Vehicle Battery Charging Patents (Class 320/104)
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Patent number: 9000771Abstract: A vehicle having an electrical system including an electric power generator arranged to selectively provide electric power to an electrical load of the vehicle and to selectively charge a battery of the vehicle. A fault detection system is provided for detecting an open circuit or high resistance fault in a ground circuit. The fault detection system includes a controller that controls a voltage output of the generator so as to either restrict or suspend charging or increase or start charging of the battery by the generator for a designated test period. A determining means determines a current discharge from or charging current into the battery during the test period, wherein if the determined current discharge or charging current is less than a given threshold, then an open circuit or high resistance fault is deemed to be detected in the ground circuit.Type: GrantFiled: November 14, 2008Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventors: Richard Owens, Makoto Murata, Tadashi Fujiwara
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Patent number: 9000717Abstract: An electrical charging system having a rectifier which is supplied with energy via an input. An inverter whose alternating voltage side is connected, via phase conductors, to windings of a rotating field machine and whose direct voltage side can be connected to an energy accumulator to be charged. A first current path section passes current, supplied by the rectifier, into the charging system via the plus terminal or pole of the rectifier and the rotating field machine to the inverter. The first current path section passes the current via phase windings of the rotating field machine, such that the first current path section comprises a first switch, which can selectively interrupt the first current path section. The charging system can operate, by the first switch and at least one phase winding in the first current path section, as a step-up and step-down converter in the direction toward an energy accumulator.Type: GrantFiled: May 11, 2012Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AGInventors: Robert Januschevski, Jurgen Kett
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Patent number: 9000716Abstract: A hybrid working machine includes a first electric motor performing a power running operation of being driven with supplied electric power and a regenerative operation of generating electric power; a first electric circuit controlling the output of the first electric motor; a battery supplying the first electric motor with the electric power and storing the regenerated electric power from the first electric motor; a charge and discharge circuit controlling the charging current and the discharge current of the battery; and a controller controlling the charge and discharge of the battery for driving the machine. The controller calculates a level representing a proportion by which the output of the battery is limited with respect to each of multiple conditions related to the output of the battery. The controller limits the charging current and the discharge current of the battery based on the calculated levels.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventors: Hideaki Kanbayashi, Tetsuji Ono
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Patent number: 9000722Abstract: The charging of an electric vehicle connected to a charging station is initiated. When a state of charge of the vehicle reaches a minimum state of charge, the charging is halted. The minimum state of charge is less than the full charge capacity of the vehicle. A time for reinitiating the charging is determined. The charging of the vehicle is reinitiated at the determined time.Type: GrantFiled: July 1, 2011Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.Inventor: Robert Uyeki
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Patent number: 8994340Abstract: A method and system for determining the temperature of cells in a battery pack, without using temperature sensors, by measuring the impedance of the cells and using the impedance to determine the temperature. An AC voltage signal is applied to the battery pack, and a time sample of voltage and current data is obtained. The voltage and current data is narrowed down to a simultaneous time window of interest, and a fast fourier transformation is performed on the windowed voltage and current data to identify voltage and current magnitudes at one or more specific frequencies. The voltage and current magnitudes are used to determine the impedance at the one or more frequencies. Finally, the impedance is used to determine the temperature of the cell or cells using a look-up table, where the impedance, the frequency, and a state of charge are used as input parameters for the look-up.Type: GrantFiled: May 15, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Roland Matthe, Hans-Joachim Humbert, Konrad Kowalczyk
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Patent number: 8994328Abstract: Disclosed are an electric vehicle (EV), an EV charging stand, and a communication system therebetween, the EV including a charge control unit configured to detect a preparation state for charging a battery and output a resistance varying signal according to the detected state, and a resistor unit configured to vary a resistance value in response to the resistance varying signal, thus changing a voltage value of a state signal transmitted to the EV charging stand, and the EV charging stand including a comparator configured to receive a stage signal from the EV, compare a voltage value of the received state signal with a reference value, and output a signal in response to a result of comparing, and a control unit configured to receive the signal from the comparator and detect a preparation state for charging the battery of the EV.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2011Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: LSIS Co., Ltd.Inventor: Chung woo Lee
