Abstract: A voltage sensing device with which high-precision voltage sensing is possible without the need to obtain a unique correction constant for each device. A pair of voltage input nodes NCk and NCk-1 is selected from voltage input nodes NC0-NCn in switch part 10, and they are connected to sensing input nodes NA and NB in two types of patterns with different polarity (forward connection, reverse connection). Sensing input nodes NA and NB are held at reference potential Vm by voltage sensing part 20, and current Ina and Inb corresponding to the voltage at voltage input nodes NCk and NCk-1 flows to input resistors RIk and RIk-1. Currents Ina and Inb are synthesized at different ratios in voltage sensing part 20, and sensed voltage signal S20 is generated according to the synthesized current Ic. Sensed voltage data S40 with low error is generated according to the difference between the two sensed voltage signals S20 generated in the two connection patterns.

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 controller being associated with one of the plurality of energy storage units, a balancing circuit between two of the energy storage units, the balancing circuit being controlled by at least one of the energy storage unit controllers, a serial electrical interface between the energy storage unit controllers for providing voltage isolated bi-directional communication, and a central controller in electrical communication with the energy storage unit controllers.

Abstract: A battery pack and a method of controlling the same is disclosed. The battery pack determines a cell deviation after the battery pack is fully charged or over-discharged, and thus the battery pack can reduce the cell deviation by performing cell balancing.

Abstract: A battery system for a vehicle is provided with discharge circuits (R1, 129A through 129D, 128A through 128D) that discharge battery cells (BC1 through BC4) via measurement lines of those battery cells (BC1 through BC4).

Abstract: A secondary battery pack of the present invention includes a secondary battery block 3 in which a plurality of unit blocks 2 are connected in series; battery adjustment sections 5 that are each provided for each of the unit blocks 2 and have a function of monitoring the voltage of secondary batteries and a function of adjusting the balance; a charge switch 8; and a discharge switch 9. The secondary battery pack includes transmission sections 17 that receive information from the corresponding battery adjustment sections 5. The transmission sections are connected to the preceding or subsequent transmission sections and are so set that at least either information input from the preceding transmission sections or information input from the battery adjustment sections 5 is output to the subsequent transmission sections.

Abstract: A battery charger containing circuitry including integrated cell balancing and automatic cell configuration determination is presented. The charger automatically adapts output current to different battery configurations. The charger also ensures that all the cells within a battery configuration are at roughly the same voltage.

Abstract: A method of operating a battery system includes a plurality of battery cells coupled in series. The plurality of cells includes at least three battery cells coupled in series. The method includes determining a cell with the greatest charge excess of the plurality of battery cells. The method further includes determining a cell with the greatest charge deficit of the plurality of battery cells. The method further includes discharging the cell with the greatest charge excess to charge, with a voltage converter, the cell with the greatest charge deficit.

Abstract: A system may include a switchover element configurable to source or sink power from or to an electronic device electrically coupled to the switchover element and a controller in communication with the switchover element. The controller may be configured to determine if the electronic device is healthy. When the electronic device is healthy, the controller may configure the switchover element to deliver power from the electronic device to the system and configure the switchover element to provide the power to any unhealthy electronic device electrically coupled to the system.

Abstract: The present inventions, in certain aspects, are directed to techniques and/or circuitry to charge a battery the method comprises (i) charging the battery via a charging sequence, wherein charging the battery includes: (a) applying a plurality of charge signals, and (b) applying one or more discharge signals wherein, in response thereto, the battery outputs electrical energy. In certain embodiments, the electrical energy output by the battery in response to the discharge signals is stored (for example, in a capacitor and/or second battery). The present inventions are also directed to, among other things, an apparatus to charge a battery comprising charging circuitry including: (i) a current source to generate a plurality of charge signals, and (ii) a current sink to generate one or more discharge signals, wherein, in response thereto, the battery outputs electrical energy.

Abstract: A charging device supplies charge current to a battery group having plural secondary batteries connected in series to perform charging. In the charging device, a discharge route circuit for discharging charge current to be supplied to the secondary battery when the battery voltage of the secondary battery exceeds a predetermined voltage while charging is provided to every secondary battery. Also provided is a cut-off circuit for cutting off the discharge route circuit from each secondary battery after charging is completed. Discharge at a discharge route circuit is suppressed and energy efficiency is increased.

