Abstract: An offline power supply includes a power supply circuit including a primary-side circuit for connecting to a power source, a secondary-side circuit for connecting to a load, and a transformer connecting the primary-side circuit and the secondary-side circuit. A switch operates to selectively connect the primary-side circuit to the power source. A trigger circuit is connected to the secondary-side circuit and has at least one input. The trigger circuit generates an output to selectively operate the switch based on the at least one input.

Abstract: A hybrid vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine, a traction motor, a starter motor, and a battery bank, all controlled by a microprocessor in accordance with the vehicle's instantaneous torque demands so that the engine is run only under conditions of high efficiency, typically only when the load is at least equal to 30% of the engine's maximum torque output. In some embodiments, a turbocharger may be provided, activated only when the load exceeds the engine's maximum torque output for an extended period; a two-speed transmission may further be provided, to further broaden the vehicle's load range. A hybrid brake system provides regenerative braking, with mechanical braking available in the event the battery bank is fully charged, in emergencies, or at rest; a control mechanism is provided to control the brake system to provide linear brake feel under varying circumstances.

Abstract: A charger converting electric power from an external power supply into charging power for a power storage device converts AC power on a power line into charging power for an auxiliary battery. A CHR connects or disconnects a path between the charger and the power storage device. A DC/DC converter converts DC power on a power line connected to a smoothing capacitor into charging power for the auxiliary battery and outputs the power onto a power line. An ECU discharges the smoothing capacitor even if the voltage on the power line is lower than a determination voltage by causing the DC/DC converter to operate to charge the auxiliary battery in a discharging mode where the CHR is set OFF.

Abstract: There is provided an information processing apparatus including a travelable information display unit that displays before a discharge, regarding motor-driven movable bodies of a discharge source and a discharge destination driven by using electric power of batteries, information about places to which the motor-driven movable body of the discharge source can move using electric power of the battery left after the discharge by assuming, when information about a discharge amount discharged from the battery of the motor-driven movable body of the discharge source toward the motor-driven movable body of the discharge destination that receives power supply is input, a case in which the discharge amount is discharged from the battery.

Abstract: A charging system for a hybrid vehicle which prevents a super capacitor from being reverse charged. In the illustrative charging system a DC-DC converter is connected to the inverter and configured to receive the DC electricity from the inverter and drop voltage. A battery is configured to receive the DC electricity from the DC-DC converter and to be charged by the DC electricity. Finally, a means for preventing reverse charging is mounted on a path between the super capacitor and the battery and is configured to prevent energy from flowing from the battery to the super capacitor.

Abstract: A flexible management system and method for efficiently operating energy storage devices to extend the lifetime and decrease costs includes (a) determining an active energy consumption period for the energy storage device; (b) determining an inactive energy consumption period for the energy storage device; (c) operating the energy storage device in a usage mode during the active energy consumption period; and (d) operating the energy storage device in a storage mode during the inactive energy consumption period.

Abstract: A battery charging device for a motor vehicle capable of enabling the charging of a low voltage battery by a high voltage battery, without using a transformer such as a DC/DC converter, is disclosed. A battery pack 30 has a plurality of battery modules 31 having an output equivalent to a lead battery 5, a parallel circuit 39 for connecting the plurality of battery modules 31 in parallel, and a series circuit 34 for connecting the plurality of battery modules 31 in series, and the lead battery 5 is connected to the parallel circuit 39 in parallel with the plurality of battery modules 31.

Abstract: A portable charging device can provide controllable fast DC charging of an electric vehicle (EV) high voltage battery by a separate EV high voltage battery. The charging device can be configured to comply with universal standards for EV charging so as to be compatible with various automobile models of various manufacturers. The device can be configured to establish a communication link with a donor and recipient vehicle and conduct a voltage matching process between the batteries of the two vehicles prior to transferring power to the recipient vehicle battery. To prevent energy theft, control of a charging process can be shared among the charging device and the donor and receiver vehicles. A charger device can be configured to enable a charging process only when no faults are detected. A charger device can allow a motorist to quickly recharge a depleted high voltage battery at a convenient time and location.