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Patent number: 8994329Abstract: A stationary charging system for charging a battery mounted in a vehicle using direct-current charging power includes a power unit for generating direct-current charging power, a plurality of charging units (CHG1 to CHG9) that constitute the power unit, a control unit (MCU), and a first CAN communication line for allowing data exchange between the control unit and the charging units, each of the charging units receives control command data transmitted by the control unit, and creates charging unit status data, and the control unit, and creates charging unit status data, and the control unit divides the charging units into charging unit groups 4-1, 4-2, and 4-3, and transmits the control command data at varying times, whereby the charging unit status data is received at varying times.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Nichicon CorporationInventors: Shigeo Ohkuma, Takamasa Mitsuya, Shinsuke Tachizaki
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Patent number: 8981589Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Sebastian Lienkamp, Peter Kilian, Stephen Raiser
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Patent number: 8983875Abstract: Methods and adapters for realizing energy services by a device via a grid connection point are disclosed. An adapter includes a detection unit for measuring a quantity of energy services realized by a mobile device; an identification unit for detecting the identifier of the grid connection point electrically connected to the device; and a communication unit to report connection event information including: quantity of the energy service realized by the device; an identifier associated with the adapter; and the identifier of the grid connection point. In another embodiment, a method receives an energy service signal indicating operating set points for a mobile device; communicates the indicated operating set points to the device; and measures a quantity of energy services realized by the device. The method communicates quantity information of energy services realized by the device and sends updated operating set points for the device based on the communicated quantity information.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2011Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: The AES CorporationInventors: John Christopher Shelton, John Michael Zahurancik
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Patent number: 8981729Abstract: A charging control apparatus for a battery includes a controller that controls charging of an in-vehicle lithium ion secondary battery that is charged by power based on regenerative braking performed during vehicle travel and charged by power from an external power supply; determines whether external charging, in which the battery is charged by the power from the external power supply, or the vehicle travel is underway; and when the external charging is determined to be underway, increases an upper limit value of a charging current relative to that of a case in which the vehicle travel is determined to be underway.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kiyohito Machida
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Patent number: 8981718Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Nissan North America, Inc.Inventor: James B. Caffy
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Patent number: 8981717Abstract: The usage pattern of an electric vehicle including the amount of power consumption of a battery on each day of the week is extracted from usage histories of the vehicle in a predetermined period. When the vehicle goes home after one day's operation and is connected to a charging apparatus, a charge determination unit predicts a usage pattern of the vehicle on the next day and determines whether the vehicle can operate on the next day with the remaining amount of power of a battery in the vehicle. When it is determined that the charging of the battery is necessary, the battery is charged until it reaches the target remaining amount of power. The target remaining amount of power is determined on the basis of the amount of power consumption in the predicted usage pattern so that the full charge is prevented and the number of charges is reduced.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Honda Motor Co., LtdInventors: Masanori Hayashi, Koichiro Takemasa, Taisuke Tsurutani
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Patent number: 8975847Abstract: A power conversion device includes a first capacitor connected in parallel to a direct-current power supply, plural power converters that drive plural synchronous machines, a second capacitor connected in parallel to a direct-current side of power converters, a switching circuit inserted between the first and second capacitors, a switch-start instruction unit that controls starting of an operation of the power converters, and a control unit that controls the power converters based on a motor velocity and a voltage of the first capacitor. The switch-start instruction unit turns off the switching circuit while the power converters stop, turns off the switching circuit until a terminal voltage of each of the synchronous machines becomes equal to a predetermined value when each of the power converters starts operating, and turns on the switching circuit when the terminal voltage of each synchronous machine becomes equal to or smaller than the predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2010Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventor: Masaki Kono
