Abstract: A voltage converter for charging an energy storage module from an alternating current line voltage, includes a first charging stage, coupled to the energy storage module, converting the line voltage to a first rectified direct current module charging voltage communicated to the energy storage module, the first rectified direct current module charging voltage greater than the line voltage, the first charging stage including an inductance for communicating a first charging current to the energy storage module; a second charging stage, switchably coupled serially with the first charging stage, down-converting the alternating current line voltage to a second rectified direct current module voltage, the second rectified direct current module voltage less than the first rectified direct current module charging voltage, wherein the second charging stage produces a second charging current not greater than the first charging current; and a controller for selectably switching the second charging stage serially with the

Abstract: A battery pack is disclosed. In one embodiment, the battery pack includes a battery module including a plurality of battery units. It further includes a battery management unit including a plurality of charge terminals and a plurality of discharge terminals electrically connected to terminals of the plurality of battery units, and controlling charging/discharging of the battery module. It further includes a control unit including a plurality of discharge control terminals electrically connected to the plurality of discharge terminals, a discharge control switch installed between each of the plurality of discharge control terminals, and a charge recognizing unit, and controlling the operation of the discharge control switch according to the level of voltage detected by the charge recognizing unit.

Abstract: Provided are a battery state monitoring circuit and a battery device which can be readily adapted to variation in number of batteries, and has low withstand voltage and a simple circuit configuration.

Abstract: A method and a system for balancing cells of a vehicle battery includes discharging charge from a highest charged cell for a discharge time period dependent on a charge difference between the highest charged cell and a lowest charged cell at a given time. The cells may be charged with the discharge charge during a charge time period.

Abstract: Lower order control devices control plural battery cells configuring plural battery modules. An input terminal of the low order control device in the highest potential, an output terminal of the low order control device in the lowest potential, and a high order control device are connected by isolating units, photocouplers. Diodes which prevent a discharge current of the battery cells in the battery modules are disposed between the output terminal of the low order control device and the battery cells in the battery module on the low potential side. Terminals related to input/output of a signal are electrically connected without isolating among the plural low order control devices.

Abstract: A battery equalizer for equalizing electrical energy of a first battery unit and a second battery unit includes a first diode, a first switch, a second diode, a second switch, a capacitor and an inductor. The components are electrically connected to be able to form different circuit loops to equalize the electrical energy of the two battery units.

Abstract: A battery balancing method for a battery pack is disclosed, wherein the battery pack includes a plurality of rechargeable battery cells. The method categorizes the plurality of battery cells into a first subgroup and a second subgroup. Each battery cell in the first subgroup has an over voltage count number that records the times of the battery cells reaching an over voltage protection point. A minimum voltage of the battery cells in the second subgroup is detected. Then the voltage of each battery cell in the first subgroup is decreased to a buck voltage lower than the minimum voltage of the second subgroup. While any one cell in the first group reaches the over voltage protection point again during the charging procedure, the over voltage count numbers for the particular battery cells already reached the over voltage protection point are accumulated and then the charging procedure is terminated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic charge equalization apparatus and method having an automatic PWM generating means for a series-connected battery string. The automatic charge equalization method and apparatus for a series-connected battery string according to the present invention can improve charge equalization by accomplishing charge equalization operation after comparing the potential of the corresponding battery cell with the average potential of the plurality of battery cells including the corresponding battery cell upon charging or discharging the corresponding battery cell.

