Having Variable Number Of Cells Or Batteries In Series Patents (Class 320/120)
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Patent number: 11658485Abstract: A method of controlling an electric system including electric cells. The method includes the steps of: a) determining a first (second) priority table including first (second) cell priority levels for a system charge (discharge) operation; b) determining the average current exchanged by each cell over a time window according to the cell implementation number in a cell connection sequence; c) determining a classification of the cell implementation numbers by increasing or decreasing order of the average current; d) assigning the implementation numbers according to the order of the classification to the cells by increasing or decreasing number of the priority levels of the first or second priority table; and e) connecting or disconnecting the cells according to the order of the assigned implementation numbers.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2019Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et aux Énergies AlternativesInventors: Ghislain Despesse, Sylvain Bacquet, Léandro Cassarino, Eric Fernandez, Yan Lopez, Rémy Thomas
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Patent number: 11642979Abstract: Control device for controlling a switch in a charging line disposed between a first power line and a second power line in a power distribution architecture. The control device includes a current level input for receiving a current measurement of the current conducted through the charging line, a voltage level input for receiving a voltage measurement of the voltage applied on the charging line. A monitor monitors the relationship between the current and voltage measurements and generates a control signal for controlling the switch in response to a coherent change in the current and voltage measurements exceeding a threshold. A control signal is not generated when a change in one of the current and voltage measurements exceeding a threshold is not associated with a coherent change in the other of the current and voltage measurements.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2022Date of Patent: May 9, 2023Assignee: Aptiv Technologies LimitedInventors: Guillaume Tournabien, Markus Heinrich
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Patent number: 11592489Abstract: A device for interfacing between a battery management system and groups of battery cells including at least one set of local units and at least one global unit that is connected to the local units of the at least one set. Each local unit is configured to compare a parameter related to a group of cells and associated with a first setpoint value, the first setpoint value originating from the at least one global unit, and to generate an output signal representative of the result of the comparison, and the at least one global unit is configured to receive the first setpoint value and includes an electronic module having an operating parameter having a global value that is dependent on the output signals generated by the local units of the at least one set.Type: GrantFiled: October 16, 2017Date of Patent: February 28, 2023Assignee: FAIVELEY TRANSPORT TOURSInventors: Philippe Aubin, Bruno Colas
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Patent number: 11571981Abstract: The present application discloses a battery equalization system, a vehicle, a battery equalization method, and a storage medium. The battery equalization system includes: a collection circuit; an equalization circuit; a controller; a charging branch circuit, connected to a charging device and a battery pack; and a first power supply branch circuit, connected to the charging device and the battery equalization system, and configured to supply power to the battery equalization system. When a state-of-charge of the battery pack is full and a cell in the battery pack needs enabling of equalization, the controller controls the charging branch circuit to disconnect, and controls the first power supply branch circuit to keep connected, so that an equalization module performs equalization processing on the cell that needs enabling of equalization.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2018Date of Patent: February 7, 2023Assignee: BYD COMPANY LIMITEDInventors: Hongbin Luo, Chao Wang, Xiaofeng Shen, Chengzhi Wang, Qiuyong Zeng
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Patent number: 11569669Abstract: A device for connecting a first network comprising a first energy storage element and a second network comprising a second energy storage element includes switching circuitry and pre-charging circuitry. The switching circuitry is configured to electrically couple the first network and the second network. The switching circuitry comprises a first switching element configured to bi-directionally allow current between the first network and a center point node when operating in a closed state. The switching circuitry further comprises a second switching element configured to bi-directionally allow current between the second network and the center point node when operating in a closed state. The pre-charging circuitry is configured to limit current to the center point node when a first voltage at the first energy storage element equalizes with a second voltage at the second energy storage element.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2021Date of Patent: January 31, 2023Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Andreas Miller, Radovan Vuletic
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Patent number: 11469608Abstract: An electrical combination. The electrical combination comprises a battery pack configured to be interfaced with a hand held power tool, a control component, and a semiconducting switch. The transfer of power from the battery pack to the hand held power tool is controlled by the control component and the switch based on one of a battery pack state of charge and a respective state of charge of one of a plurality of battery cells. A discharge current of the battery pack is regulated based on the switch being controlled into one of a first state and a second state by the control component to selectively enable the transfer power from the plurality of battery cells to the hand held power tool.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2020Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool CorporationInventors: Todd W. Johnson, Dennis J. Grzybowski, Mark A. Kubale, Jay J. Rosenbecker, Karl F. Scheucher, Gary D. Meyer, Jeffrey M. Zeiler, Kevin L. Glasgow