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Patent number: 8970063Abstract: An arrangement which includes two or more energy storage units for electrical energy connected in series, and two or more balancing resistor units. Each balancing resistor unit is connected in parallel with one of the energy storage units. The arrangement also includes means for determining a voltage over all of the series-connected energy storage units and means for determining the energy storage unit voltages between poles of the energy storage units. One or more of the balancing resistor units include a base resistor unit and a control resistor unit connected in series and a switching device connected in parallel with the control resistor units.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2011Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: ABB OyInventor: Ora Veli-Matti Leppänen
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Patent number: 8963482Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2010Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Wanleng Ang, Yoshinobu Sugiyama
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Patent number: 8963481Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2012Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Green Charge NetworksInventors: Ronald D. Prosser, Stephen R. Taddeo, Stephen P. Israel, Carl J. Allendorph
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Patent number: 8957626Abstract: A method for replacing a container of input energy for a drive motor of a motor vehicle including at least one iteration of a phase including the following: recognizing the type of container to be deposited; making, if needed, at least one tool suitable for the container type; using the at least one tool to take down the container; depositing the container; and using the at least one tool to mount a new container. The making at least one tool suitable for the container type includes dismantling, on the at least one tool, a first device for activating and deactivating a first mechanism for locking the container onto the motor vehicle and mounting, on the at least one tool, a second device for activating and deactivating a second mechanism for locking the container onto the motor vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: RENAULT s.a.s.Inventor: Charles Lombarte
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Patent number: 8957301Abstract: The present invention teaches a solar cell, a solar module, a solar array, a network of solar arrays, and also a solar power grid suitable for providing power for industrial, residential and transportation use. A solar cell or solar module including a plurality of solar cells can be made in a structure configured to have the appearance of natural foliage. Accordingly, a solar array including a plurality of solar modules each including at least one solar cell can be made to resemble a palm tree, a deciduous tree, an evergreen tree, or other type of natural foliage. A network of solar arrays can be made to resemble a row or grove of palm trees, and thus meet the functional and aesthetic demands of landscape architecture. The network of solar arrays can extend for many miles alongside roads, highways, railways, pipelines, or canals, and can further include means for storing and transmitting electric power.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2011Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Inventor: Robert Lyden
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Patent number: 8957630Abstract: Provided is a reflected energy management apparatus for resonance power transmission. The reflected energy management apparatus for resonance power transmission may include a source resonator configured to transmit a power to a target resonator, and a reflected power management unit configured to: detect a reflected wave corresponding to the power transmitted to the target resonator, and to generate a power using the detected reflected wave.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2010Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Young Tack Hong, Nam Yun Kim, Sang Wook Kwon, Eun Seok Park, Young Ho Ryu
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Publication number: 20150042263Abstract: A method is described for the control of a battery comprising at least one battery module string with a number of battery modules connected in a series. Each battery module comprises at least one battery cell, at least one coupling unit, a first connection and a second connection and is designed for accommodating one of at least two switching states depending on an actuation of the coupling unit. Different switching states correspond to different voltage values between the first connection and the second connection of the battery module. A first and second output voltage of the battery module string are provided and applied to an inductivity during a first and second time interval. In the process, the second output voltage has the opposite polarity of the first output voltage.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 28, 2012Publication date: February 12, 2015Applicants: Robert Bosch GmbH, Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ralph Schmidt, Stefan Butzmann, Holger Fink
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Patent number: 8952656Abstract: A method of operating an electric vehicle charging system utilizing a plurality of charging units and charging points is disclosed. The method includes determining a rate of charge to be delivered to each vehicle and then allocating a respective portion of the total charging capacity of the charging station to each vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2011Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Atieva, Inc.Inventor: David YuanJei Tse
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Patent number: 8952652Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for charging a battery pack. The system uses a recovery vehicle to quickly charge a vehicle battery pack. The system includes a charging power supply module equipped in the recovery vehicle, quick charging power lines placed in the vehicle battery pack, a quick charge switch placed in the quick charging power lines, and a control module.Type: GrantFiled: November 13, 2012Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Do-Youn Kim, Su-Min Park, Ji-Eun Lee