Abstract: The present invention aims to reliably prevent overcharge by carrying out charging in just proportion during charging periods. A charging apparatus 1 for charging a secondary cell 22 by supplying a charging current Ic thereto is provided with a discharge amount detector 62 for detecting an amount of power discharged from the secondary cell in a non-charging state, a charge amount detector 60 for detecting an amount of power charged into the secondary cell in a charging state, and a charger controller 10 for stopping charging when the amount of charged power (charge amount Wc) becomes equal to the amount of discharged power (discharge amount Wc) during a charging period.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an energy storage cell arrangement is provided. The arrangement includes a plurality of battery cells coupled in series and a plurality of first circuits coupled to respective subsets of the plurality of cells. Each first circuit is configured to transfer energy between cells of the respective subset of cells for balancing stored energy of the respective subset of cells. A second circuit is coupled to the subsets of the plurality of cells. The second circuit includes a plurality of switchable resistive paths, each resistive path switchably coupled in parallel with a respective one of the subsets of the plurality of cells for balancing stored energy between the subsets of the plurality of cells.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and managing a plurality of cells within a battery pack supplying power to propel a vehicle are disclosed. One example method comprises, monitoring voltage of a plurality of battery cells of a battery pack, activating a power supply when a voltage of at least one battery cell of the plurality of battery cells exceeds a threshold, and draining a portion of charge from the at least one battery cell.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive system for a motor vehicle comprising an internal combustion engine and at least one electric machine, said vehicle also being provided with at least one vehicle electric system for electric power supply. In addition, the drive system is provided with at least one energy accumulator with several energy accumulator cells and a control assembly for controlling different operating modes of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A cell balancing circuit for balancing battery cells includes a transformer and a switching controller. The transformer has a primary winding and a secondary winding. The switching controller can select a first cell coupled to the primary winding and select a second cell coupled to the secondary winding. The first cell and the second cell are coupled in series. The first cell has a cell voltage that is greater than the second cell. The cell balancing circuit further includes a controller coupled to the primary winding. The controller controls energy from the first cell to the primary winding so as to transfer the energy from the first cell to the second cell to balance the battery cells.

Abstract: An electricity accumulating device includes capacitors connected in series, balanced voltage adjusting portions connected to the capacitors respectively, and a control circuit connected to the balanced voltage adjusting portions. The control circuit performs the following operations: measuring two voltages at different times from each other across each capacitor during the non-charge-or-discharge period of the capacitors by using the balanced voltage adjusting portions; calculating the absolute value of the difference between the two voltages; determining the balanced voltage of each of the capacitors according to the absolute value; and controlling the balanced voltage adjusting portions to make the voltage across each capacitor a balanced voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus includes battery gauge circuitry implemented on an integrated circuit. The battery gauge circuitry includes a plurality of switches that individually open in response to a voltage reduction on a battery cell associated with a respective one of the switches. The battery gauge circuitry also includes a logic device that determines if at least one of the switches is open. The battery gauge circuitry also includes a register that stores data that indicates if at least one switch is open. The battery gauge circuitry also includes a controller that initiates halting power delivery to a load if at least one of the switches is open. The controller also identifies the open switch.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy storage device, particularly for an automobile, that comprises: an assembly (2) of serially-connected energy storage cells; a balancing circuit adapted for balancing the cells during the discharge thereof by enabling the flow of one or more balancing currents in one or more cells of the assembly (2); optionally a diagnosis system (61) for providing at least one piece of information associated with at least one cell in the assembly; wherein the balancing circuit (10; 41) is adapted for controlling the balancing current(s) based at least on external information independent from the energy-storage cell assembly and/or information associated with at least one of the cells and provided by the optional diagnosis system.

Abstract: Methods and systems for balancing a state of charge of cell units of a battery pack of a vehicle are provided. Voltage sensors each measure a first value of state of charge of respective cell units at a first time, and a second value of state of charge of the respective cell units at a second time that is subsequent to the first time. A current sensor measures a current of the battery pack. A controller is coupled to the voltage sensors and the current sensor. The controller balances the state of charge around a predetermined calibrated value using the first values of state of charge, the second values of state of charge, and the current.

Abstract: A series array of electrochemical cells is charged by first applying a first charging current to the series array, thereby applying the first charging current to each of the cells in the series array. When one of the cells reaches a predefined maximum voltage, the series charging current is ceased. A second charging current is then selectively applied to various of the cells in the series array, topping up each of the cells in the series array. Priority is given to the weakest cell in the array. If there is an idle time for the battery load before the array is connected to a load, then charge is transferred from fully charged cells to weaker cells, thereby reducing charge imbalance among the cells. The array is connected to a load and power is drawn from the series array.

