Abstract: An excavator includes an electric load, an electrical energy storage unit including an electrical energy storage part (19) that supplies electric power to the electric load, and a control unit (30) that controls an amount of charge to the electrical energy storage part (19) so that a charge rate of the electrical energy storage part (19) is between a system control upper limit value and a system control lower limit value. The control unit (30) controls the amount of charge to the electrical energy storage part (19) based on a changing trend of a detection value of the charge rate.

Abstract: A battery system and an energy storage system including a battery module. The battery system includes at least one battery module that may perform charging and discharging, and a battery management unit that controls the charging and the discharging of the battery module. The battery management unit varies a charge limit value for stopping the charging of the battery module and a discharge limit value for stopping the discharging of the battery module. Accordingly, a lifetime of the battery module is extended.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery with an internal microcontroller, a memory and a temperature sensor. The microcontroller draws a current from the cells internal to the battery used to power device to which the battery is attached. Normally, the microcontroller, is in a first operating mode in which the microcontroller draws a relatively low current. During these periods the temperature sensor generates a signal representative of the temperature of the battery. When the signal from the temperature sensor indicates the battery temperature exceeds a threshold temperature, the microcontroller enters a second operating mode in which the microcontroller draws a relatively high current. While in the second operating mode the microcontroller records in the memory data regarding the fact that the battery temperature exceeded the reference temperature and the amount of time the battery was at a temperature above the reference temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus is electrically connected to a battery unit consisting of multiple batteries, an energy conversion system, and power-driven equipment. The apparatus sets number requirements of batteries to be connected to a discharge unit and a charge unit of the battery unit. When the power-driven equipment is started, the apparatus receives an open-circuit voltage of each battery detected by a sensor connected to the battery, and establishes connections of the batteries with the discharge unit or the charge unit according to the open-circuit voltages of the batteries and the number requirements. During the discharge unit supplying power to the power-driven equipment and the energy conversion system charging the charge unit, the apparatus monitors variations of the open-circuit voltages of the batteries, and switches the connections of batteries with the discharge unit or the charge unit according to associations between open-circuit voltages, cut-off discharge voltages, and nominal voltages of the batteries.

Abstract: A current compensation module, a charging apparatus, and a charging apparatus controlling method are disclosed. The current compensation module is used for controlling an outputted charging current in order to charge a battery module. The current compensation module includes a transition unit, a proportional controlling unit, and an integral controlling unit. The transition unit allows an internal signal of the current compensation module increasing from a first voltage. When the internal signal attains to a second voltage, the proportional controlling unit will output a proportional controlling signal to adjust the charging current. When the charging current attains to a rated output current, the integral controlling unit incorporates with the proportional controlling unit to output a proportional-integral controlling signal in order to control and adjust the charging current for the battery module, and to suppress the output overshoot current of the charging apparatus.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable and executable instructions are provided for moderating a charging for a number of power resources. Moderating a charging for a number of power resources can include calculating a distinct charging window for each of the number of power resources. Moderating a charging for a number of power resources can also include selecting a first power resource from the number of power resources based on a current time and the distinct charging window for the first power resource. Furthermore, moderating a charging for a number of power resources can include charging the first power resource within the distinct charging window before charging a second power resource.