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Patent number: 8952651Abstract: An electrically drivable motor vehicle with at least two parallel connectable vehicle batteries is provided with an electronic circuit arrangement. The electronic circuit arrangement includes a number of electronic load interrupter switches corresponding to the number of vehicle batteries, via which the vehicle batteries can be connected through individually or together to an electrical consumer. The load interrupter switches respectively comprise two power branches arranged anti-parallel to each other.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2010Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Daimler AGInventors: Peter Herges, Michael Hofmann, Joerg Huber, Dennis Weigel, Axel Willikens
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Patent number: 8948944Abstract: A hybrid-type construction machine includes: an engine to drive a variable-volume-type hydraulic pump; a plurality of hydraulic actuators driven by a hydraulic pressure from the variable-volume-type hydraulic pump; and a motor generator driven by an electric power from an electric power accumulator to assist the engine. A maximum output of the variable-volume-type hydraulic pump is equal to or larger than a maximum output of the engine. When operating by setting an output of the variable-volume-type hydraulic pump larger than the maximum output of the engine, the engine is assisted by the motor generator.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2010Date of Patent: February 3, 2015Assignees: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd., Sumitomo (S.H.I.) Construction Machinery Co., Ltd.Inventor: Koji Kawashima
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Patent number: 8941353Abstract: A system for the wireless transfer of power includes a first device connected to a power supply source and provided with a first resonant circuit at a first frequency, a second device comprising at least one battery, provided with a second resonant circuit at said first frequency, arranged at a distance smaller than the wavelength associated with said first frequency and not provided with wires for the electrical connection with said first device. The first device is adapted to transfer a first signal representing the power to be sent to the second device for charging said at least one battery and comprises means adapted to modulate the frequency of said first signal for transferring data from the first device to the second device simultaneously with the power transfer. The second device comprises means adapted to demodulate the received signal, corresponding to the first signal sent from the first device, to obtain the transmitted data.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2011Date of Patent: January 27, 2015Assignee: STMicroelectronics S.r.l.Inventor: Mario Di Guardo
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Patent number: 8937456Abstract: A system and a method are provided for optimizing and managing a load in an electrical grid. The method includes receiving an event notification associated with a mobile device requiring a charge and determining charging station information of at least one charging station in an electrical grid based on the event notification, the at least one charging station operable to charge the mobile device. The charging station information of the at least one charging station is sent to a user of the mobile device.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2011Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Gopal K. Bhageria, Don T. Mak, Kevin M. Monagle, Sri Ramanathan, Jean-Gael F. Reboul, Matthew A. Terry, Matthew B. Trevathan
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Patent number: 8937452Abstract: A system and method for controlling a state-of-charge (SOC) of a vehicle battery, such as a high-voltage battery used by a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) for vehicle propulsion, so that the SOC is maintained within a desired SOC range that is temperature-dependent. In an exemplary embodiment, the system and method use a battery temperature prediction to determine a desired SOC range, and then control the amount of charge on the vehicle battery such that the SOC is maintained within the desired SOC range. As the battery temperature prediction goes lower (i.e., as it gets colder), the desired SOC range may need to be adjusted or shifted upwards in order to account for increased internal battery resistance and to ensure that the vehicle battery has enough power to start the vehicle. Similarly, as the battery temperature prediction goes higher (i.e., as it gets warmer), the desired SOC range may need to be adjusted or shifted downwards in order to reduce degradation effects and improve battery.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2011Date of Patent: January 20, 2015Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLCInventors: Jonathan R. Schwarz, Gregory E. Smith, Ian L. Hanna, Damon R. Frisch
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Publication number: 20150008866Abstract: A discharging apparatus for an electric vehicle and an electric vehicle are provided. The discharging apparatus comprises: an AC charging interface; a charging connection device, configured to transmit an AC output from the AC charging interface to another electric vehicle; an instrument, configured to send a discharging preparation instruction; a controller, configured to detect whether the charging connection device is connected with the AC charging interface, and if yes, to emit a PWM wave and to switch to an external discharging mode; a battery manager, configured to control an external discharging circuit in a high-voltage distribution box of the electric vehicle to be connected after the controller switches to the external discharging mode; a power battery, configured to provide a DC via the external discharging circuit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2012Publication date: January 8, 2015Applicants: BYD COMPANY LIMITED, SHENZHEN BYD AUTO R&D COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Wei Wang, Hongjun Wang, Zhen Li, Ming Liu