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Patent number: 11289744Abstract: A battery monitoring system prevents damage to a device utilizing stacked battery cells, reduces the time required for battery replacement, and increases the capacity and reduces the size of the battery monitoring system. A battery unit includes: two or more battery cells configured to generate a DC voltage; two or more measurement units configured to measure a voltage value of the two or more battery cells and obtain measurement signals representing a measurement result; two or more transmission loop antennas configured to generate an AC magnetic field corresponding to the measurement signals; a reception loop antenna configured to receive the AC magnetic fields and generate a reception signal corresponding to the AC magnetic fields; a receiver configured to demodulate the reception signal to generate information representing the measurement results; and a magnetic core that runs through the transmission loop antennas and the reception loop antenna.Type: GrantFiled: September 21, 2018Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: LAPIS SEMICONDUCTOR CO., LTD.Inventor: Hiroji Akahori
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Patent number: 11264810Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for balancing battery modules following fast charging, particularly with respect to fast charging lithium ion batteries with metalloid-based anodes. Charge balancing among multiple battery modules connected in series may be carried out by short-circuiting fully charged modules while adjusting the voltage and/or current level supplied by a charger, to fully charge remaining modules. A balancing module comprising a controller and switching circuitry may be configured to implement the charge balancing in association with the charger and its battery management system, and monitoring the battery modules. Advantageously, disclosed switching balancing is more efficient than prior art passive balancing and simpler in implementation than prior art active balancing.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2019Date of Patent: March 1, 2022Assignee: STOREDOT LTD.Inventors: Avraham Edelshtein, Daniel Aronov
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Patent number: 11223212Abstract: A battery control device that controls a battery assembly includes a first determining unit that determines whether a voltage difference between minimum and maximum values of OCVs of battery cells constituting the battery assembly and having an SOC-OCV characteristic curve including a flat region is equal to or larger than a predetermined voltage value, a second determining unit that determines whether the OCV of each battery cell is lower than a lower-limit voltage of the flat region, or is equal to or higher than the lower-limit voltage and lower than an upper-limit voltage, or is higher than the upper-limit voltage, a controller that executes control selected from SOC raising control, SOC lowering control, and SOC keeping control of the battery cells, based on determination results of the first and second determining units, and a processor that homogenizes the SOCs of the battery cells controlled by the controller.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2019Date of Patent: January 11, 2022Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Takayuki Akaishi, Yuhki Shiozumi
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Patent number: 11205994Abstract: The present invention provides a solar photovoltaic installation capable of storing power while supplying power during daytime when solar radiation conditions are excellent. The solar photovoltaic installation of the invention includes at least a first solar module string 11 and a second solar module string 12 as solar module strings 10, the solar photovoltaic installation further includes at least a first storage battery array 21 and a second storage battery array 22 as storage battery arrays 20, and while power storage capacity detection means 60 detects that the second storage battery array 22 is less than a predetermined capacity and voltage detection means 50 detects voltage of more than predetermined voltage, the control means 40 connects the first solar module string 11 to a power conditioner 30, and connects the second solar module string 12 to the second storage battery array 22.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2018Date of Patent: December 21, 2021Assignee: CHURAECONET LLCInventor: Kazuhiro Takahashi
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Patent number: 11050290Abstract: The present invention is a method and a system for the energy management of an energy storage of an electrical system. The electrical system comprises at least one element (EMO) which moves under the action of swell, a means for driving the mobile means, and an energy storage. The energy storage means includes at least one supercapacitor. According to the invention, the energy management of the supercapacitor is controlled by determining ageing of the at least one supercapacitor beforehand used an ageing model of the at least one supercapacitor and a prediction of its future demand based on an estimate of future swell (HOU). The invention also relates to a wave energy system and a heave compensator having such an energy management system.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2017Date of Patent: June 29, 2021Assignee: IFP ENERGIES NOUVELLESInventor: Martin Petit
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Patent number: 10707686Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for managing a battery comprising a plurality of series connected cells. The battery comprises a plurality of series connected statically balanced cells. The battery is arranged so that a substantially identical load is imposed on all of the cells, in use in order to maintain the balance. A battery charging controller is used for controlling the charging of the battery as is arranged to terminate charging prior to the cells reaching their maximum state of charge. The invention also provides a modified charging regime which controls individual cell voltage to avoid any single cell exceeding a desired voltage.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2015Date of Patent: July 7, 2020Assignee: INTERCAL (UK) LIMITEDInventor: John Hardy
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Patent number: 10495673Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for monitoring an electrically powered element are described. One or more power usage measurements for one or more elements may be obtained and analyzed to determine a behavior of a user of one or more of the elements. An action and/or a recommendation based on the analysis of one or more of the power usage measurements is determined.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 2014Date of Patent: December 3, 2019Assignee: eBay Inc.Inventor: Sergio Pinzon Gonzales, Jr.