Abstract: A computer system includes a wireless device to generate wireless signals, a computer comprising a chassis and a motherboard, and a wireless device holder positioned on the chassis to accommodate and recharge the wireless device. The wireless device includes a rechargeable battery cell and two charging terminals connected to the rechargeable battery cell. The wireless device holder includes a main body including a holder connector connected to the motherboard, to enable the wireless device holder to communicate with and to be powered by the motherboard, a recharging unit to recharge the rechargeable battery cell, and two charging contact members corresponding to the charging terminals and connected to the recharging unit. When the wireless device is placed in the wireless device holder, the charging contact members contact the charging terminals, and the recharging unit recharges the rechargeable battery cell with power supplied by the motherboard.

Abstract: A battery management system includes a switch array, a first controller and a second controller. The switch array selects a battery module from multiple battery modules in a battery pack based upon a conduction state of the switch array. The first controller is coupled to the switch array and receives measurement information of cells in the battery pack through the switch array. The second controller is coupled to the switch array and the first controller and provides a control signal to control the conduction state of the switch array. The first controller further controls a balance circuit coupled to the battery pack to balance a selected battery module if the selected battery module is identified as an unbalanced battery module based upon measurement information associated with the selected battery module.

Abstract: A battery management system for a battery pack includes a plurality of battery modules and a plurality of first balancing units coupled to the plurality of battery modules. The battery management system also includes a plurality of second balancing units coupled to the plurality of battery modules, wherein a first balancing unit of the plurality of first balancing units and a second balancing unit of the plurality of second balancing units are coupled to each respective battery module. Lastly, the battery management system includes a plurality of controllers coupled to the plurality of battery modules, wherein each controller is coupled to a respective battery module.

Abstract: Systems and methods for actively balancing battery cells are disclosed. In one example, a charge is supplied to different battery cells at different times during a battery discharge cycle. The method may reduce instantaneous current draw within a battery pack.

Abstract: A management unit and method for managing electric energy stored in a battery composed of a number of series-connected cells, the management unit having: a main equalizing circuit, which forms the primary of an electric transformer and has a constant alternating-current generator powered by the battery and which feeds alternating current of constant intensity through the main equalizing circuit; and, for each cell of the battery, a secondary equalizing circuit, which forms the secondary of the electric transformer, is connected parallel to the cell, has a one-way electronic device which imposes electric current flow to the cell in one direction only, and is connected to a drive device that can be activated to zero the voltage applied to the cell by the secondary equalizing circuit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a managing charge within a battery pack are disclosed. In one example, flyback transformers manage charge in a second current path. The system and method can improve battery efficiency and performance at least during some conditions.

Abstract: A battery charge control system including an algorithm for determining whether the battery chemistry of a battery pack for use in a portable electronic device is primary, in which case charging is prevented, or secondary, in which case charging is enabled. The routine operates by measuring the terminal voltage and temperature of the battery under certain predetermined tests, which generally include a combination of voltage and internal impedance tests performed during charge or discharge. Additionally, a method is described to detect and to correct for lack of cell balance within the rechargeable battery pack of a portable electronic device. A cell or cells of the battery pack which are close to depletion, or are completely depleted, are detected, and a discharge/charge routine is executed to provide for optimum recharging of all of the cells of the battery, thus ensuring proper cell balance, and most efficient power usage.

Abstract: A battery control device that controls a battery module in which a plurality of cell groups, in each of which a plurality of cells are connected in series, are connected in series or series-parallel, includes: a plurality of cell controller ICs that control each of the plurality of cell groups; and one or more connectors that are provided for connecting the plurality of cell controller ICs to the battery module; wherein: the plurality of cell controller ICs include first and second cell controller ICs that are provided in sequence, so as to control two or more of the cell groups that are connected in series; and an auxiliary connection member (a pin) is provided for connecting GND terminal side wiring of the first cell controller IC and VCC terminal side wiring of the second cell controller IC together, externally to the battery control device.