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Patent number: 8928272Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling a charging voltage of a 12V auxiliary battery for a hybrid vehicle, which can (1) improve charging efficiency of an auxiliary battery by increasing the output voltage of a DC-DC converter during cold start when the outside air temperature is low, (2) improve the charging efficiency of the auxiliary battery by increasing or decreasing the output power of the DC-DC converter according to the state of charge of the auxiliary battery and by increasing the output voltage of the DC-DC converter when many electrical loads are turned on, and (3) allow the DC-DC converter to provide continuous power supply for charging the auxiliary battery by turning on a main switch disposed between a high voltage battery and the DC-DC converter based on a reverse power conversion operation of the DC-DC converter even in the case where the voltage of the auxiliary battery falls below 9V.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2010Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors CorporationInventor: Hong Seok Song
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Patent number: 8928273Abstract: A display device for displaying information of a rechargeable battery of an electric vehicle and a charging module using the display device are disclosed in the present invention. The display device includes a battery capacity unit, a lifetime unit, an information collecting unit and a display unit. It can display the charging state, lifetime, cycle count and health state of the rechargeable battery. The charging module includes a power unit for providing power. It can display battery information when charging the rechargeable battery. The invention provides a convenient way to let customers know the status of the batteries of their electric vehicles and decide if the batteries need to be charged or replaced.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2011Date of Patent: January 6, 2015Assignee: Go-Tech Energy Co. Ltd.Inventors: Tzu-Wen Soong, Hung-Lan Lin
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Patent number: 8922048Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: February 11, 2009Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: SMA Solar Technology AGInventor: Bodo Giesler
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Patent number: 8922157Abstract: The electric battery for vehicles includes accumulation elements of electric charge connectable to the power supply line of a vehicle and electronic processing elements suitable for managing and/or controlling the use and the state of the battery.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2010Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Meta System S.p.A.Inventor: Giuseppe Simonazzi
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Patent number: 8917054Abstract: A safety guardian operable to facilitate notifying an Electronic Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) system whether a vehicle charging system is ready to accept energy. The safety guardian may be configured to facilitate control of a vehicle interface used to provide a reference voltage to the EVSE reflective of whether the charging system is ready to accept energy. The guardian may control the vehicle interface in the absence of a suitable control signal from the vehicle charging system in order to ensure the EVSE is notified when the vehicle charging system is not ready to accept energy.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2011Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Miguel Angel Acena, Youssef Ghabbour
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Patent number: 8917058Abstract: An object of the invention is to make the charging power as high as possible in a battery charging control system for selectively charging a plurality of batteries having different voltages with energy generated by an alternator. To achieve the object, the battery charging control system according to the invention includes an alternator having a variable generation voltage and a plurality of batteries having different charging voltages, wherein maximum generation power defined as the highest power that the alternator can generate and maximum charging power defined as the highest power that each battery can accept are obtained, and a battery for which the charging power is highest is selected to be charged based on a comparison of the maximum generation power and the maximum charging power.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2010Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Takuya Hirai, Yuichi Shimasaki, Yoshinori Futonagane
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Publication number: 20140368155Abstract: A smart vehicle rescue battery apparatus includes a battery unit, a first switch unit, a second switch unit, a third switch unit, a fourth switch unit, a control unit and a voltage polarity detection unit. The first switch unit and the fourth switch unit are turned on, when the connection between the first switch unit and the third switch unit is judged to be a positive pole and when the connection between the second switch unit and the fourth switch unit is judged to be a negative pole. The second switch unit and the third switch unit are turned on when the connection between the first switch unit and the third switch unit is judged to be the negative pole and when the connection between the second switch unit and the fourth switch unit is judged to be the positive pole.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 18, 2013Publication date: December 18, 2014Inventor: Job CHEN