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Patent number: 10439409Abstract: An enhanced parallel protection circuit is provided. A system using separate battery packs in a parallel configuration is arranged with multiple protection circuit modules (PCMs). The PCMs are configured to detect fault conditions, such as over voltage, under voltage, excess current, etc. The PCMs can be configured to control associated switches and/or other components. When a fault condition is detected by an individual PCM, the individual PCM transitions to a fault state, and the PCM triggers an output causing one or more actions, e.g., causing a device to shut down or isolate one or more components. In addition, by the use of the techniques disclosed herein, the individual PCM can generate a control signal that causes other PCMs to transition to a fault state. The individual PCM can also receive a control signal from another PCM to cause the individual PCM to transition to a fault state.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2016Date of Patent: October 8, 2019Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Julian Binder, Daniel Chian, Eugene Shoykhet, Ruchi Parikh
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Patent number: 10379166Abstract: A battery management and monitoring system for monitoring a lithium battery module is provided. The battery management and monitoring system may include a memory configured to retrievably store one or more algorithms, and a controller in communication with the memory. Based on the one or more algorithms, the controller may be configured to at least monitor a data signal corresponding to one or more parameters indicative of an operating condition of the lithium battery module, and generate a control signal based on the data signal configured to selectively engage one or more contactors in communication with the lithium battery module to at least temporarily isolate the lithium battery module if one or more of the parameters exceed predefined thresholds.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2015Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: LiiON, LLCInventor: Gary Lee Gray
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Patent number: 10365331Abstract: A method is provided for determining the reliability of state of health parameter values for a battery including a plurality of battery cells, the method including the steps of receiving, for a state of health parameter, a plurality of measured parameter values for the battery, comparing the measured parameter values with at least one predetermined parameter criterion; and determining that the measured state of health parameter values are reliable if the state of health parameter values fulfill the at least one predetermined parameter criterion. A corresponding system, computer program, and computer readable medium are also provided.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2014Date of Patent: July 30, 2019Assignee: Volvo Truck CorporationInventors: Hanna Bryngelsson, Niklas Legnedahl
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Patent number: 10297877Abstract: According to one embodiment, a storage battery control device includes a first reception unit, a second reception unit, a calculation unit, a generation unit, and a transmission unit. The first reception unit receives a charge and discharge command from a power management device. The second reception unit receives a current electricity storage state from each of storage batteries. The calculation unit calculates a control amount, which indicates a ratio of the current electricity storage state in an operation range, with respect to each of the storage batteries on the basis of the current electricity storage state and the operation range of the electricity storage state.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2015Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Yuki Kagawa, Taichi Isogai, Ryo Yano, Yoshimasa Tada, Nobuaki Sano
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Patent number: 10297855Abstract: A method for power management of a multi-cell battery includes identifying a desired power value and voltage value, determining a battery voltage value and a battery current value for a battery, determining a number of battery banks from a plurality of battery banks to use for the battery, where each battery bank includes one or more battery cells (or battery modules), checking availability of each of the one or more battery cells (or battery modules), selecting one or more battery banks from the plurality of battery banks, where the selection of a battery bank is based on the availability of the battery cells (or battery modules) included in the battery pack, and a quantity of the selected battery banks is equal to the determined number of battery banks, and connecting the available battery cells (or battery modules) in the selected one or more battery banks to form the battery.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2013Date of Patent: May 21, 2019Assignee: NUtech VenturesInventors: Wei Qiao, Taesic Kim, Liyan Qu
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Patent number: 10259337Abstract: An adaptive multi-string battery for an electric vehicle is disclosed herein. The battery strings can adaptively be connected to the power bus bars based on the output voltage to be discharged with load. During operation of the vehicle, the voltage, current, and estimate charge can be constantly monitored to change the connected status of the battery strings to the power buses to allow connecting or disconnecting of the battery strings adaptively.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2016Date of Patent: April 16, 2019Assignee: FARADAY & FUTURE INC.Inventors: John Alser, Douglas D. Chidester, Anil Paryani, Phillip John Weicker