Abstract: A monitoring circuit for accurately monitoring a voltage level from each of a plurality of battery cells of a battery pack includes an analog to digital converter (ADC) and a processor. The ADC is configured to accept an analog voltage signal from each of the plurality of battery cells and convert each analog voltage signal to a digital signal representative of an accurate voltage level of each battery cell. The processor receives such signals and provides a safety alert signal based on at least one of the signals. The ADC resolution may be adjustable. A balancing circuit provides a balancing signal if at least two of the digital signals indicate a voltage difference between two cells is greater than a battery cell balance threshold. An electronic device including such monitoring and balancing circuits is also provided. Various methods are also provided.

Abstract: A battery power source device includes a battery block configured by parallel-connecting a plurality of series-circuits each constituted of a secondary battery, and a cut-off element which is operable to be in a cut-off state where a charging and discharging path of the secondary battery is cut off; a current limit value setting section which sets a current limit value representing an upper allowable limit of an entire current value as a current value of a current flowing through the battery block; and an available battery number detecting section which detects the number of cut-off elements which are not in the cut-off state, out of the plurality of cut-off elements included in the battery block, as the available battery number. In this arrangement, the current limit value setting section sets the current limit value so that the current limit value is decreased, as the available battery number detected by the available battery number detecting section is reduced.

Abstract: An automatic charge equalization apparatus using a regulated voltage source according to the present invention comprises a battery module having a plurality of batteries connected in series; a battery string having M (natural number of M?2) battery modules connected in series: a regulated voltage source which is provided for each battery module and outputs and maintains an average voltage of the battery string; a bidirectional switch block which is provided for each battery module between the battery module and the regulated voltage source to connect each battery to an output of the regulated voltage source by forming a parallel current moving path to each battery composing the battery module; and a microprocessor controlling the bidirectional switch block, wherein each battery composing the battery module shares the regulated voltage source by the bidirectional switch block and the microprocessor controls the bidirectional switch block to successively connect the batteries composing the battery module with t

Abstract: A voltage equalization device of a power storage device provided with battery packs in which a plurality of secondary cells are connected, power converters provided in association with the battery packs, and controllers that control the power converters, and in which the battery packs are connected in parallel via the individual power converters includes a decision portion and a voltage-adjusting portion. The decision portion obtains battery-pack information regarding the states of charge/discharge of the individual battery packs and decides, for each battery pack, whether or not to perform voltage adjustment on the basis of the battery-pack information. When the decision portion decides that the voltage adjustment is to be performed, the voltage-adjusting portion generates offset instructions for adjusting the states of charge/discharge and outputs the offset instructions to the controllers of the power converters associated with the battery packs.

Abstract: A system for balancing the charge level of a plurality of electrically coupled battery units. The system configuration may utilize an architecture and/or methodology that is more appropriate for lower power applications. In particular, the present invention, in accordance with at least one embodiment, may provide a battery balancing system that implements low loss charge balancing circuits in a compact configuration suitable for a multitude of applications, such as smaller cell battery balancing. The charge balancing circuits may be incorporated within each battery unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an energy storage assembly, comprising a plurality of cells connected in series, wherein the series connection of cells is connected to a power output of the energy storage assembly and a control unit, wherein at least a part of the cells connected in series is connected to the power output and the control unit by way of potential-free controlled converter and control units connected in parallel, such that during the charging, discharging and recharging processes each of the cells is operated according to the individual performance characteristics of said cell by means of selective current drains by the converter and control units and a total current flowing at the power output of the energy storage assembly is formed by a base current flowing through the series connection of the cells and by additional currents, which are drained from the individual cells depending on the capacity of the cells.

Abstract: The car power source apparatus is provided with a series battery array 10 having a plurality of rechargeable batteries 11 connected in series to supply power to an electric motor that drives the car, equalizing circuits 20 that equalize battery 11 electrical characteristics by discharging or charging each battery 11 of the series battery array 10, a cut-off mechanism 19 connected in series with the series battery array 10 to disconnect the series connection, and a stopping circuit 50, 70, 80 that detects the cut-off state of the cut-off mechanism 19 and controls equalizing circuit 20 operation. In this car power source apparatus, the stopping circuit 50, 70, 80 detects cut-off due to cut-off mechanism 19 removal and stops the equalizing operation performed by the equalizing circuits 20.