Abstract: State based full and empty control for rechargeable batteries that will assure a uniform battery empty condition, even in the presence of a load on the battery. A fuel gauge provides a prediction of the open circuit voltage of the battery, and when the predicted open circuit voltage of the battery reaches the predetermined open circuit voltage of an empty battery, the load is terminated, after which the battery will relax back to the predetermined open circuit voltage of an empty battery. A similar technique is disclosed for battery charging, allowing faster battery charging without overcharging. Preferably an RC battery model is used as the fuel gauge to provide the prediction, but as an alternative, a coulomb counter may be used to provide the prediction, with error correction between successive charge discharge cycles.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a rechargeable battery module including a battery bank having serial connected battery units, a charging transistor providing a charging current to the battery bank, a balancing circuit for detecting and balancing voltage values of battery units and battery bank and a control chip. When a first voltage value of a first battery unit reaches a charge-off voltage, the control chip estimates a first unbalanced voltage difference between the first voltage and the minimal voltage among battery units. The control chip disables the charging transistor and estimates a second unbalanced voltage difference between voltages of the first battery unit and the battery unit having a minimal voltage. The control chip enables the balancing circuit to balance the first battery unit. When the voltage of the first battery is dropped by a calibration target, the charging transistor is enabled.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for ascertaining the maximum power obtainable from a traction storage-battery system that includes a plurality of storage-battery elements connected in series. The method provides for: determining at least one power indicator for each storage-battery element, and ascertaining a quantity of the smallest power indicators of all determined power indicators of all storage-battery elements. The quantity includes the smallest power indicator or a subgroup thereof of all power indicators of the storage-battery elements. A power-output limit for the quantity is provided, starting from the power indicators of the quantity. The maximum power obtainable from the traction storage-battery system is extrapolated based on the power-output limit and linked by the extrapolation and because of the series connection, to a power output of the at least one storage-battery element for which the quantity of the smallest power indicators was ascertained.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus capable of suppressing a secondary battery from being charged with an amount of charge current that can apply excessive load on the secondary battery, without a backup power source function of the secondary battery being impaired. When determining that a predetermined type of data is stored in a DRAM to be backed up by the secondary battery, the information processing apparatus selects a first constant current circuit and quickly charges the secondary battery with a large charge current output from the first constant current circuit. When determining that the predetermined type of data is not stored in the DRAM, the information processing apparatus selects a second constant current circuit and normally charges the secondary battery with a small charge current output from the second constant current circuit.

Abstract: A marine outboard engine has an engine, a cowling, an alternator, and a controller electrically connected to the alternator. A primary charger is electrically connected to the alternator and is adapted to charge a primary energy storage device. A starter motor is selectively operatively connected to the engine and is adapted to be electrically connected to the primary energy storage device. An auxiliary charger is electrically connected to the alternator and is adapted to charge at least one auxiliary battery adapted to power an auxiliary device. The controller, the primary charger and the auxiliary charger are disposed inside the cowling. A vehicle bus connects the auxiliary charger with the controller to provide data from the controller to the auxiliary charger. A watercraft having the marine outboard engine and an auxiliary device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and adapters for realizing energy services by a device via a grid connection point are disclosed. An adapter includes a detection unit for measuring a quantity of energy services realized by a mobile device; an identification unit for detecting the identifier of the grid connection point electrically connected to the device; and a communication unit to report connection event information including: quantity of the energy service realized by the device; an identifier associated with the adapter; and the identifier of the grid connection point. In another embodiment, a method receives an energy service signal indicating operating set points for a mobile device; communicates the indicated operating set points to the device; and measures a quantity of energy services realized by the device. The method communicates quantity information of energy services realized by the device and sends updated operating set points for the device based on the communicated quantity information.

Abstract: A power management method and an electronic system using the same are provided. The electronic system includes a display device and an auxiliary device, and has dual batteries and two subsystems. By detection and control mechanisms of the subsystems, the electronic system may allow the display device to maintain in a full power state, in the case where the external power is available or the power of the auxiliary device is sufficient. On the other hand, the auxiliary device may apply to the display device, such as a notebook computer, and the battery time may also be extended since the computer has two batteries.

Abstract: By controlling a charging current magnitude for charging a to-be-charged electronic device by a charging electronic device and current magnitudes of other loading elements of the charging electronic device, when the charging electronic device is switched to a fast charge mode or to an efficiency mode from a normal charge mode, a required current can be directly provided to the to-be-charged electronic device without raising a hardware cost for upgrading charging capabilities.