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Patent number: 10239410Abstract: A method for charging a vehicle battery which stores electrical power for an electrical drive motor of a vehicle, wherein the vehicle battery is electrically connectable to a charging socket via a switch arrangement. The method includes: measuring a first electrical variable on the switch arrangement side facing the charging socket, by a first measuring device, measuring a second electrical variable on the switch arrangement side facing the vehicle battery, by a second measuring device, comparing the first and second electrical variables and closing the switch arrangement, if the first and second electrical variables substantially correspond, measuring the first and second electrical variables while the switch arrangement is closed, and adjusting the first measuring device and the second measuring device on the basis of a first measurement difference between measurement results of the first and second electrical variables while the switch arrangement is closed.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2017Date of Patent: March 26, 2019Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AktiengesellschaftInventor: Thomas Kristof
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Patent number: 10110025Abstract: An enhanced parallel protection circuit is provided. A system using separate battery packs in a parallel configuration is arranged with multiple protection circuit modules (PCMs). The PCMs are configured to detect fault conditions, such as over voltage, under voltage, excess current, excess heat, etc. Individual PCMs can be configured to control associated switches and/or other components. When a fault condition is detected by an individual PCM, the individual PCM triggers one or more associated switches to shut down one or more components. In addition, by the use of the techniques disclosed herein, the individual PCM can also trigger switches that are controlled by other PCMs. Configurations disclosed herein mitigate occurrences where a multi-PCM device is operating after at least one PCM has shut down. Configurations disclosed herein provide safeguards and redundant protection in scenarios where a fault event is detected by one PCM and not detected by another PCM in a parallel configuration.Type: GrantFiled: January 26, 2016Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLCInventors: Jonathan Alan Dutra, Scott Francis Fullam, Agustya Ruchir Mehta, Junius Mark Penny, David Lukofsky
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Patent number: 10110040Abstract: A method, in some embodiments, comprises: providing a battery charging system; and using the battery charging system to charge a battery to a target charge level using multiple constant current (CC) stages and without using a constant voltage (CV) stage.Type: GrantFiled: September 3, 2016Date of Patent: October 23, 2018Assignee: SEMICONDUCTOR COMPONENTS INDUSTRIES, LLCInventor: Erkan Onat
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Patent number: 10074995Abstract: Aspects of a battery management converter system are described. In one embodiment, a battery management converter system includes an arrangement of a plurality of battery converter cells, where each battery converter cell includes one or more battery cells and a switching power converter. The system further includes a battery converter cell controller for each of the plurality of battery converter cells, and a battery management converter controller that receives battery status information from each battery converter cell controller and provides control references to distribute charging or discharging power among the plurality of battery converter cells.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2014Date of Patent: September 11, 2018Assignees: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, ONE-CYCLE CONTROL. INC.Inventors: Gregory Smedley, Keyue Smedley, Roozbeh Naderi
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Patent number: 10069314Abstract: One embodiment of present disclosure describes a battery control system including a first string control unit that controls operation of a first battery string and outputs a first serial communication signal, wherein the first serial communication signal comprises a first frequency to indicate that the first string control unit is a master string control unit when a fault is not detected; and a second string control unit that controls operation of a second battery string, receives the first serial communication signal, determines that the second string control unit is a subordinate string control unit when the first serial communication signal comprises the first frequency, and outputs a second serial communication signal, wherein the second serial communication signal comprises a second frequency to indicate that the second string control unit is the subordinate string control unit when a fault is not detected.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2016Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventor: Ronald J. Dulle
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Patent number: 10014697Abstract: Systems and methods of providing integrated battery protection for a plurality of series-connected batteries, in which a plurality of controllable switches are used to disconnect or otherwise isolate the respective batteries, substantially simultaneously, from an external circuit in response to certain fault or non-fault battery conditions. When the plurality of controllable switches are synchronously transitioned from a closed or “ON” state to an opened or “OFF” state, the voltages of the respective batteries become distributed among the controllable switches, allowing for the use of switches having a reduced voltage rating as well as a reduced cost. By connecting a balancing resistor across each of a plurality of series-connected battery/switch pairs, a more even distribution of the voltages of the respective batteries among the controllable switches can be achieved, providing the system with more predictable operation.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2014Date of Patent: July 3, 2018Assignee: NEC Energy Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Yevgeny Maltsev, Oleg Kerbel, C. Michael Hoff, Greg Tremelling