Abstract: A secondary battery voltage detecting system includes: a battery group in which lithium ion secondary batteries are connected in series; a charging and discharging switch that is connected between the battery group and an output terminal and performs charging and discharging; abnormality detectors that divide the batteries of the battery group into blocks and that detect battery voltages; a CPU that performs arithmetic processing of respective detection signals of protection elements including the abnormality detectors; first voltage level converters that make voltage references of the detection signals uniform between the protection elements and the CPU; and second voltage level converters connected between the abnormality detectors and the first voltage level converters. The CPU outputs, at a time interval set in advance, a signal for causing the second voltage level converters to operate and electrically isolates or connects paths between the detectors and the first voltage level converters.

Abstract: A lithium-based battery system for a vehicle includes a plurality of lithium battery cells arranged in series that provide energy to propel the vehicle. Each of the battery cells includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a plurality of lithium battery elements arranged in parallel, a plurality of disconnect switches, and a shunt switch. Each of the battery elements includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The first terminal of each of the battery elements is connected to the first terminal of the battery cell. The second terminal of each of the battery elements is connected to the second terminal of the battery cell via a corresponding one of the disconnect switches. The shunt switch is connected between the first and second terminals of the battery cell. A control module selectively opens and closes the shunt switches and the disconnect switches.

Abstract: A battery pack comprising a plurality of batteries. Each of the batteries includes: a control circuit, for detecting power of the batteries to generate power information; and at least one transmitting interface, for outputting the power information, and for receiving external power or for outputting the power stored in the battery, wherein the control circuit further determines if the external power is utilized to charge the battery according to the power of the batteries.

Abstract: The battery power source apparatus includes a battery block formed by parallel-connecting series circuits each formed of a rechargeable battery and an interrupting device, a parallel circuit formed by parallel-connecting series circuits respectively formed of the interrupting devices and first resistors having respective one ends connected to connection points between the rechargeable batteries and the interrupting devices of the series circuits, and respective other ends connected to each other, a second resistor having one end connected to a connection point of the respective other ends, a power source unit applying voltage to a series circuit of the parallel circuit and the second resistor, a voltage divider ratio calculating unit calculating a voltage divider ratio between the parallel circuit and the second resistor, and a judging unit determining presence or absence of an activated interrupting device of the plurality of interrupting devices based on the voltage divider ratio.

Abstract: A method for ascertaining the maximum power obtainable from a traction storage-battery system that includes a plurality of storage-battery elements connected in series. The method provides for: determining at least one power indicator for each storage-battery element, as well as ascertaining a quantity of the smallest power indicators of all determined power indicators of all storage-battery elements. The quantity includes the smallest power indicator or a subgroup of the smallest power indicators of all power indicators of the storage-battery elements. A power-output limit for the quantity is provided, starting from the power indicators of the quantity.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the voltage of each of a plurality of cells of a battery pack is provided. The method may include monitoring a voltage potential for each of a plurality of cells in a battery pack utilizing a single channel of battery control unit within the battery pack. If, during discharge of the battery, e.g., the battery is being used to power a hand tool, the voltage potential of any cell is determined by the battery control unit to be below a predetermined minimum voltage, the battery control unit discontinues a current flow from battery pack to the tool. Additionally, during charging of the battery pack, if a voltage differential between any one of the cells and any other one of the cells is determined to be above a predetermined maximum differential, the battery control unit reduces the voltage potential stored in the cell having the higher voltage potential.

Abstract: The state monitoring apparatus includes a high-voltage side monitoring section having monitoring units assigned to respective unit batteries and a low-voltage side monitoring section having a control device. The monitoring units measures the voltages of the unit batteries upon reception of a voltage measurement command transmitted from the control device, and determines whether or not the measured voltages are within a predetermined range. This determination is transmitted to the control device. If this determination is negative, the control device limits a charge/discharge current of the assembled battery, and then causes the monitoring units to transmit the measured voltages.

