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 equalizing charge states of individual cells in a battery includes measuring a previous cell voltage for each cell, measuring a previous shunt current for each cell, calculating, based on the previous cell voltage and the previous shunt current, an adjusted cell voltage for each cell, determining a lowest adjusted cell voltage from among the calculated adjusted cell voltages, and calculating a new shunt current for each cell.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods for automobile battery management is provided. In one embodiment, an apparatus for providing balanced and individualized charging to a battery pack is provided. The apparatus uses microcontrollers to determine a charge level of the batteries, and correspondingly controls a power balancer to apply a charge current to the battery in relation to the charge level, and dissipates the remaining charge current as heat energy. In one embodiment, a system controller controls a balanced charging operation of the battery system, provides an interface for a user to monitor cell-level parameters, and protects the battery cells from undercharging or overcharging during the charging or discharging operations.

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: A battery pack which includes a battery pack electronic control circuit adapted to control an attached power tool and/or an attached charger. The battery pack includes additional protection circuits, methodologies and devices to protect against fault conditions within the pack, as the pack is operatively attached to and providing power to the power tool, and/or as the pack is operatively attached to and being charged by the charger.

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 monitoring and control system and method of monitoring and controlling provides a redundant and independent symmetric secondary serial bus in addition to a primary serial bus within a battery monitoring and control system that includes a plurality of battery monitoring modules and associated IC battery monitor chips in serial communication with a system controller. Additionally, no two serial communication pins from an interface in operative communication with an associated one of a primary or a secondary serial bus are directly adjacent thereby allowing for continuous battery operation when a single pin in a series of battery monitoring modules becomes non operational failed. Additionally, the battery system remains operational when an open or short circuit occurs in only one of either the primary or secondary serial bus.

Abstract: An over-voltage protection circuit is disclosed herein for protection against over-voltage of an energy storage device while charging. The circuit operates within the operational limits of a battery-operated device, such as a mobile or handheld device. The over-voltage protection circuit comprises an over-voltage protection device, and an over-voltage protection controller. The controller allows current to flow to the over-voltage protection device only when an energy storage device is experiencing over-voltage. In allowing current to flow to the over-voltage protection device only when the voltage across the energy storage device is above a predetermined voltage, power conservation is achieved.

Abstract: A battery charger includes a power source for supplying a primary charge current to a first battery, and a charge manager for charging a second battery. The charge manager is coupled to the power source and is configured to charge the second battery with a secondary charge current in accordance with a continuous comparison between a predefined maximum current limit and a total current drawn from the power source.

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: 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: 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: An appliance, such as a flashlight, accepts first and second batteries. The appliance also includes an electrical load, such as a light source. A first circuit, such as a DC to DC converter, receives power from the first battery and supplies power to the load. A second circuit, such as a DC to DC converter, receives power from the second battery and supplies electrical power to the load. In one embodiment, the appliance accepts batteries having multiple physical sizes.

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: A method and apparatus for the intelligent management of multi-cell battery pack. A battery management system which may be mounted on board a vehicle facilitates battery management including monitoring the state of charge of the battery pack. Wireless communication equipment facilitate communication between the battery management system to a remote location. A battery charger controlled by the battery management system charges individual cells of the battery pack.

Abstract: A method is provided for charging a plurality of cells in a battery pack to a target charging value. The method includes: delivering a charging current to the plurality of cells; monitoring cell voltage of each cell in the plurality of cells to determine when at least one of the cells reaches the target charging value; and diverting the charging current around the cells having reached the target charging value and cooperatively adjusting the charging current so that a current received by the cells having reached the target charging value is substantially zero.

Abstract: A battery charging system and method, includes a high voltage charger for charging a group or string of series connected battery cells, and a group of individual cell chargers for charging individual ones of the cells. The charging technique includes detecting at least one cell being charged to a predetermined voltage, and then inhibiting the high voltage charger from further charging any of the cells. The individual cell chargers charge individual ones of the cells, except the at least one cell charged to the predetermined voltage.