Abstract: An apparatus for balancing charge capacity of battery cell includes a voltage sensing/discharging circuit having a battery with cell group, a switching unit for selectively connecting both terminals of each battery cell to conductive lines, capacitor connected to the conductive lines, a voltage amplifying unit connected to both terminals of capacitor via a first switch, and a discharge resistance connected to both terminals of capacitor via a second switch; and a voltage balancing unit for controlling the switching unit in ON state of first switch to connect both terminals of each battery cell to the conductive lines and then sense voltage of each battery cell through the voltage amplifying unit, and controlling the switching unit in OFF state of first switch to charge voltage of balancing-requiring cell to the capacitor and then turning on the second switch to discharge charged voltage of capacitor through the discharge resistance.

Abstract: The present invention is a control system for an assembled battery that controls an assembled battery comprising a plurality of cells, including: a bypass circuit connected in parallel to each cell of the cells, and comprising a switching element and a resistor connected in series; and a control circuit that controls a bypass current flowing in the bypass circuit by opening and closing the switching element, in order to discharge the cell; wherein the bypass circuit is set so that a current of a same magnitude as a self-discharge current in a predetermined overcharged states of the cell flow in the bypass circuit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for diagnosing battery voltage misreporting is described. According to various embodiments, battery voltage may be monitored with respect to a state of charge and/or time. Based on this monitored information, battery charge state data may be generated by computing time derivatives of the monitored battery voltage across a voltage range. This battery charge state data may be compared with an expected set of charge state data if substantial differences exist, an error may be generated. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The operation of a discharging apparatus for correcting variations in voltage and remaining capacity among battery blocks forming a battery pack is performed more reliably. When power supply from a battery pack to a motor/generator is not being performed and when a variation amount of remaining capacity among the battery blocks forming the battery pack is larger than a predetermined value, a discharge request section issues a command to start power supply from a battery block to a discharge control unit corresponding to at least a battery block having the largest remaining capacity among the battery blocks. The discharge control unit receives the start command for power supply from the battery block and issues a command to a discharging section to discharge the battery block in response to start of the power supply from the battery block.

Abstract: A charging and equalizing method for a battery having a control computer in a charging system in communication with a plurality of module processors. Charging and equalization pauses periodically for voltage measurement by the module processors. The control computer determines when to equalize battery cells in the modules based on their open circuit voltages transmitted by the module processors. A selected group of cells in each module can be equalized. Equalization is carried out in the modules until all of the module processors indicate that equalization has been completed. Charging can then resume until charging is complete or cells reach a maximum voltage given by the control computer. In an alternative embodiment, a selected group of cells may be partially bypassed while charging to reduce the charge rate of the cell.

Abstract: An LED lamp adapted for use as a bicycle light includes a lamp/switch module and a power supply/control module. The control includes a microcontroller that performs both light operating functions and battery charging control functions. A low battery warning is provided as a non-repeating, short sequence of flashes of the lamp.

Abstract: A fault tolerant battery management system includes redundancy, with applications including electric vehicles. Portions of its circuitry are constituted in distinct fault domains with control, monitoring, and balancing of cells circuitry fault-effect-isolated from the circuitry associated with built-in real-time testing. Built-in tests are orchestrated in fault domains isolated from the functional circuitry being verified. These built-in tests provide test stimulus unique for each cell measurement. Cell balancing is performed in a fault tolerant manner. It takes at least two independent faults, in two mutually distinct fault domains, to negatively affect balancing capability or to interfere with a redundant circuit's ability to operate. The built-in tests allow operation without the requirement for data cross-compare between redundant measuring electronic elements. Testing and balancing functions are interlocked through encoded enabling methodologies and transmit enables on serial buses.

Abstract: A battery pack usable as a power source of an electric device, is disclosed, in which battery modules are in series; each battery module is configured to include battery cells in series; a discharge controller controls discharge power which is supplied from the battery modules to the electric device; a modulator modulates a voltage of each module between a high voltage and a low voltage which is higher than zero and lower than the high voltage; the high voltage and the low voltage are set to allow a load device of the electric device to operate by the high voltage, and to allow the load device not to operate by the low voltage; and the discharge controller operates by the battery modules, irrespective of whether each module outputs the high voltage or the low voltage.