Abstract: A communication device includes a first resistance circuit (RB) connected between an output of a signal generating unit (602) and a first terminal (TS1) and having a resistance value corresponding to a requested operation mode requested to a vehicle. The vehicle (10) includes: a second resistance circuit (RA) connected between a ground node (512) fed with a reference potential and a second terminal (TS2); and a vehicle control unit (508) for setting an operation mode of the vehicle. The vehicle control unit (508) detects a signal potential of a signal (CPLT) via a first signal extraction node (N1) provided on a path connecting the second terminal (TS2) and a second resistance circuit (RA) to each other, and sets the operation mode of the vehicle (10) at the requested operation mode corresponding to the resistance value of the first resistance circuit (RB).

Abstract: Method and device for controlling charging stations for electrical vehicles. In order to minimize peak power demands in at least two charging stations 10 combined into a group 12, actual charging parameters are exchanged 32 within the charging stations 10 within the group 12, a load prediction for the group 12 is created 34 depending on at least the actual charging parameters, and setpoint charging parameters for the charging stations 10 of the group 12 are determined 38 depending on the load prognosis.

Abstract: A vehicle carries a battery package as its power source. Plural battery modules in the battery package respectively have a memory device for memorizing identification information that proves authenticity of each of the battery modules. A battery control unit in the vehicle has an authentication unit. The authentication unit determines whether or not each of the battery modules is a genuine product. When the battery module is determined as a non-genuine product, a control unit performs a restricted charging. The restricted charging restricts a charge amount of the battery, for effectively improving usability of the battery and for restricting use of a non-compliant battery.

Abstract: The present invention protects a high voltage battery in a hybrid electric vehicle. More particularly, it makes it possible to prevent a battery from being overcharged when a motor or an inverter system breaks, with the hybrid vehicle traveling. The technique for protecting a high voltage battery in a hybrid electric vehicle illustratively comprises: checking whether a motor functions properly; setting a virtual acceleration pedal value and keeping a present desired shifting map, when the motor breaks; determining a desired shifting stage according to the present desired shifting map based on the virtual acceleration pedal value; and, in certain embodiments, switching or keeping the engine control mode by comparing a value of a predetermined maximum engine speed region with the present engine speed in order to prevent high-speed rotation of the motor.

Abstract: Provided is a system method for periodically charging a sub-battery for an electric vehicle. In this method, an SOC self-discharge rate of the sub-battery is calculated. An LDC output voltage and a charging time of the sub-battery are set using the SOC self-discharge rate of the sub-battery and information received from an IBS. It is determined whether or not an SOC of a main battery is equal to or greater than a set value. Periodic charging is performed on the sub-battery through an operation of an LDC when the SOC of the main battery is equal to or greater than the set value.

Abstract: Provided is an electrically driven vehicle (10) loaded with a driving storage battery (20) charged by electric power supplied from a power supply outside the vehicle, including an occupant detection sensor (70) for detecting whether or not an occupant is in the electrically driven vehicle (10), rotation sensors (80) for detecting presence/absence of rotations of wheels (90) provided to the electrically driven vehicle (10), and a charge control unit (60) for determining whether or not a state in which the occupant detection sensor (70) detects that the occupant is not in the electrically driven vehicle (10) and the wheel rotation sensors (80) detect that the wheels (90) are not rotating has continued for a predetermined period, and starting, when the charge control unit (60) determines that the state has continued for the predetermined period, the charge of the driving storage battery (20).