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 modular charging system for series-connected battery packs is disclosed. An individual isolated charging module is connected across each cell in the pack. A battery cell and its corresponding charging module form a battery module assembly, a plurality of which are connected in series to form a complete battery pack of desired characteristics. A common input power input bus is shared between all charging modules and is connected in a daisy-chain fashion to a single input power source. A common isolated communications bus, which may be isolated CAN bus, is similarly shared and daisy-chained between all modules, connecting them to a monitoring processor. The monitoring processor is primarily intended to report the condition of each cell to the pack user or operator and need not actively control the charging of any individual cell. Each cell in a pack is optimally charged by the corresponding charging module. The overall system is readily scaled to any desired pack voltage and is well suited to mass production.

Abstract: A method. The method includes determining that a failure has occurred in a power cell of a multi-cell power supply. The method also includes moving a part of a first contact which is connected to first and second output terminals of the power cell from a first position to a second position, moving a part of a second contact which is connected to a first input terminal of the power cell from a third position to a fourth position, and moving a part of a third contact which is connected to a second input terminal of the power cell from a fifth position to a sixth position.

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 pack charging method and battery charging apparatus including: a plurality of charge units which charge respective battery cells of the battery pack, by outputting pulse currents, generated from a supplied DC voltage, in response to enable signal; and a plurality of signal detection units to detect a falling edge of the pulse currents and to output the enable signals to the charge units.

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

Abstract: A method for managing power of a power source and a system is disclosed. The method includes determining (404) a power source capacity value for the power source having a plurality of cells. Further, the method includes determining (406) a cell-capacity value for each cell of the plurality of cells. Furthermore, the method includes determining (408) a duty-cycle ratio value for each cell of the plurality of cells according to the determined cell-capacity value of the cell and the power source capacity value. Moreover, the method includes drawing (410) power from each cell of the plurality of cells according to the determined duty-cycle ratio value of the cell to achieve the power source capacity value for the power source.

Abstract: A battery protection method is provided for preventing a main battery set from being damaged by a current from a load, and for lengthening the lifespan of the main battery set. The method includes the steps of: providing an auxiliary battery set; determining whether to recycle energy of the load, and performing a charging mode if affirmative; and transferring energy from the load to the auxiliary battery set when performing the charging mode. The method prevents the main battery set from being damaged due to charging at a high C rate, transfers possible damage due to the high current charging to the auxiliary battery set, lengthens the lifespan of the main battery set, and reduces the overall cost and difficulty of the maintenance of the main battery set by shifting the focus of the maintenance from the main battery set to the auxiliary battery set.

Abstract: Battery charge management systems for charging a battery bank including a plurality of batteries connected in series are disclosed that include: a power source having a charging port, the power source capable of providing power to each battery in the battery bank; a multiplexer connected to the battery bank, the multiplexer capable of connecting the charging port to a single battery at a time and capable of switching the connection of the charging port to each battery in the battery bank; and a microcontroller connected to the multiplexer and operatively coupled to each battery in the battery bank, the microcontroller capable of receiving discharge data and charge data for each battery in the battery bank, the microcontroller capable of instructing the multiplexer to switch the connection of the charging port with each battery in dependence upon the discharge data and the charge data for that battery.

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: An over-voltage protection circuit is disclosed herein for protection against over-voltage of an energy storage device while charging. The circuit operates within the operational limits of a battery-operated device, such as a mobile or handheld device. The over-voltage protection circuit comprises an over-voltage protection device, and an over-voltage protection controller. The controller allows current to flow to the over-voltage protection device only when an energy storage device is experiencing over-voltage. In allowing current to flow to the over-voltage protection device only when the voltage across the energy storage device is above a predetermined voltage, power conservation is achieved.

Abstract: For providing a reliable voltage adjusting apparatus in low cost, a low-voltage control apparatus controls a high-voltage power supply circuit to be switched power off by transmitting a power-off signal through a second communication line arranged between the high-voltage power supply circuit and itself through an isolation unit when an information signal from an equalizing apparatus is not transmitted within a predetermined first malfunction judging period. The equalizing apparatus stops an equalizing process in itself when the information signal from the low-voltage control unit.