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Patent number: 9954024Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, a solid-state image sensor and a camera system capable of reducing the influence of noise at a connection between chips without a special circuit for communication and reducing the cost as a result. The semiconductor device includes: a first chip; and a second chip, wherein the first chip and the second chip are bonded to have a stacked structure, the first chip has a high-voltage transistor circuit mounted thereon, the second chip has mounted thereon a low-voltage transistor circuit having lower breakdown voltage than the high-voltage transistor circuit, and wiring between the first chip and the second chip is connected through a via formed in the first chip.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2017Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Shunichi Sukegawa, Noriyuki Fukushima
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Patent number: 9936457Abstract: A usage history for a mobile device is determined. The usage history is based upon historical analytics for a user. A battery reserve in the mobile device is monitored. Whether a threshold battery reserve for a battery in the mobile device, based upon the monitored battery reserve, is determined. In response to determining that a threshold battery reserve for the battery in the mobile device has been met, a power save mode is implemented for the mobile device to reduce battery consumption by the mobile device based on the determined usage history. The power save mode includes utilizing at least one of a battery partition and a second battery.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2016Date of Patent: April 3, 2018Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Gene L. Brown, Brendan F. Coffey, Christopher J. Dawson, Clifford V. Harris
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Patent number: 9762835Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, a solid-state image sensor and a camera system capable of reducing the influence of noise at a connection between chips without a special circuit for communication and reducing the cost as a result. The semiconductor device includes: a first chip; and a second chip, wherein the first chip and the second chip are bonded to have a stacked structure, the first chip has a high-voltage transistor circuit mounted thereon, the second chip has mounted thereon a low-voltage transistor circuit having lower breakdown voltage than the high-voltage transistor circuit, and wiring between the first chip and the second chip is connected through a via formed in the first chip.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2017Date of Patent: September 12, 2017Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Shunichi Sukegawa, Noriyuki Fukushima
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Patent number: 9743159Abstract: A battery sensor with addressing mode and detection mode capability comprising a processor, an input interface, an output interface, an addressing channel and a detection channel; the processor connected to at least one battery parameter detection circuit; the addressing channel used a series connection manner to connect with a series connection input interface of the input interface, the processor and a series connection output interface of the output interface; a first communication interface of the input interface and a second communication interface of the output interface can be parallel connected to the processor by the detection channel; wherein the battery sensor can execute a battery addressing mode by the addressing channel, and the battery sensor can execute a battery parameter detection mode by the detection channel.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2016Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: CYBER POWER SYSTEMS, INC.Inventors: Hung-Ming Hsieh, Hung-Chun Chien, Yung-Hao Peng
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Patent number: 9735593Abstract: A battery system includes a plurality of battery packs connected in parallel each including a switch and a battery connected to the switch in series and a battery state determining unit determining a state of the battery. The battery state determining unit includes a disconnection determining unit controlling disconnection of the switch and a switch controller controlling open and close of the switch in accordance with a result of determining the state. The disconnection determining unit calculates allowable stop and demanded stop periods of the battery packs on the basis of the past data, season data, and allowable currents of the batteries and transmits data to the switch controller when the demanded stop period is smaller than the allowable stop period, and the switch controller makes the switch in an open state.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2015Date of Patent: August 15, 2017Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Mitsutoshi Honda, Takeshi Inoue
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Patent number: 9671806Abstract: An exemplary method and apparatus are provided for operating a power grid that has decentralized control elements. The decentralized control elements are adapted to interact with each other, in particular by communication. At least a part of the power grid, a control element or the interaction between control elements, in particular the communication between control elements, is monitored. When a problem in at least a part of the power grid, the control element or the interaction between control elements, in particular a communication breakdown, is detected, a control element affected by the problem is triggered to work autonomously.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2012Date of Patent: June 6, 2017Assignee: Alcatel LucentInventors: Dieter Kopp, Klaus Stocker, Wolfgang Templ