Abstract: A battery protection circuit for connection to a vehicle's auxiliary battery, auxiliary battery load and chassis battery that is connected to the vehicle's alternator. A switching control circuit, including a digital processor, has a voltage sensing circuit connected to the alternator, a voltage sensing circuit connected to the auxiliary battery, a ground terminal for connection to the vehicle's common ground and outputs for controlling switches. An electrically controlled first switch is interconnected between the alternator and the auxiliary load. The first switch has a control input terminal connected to an output of the control circuit for being switched between a closed state and an open state. An electrically controlled second switch is interconnected between the auxiliary load and the auxiliary battery. The second switch has a control input terminal connected to an output of the control circuit for being switched between a closed state and an open state.

Abstract: A method that considers battery capacity for providing cell balancing for battery cells in a battery pack. The method includes providing a current state-of-charge for each battery cell in the battery pack for a current time frame and a previous state-of-charge for each battery cell in the battery pack from a previous time frame. The method also includes subtracting the current state-of-charge from the previous state-of-charge for each battery cell to generate a cell delta state-of-charge for each cell and providing an average cell delta state-of-charge of the cell delta state-of-charges for all of the cells. The method also includes dividing each cell delta state-of-charge by the average cell delta state-of-charge to provide a relative cell delta state-of-charge for each cell and dividing the current state-of-charge by the relative cell delta state-of-charge for that cell to generate a capacity adjustment state-of-charge that identifies the capacity of the cell.

Abstract: A dynamic battery emulator for replacing and mimicking the characteristics of a battery in a portable electronic device when the device is located in or on a vehicle can include a power control module capable of varying its output voltage to adapt to the voltage requirements of an attached portable electronic device; an input for conveying electrical power from the vehicle's electrical system to the power control module; an output for providing electrical power to the portable electronic device; an output for communicating a control signal from the power adaptor to the portable electronic device to selectively turn on and off the portable electronic device; a battery replacement module configured to replace the battery in a portable electronic device and including battery replacement circuitry for transferring electrical power from the power control module to the portable electronic device via the output for providing electrical power; an ignition sense controller for determining the power state of the vehicl

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring battery voltage and temperature includes a host controller and acquisition boards, and every acquisition board for the battery includes a voltage acquisition module, a temperature acquisition module, a host control chip MCU, A/D convertor module, an opto-isolator module, a CAN bus communication module and two external connection ports CN1, CN2. The input end of the AD transformation module is connected with the output end of the voltage acquisition module and the temperature acquisition module, and the output end of the A/D convertor module is connected with the opto-isolator module via a SPI bus, and the I/O port of the SPI bus module in the main control chip MCU is connected with the opto-couple isolation module, and the host control chip MCU is connected with the CAN bus communication module of the host controller via the CAN bus communication module, and the acquisition boards are connected via a socket piece in turn.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging an automobile battery is presented. The device provides a surface charge with a time limited window in which to start a vehicle. Use of used batteries provides for environmentally effective manner in which to deal with the tremendous amount of used batteries that are discarded worldwide each year. The apparatus may optionally include a charging circuit to allow for recharging the used batteries. An LED display may be included to provide indication when a target battery has sufficient surface charge to warrant an attempt to start an engine. The apparatus is a small portable device that can be stored anywhere in a vehicle.

Abstract: A vehicle is equipped with a main battery, an auxiliary machinery battery, a high-capacitance DC/DC converter which converts power on an electric path between the main battery and a motor-generator for traveling to supply the converted power to the auxiliary machinery battery, a low-capacitance sub power supply which converts power on an electric path between the main battery and an external power supply to supply the converted power to the auxiliary machinery battery, and a control device which controls the sub power supply. The control device determines whether or not the DC/DC converter has an abnormality, and operates the sub power supply to perform precharging when it is determined that the DC/DC converter is abnormal. An auxiliary machinery battery voltage V2 when precharging has been performed is set to a value which is higher by a predetermined voltage a than an auxiliary machinery battery voltage V1 when precharging has not been performed.