Abstract: Systems and methods to minimize signal loss and distortions with connections of audio sources and speakers are disclosed. Fiber optic cables are used instead of conventional cables. The audio signals are kept always in the analog domain, no matter if they are in optical or electric format. The strength of the audio signals can be controlled by a volume control unit. A small amplifier unit can either directly plugged to speakers are connected to the speakers via a short speaker cable. A preamplifier is no more necessary in the system.

Abstract: A battery management system and a driving method thereof are provided for detecting a short battery cell. The battery management system includes a main control unit (MCU) and a cell balancing unit. The MCU transmits a battery cell control signal for controlling charge and discharge of the battery cells. The cell balancing unit balances the battery cells according to the battery cell control signal. The MCU includes a cell balancing discharge amount measurement unit and a controller. The cell balancing discharge amount measurement unit measures a cell balancing discharge amount of each of the battery cells. The controller compares a difference value between a maximum value among the cell balancing discharge amounts of the battery cells and each of the cell balancing discharge amounts to determine a short battery cell.

Abstract: A method of charging a secondary battery and a charging device that can improve stability and extend the life span of the battery. When the secondary battery includes a plurality of cells, the charging method is changed when a voltage imbalance from 100 mV to 300 mV occurs among the cells. In that range, the charging method changes from a constant current-constant voltage charging method to a pulse-charging method. When the voltage imbalance is 300 mV or more, the electricity path is blocked, shutting down the battery. When the voltage imbalance is 100 mV or less, the constant current-constant voltage charging method is maintained. The method and device also stop charging when the battery reaches full charge.

Abstract: A battery system having at least one battery string of more than two batteries connected in series, a charge equalization circuit, a relay matrix, and a balance controller. The charge equalization circuit is capable of equalizing the charge on any pair of series connected batteries in the at least one battery string. The relay matrix is operatively connected between the charge equalization circuit and the at least one battery string. The balance controller controls the relay matrix such that at least one to battery characteristic of at least one battery is sensed. Based on at least one sensed battery characteristic, the balance controller controls the relay matrix such that the charge equalization circuit is connected across at least one pair of series connected batteries in the at least one battery string.

Abstract: A battery management system according to the present invention comprises a battery module consisted of a plurality of batteries connected in series; a switch module connected in parallel to the battery module; a voltage sensor measuring a voltage of each battery composing the battery module; a charge equalizer causing each battery composing the battery module to be charged, discharged or charged/discharged; and a microprocessor controlling the switch module to determine whether to charge or discharge each battery composing the battery module according to the voltage values measured by the voltage sensor and; wherein the voltage sensor and the charge equalizer are connected in parallel to each battery composing the battery module by the switch module.

Abstract: A battery management system for a battery pack comprising multiple battery modules is disclosed. Each of the battery modules includes multiple battery cells. The battery management system includes multiple first balancing units, multiple first controllers, a second balancing unit including multiple second balancing circuits, and a second controller coupled to the battery modules and the second balancing circuits. The first controllers are operable for controlling the first balancing units to adjust voltages of battery cells in the battery module if an unbalance occurs between the battery cells. The second controller is operable for controlling said second balancing circuits to adjust voltages of said battery modules if an unbalance occurs between battery modules.

Abstract: A system for storing electrical energy is specified, comprising a plurality of storage cells having an operating voltage, wherein an electrical load and a switching element in series with the load are arranged parallel to the storage cell. The switching element being closed upon reaching or exceeding a threshold voltage. The system further comprises a control device, which is configured to influence the threshold voltage in response to a temperature.

Abstract: The present invention provides a battery array voltage equalization device comprising: a sampling unit which samples the battery voltage signals of the battery array according to a sampling control signal; an analog-to-digital converting unit which converts the sampled voltage signals into a digital voltage signal; a control unit which generates the sampling control signal and a driving signal based on the digital voltage signal; an equalization unit which equalizes the voltage signals of the battery array based on the driving signal; a filter unit which is connected to the equalization unit and the battery array. The present invention applies the filter unit to filter out the ripple signal generated during equalization.