Abstract: An improved battery pack is disclosed. The battery pack includes: a plurality of battery cells; a protection circuit module for controlling charging and discharging of the plurality of battery cells; and a plurality of connection members for applying voltages output from the plurality of battery cells to the protection circuit module, at least one of the connection members having a damping resistive component.

Abstract: A battery voltage monitoring device for efficiently equalizing cell voltages of a plurality of battery cells connected in series through a direct charge transfer between mutually distant battery cells. The device includes a charge-transfer circuit configured to perform a direct charge transfer from a first battery cell to a second battery cell that is fifth or higher adjacent to the first battery cell. This can eliminate charge-transfer losses that would occur during sequential charge transfers between adjacent battery cells, which leads to an efficient charge transfer between mutually distant battery cells.

Abstract: In the related art, the measurement error due to the internal resistance of the battery is not considered in the battery balance method, such that the battery balance is not accurate, or the battery balance process is frequently started and stopped. In exemplary embodiments of the invention, detecting battery voltage and balancing battery voltage are performed in different time, such that the difference of charge current/discharge current among the batteries due to the battery voltage balance process do not affect the battery voltage detecting.

Abstract: In a signal monitoring system, a circuit includes an input terminal and an output terminal. In addition, a processor coupled to the circuit is operable for calculating a parameter indicative of an error factor of the circuit by setting a level difference between an input signal at the input terminal and an output signal at the output terminal to a predetermined level.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a cell balancing system includes a first controller for controlling cell balancing of a first set of cells coupled in series, and a second controller for controlling cell balancing of a second set of cells coupled in series. There is at least one common cell in the first set of cells and the second set of cells.

Abstract: A transformer 21 includes charging secondary winding lines 24 that can charge batteries 11 composing a corresponding cell block, and a discharging secondary winding line 26 that can discharge the corresponding cell block. Each of the charging secondary winding lines 24 is connected to corresponding one of the batteries 11 through corresponding one of secondary-side rectification output circuits 25 and corresponding one of output control switches 22. The discharging secondary winding line 26 is connected to a block discharging circuit through a block discharging switch 28. A switching control circuit 23 controls the block discharging switch 28. The switching control circuit 23 controls the output control switches 22 so that the electrical properties of the batteries 11 in the cell block are equalized. In addition, the switching control circuits 23 control the block discharging switches 28 so that the electrical properties of the batteries among the cell blocks are equalized.

Abstract: Used dry cell batteries having a terminal voltage less than a working voltage of a previously applied device but higher than an exhaustion voltage below which the dry cell batteries stop discharging can be used in a present provided discharging system. The used dry cell batteries are connected in series. The discharging system also includes a discharging unit, a measuring unit, a judging unit, and an indicating unit. The discharging unit discharges the used dry cell batteries. The measuring unit measures the terminal voltage of each dry cell battery. The judging unit judges if the terminal voltage of each dry cell battery is less than a preset voltage below which the dry cell battery is deemed to be exhausted. The indicating unit indicates which dry cell battery has the terminal voltage less than the preset value for replacement.

Abstract: A secondary cell control system includes a plurality of cells; a charging circuit section and a discharging circuit section. The charging circuit section charges cells selected from among said plurality of cells, and the discharging circuit section discharges cells selected from among said plurality of cells.

Abstract: There is provided a discharge controller for a multiple cell battery that has a plurality of storage cells connected in series with each other. A discharge path from the storage cell is connected a load. The discharge controller includes: cell voltage detection units for detecting respective cell voltages of the storage cells; a switch group comprising a plurality of switches each connected between the storage cells; and a control unit for performing ON/OFF control on the respective switches individually in response to detection results detected by the cell voltage detection units so as to form the discharge path from the storage cell to the load.