Abstract: A system and methods for delivering power to a multitude of portable electronic devices is provided. More specifically, the system and methods provide for powering different portable electronic devices through a central charging device. The method of delivering a power supply to a plurality of portable electronic devices includes determining a power requirement for each of the portable computing devices and supplying the power requirement to each of the portable computing devices in a daisy chain configuration using a central power device.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An electricity storage system comprising: a plurality of cartridges connected together in parallel, each cartridge comprising a plurality of cells connected together, and a circuit for preventing cross current, which restricts the current in each cartridge so as to cause the current to flow in one direction selected from a discharge direction and a charge direction, wherein said cartridges connected together in parallel are simultaneously charged with a direct current voltage converted from a commercial voltage, or said cartridges connected together in parallel are caused to discharge simultaneously so that said electricity storage system outputs a commercial 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: Exemplary embodiments are directed to variable power wireless power transmission. A method may include conveying wireless power to a device at a first power level during a time period. The method may further include conveying wireless power to one or more other devices at a second, different power level during another time period.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to make the charging power as high as possible in a battery charging control system for selectively charging a plurality of batteries having different voltages with energy generated by an alternator. To achieve the object, the battery charging control system according to the invention includes an alternator having a variable generation voltage and a plurality of batteries having different charging voltages, wherein maximum generation power defined as the highest power that the alternator can generate and maximum charging power defined as the highest power that each battery can accept are obtained, and a battery for which the charging power is highest is selected to be charged based on a comparison of the maximum generation power and the maximum charging power.

Abstract: A battery pack includes: a first battery cell group including at least one high capacity battery cell; and a second battery cell group including at least one high output battery cell and being coupled in parallel to the first battery cell group, wherein the high output battery cell is configured to output a greater current than the high capacity battery cell, the high capacity battery cell is configured to store a greater amount of electric energy compared to the high output battery cell, and the battery pack is configured to operate in one of operational modes including: a high capacity mode for outputting electric energy stored in the first battery cell group; a high output mode for outputting electric energy stored in the second battery cell group; and a mutual charge mode for charging the first battery cell group or the second battery cell group.

Abstract: New battery management systems are provided that maintain voltage, current, cell balance and other electrical characteristics, without wasteful cell-to-cell recharging or resistive bleeding. In some aspects of the invention, a lagging or deteriorated battery may be at least partially bypassed, and the output of another, stronger battery is altered and addressed to supply the resulting power, voltage or other “gap.” In other aspects, the invention is implemented in an insert with battery mimicking and replacement hardware, and with a form factor for installation in a wide variety of possible battery compartments along with ordinary batteries.

Abstract: Systems and methods may provide for identifying an amount of time associated with a user based activity with respect to a battery powered device, and determining a battery drain rate of the battery powered device. An indicator of whether the user based activity can be completed in the amount of time may be generated based on the battery drain rate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for determining the properties of a battery, in particular a traction battery. Particularly the invention determines a battery state such as the capacity and/or a charging state and/or a remaining service life of the battery, preferably with an observer and a battery model for a model-based state identification. According to the invention, a querying module for querying an operational state of a consumer supplied by a battery and a first control module for starting the determination of the properties of the battery, only when the operational state of the supplied consumer shows that it does not operate in the principal mode, are provided.

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

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to power distribution among a plurality of receivers. A method may include requesting at least one receiver of a plurality of receivers within a charging region of a transmitter to modify an associated load resistance to achieve a desired power distribution among the plurality of receivers. The method may further include requesting each receiver of the plurality of receivers to modify an associated load resistance to achieve a desired total impedance as seen by the transmitter while maintaining the desired power distribution among the plurality of receivers.

Abstract: A method of rapidly testing the discharge capacity of a battery comprises discharging the battery at a first discharge rate until a first cutoff potential is reached, relaxing the battery during a first period, discharging the battery at a lower discharge rate until a second cutoff potential is reached and relaxing the battery during a second, longer period. The process is repeated with successively lower discharge rates and successively longer relaxation periods until the battery is substantially exhausted. The cumulative value of all of the discharges is taken as a tested capacity of the battery. Optionally, cleanup charges can be sent to the battery during the relaxation periods and a low-frequency, low-amplitude current can be supplied throughout testing in order to shorten testing time.