Abstract: A charging device has an electric accumulator (20) formed by a plurality of series-connected electric accumulator cells (E1, E2, . . . , En), one electrode of any one of the electric accumulator cells being used as a reference potential of the electric accumulator (20); at least one capacitor (C1) having one end fixed to the potential of one electrode of each of the electric accumulator cells (E1, E2, . . . , En) or fixed to the potential of the other electrode of any one of the electric accumulator cells (E1, E2, . . . , En) through a rectifying means (D11, D12); and a periodical power source (30) connected between the capacitor (C1) and the reference potential of the electric accumulator to generate repetitive signals.

Abstract: A type of protection and cell conditioning circuit is proposed that partly uses the typically existing hardware present in traditional cell-protection circuits and that can achieve an optimum state of charge for the individual cell independently from the actions of the external battery charger. For minimum cost, the proposed circuit and system can solve the battery-cell-balancing problem, while optimizing the performance of the battery pack and while simultaneously enhancing the safety of the battery pack. Multiple battery cells can be communicatively combined to form large batteries. Information from and commands to each of the individual battery cells can be relayed through a low-power serial bus in order to form “intelligent” and optimally managed battery systems.

Abstract: A battery pack which includes a battery pack electronic control circuit adapted to control an attached power tool and/or an attached charger. The battery pack includes additional protection circuits, methodologies and devices to protect against fault conditions within the pack, as the pack is operatively attached to and providing power to the power tool, and/or as they pack is operatively attached to and being charged by the charger.

Abstract: A single electronic charging system that can be used for different electronic components by changing a tip portion of a charging cord of the charging system. A plurality of tip portions are included with a single charging source that interfaces either with an AC power source, a 12 to 24 volt DC power source or a battery power source by merely threading a connector portion of the charging cord onto an electric cable.

Abstract: Batteries, battery systems, battery submodules, battery operational methods, battery system operational methods, battery charging methods, and battery system charging methods are described. According to one aspect, a battery includes a first battery terminal, a second battery terminal, and a plurality of submodules individually comprising a first submodule terminal, a second submodule terminal, a plurality of rechargeable cells electrically coupled between the first and second submodule terminals, and switching circuitry configured to electrically couple one of the first and second battery terminals with one of the first and second submodule terminals of one of the submodules during an engaged mode of operation of the one of the submodules and to electrically isolate the one of the first and second battery terminals from the one of the first and second submodule terminals of the one of the submodules during a disengaged mode of operation of the one of the submodules.

Abstract: A charging method is a method for charging assembled cells formed by connecting two or more cells in series. Specifically, constant-current charging is performed on the assembled cells, and when the inter-terminal voltage value of one of the cells reaches a first voltage value, the charging current value is reduced from the first current value to a second current value, and constant-current charging in which the charging current value is the second current value is performed on the assembled cells.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the balanced charging of n cells which form a lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery and which are connected in series. The invention is characterised in that the method consists in monitoring the charge levels of the different cells (1) from the moment (t1) following the beginning of the battery (2) charging operation until said operation ends normally or is interrupted; and, as a function of the pre-evaluation of said charge levels, either powering of all the cells (1) uniformly or balancing the cell (1) charge levels by powering same in a differentiated manner as a function of the current charge levels thereof.

Abstract: A system for balancing a plurality of battery pack system modules connected in series comprising: a plurality of battery pack system modules, wherein a high charge module of the plurality of battery pack system modules has a charge greater than a that of other modules. At least one zener diode connected in series with a current limiting resistor is connected in parallel to the plurality of battery pack system modules. A power source is in communication with a disconnect circuit of at least one of the battery pack system modules. The disconnect circuit is actuated when the battery pack system module reaches a predetermined state of charge. The zener diode enables current from the power source to bypass charged battery pack system modules to charge other battery pack system modules.

Abstract: A vehicle electrical system comprises two generators coupled with one or more electrical subsystem, each of which includes at least one of a stored energy source and electrical load. Each generator is regulated via its associated voltage regulator at a common regulation voltage. Sequential electrical power delivery from the generators is achieved via a sequencing means. Where two or more electrical subsystems are present, electrical isolation is achieved via an isolating means. Overcharge protection is achieved by sensing and responding to the highest voltage of the two or more electrical subsystems.