Abstract: An apparatus for balancing a plurality of cells in a battery includes common bus having a connector for connecting to a common bus of another battery. Each of plurality of balancing circuits has a bidirectional voltage converter connected to a given cell of the plurality of cells and a linear current regulator arrangement controls the magnitude of current flow between the bidirectional voltage converter. A controller is connected to the common bus and the plurality of cells and selectively operatives the plurality of balancing circuits to transfer energy between the plurality of cells and the common bus to balance the states of charge of the cells. The balancing circuits are operated in response to actual states of charge of the cells, an average state of charge, a desired voltage level for the common bus, and an actual voltage level on the common bus.

Abstract: A method for charging an electric storage battery in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle through a power supply circuit, includes coupling the charger to the circuit, determining whether another appliance in the circuit other than the charger is drawing current, determining a maximum charge rate at which the battery can be charged using the charger, charging the battery at the maximum charge rate if no other appliance in the circuit is drawing current, and charging the battery at less than the maximum charge rate if another appliance in the circuit is drawing current.

Abstract: A charging cable for an electric vehicle includes a power plug adapted to be detachably connected to a power socket of a commercial power source; a temperature detecting unit for detecting a temperature of the power plug; a cable connector adapted to be detachably connected to an electric vehicle for supplying a charging current to a battery of the electric vehicle; and a switching unit for opening and closing a current path between the power plug and the cable connector. The charging cable further includes a leakage detecting unit for detecting an electric leakage based on a current flowing through the current path; and a power cutoff unit for opening the switching unit when the detected temperature of the temperature detection means exceeds a threshold value or when the leakage detection means detects the electric leakage.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a modularized interface for connecting a plug-in electric vehicle to the energy grid. For use with public or semi-public outlets, the modularized interface comprises a module and a smart socket, where the module is integrated within or capable of being connected to, the vehicle's charging interface. The module is normally disabled, but is enabled only after the end user is authenticated, the smart socket and its associated meter have been identified, and the module and the end user's account with the local utility are validated. The module meters the energy consumption, and, when the module is disconnected from the smart socket, indicating termination of the charging session, the metered data is communicated to the utility for updating the end user's account, and the module is disabled. The module is also capable of use with conventional outlets located, for example, in private residences.

Abstract: Improved battery-charging system for a vehicle. Primary and secondary coils are located in places where the vehicle can receive power from the primary coil by pulling into a parking space, for example. The parking space may have a coil embedded in the ground, or may have an array of coils embedded in the ground. A guidance system is disclosed. Fine positioning is also disclosed. The secondary coil in the vehicle can also be raised or lowered to improve coupling.

Abstract: An electric vehicle energy system is provided. The electrical vehicle energy system includes an electrical control unit used for producing the electric vehicle mode according to the external input signals. The electrical vehicle energy further includes an energy storage system used for producing a motor control signal according to an electric vehicle mode. The power loop structure includes at least a first power module and a second power module. The structure further includes at least a first detector and a second detector used for producing a first detecting signal and a second detecting signal according to the first power module and the second power module. The power loop structure further includes an energy storage controller used for producing the plurality of switch control signals according to the electric vehicle mode, the first detecting signal and the second detecting signal through a control area network by a voltage-difference hysteresis operation.

Abstract: A battery unit balancing system comprises a discharging circuit and means for connecting the discharging circuit to a battery unit. The discharging circuit is configured such that it is automatically activated, when a voltage of the battery unit exceeds a predetermined threshold, to draw a constant discharging current from the battery unit until the voltage of the battery unit falls below the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charger determines the presence of an electric vehicle when the electric vehicle is in proximity to the charger. Validation of account data associated with the electric vehicle occurs over a network. A docking interface on the charger aligns to a receptacle on the electric vehicle. The docking interface and the receptacle are coupled when the docking interface is within a predetermined distance to the receptacle. The charger supplies power to the electric vehicle.