Abstract: A battery pack blocks a current flowing between battery cells coupled in parallel among a plurality of battery cells coupled in series and in parallel while measuring voltages so as to prevent a battery cell in a low-voltage state from being automatically charged through a battery cell coupled in parallel to the battery cell in a low-voltage state, and the battery pack accurately determines whether there is an abnormal battery cell by detecting voltages of battery cells coupled in series, thereby performing accurate measurement.

Abstract: A method of charging a battery at multiple charges rates includes determining a type of power source connected to a charging circuit and determining a voltage of a battery to be charged by the power source. A desired charging voltage is determined in response to the power source type and the battery voltage. A difference between the desired charging voltage and the battery voltage is determined. A digital potentiometer is selectively commanded to adjust the desired charging voltage to vary the difference and alter a charging rate of the battery, such that the difference is increased to increase the charging rate or is decreased to decrease the charging rate.

Abstract: A battery charging method includes generating a plurality of charge profiles, each for a different one of a plurality of batteries, wherein a charge profile indicates a charge current as a function of charge time, and at least two of the charge profiles have a different charge current at a same charge time, and concurrently charging each of the plurality of batteries based on a corresponding charge profile.

Abstract: A system including at least one electric rotary machine and an integrated control circuit and an electronic control unit, the system being embarked in an automobile. The integrated control circuit of the system includes a RAM connected to the electronic control unit via a data communication link, and the electronic control unit includes a rewritable memory. The system further includes a configuration data permanent storage of the system in the rewritable memory as well as an upload of the configuration data into the RAM during a configuration phase of the system. The system herein enables the integrated control circuit of the electric rotary machine to be standardized by virtue of the fact that the configuration data are no longer written in a read-only memory but reside in a RAM of this circuit.

Abstract: An electronic device that includes an interface that connects to a charging apparatus and exchanges authentication information with a server via a network. The electronic device also includes a control unit that controls charging of a battery of the electronic device based on power received from the charging apparatus. Upon completion of the charging operation, the interface of the electronic device transmits information for calculating a tax based on the charging operation to the server.

Abstract: An electric power supply system has, as multiple storage units, an output type battery of high output and small capacity and a capacity type battery of low output and large capacity. The charge-discharge electric power of each of the storage units is controlled by a controller according to a charge-discharge schedule for a prediction period. Based on a predicted power consumption schedule, a predicted power generation schedule, and a charge-discharge characteristic of each of the storage units, the controller determines a charge-discharge schedule with regards to an optimal evaluation index, and controls the storage units in accordance with the charge-discharge schedule.

Abstract: A battery monitoring system, comprises a battery state detection circuit that detects battery states of a plurality of battery cells that are connected in series, based on respective cell voltages of the plurality of battery cells, and a control circuit that monitors state of a battery cell, based on each cell voltage of the plurality of battery cells. The control circuit inputs pseudo voltage information to the battery state detection circuit, and thereby diagnoses whether or not the battery state detection circuit is operating normally.

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

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

Abstract: A method of charging a battery pack that can prevent a battery or an external power source from being damaged due to a trickle charge current in order to improve battery safety, and the battery itself. The method of charging the battery pack includes determining whether a charge current exists, determining whether the charge current and a charge voltage are changed if determined that the charge current exists, determining whether the charge current is changed from a first current level to a second current level less than the first current level, and a present voltage level of the battery is less than a former voltage level if determined that the charge current and the charge voltage are changed, and maintaining the charge current at the second current level for a predetermined maintenance time if determined that the present voltage level of the battery is less than the former voltage level.