Abstract: A battery system, which allows adjustment of balance of the voltages among the chargeable batteries while preventing electric loss, includes a plurality of battery modules connected in series, each battery module including a plurality of battery cells in a manner chargeable and dischargeable through positive and negative electrode terminals. The battery system includes a charging/discharging control unit connected between both electrodes of the plurality of battery modules connected in series to simultaneously charge the plurality of battery modules. The battery system also includes a voltage detector for detecting a voltage of each of the battery modules. Charge discharged from the battery module whose voltage is higher than the voltages of the other battery modules is boosted to a predetermined voltage to be simultaneously supplied to the plurality of battery modules.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a charge equalization apparatus, which can enable the primary windings and the secondary windings of transformers to be easily manufactured, can control the flow of charges into batteries depending on the charged states of series-connected batteries, and can prevent overcurrent from flowing into batteries that are currently being charged.

Abstract: An apparatus balances a charging voltage of each battery cell of a battery pack. The apparatus includes a discharge resistor installed on a conductive line connected to both ends of a battery cell in parallel; a balance signal relay unit for relaying a charging voltage of the battery cell according to a balance control signal; and a discharge switching unit for receiving the relayed charging voltage of the battery cell as a driving voltage and connecting the battery cell to the discharge resistor to discharge the battery cell if the driving voltage is over an effective voltage level. This apparatus prevents overcharging of a battery cell, caused by a failure of a control processor, while balancing a charging voltage of battery cells. Also, the control processor may be protected against an electric impact by electrical insulation from a discharge circuit. Accordingly, the safety of the battery pack is improved.

Abstract: A battery management system is provided. A voltage of a first battery cell is charged to a capacitor. Then, the voltage of the capacitor is measured, the measured voltage being the voltage of the first battery cell. Subsequently, a voltage of a second battery cell is again charged to the capacitor while the capacitor holds the voltage of the first battery cell. The voltage of the capacitor is then measured, the measured voltage being the voltage of the second battery cell. With such a scheme, the time for discharging the capacitor may be removed, and accordingly, a period for measuring a voltage of the battery cell may become shorter.

Abstract: An electric golf cart that repeatedly travels around a given course of golf links is powered by a driving motor supplied with electric power from a driving battery. The electric golf cart is provided with a travel distance integrating unit, a memory, a battery charge and discharge integrating unit, and a discharge-per-course calculating unit. Mapping data is stored in the memory, which mapping data defines the relationship between the distance that the electric golf cart travels and the number of rounds that the electric golf cart has traveled. The number of rounds that the electric golf cart has traveled is calculated by the discharge-per-course calculating unit based on the travel distance obtained by the travel distance integrating unit along with the mapping data. Then, the number of rounds obtained and the discharge calculated by the battery charge and discharge integrating unit are utilized to identify the discharge of the driving battery per course.

Abstract: Voltage translator circuitry may include a path including a first resistor, a current controlling device, and a second resistor coupled in series. The voltage translator circuitry may further include an operational amplifier having a positive supply terminal to accept a positive supply voltage and a negative supply terminal to accept a negative supply voltage, neither the positive or negative supply voltage at ground voltage. The first resistor may further be coupled to a positive terminal of the battery cell to be monitored. The operational amplifier may have an input coupled to a negative terminal of the battery cell to be monitored. The voltage translator circuitry may further include an output terminal coupled to a node of the path between the current controlling device and the second resistor. The output terminal may be configured to provide the ground referenced cell voltage for the battery cell.

Abstract: An analog switch and a battery pack using the same are provided. The analog switch can compensate for temperature dependence of voltages measured from a battery cell before applying the measured voltages to an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter. In an embodiment of the analog switch, a first diode is coupled in a backward direction from a flying capacitor, which is coupled to the A/D converter, to correspond to a second diode packaged therewith as a single set. The first diode is positioned in a battery cell voltage input path to store battery cell voltage values in the flying capacitor, while the second diode suppresses a temperature-related difference caused by the first diode to voltages measured from the battery cell.

Abstract: A power distribution circuit for use in a personal telecommunications device comprises a switched mode power supply configured to convert an input voltage and current from an energy source into an output voltage and current, a plurality of series-connected charge storage components arranged to be charged by the output voltage and a charge balancing circuit configured to substantially equalise voltages across each of the charge storage components, wherein the charge balancing circuit comprises a charge pump.