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Patent number: 8896266Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a power receiving connector that is connected to a battery via a relay, and an electric charger includes a power supply connector that is connected to the power receiving connector. When a high voltage is applied to the power receiving connector due to a weld failure of the relay, a warning lamp flashes to notify an operator of the risk. Then the connection state is detected between the connectors. When the connectors are not connected to each other, a warning buzzer issues a warning sound. When the connectors are connected to each other, the warning buzzer is turned off. The power receiving connector is covered by the power supply connector in this manner, the operator is unlikely come in contact with the power receiving connector, and thus the output of a warning sound from the warning buzzer is stopped.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Yosuke Ohtomo
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Patent number: 8896263Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure involve a charging system that provides a consistent specified charge power to a battery. Aspects of the disclosure also involve a bi-directional inverter charger system using boost and buck topologies substantially similar to buck and boost topologies for the charging system.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Eetrex, Inc.Inventors: Chris Riggio, Brian Houghton
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Patent number: 8890477Abstract: A charging device installed in a motor vehicle is connected via a connection device to an AC mains. The connection device includes a residual current circuit breaker incapable of detecting at least one residual current type, in particular a DC residual current. A communication signal is transmitted between a control unit on the side of the charging device and a control unit on the side of the connection device. A residual current detector in the charging device detects a residual current of the undetected residual current type and transmits a residual current signal indicating the residual current to the charging-device-side control unit, which then modifies and/or interrupts the communication signal based the residual current signal so as to cause the charging device to be disconnected from the AC mains.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2012Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Audi AGInventors: Marco Thömmes, Thomas Felkel, Reiner Abl
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Patent number: 8890467Abstract: A system and method for controlling battery conditions. The system includes a network access device battery. The network access device battery powers a network access device. A heating element may be connected to the network access device battery. The heating element may be a resistive load for determining a status of the network access device battery or the heating element may be activated based on a heating schedule.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2011Date of Patent: November 18, 2014Assignee: Continental Automotive Systems, Inc.Inventors: Edward Almquist, Martin Krajci, James Blasko
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Patent number: 8884462Abstract: A power flow regulator includes a plurality of bi-directional DC-DC converters, each of said converters comprising a first input, a second input, a first output and a second output; and a capacitor electrically connected between the first and second inputs of each of said converters. Either the first output of each of said converters is electrically connected to a corresponding DC source and the second output of each of said converters is electrically connected to a common DC load, or the first output of each of said converters is electrically connected to a corresponding DC load and the second output of each of said converters is electrically connected to a common DC source.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Eaton CorporationInventors: Yu Liu, Christopher S. Thompson, Vijay Bhavaraju
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Patent number: 8884588Abstract: A battery warming circuit is a circuit installed in a vehicle provided with an inverter circuit, which is supplied with direct current electrical power from a secondary battery, and a 3-phase alternating current motor, and this circuit includes: a switch control unit, which has first and second terminals connected to control terminals of first and second switching elements, and controls turning the first and second switching elements on and off; an accumulation unit which has a third terminal connected to the other end of a specific coil, and accumulates back electromotive force generated in the specific coil by turning the second switching element on and off, with the first switching element being turned on; and a charging control unit which is provided between the positive electrode of the secondary battery and the accumulation unit, and supplies electrical power accumulated in the accumulation unit to the secondary battery.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Etsushi Aga, Naohisa Morimoto
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Patent number: 8884578Abstract: A method and system for storing and/or discharging electrical energy that has a cost, which method includes steps of: (a) providing a flow battery system comprising at least one flow battery cell and a controller; (b) operating the flow battery cell at a power density having a first value; and (c) changing the power density at which the flow battery cell is operated from the first value to a second value as a function of the cost of the electrical energy, wherein the power density is changed using the controller, and wherein the second value is different than the first value.Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: United Technologies CorporationInventors: Arun Pandy, Michael L. Perry