Abstract: The electrical vehicle energy storage system permits the electric refueling of the electric vehicle just like an automobile would be refueled with gasoline at a gas station. Circuitry on board the vehicle accessible by the electric refueling station enables the determination of the energy content of the battery module or modules returned to the electric refueling station and the owner of the vehicle is given credit for the energy remaining in the battery module or modules which have been exchanged. Selective refueling may take place for given battery modules by removing them from the battery system and charging them at home, office or factory. A process for operating an electric vehicle is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A method for dynamic load profiling in a power network can include receiving static load data in the power network, generating a load forecast from the static load data, generating dynamic load data from data related to distributed assets in the power network and modifying the load forecast based on the dynamic load data for profiling the dynamic load data.

Abstract: The mechanism recharges the batteries of electric powered vehicles while the vehicle is in motion. As a vehicle moves forward it creates an air flow that enters the air scoop of the mechanism. The air flow passes through the air reduction tunnel and turns the wind blades of the mechanism which turns a drive shaft. The drive shaft has two gears, one turns a governor, the other turns an alternator that creates electric current that passes through a voltage regulator and on to the batteries that drive the vehicles motor. Air velocity entering the mechanism varies by the forward speed of the vehicle. A governor maintains the desired rpms of the drive shaft by changing the pitch (angle) of the variable pitch wind blades. A drain hole is located in the bottom of the base for moisture taken in through the scoop.

Abstract: Certain example embodiments of this invention relate to techniques that harness air/wind power to charge and/or re-charge a battery of a vehicle that is at least partially electrically powered. In certain example embodiments, air/wind enters into a channel formed in a vehicle and turns a turbine which, in turn, generates electricity that may be used to charge and/or re-charge a battery of the vehicle. In certain example embodiments, the velocity of the air/wind may be increased within the channel by virtue of features including, for example, retractable and/or directional vanes and/or side wall elements that help create constricting locations (or choke points). In certain example embodiments, the velocity of the air/wind may be increased within the channel by virtue of features that produce the Coanda effect. Thus, for instance, both the Venturi effect and the Coanda effect may be used to increase the efficiency of the overall system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems relating to electric vehicle charging stations (“EVCS s”) or electric vehicle supply equipment (“EVSE”) that are configured to provide parking meter functionality. Embodiments of the disclosed technology can be used to improve the basic process of connecting an electric vehicle to the power grid with an EVCS/EVSE for charging purposes by also providing a means of parking access control for vehicles parked near the EVCS/EVSE in spaces managed by the EVCS/EVSE. The parking meter system enables installers and/or operators of EVCSs/EVSE to reduce equipment costs by eliminating the need to have separate parking meters in addition to EVCS/EVSE. This can potentially lead to an increase in the number of EVCSs/EVSE that are installed and in the speed with which these EVCSs/EVSE are installed.

Abstract: Provided is a driving support device and method that includes a charging facility information acquisition unit that acquires information indicating a position and a charging capacity of a charging facility that exists within a predetermined distance from a position of a vehicle and a guidance unit that provides information indicating a charging time period at the charging facility based on the position of the vehicle, a registered position, the position and the charging capacity of the charging facility, and a remaining electric power amount of a battery in the vehicle and information indicating a charging time period at the charging facility that is required for traveling a route from the position of the vehicle to the registered position by electric power of the battery.

Abstract: A method that includes affixing a radio frequency identification tag on a storage battery at a battery manufacturing plant. The method also includes storing battery manufacturing information into the radio frequency identification tag at the battery manufacturing plant. The battery manufacturing information includes a battery algorithm suitable for use in testing the storage battery.

Abstract: A multiple stage battery system has significantly improved battery life in hybrid and electric motorized vehicle. At least two segments of battery packs are charged and discharged with two different battery management strategies, one handles transient energy needs and the other copes with cruise energy needs. The primary segment of battery are charged and discharged within a controlled State of Charge (SOC) range at a set point, it stores relatively less energy but supplies relative high impulse current during charge and discharge. The secondary segments have larger energy capacity, and are charged and discharged at constant current mode in deep cycling, near complete full charge and full discharge. These two segments of batteries could be different type of chemistry, i.e. NiMH, NiCD and Li-ion. This results in longer overall battery life and higher usable capacity for high power battery operations.