Abstract: In an electrical storage apparatus including an electric storage device connected between a main power supply and a load, a first bypass FET and a bypass diode which are connected in series between the main power supply and the load are provided, and first and second main path FETs connected in series between the electric storage device and the load are provided. A controller judges that the first bypass FET suffers an open-circuit failure if the voltage (Va) of the load is equal to or smaller than the first threshold value Vth1 or if the voltage (Vc) at the connection point between the first bypass FET and the bypass diode is equal to or smaller than the second threshold value Vth2, when the first bypass FET is turned on and the first main path FET and the second main path FET are turned off.

Abstract: A multi-cell battery pack charge balance circuit is connected to a recharge-discharge circuit to charge battery cells. The charge balance circuit includes a first balance circuit, a second balance circuit and a protection circuit. The first balance circuit is connected to a first node of the recharge-discharge circuit. The first balance circuit includes a plurality of controlling units, each of the controlling units includes a switch element and a resistor element connected with the switch element. The second balance circuit is connected to a second node of the recharge-discharge circuit and the first balance circuit. The second balance circuit has a first and second branch. The first branch includes a switch element. The second branch includes a switch element and a resistor element connected with each other. The protection circuit has a plurality of controlling points. The controlling points connect with the corresponding switch elements of the first and second balance circuits.

Abstract: A battery monitor for monitoring the performance of at least one battery within an array of batteries, comprising: a data acquisition device for measuring at least one parameter of the at least one battery associated with the battery monitor, a first data interface operable to exchange data with a first device, and a second data interface operable to exchange data with a second device.

Abstract: A control signal generating circuit used in a battery management system may stably generate a control signal. The control signal generating circuit includes a first signal line transmitting a first control signal having an on-level or an off-level, a second signal line transmitting a second control signal having an on-level or an off-level, and a third signal line transmitting a third control signal having an on-level or an off-level. In addition, the control signal generating circuit includes a transistor including a first electrode coupled to the first signal line and a second electrode applied with the off-level. The transistor electrically connects the first and second electrodes and converts the first control signal into a fourth control signal by being turned on based on the second and third control signals.

Abstract: A system and method for charging a rechargeable, or secondary, battery including a series string of cells, includes a topology of charging sources that selectively provides charging current to cells that need to be charged, but avoids overcharging cells that are already charged above a predetermined voltage threshold. Based on individual cell voltage measurements, the charging current is controlled in a manner to direct charging current to the battery cell(s) needing charge until these cells are fully charged, and by-passes battery cells that are fully charged or become fully charged.

Abstract: A system for setting a shutdown voltage for an electronic device having a power source with an internal resistor includes a temperature sensing module and a processing module. The temperature sensing module is configured for measuring a temperature of the power source, and the temperature sensing module includes a reference resistor with invariable resistance, and generates a reference voltage across the reference resistor based on the temperature of the power source. The processing module is configured for generating a voltage across the internal resistor of the power source based on the temperature of the power source, and setting the shutdown voltage of the electronic device according to the reference voltage and the voltage across the internal resistor.

Abstract: A system and method for charging a rechargeable, or secondary, battery including a series string of cells, includes a topology of charging sources that selectively provides charging current to cells that need to be charged, but avoids overcharging cells that are already charged above a predetermined voltage threshold. Based on individual cell voltage measurements, the charging current is controlled in a manner to direct charging current to the battery cell(s) needing charge until these cells are fully charged, and by-passes battery cells that are fully charged or become fully charged.

Abstract: Battery chargers, electrical systems, and rechargeable battery charging methods are described. According to one aspect, a battery charger includes charge circuitry configured to apply a plurality of main charging pulses of electrical energy to a plurality of rechargeable cells of a battery to charge the rechargeable cells during a common charge cycle of the battery and to apply a plurality of secondary charging pulses of electrical energy to less than all of the rechargeable cells of the battery during the common charge cycle of the battery to charge the less than all of the rechargeable cells.

Abstract: There is provided a battery equalizer for cars. The battery equalizer for cars includes a battery module including first and second batteries and a battery equalizer mounted in the battery module to sustain charge voltages of the first and second batteries to be the same. The battery equalizer includes a power converting unit for converting power so that the charge voltages are equally charged in the first and second batteries and a noise preventing unit connected between the power converting unit and an external case to remove conductive noise of the power converting unit and surge noise of the external case.