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Patent number: 8884581Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to wireless power transfer using magnetic resonance in a coupling mode region between a charging base (CB) and a remote system such as a battery electric vehicle (BEV). The wireless power transfer can occur from the CB to the remote system and from the remote system to the CB. Load adaptation and power control methods can be employed to adjust the amount of power transferred over the wireless power link, while maintaining transfer efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2011Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: QUALCOMM IncorporatedInventors: Hanspeter Widmer, Nigel Cook, Lukas Sieber
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Publication number: 20140320062Abstract: A vehicle management system that manages a plurality of electric vehicles includes state detecting means for detecting deteriorated states of the plurality of electric vehicles and order-of-use deciding means for deciding an order of use of the electric vehicles so that the electric vehicles can be placed ahead more in the order of use as such detected deteriorated states of EV storage batteries of the electric vehicles are smaller.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2012Publication date: October 30, 2014Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATIONInventor: Kei Murayama
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Patent number: 8869944Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2011Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: The Raymond CorporationInventors: Paul P. McCabe, Daniel G. Radler
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Patent number: 8872471Abstract: A vehicle includes a battery charger system arranged to charge a traction battery. The battery charger system receives current from a power distribution system remote from the vehicle and outputs the current to the traction battery at a series of magnitudes to characterize a charge efficiency profile of the battery charger and power distribution systems. The battery charger system then charges the traction battery according to the charge efficiency profile.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2011Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Allan Roy Gale, Paul Theodore Momcilovich
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Patent number: 8872470Abstract: An electric drive vehicle is equipped with a battery usable for traveling and chargeable by an external power supply and a vehicle-side ECU that permits the battery to be charged by a power generating unit capable of charging the battery in a case where power supplied from the external power supply is smaller than a predetermined threshold value ? that is defined with regard to an acceptable power of the battery. More specifically, the vehicle-side ECU permits the battery to be charged by the power generating unit in a case where power supplied from the external power supply is smaller than the predetermined threshold value ? and a parallel charging request switch is operated so as to execute parallel charging.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2009Date of Patent: October 28, 2014Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Shintaro Utsumi
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Patent number: 8866438Abstract: Provided are a system and a method for providing reactive power using an electric car battery, and more particularly, a system and a method for providing reactive power to a micro-grid using a bidirectional charger that is an electric car battery and an electric car charging device.Type: GrantFiled: December 2, 2011Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: SK Innovation Co., Ltd.Inventors: Kil Su Lee, Jeong Hwan Yang, Sang Hyun Park
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Patent number: 8866436Abstract: A network-controlled charge transfer device for transferring charge between a local power grid and an electric vehicle is mounted to a street light. The charge transfer device includes the following: an electrical receptacle to receive an electrical connector for connection to the electric vehicle; an electric power line that couples the power grid to the electrical receptacle through a wiring box; a control device to switch the receptacle on and off; a current measuring device to measure current flowing through the electric power line; and a controller to operate the control device and to monitor output from the current measuring device.Type: GrantFiled: May 31, 2011Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Chargepoint, Inc.Inventors: Richard Lowenthal, David Baxter, Harjinder Bhade, Praveen Mandal, Milton T. Tormey
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Patent number: RE45431Abstract: A battery load leveling system for an electrically powered system in which a battery is subject to intermittent high current loading, the system including a first battery, a second battery, and a load coupled to the batteries. The system includes a passive storage device, a unidirectional conducting apparatus coupled in series electrical circuit with the passive storage device and poled to conduct current from the passive storage device to the load, the series electrical circuit coupled in parallel with the battery such that the passive storage device provides current to the load when the battery terminal voltage is less than voltage on the passive storage device, and a battery switching circuit that connects the first and second batteries in either a lower voltage parallel arrangement or a higher voltage series arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Robert Dean King, Timothy Gerard Richter, Lembit Salasoo