connector is electrically connected with the handheld device in order to have the handheld device charged.

Abstract: An electric power tool system comprises a tool main body, a battery pack detachably attached to the tool main body, and a first charger that charges the battery pack. The first charger comprises a rechargeable battery that supplies current to at least one rechargeable battery of the battery pack. The at least one rechargeable battery of the first charger preferably has a larger charge storage capacity than the at least one rechargeable battery of the battery pack.

Abstract: A system and method for ensuring the readiness of a mission critical battery in a device, the system includes a rechargeable battery as the mission critical battery disposed within the device slaved to a primary charging battery through a charge controller both of which are disposed outside of the device. The charge controller is programmed to ensure that the primary charging battery delivers a charge to the mission critical battery to maintain the mission critical battery at a charge level for maximized long term storage. The storage charge level may be 50% of the full charge level of the mission critical battery. The charge controller will receive a mission signal when the device is to be mission ready. The charge controller will then transfer the appropriate amount of stored energy from the primary charging battery to the mission critical battery to achieve full charge.

Abstract: A battery device includes a plurality of power converters, and a power storage unit connected between the power converters. The power converters and the power storage unit are configured to convert power from a first power standard to a second power standard by transferring the power through the power storage unit.

Abstract: A power reserve apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the power reserve apparatus comprises a first module including a first set of battery cells and a first inter-cell balance adjustment unit configured to use passive balancing to reduce voltage variance among the first set of battery cells. The power reserve apparatus also comprises a second module including a second set of battery cells and a second inter-cell balance adjustment unit configured to use passive balancing to reduce voltage variance among the second set of battery cells. The power reserve apparatus further comprises an inter-module balance adjustment unit configured to use active balancing to reduce voltage variance among the first and second modules.

Abstract: A bi-directional charging device includes a rechargeable battery, a coil coupled to the rechargeable battery, a selection mechanism that selectively causes power to be delivered from the coil to the battery and selectively causes power to be delivered from the battery to the coil, and a control mechanism. Upon determining that the coil is to provide power to the battery, the control mechanism causes the selection mechanism to selectively cause power to be delivered from the coil to the battery, and upon determining that the coil is to receive power from the battery, the control mechanism causes the selection mechanism to selectively cause power to be delivered from the battery to the coil. The bi-directional charging device includes a housing enclosing the rechargeable battery, the coil, the selection mechanism, and the control mechanism.

Abstract: A motor drive apparatus includes an AC/DC converter which converts AC power supplied from a power supply to DC power, a DC/AC converter which converts DC power to AC power and vice versa, a DC link unit which connects the DC side of the AC/DC converter to the DC side of the DC/AC converter and delivers the DC power from one to the other and vice versa, an energy storage unit which includes at least one capacitor storage unit and at least one flywheel storage unit each of which is connected to the DC link unit and stores or supplies the DC power, and an energy control unit which performs control so that the energy storage unit stores or supplies the DC power.

Abstract: A tablet computer with modular assembly having interchangeable end cap portions, and a method for installing the same. The assembly provides a universal design and customized features to a range of tablets. The modular assembly has a tablet carrier encasing a selected type of tablet computer and an exterior housing enclosing the tablet carrier. The exterior housing contains at least one battery and a controller for communication with the selected tablet computer. The housing also includes end cap portions configured to communicate with the controller and implement a function. The end caps can be interchanged. The tablet carrier and/or exterior housing can also include one or more programmable buttons with actuators for electromechanically actuating a button or an application associated with the tablet.

Abstract: A system, a method, and a mobile terminal for sharing a battery between mobile terminals are disclosed, which can solve a problem that the battery can not be shared between mobile terminals in the prior art. In accordance with the present invention, a mobile terminal having power supplying ability is able to supply power to a mobile terminal lacking power by an external power supply line, power control circuits of the power supply end and the power utilization end are controlled, the power utilization end is able to detect an electricity quantity of the power supply end, and the sharing of a battery between two mobile terminals can be achieved, thereby greatly increasing utilization modes of the battery without external charging power supply so as to facilitate the using of a user.

Abstract: Provided is a battery cell balancing circuit including: a battery cell module including a plurality of battery cells connected in series; a series resonant circuit including an inductor unit and a capacitor unit which are connected in series so as to store electric energy recovered from a corresponding battery cell of the battery cell module and supply the stored electric energy to a corresponding battery cell of the battery cell module; and a switch unit configured to provide an electric energy recovery path for storing the electric energy recovered from the corresponding battery cell of the battery cell module into the capacitor unit of the series resonant circuit and provide an electric energy supply path for supplying the stored electric energy to the corresponding battery cell of the battery cell module.