Abstract: An electrical combination including a driver drill capable of producing an average current draw of approximately 20-amps, a circular saw capable of producing an average current draw of approximately 20-amps, and a power tool battery pack operable to supply power to the driver drill and to the circular saw, the battery pack including a plurality of battery cells, the plurality of battery cells each having a lithium-based chemistry.

Abstract: The battery voltage monitoring apparatus has a structure in which, for each adjacent two of battery cells, the positive electrode of the battery cell on the higher voltage side and the negative electrode of the battery cell on the lower voltage side are commonly connected to a corresponding one of common terminals provided in an RC filter circuit. The common terminal is branched into a first branch connected to one end of a first resistor and a second branch connected to one end of a second resistor, the first resistor being connected to a corresponding one of positive side detection terminals at the other end thereof, the second resistor being connected to a corresponding one of negative side detection terminals at the other end thereof. A capacitor is connected across a corresponding one of pairs of the positive side and negative side detection terminals.

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: 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 shunting circuitry configured to shunt charging electrical energy around respective ones of the rechargeable battery cells during charging of the rechargeable battery cells from substantially discharged states of charge of the rechargeable battery cells to substantially charged states of charge of the rechargeable battery cells.

Abstract: Voltage balance circuit for dual cell rechargeable battery having a balancing circuit coupled to an integrated control circuit. The balancing circuit can be configured to charge and discharge current during a voltage balancing process allowing a higher charged cell to discharge or dissipate excess capacity to a lower charged cell. The integrated control circuit, having a plurality of modules, can be configured to output balancing directional and timing control signals for signaling the activation and deactivation of the voltage balancing process.

Abstract: A battery pack for an electric device is disclosed which includes: a group of battery cells interconnected in series; discharge control circuitry for converting DC voltage of the group into AC voltage; an AC-output terminal through which an output of the discharge control circuitry is supplied to the device; charge control circuitry for converting AC voltage of a commercial power source into DC voltage, to thereby charge the group; and a charging terminal through which electric power of the source is supplied into the group, wherein the AC-output terminal is connectable with a power-input connector of the device, and the charging terminal is connectable with a charging connector of the source, the pack further comprising a detector for detecting insertion of the power-input connector into the AC-output terminal, wherein the discharge control circuitry initiates a discharge control sequence for the group, if the insertion is detected, and does not initiate the discharge control sequence, in response to non-det

Abstract: The present invention provides a semiconductor circuit including: a comparator section that compares discharge sections, each including a first signal line connected to a high potential side of each of a plurality of battery cells that are connected in series, a second signal line connected to a low potential side of each of the plurality of battery cells, a resistance element provided between the first signal line and the second signal line, and a discharge switching element connected in series to the resistance element, wherein the comparator section compares a threshold voltage, set according to a potential difference between a potential of the first signal line and a potential of the second signal line, with a voltage according to a potential between the resistance element and the discharge switching element.

Abstract: A system for managing energy stored in a plurality of series connected energy storage units has a plurality of energy storage unit controllers, each associated with one of the plurality of energy storage units, a balancing circuit between two of the energy storage units, being controlled by at least one of the energy storage unit controllers, a serial electrical interface between the energy storage unit controllers providing voltage isolated bi-directional communication, and a central controller in electrical communication with the energy storage unit controllers. A method for managing charge in a plurality of series connected energy storage units in which current is diverted from the first energy storage unit to the second energy storage unit.

Abstract: A method for controlling a vehicle drive unit, which comprises at least two individual drives, at least one of which is able to provide a negative torque. A vehicle control unit is provided, within which a continuous torque comparison is performed within a monitoring level. A permissible torque is ascertained therein. Using a torque range checker it is established whether ascertained setpoint torques lie within torque ranges of the at least two individual drives.