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Patent number: 9641777Abstract: The present invention relates to a semiconductor device, a solid-state image sensor and a camera system capable of reducing the influence of noise at a connection between chips without a special circuit for communication and reducing the cost as a result. The semiconductor device includes: a first chip 11; and a second chip 12, wherein the first chip 11 and the second chip 12 are bonded to have a stacked structure, the first chip 11 has a high-voltage transistor circuit mounted thereon, the second chip 12 has mounted thereon a low-voltage transistor circuit having lower breakdown voltage than the high-voltage transistor circuit, and wiring between the first chip and the second chip is connected through a via formed in the first chip.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2015Date of Patent: May 2, 2017Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Shunichi Sukegawa, Noriyuki Fukushima
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Patent number: 9533595Abstract: In a battery system for a vehicle, a lead battery is connected in parallel to a sub-battery, and a charging resistance r2 of the sub-battery 2 is lower than a charging resistance r1 of the lead battery.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2012Date of Patent: January 3, 2017Assignee: SANYO ELECTRIC CO., LTD.Inventors: Toshihiro Sakatani, Hiromasa Sugii, Makoto Ochi, Ryuuji Kawase
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Patent number: 9496742Abstract: A control device of a secondary battery has a current detection unit (103) that detects a charge current to the secondary battery (101) and a discharge current from the secondary battery (101); a calculation unit (107) that calculates, from the charge current and the discharge current, a charge-discharge efficiency and a discharge-charge efficiency when performing a charge operation and a discharge operation; a deterioration judgment unit (107) that judges a deterioration state of the secondary battery (101) from a temporal change rate of the charge-discharge efficiency and a temporal change rate of the discharge-charge efficiency; and a control unit (107) that sets a charge termination voltage of the secondary battery (101) in accordance with the deterioration state.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2012Date of Patent: November 15, 2016Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.Inventors: Sohei Suga, Tamaki Miura, Yosuke Suzuki, Shinsaku Ehara, Yoshiaki Nitta, Masanori Aoyagi, Takayuki Matsuoka
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Patent number: 9444255Abstract: A method of controlling the connection of a collection of a plurality of electricity providing devices to an electrical power network is described. In this, the plurality of electricity providing devices having a communication line therebetween and the method comprises receiving a message at a first electricity providing device from a controlling device and, in response to the message: connecting the first electricity providing device to the electrical power network; and sending, from the first electricity providing device to a second electricity providing device, a second message containing data in response to which the second electricity providing device is connected to the electrical power network.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2011Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Christopher Rutherford, Philip Marivoet
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Patent number: 9431837Abstract: A battery system includes a housing and a plurality of battery cells disposed in the housing. The battery system also includes a battery management system and configured to monitor one or more operational parameters of the battery system. The battery management system is electrically coupled to a positive terminal and a negative terminal of the battery system. Additionally, the battery system includes a multi-conductor connector disposed in an outer surface of the housing and electrically coupled to the battery management system. Further, the battery system includes a state of charge indicator configured to provide an indication of a state of charge of the battery system. The state of charge indicator includes a first multi-conductor connector configured to couple to the multi-conductor connector of the battery system.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2014Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Johnson Controls Technology CompanyInventors: Daryl C. Brockman, James Cameron Douglass
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Patent number: 9368992Abstract: A power storage system includes a plurality of secondary battery packs and an upper controller. When causing an additional discharge secondary battery pack that is not being discharged to start being discharged by connecting the additional discharge secondary battery pack in parallel with a discharging secondary battery pack that is being discharged, in a state in which some of the secondary battery packs are being discharged, the upper controller predicts discharge start timing at which inter-terminal voltages of the additional discharge secondary battery pack and the discharging secondary battery pack correspond to each other. Subsequently, the upper controller causes the additional discharge secondary battery pack to start being discharged at the discharge start timing.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2012Date of Patent: June 14, 2016Assignee: NEC ENERGY DEVICES, LTD.Inventor: Shin Suzuki
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Patent number: 9362771Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling an energy storage device that comprises n output connections, wherein n?2, for producing a supply voltage at each of the output connections, and n energy supply branches, which are each coupled to one of the output connections, wherein each of the energy supply branches comprises a plurality of series-connected energy storage modules that each comprise an energy storage cell module comprising at least one energy storage cell, and a coupling device having coupling elements in a full bridge circuit that is designed to connect or bridge the energy storage cell module selectively in the respective energy supply branch.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2012Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Erik Weissenborn, Holger Rapp