Abstract: A secondary (backup) release (unlocking and unlatching) of a charge cord for plug-in electric vehicles or hybrid electric vehicles is provided. A charging port is configured to receive a charging cord and includes a lock bolt configured to lock the charging cord in the charging port during charging. The vehicle also includes a hood assembly having a hood latch with a first cable coupled to the hood latch. A second cable is coupled to the latch bolt and a sheath of the first cable for unlocking the lock bolt. A retainer is coupled to the hood assembly and is configured to limit movement of the second cable until the hood latch has released the hood assembly.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus for an electric vehicle includes a main battery, a sub-battery of lower voltage, a first output circuit unit including a first output sub-unit and a second output sub-unit, a control circuit unit, and a second output circuit unit including a third output sub-unit. The first output sub-unit receives electrical power from an external power supply and outputs first electrical power for main battery charging. The second output sub-unit receives electrical power from the power supply and outputs second electrical power for sub-battery charging. The control circuit unit individually controls charging of the main battery and the sub-battery by the first electrical power and the second electrical power respectively. The third output sub-unit receives electrical power from the power supply, via a different pathway compared to the first and second output sub-units, and outputs third electrical power for driving the control circuit unit.

Abstract: A method and system provide for the cooperative charging of electric vehicles. By using power line communications, chargers of the electric vehicles who are serviced by the same distribution transformer can form self-contained local area networks due to the nature of power line communications (PLCs). Alternatively, or in addition to the PLCs, other communication networks, such as the Internet and local area networks, may be used as part of the communications infrastructure for the chargers. After the chargers of the electric vehicles are coupled to one another through power line communications or traditional communications networks, they can form a logical token ring network. According to this token ring network, a predetermined number of tokens can be assigned within the token ring network for permitting chargers with tokens to charge respective electric vehicles while chargers without tokens must wait until they receive a token to initiate charging.

Abstract: A self-contained automotive battery booster system for boosting depleted automotive batteries when no external power source is available is provided, the self-contained automotive battery booster system having an integral power source; means for connecting the self-contained automotive battery booster system to an automotive battery; circuitry to ensure the safety of the user, the self-contained automotive battery booster system and the depleted automotive battery; and circuitry to allow the user to control the flow of electricity from the integral power source to the depleted automotive battery. The circuitry to ensure the safety of the user, the self-contained automotive battery booster system and the depleted automotive battery can include various warning indicators such as horns and LEDs and can prevent the activation of the self-contained automotive battery booster system in certain situations.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of monitoring a battery in an automotive vehicle are provided. An output is provided which can be a relative output as a function of minimum and maximum parameters of the battery.

Abstract: A vehicle-mounted controller mounted on a vehicle includes communication state determination unit and a battery charging control unit. The communication state determination unit is configured to determine whether or not vehicle-mounted information equipment performs communication with external charging equipment or an external information device via a charging cable. The battery charging control unit is configured to control, in a case where the communication state determination unit determines that the vehicle-mounted information equipment performs the communication with the external charging equipment or the external information device via the charging cable, a voltage converter so as to charge a low-voltage battery by supplying electric power from a high-voltage battery to the low-voltage battery when a first specific time has elapsed since start of the communication.

Abstract: A battery management system (BMS) manages a battery for a hybrid vehicle including an engine control unit and a motor generator controlled by the engine control unit and connected to a battery including at least one battery pack, each pack including a plurality of battery cells. The BMS includes a sensor and an MCU unit. The sensor detects temperature, current, and open circuit voltage (OCV) of the battery. The MCU receives the detected temperature, current, and OCV, calculates a key-off time period which is a period between a time point when a battery key-on state ends and a time point when a subsequent battery key-on state begins, calculates an OCV error range corresponding to an SOC error range detected at the key-off time point, and infers an initial SOC of the battery.