Abstract: An object is to improve safety. Provided is a power storage system including a battery apparatus 1; a power converter 2 provided between the battery apparatus 1 and a load 3 and that can control power supplied from the battery apparatus 1 to the load 3; and a battery monitoring circuit 4 that detects an abnormality in the battery apparatus 1. When an abnormality in the battery apparatus 1 is detected by the battery monitoring circuit 4, the power converter 2 supplies power stored in the battery apparatus 1 to the load 3 or to an internally provided internal load at or below a current value or power value that is set in advance, or alternatively, at a current value or power value that the load 3 demands, within a range that does not exceed an upper limit that is set in advance.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a battery voltage equalization apparatus and method, and, more particularly, to a charge equalization apparatus and method, which decrease the withstand voltages of semiconductor switching elements while maintaining charge equalization performance, thus making it easy to implement the secondary windings of transformers while reducing the costs of the charge equalization apparatus. The charge equalization apparatus includes N first transformers (T1 to Tn) connected in series with N series-connected batteries (B1 to Bn) and adapted to decrease voltages of overcharged batteries among the N batteries. A charge storage device (Cdump) stores energy supplied from the first transformers. A second transformer (TS) redistributes energy stored in the charge storage device to the N series-connected batteries.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery, battery set or battery pack having a circuit or a plurality of circuits for providing self-discharging thereof electrically connected in parallel are used to form rechargeable battery assemblies and electric power supply systems for use in electric and hybrid vehicles and the like.

Abstract: A protection device for an assembled cell including battery modules connected in series includes protection units each of which is configured to operate using a corresponding battery module as a power supply and a management unit connected to the protection units in common, the protection unit includes a measuring unit configured to measure its own consumption current to obtain measurement data, a communication unit which transmits the measurement data to a management unit and receives setting data from the management unit, a discharging unit which discharges the corresponding battery module, and a control unit configured to control the discharging unit based on the measurement data and the setting data so that a total of the consumption current and a discharging current by the discharging unit is of a constant value among the protection units.

Abstract: A vehicle power supply device comprises a lithium battery module that includes a plurality of lithium battery cells, first control devices, voltage detection harnesses via which terminal voltages at individual lithium battery cells are input to the first control devices, a second control device and a signal transmission path through which signals are transmitted. The first control device comprises a selection circuit that selects terminal voltages at individual lithium battery cells, a voltage measurement circuit that measures the selected terminal voltages, balancing switches used to discharge individual lithium battery cells, a balancing switch control circuit that controls open/close of the balancing switches, and a diagnosis circuit for detecting an electrically abnormal connection in the detection harnesses.

Abstract: A battery assembly having batteries connected in series to form rows and columns of battery cells into packs that combine the energy of multiple batteries. The battery cells are joined together to form columns of cells connected mechanically together by an exterior connection sleeve, and mechanically and electrically connected together by a conductive epoxy joining the end of one cell to the end of an adjacent cell in series. The columns of cells are mounted and held in place by racks, with bolts passing through the racks to form a sandwich structure that secures the position and orientation of the cells and columns, and that maintains the electrical connection between joined cells. Perpendicularly disposed to the direction of the columns are a series of conductive bands that join adjacent cells together along rows of cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method of controlling the operation of battery modules in a battery system, which includes two or more battery modules or battery module assemblies, wherein the battery system further includes energy consuming loads for consuming charged energy, and the method includes, when a specific battery module or a specific battery module assembly is abnormally operated, connecting the abnormally operated battery module or the abnormally operated battery module assembly to the corresponding energy consuming load to forcibly discharge the charged energy, and a battery system that is capable of performing the battery system control method.

Abstract: A battery pack includes: a secondary battery formed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series; a control section measuring a voltage at each of the battery cells and controlling each part according to the measurement result; a charge/discharge control circuit temporarily inhibiting charging and discharging of the secondary battery under control of the control section; an interruption circuit interrupting charge and discharge currents of the secondary battery under control of the control section to inhibit charging and discharging of the secondary battery permanently; a discharge circuit discharging a predetermined battery cell among the battery cells under control of the control section; a capacity measuring section measuring the amount of electricity discharged from the battery cell; and a storage section storing total discharge amount information indicating a total amount of discharged electricity and a charge/discharge inhibition record indicating a count of temporary charge/discharge inhibition