Abstract: A portable electrical power source configured to provide power for a portable electronic device includes a base, a chargeable battery, a connector, and at least one locking structure. The base includes a first surface and a second surface facing away from the first surface. The base defines a receiving room between the first surface and the second surface and at least one cavity. The chargeable battery is received in the receiving room. The locking structures are rotatably received in the cavities to lock the portable electronic device onto the first surface of the base. The connector is positioned on the first surface and is electrically connected to the chargeable battery and the portable electronic device. The chargeable battery charges the portable electronic device through the connector.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a first input current from a battery through a first connection and a second connection and generating a first output current through a third connection to a first node and a fourth connection to a second node. The first and second nodes are configured to output the first output current to an energy store configured to store a charge. The method includes receiving a second input current through the third connection from the first node and the fourth connection from the second nodes and generating a second output current through the first and second connections to charge the battery.

Abstract: A flow battery system and method are provided. The flow battery system includes first and second storage tanks initially respectively storing first and second electrolyte and a battery stack that includes a half-cell configured to charge and/or discharge a positive or negative liquid electrolyte provided from the first and second storage tanks. Electrolytes returned from the battery stack are returned with a higher SOC when the selected mode indicates a charging mode and electrolytes are returned from the battery stack with a lower SOC when the selected mode indicates a discharging mode. The flow battery system and method control a defined sequence for a selected mode of one of charging or discharging of the first and second electrolytes to charge or discharge the first electrolyte before charging or discharging the second electrolyte, based on the selected mode.

Abstract: A lift truck includes a secondary rechargeable energy storage device on a vertically movable platform that is separate from a primary rechargeable energy storage device on the lift truck's main tractor unit. Wires or hoses for transfer of power or controls between the main tractor unit and the platform are reduced or eliminated. The quantity of energy stored in the secondary rechargeable energy storage device is sufficient to power platform electrical loads for a predetermined amount of time until the platform is lowered. When the platform is lowered, the secondary rechargeable energy storage device is recharged by the primary energy storage device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of creating a dynamically reconfigurable energy source comprised of individual, isolated, controllable energy modules, supported by software to measure and manage the energy modules and facilitate the reconfiguration, where the platform consisting of hardware, based upon an inverted H-Bridge circuitry, in combination with software which allows for real-time management, control, and configuration of the modules and uses a combination of software algorithms and localized electronic switches, to achieve a performance and functionality of the invention matching, or exceeding, traditional large, heavy, and expensive power electronics-based products used for charging, energy storage management, power inverting, and motor or load control.

Abstract: A modular system of devices, in which a (master) device can be combined with one or more of other (slave) devices to transform to functional electronic devices having expanded functionalities and features in different form factors and/or platforms. The master device is docked to the slave device via a data/electrical interface, to transform the master device to the larger form factor of the slave device, with the master device maintaining control of the slave device, substantially based on the operating system installed in the master device, with access to the data, application programs, functionalities and features embodied in the master device. An intermediate removable physical interface adaptor (or docking adaptor) is provided to facilitate docking compatibility of the master device to the slave device. An enhanced charging and power management scheme is provided to optimize power management for the master device and the slave device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a portable device with a wireless power charger. The portable device can operate its normal function and provide wireless power to the other device at the same time. The present invention further discloses a portable device with a wireless power charger and a display which displays proposed direction or power related information. The present invention further discloses a portable device with a wireless power receiver and a display which displays proposed direction, power related information or positions of wireless power receiver and wireless power charger.

Abstract: A first device including a battery, a first connector, a charging module, a sensing module, and a communication module. The first connector includes a power supply pin, a ground pin, two transmit pins, and two receive pins, and connects the first device to a second device. The charging module receives power from the second device via the power supply pin and the ground pin to charge the battery and supplies power from the battery to the second device via the power supply pin and the ground pin. The sensing module senses the power supply pin and the ground pin of the first connector and detects when the first device (i) connects to the second device via the first connector and (ii) disconnects from the second device. The communication module communicates with the second device via the two transmit pins and the two receive pins using a PCIe protocol.

Abstract: A vehicle power supply system includes a power monitor device that detects supply power from a battery and a generator to a home electrical appliance and a control unit that performs a supply power excess determination and a supply power variance determination using a detection value of the power monitor device when a driving of a vehicle is stopped to control a rotational speed of an engine according to determination results.

Abstract: A hybrid energy storage system for supplying power to an application with a fluctuating load profile, such as, for example, electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, wind energy harvesting equipment and solar energy harvesting equipment. The hybrid energy storage system includes an ultra-capacitor electrically connected to a DC bus and a power source electrically connected to the DC bus via a controlled switch. The hybrid energy storage system further including a DC/DC converter connected between the power source and the ultra-capacitor, the DC/DC converter boosting a voltage of the power source to charge the ultra-capacitor. The DC/DC converter is preferably controlled to maintain a voltage of the ultra-capacitor at a higher value than the voltage of the power source.

Abstract: A portable smart battery booster is needed that can communicate with an electrical or electronic device and adjusts the charging voltage to meet the requirements of electrical or electronic device. A variety of different voltages and currents may be required for different electrical and electronic devices. To facilitate fast charging, smart electrical or electronic devices may desire a higher voltage which is controlled by the smart electrical or electronic device to facilitate a rapid charge mode.