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Patent number: 9362741Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method for variably controlling the disconnection or connection of switch connections between battery units in a large battery system based on the degree of a sensed dangerous external situation to convert the battery system into a small capacity and low voltage state. The apparatus includes: switches provided to interconnection lines between battery assembly units to electrically connect or disconnect the interconnection lines; a switch control module adapted to apply on/off signals to the switches; and a disconnection control module adapted to control the switch control module based on a sensed dangerous level to vary the position and number of the target switches to be opened or closed and the disconnection intervals. According to the apparatus and method, dangerous external situations of a large battery system can be sensed and the disconnection of physical connections between the battery units can be variably controlled.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2013Date of Patent: June 7, 2016Assignee: LG CHEM, LTD.Inventors: Jung-Soo Kang, Young-Bo Cho
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Patent number: 9343783Abstract: Described embodiments include a system and a method. A system includes at least two individually controllable electrochemical cells configured to output electric power. Each individually controllable cell includes an electrolyte, and a first working electrode configured to transfer electrons to or from the electrolyte. Each individually controllable cell includes a second working electrode configured to transfer electrons to or from the electrolyte. Each individually controllable cell includes a gating electrode spaced-apart from the second working electrode and configured if biased relative to the second working electrode to modify an electric charge, field, or potential in the space between the electrolyte and the second working electrode. The system includes a control circuit coupled to apply a respective biasing signal to each gating electrode of each controllable cell of the at least two controllable cells.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2013Date of Patent: May 17, 2016Assignee: Elwha LLCInventors: Roderick A. Hyde, Jordin T. Kare, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
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Patent number: 9252631Abstract: A method for increasing workable power output and run time duration of a battery backup system is disclosed. A plurality of battery groups is provided. A microprocessor electrically connects the power output of a first battery group and a second battery group to a UPS. The microprocessor monitors the output voltage of the first and second battery groups. When the monitored output voltage of the first and second battery group falls below a predetermined level, the microprocessor electrically disconnects from the UPS the first battery group and electrically connects to the UPS the power output of another of the plurality of battery groups. The first battery group is configured to be re-connectable to the UPS after a time period equal to or greater than necessary to permit the output voltage of the first battery group to recover to about its nominal voltage rating.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2012Date of Patent: February 2, 2016Inventor: Andrew V. Latham
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Patent number: 9041341Abstract: A battery includes a first terminal, a second terminal, a first battery module, a second battery module, and a third batter module. The first battery module and the second battery module includes a first pole, a second pole, a plurality of battery cells, a charge and disconnect device, a disconnect device, and a bridging device. The third battery module includes a first pole, a second pole, a plurality of battery cells, a first disconnect device, a second disconnect device, and a bridging device. The first and second poles of the first battery module are connected in series with the first terminal and the first pole of the third battery module. The first and second poles of the second battery module are connected in series with the second terminal and the second pole of the third batter module.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2009Date of Patent: May 26, 2015Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventor: Holger Fink
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Patent number: 9035496Abstract: A power control system includes a rechargeable battery, the rechargeable battery including a first battery unit and including a second battery unit connected to a first terminal of the first battery unit at a first node, a switching unit, the switching unit including a first switch connected to a second terminal of the first battery unit and including a second switch connected to the first node, and a control unit, the control unit being configured to generate and transmit switch control signals respectively corresponding to the first switch and the second switch, and being configured to control a voltage of the rechargeable battery such that the voltage is maintained in a threshold range of a predetermined rated voltage.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2011Date of Patent: May 19, 2015Assignee: SAMSUNG SDI CO., LTD.Inventor: Jin-Wook Kang
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Patent number: 9018892Abstract: Technologies generally described herein relate to a cell balancing and charging scheme for a serially coupled Li-Ion battery pack supported by a photovoltaic cell array power source. A switched capacitor DC-DC converter and a cell monitoring approach may be used to charge and cell balance the battery pack. When one of the cells falls below a predefined voltage, a capacitor (charged by the photovoltaic array) may supply current to bring the voltage to the predefined point. Continuous monitoring for the cells during charging and discharging may ensure cell voltage changes beyond the predefined limit are detected timely. Cell balancing may be performed even in the absence of photovoltaic (PV) array illumination.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2011Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Indian Institute of Technology BombayInventors: Vivek Agarwal, Pradeep Kuruvilla Peter