Abstract: There are provided an electric charging system, an electric vehicle and an electric charger. Upon charging a battery, power supply lines of an electric charger are connected to the power receiving lines of an electric vehicle 12. The power receiving lines have a relay. The electric charger has a voltage sensor that measures a voltage between the power supply lines. The electric charger has a voltage processing portion that applies filtering to the voltage. Upon charging when charging power is supplied from the electric controller, a filtering process with a stability-oriented first filter is applied to the voltage. Upon a relay failure diagnosis that performs a failure diagnosis of the relay based on a change in the voltage due to opening and closing of the relays, a filtering process with a second filter that has a higher responsiveness is applied to the voltage.

Abstract: An indicator portion (55) includes a first indicator portion (110) and a second indicator portion (112). The first indicator portion (110) indicates an accelerator pedal opening degree that changes in accordance with an operated amount of the accelerator pedal by the driver. The second indicator portion (112) includes a division line (114) and regions (116, 118) divided by the division line (114). The division line (114) shows an accelerator pedal opening degree where traveling modes (EV mode and HV mode) are switched. The regions (116, 118) show the ranges of accelerator pedal opening degrees where traveling is performed in EV mode and HV mode, respectively.

Abstract: A vehicle (3, 3A) is provided with: a power receiving coil (3a) that is provided so as to face a ground power supply coil (2a) and that receives electric power from the ground power supply coil (2a); a storage battery (3d) that stores the electric power received by the power receiving coil (3a); and a power supply coil (3f) that supplies the electric power received by the power receiving coil (3a) to the outside. A transporting system is provided with: a plurality of travel tracks (1A, 1B) along which the plurality of vehicles (3, 3A) travel; and power transfer areas (Ka, Kb) where a vehicle (3, 3A) traveling along a travel track (1A) and a vehicle (3, 3A) traveling along another travel track (1B) are able to mutually transfer electric power to each other.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a system for alerting a low battery charge condition in a jump-starter. In an embodiment, the system is portable. The system includes a first battery. The first battery is configured to provide a first battery voltage across a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the first battery. The system also includes a voltage comparison circuit that is electrically connected to the positive terminal and the negative terminal of the first battery. The voltage comparison circuit is configured to compare a reference voltage to the first battery voltage. The system includes an alert circuit electrically connected to the voltage comparison circuit and configured to generate an output signal for a speaker. The system also includes a switch configured to toggle between an enabled state and a disabled state. In an embodiment, the switch includes a stopper tap.

Abstract: A system includes a control module, a network interface module, and a charging module. The control module stores a first set of charging parameters for charging a battery in a vehicle. The network interface module transmits the first set of charging parameters to a utility company and receives a reply from the utility company. The control module generates a charge control signal based on the reply and the first set of charging parameters. The charging module charges the battery of the vehicle based on the charge control signal.

Abstract: A method includes steps of dividing resistance R into a physical and chemical resistances Ro and Rp, obtaining corrected open-circuit voltages Vo corresponding to setting currents Ia to Ix, acquiring predicted reaching voltages Va to Vx corresponding to the setting currents Ia to Ix, and creating a current-voltage curve. The corrected open-circuit voltages Vo are obtained to predict available maximum currents I—target in a particular time t2. The predicted reaching voltages Va to Vx are acquired based on corrected physical and chemical resistances Ro and Rp, and the corrected open-circuit voltages Vo. The current-voltage curve is creased based on the setting currents Ia to Ix and the predicted reaching voltages Va to Vx to acquire upper and lower limit voltages Vmax and Vmin, and upper and lower limit currents Imax and Imin at a temperature whereby assigning these limit currents to available maximum currents I—target in charging and discharging operations, respectively.

Abstract: Converters are configured to operate in a normal operation to convert the electric power that is input/output to/from secondary batteries bidirectionally to direct current voltage. In a predetermined mode allowing the secondary batteries to be charged, at least one of the converters does not perform a switching operation and holds on an upper arm element to avoid a switching loss in charging the secondary batteries. An electric power loss caused at the converters in charging the secondary batteries can be reduced, and charging efficiency can be enhanced.