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Patent number: 8988861Abstract: The power converter includes a power conversion section which configures a circuit for power conversion, a power bus bar extending from the power conversion section, a terminal block, and a current sensor measuring current flowing in the power bus bar. The terminal block includes a mounting surface to which a terminal portion of the power bus bar is mounted. The mounting surface faces a direction substantially perpendicular to an arrangement direction in which the power conversion section and the terminal block are arranged. The current sensor is located at a side of a bottom surface on the opposite side of the mounting surface in the terminal block. The power bus bar includes: a sensor-surrounded portion surrounded by the current sensor; and an outer surface faced portion located between the sensor-surrounded portion and the terminal portion along an outer surface on the opposite side of the power conversion section.Type: GrantFiled: July 26, 2012Date of Patent: March 24, 2015Assignee: Denso CorporationInventor: Akio Yokota
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Patent number: 8957625Abstract: A method for balancing multiple battery cells which are grouped into multiple battery modules includes: obtaining cell parameters of the battery cells, respectively; calculating an average cell parameter for each of the battery modules according to the cell parameters; identifying a donator module and a receiver module from the battery modules based upon the average cell parameter; and transferring energy from the donator module to the receiver module to balance the battery cells.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2012Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: O2Micro, Inc.Inventors: Guoxing Li, Wei Zhang, Songtao Chen, Chutao Zhang
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Publication number: 20150035490Abstract: A battery system has a battery module including a number M of series-connected batteries. The battery system is further provided with a number N (1<N?M) of charge equalizers, each of which once connected to a battery, causes the battery to be charged and/or discharged to achieve charge equalization. A control device is configured to determine for each battery if it requires charge equalization based on a state of charge (SOC) of the battery, compare a number L of the batteries that require charge equalization and the number M, and based on the comparison result, cause the battery system to be shut down, or the one or more batteries that require charge equalization to be connected to corresponding charge equalizers. A selective switch module is used for connecting the one or more batteries that require charge equalization to corresponding charge equalizers, respectively.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2014Publication date: February 5, 2015Inventors: Saijun MAO, Huiqing WU, Herman Lucas Norbert WIEGMAN, Qunjian HUANG, Ying MEI
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Patent number: 8933721Abstract: An embodiment method of diagnosing a power source arrangement includes a plurality of n power sources connected in series between output terminals, wherein n?2. At least two different groups of power sources are selected from the power source arrangement. A voltage of each of the at least two different groups is measured between the output terminals. During the measurement of the voltage of one group, the power sources of the power source arrangement that do not belong to the one group are bypassed. The at least two measured voltages obtained through measuring the voltage of each of the at least two different groups or at least two voltages that are dependent on these at least two measured voltages are compared.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2011Date of Patent: January 13, 2015Assignee: Infineon Technologies Austria AGInventor: Gerald Deboy
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Patent number: 8912758Abstract: The present disclosure describes a power storage apparatus including a housing made of a durable material and defining an installation space of a plurality of secondary batteries; a plurality of secondary batteries accommodated in the housing and connected to each other in series or in parallel; a Battery Management System (BMS) for controlling charge and discharge of the plurality of secondary batteries and monitoring an electric characteristic value thereof; and a status setting switch for setting a status of the BMS. According to the present disclosure, a power storage system may be easily configured by means of a simple BMS setting. Also, if any one of the power storage apparatuses is not working properly, the power storage apparatus with a problem may be easily distinguished by the naked eyes of a manager, which facilitates easy maintenance and repair.Type: GrantFiled: May 8, 2013Date of Patent: December 16, 2014Assignee: LG Chem, Ltd.Inventors: Jung-Soo Kang, Chan-Min Park, Young-Bo Cho, Jong-Soo Ha
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Patent number: 8896315Abstract: A battery cell balancing system is operable to utilize a relatively small number of transformers interconnected with a battery having a plurality of battery cells to selectively charge the battery cells. Windings of the transformers are simultaneously driven with a plurality of waveforms whereupon selected battery cells or groups of cells are selected and charged. A transformer drive circuit is operable to selectively vary the waveforms to thereby vary a weighted voltage associated with each of the battery cells.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2012Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventor: Francis J. Davies