Abstract: An improved external charger for a battery in an implantable medical device (implant), and technique for charging batteries in multiple implants using such improved external charger, is disclosed. During charging, values for a parameter measured in the implants are reported from the implants to the external charger. The external charger infers from the magnitudes of the parameters which of the implants has the highest and lowest coupling to the external charger, and so designates those implants as “hot” and “cold.” The intensity of the magnetic charging field is optimized for the cold implant consistent with the simulation to ensure that that the cold implant is charged with a maximum (fastest) battery charging current. The duty cycle of the magnetic charging field is also optimized for the hot implant consistent with the simulation to ensure that the hot implant does not exceed the power dissipation limit.

Abstract: An image display apparatus having a function of charging an external device and a charging method thereof are provide. The image display apparatus includes a universal serial bus (USB) interface which is connected to an external device through a power supply line and a data transmission line, and a main controller which, if the external device is connected, activates one of the power supply line and the data transmission line according to a type of the external device. Accordingly, the image display apparatus controls a USB terminal to selectively perform a charging operation or a data transmission operation.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a charger circuit. The charger circuit comprises a control circuit and at least two charging paths. The control circuit determines to activate or inactivate each charging path according to a battery feedback signal representing the charging status. Accordingly, the battery is charged by input power in an optimal way so that the charging efficiency is improved and the overheating problem is solved.

Abstract: Enhanced voltage-based fuel gauges and methods that increase the accuracy of voltage-based fuel gauges and allow the use of voltage-based fuel gauges to detect current, and particularly excessive current from a battery without the use of a sense resistor. When used with a coulomb counter, the outputs of a voltage-based fuel gauge and a coulomb counter may be combined in a manner that allows the combination to provide better performance that either alone may provide. Various embodiments and methods of operation are disclosed.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an accumulator comprises at least two galvanic cells that are electrically connected. The accumulator furthermore comprises a control device and at least one measuring device. The measuring device is suitable to determine at least one reading for at least one first functional parameter of a galvanic cell. The accumulator comprises a memory device which is assigned to the control device. The memory device is suitable for storing at least one target value of a first functional parameter. The accumulator furthermore comprises a computing unit. The computing unit is suitable for assigning at least two measured values and one pertinent target value to a first computed result. The measured values are the measured first functional parameters, respectively of at least two galvanic cells of the accumulator. The target value is a predetermined value in respect to the first functional parameter.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for controlling a power transfer rate in to and/or out of an energy storage device on-board a vehicle, such as a locomotive, during a power transfer opportunity. In one example, the method includes adjusting the power transfer rate based on a predetermination of a duration of the power transfer opportunity to match a duration of power transfer to the duration of the opportunity and achieve a specified state of charge.

Abstract: A device and method for rated voltage detection and charging of electric batteries. The method comprises the steps of measuring a terminal voltage of the battery having first or second rated voltages, comparing the terminal voltage to a number of threshold voltages between a minimum threshold voltage and a maximum threshold voltage, determining a condition of the battery, which can be ready to charge or fault, based on a comparison of the terminal voltage to the threshold voltages, determining that the rated voltage of the electric battery is the second rated voltage if the determined condition of the electric battery is ready to charge, conducting a pre-charge process if the determined condition of the battery is neither ready to charge nor fault, determining the rated voltage of the electric battery based on a response to the pre-charge process, and charging the electric battery according to the determined rated voltage.

Abstract: A control apparatus includes: a target value obtaining unit obtaining a total target value of power to be discharged from storage batteries; an SOH obtaining unit obtain information on a state of health for each of the storage batteries; a charge control unit determining how the power of the total target value is divided among and discharged from each of the storage battery. The charge control unit (i) compares the state of health of a first storage battery and the state of health of a second storage battery, and, in the case where the state of health of the second storage battery is higher than the state of health of the first storage battery, (ii) discharges from the second storage battery second power lower than first power which is discharged from the first storage battery.

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: A state monitoring unit monitors a state of an assembled battery in which unit cells are connected in series. The state monitoring unit includes a plurality of voltage monitoring devices and a controller. The controller transmits a common voltage measurement command to the voltage monitoring devices connected in a daisy-chain scheme. Each of the voltage monitoring devices measures the voltage of the corresponding unit cells in response to the command that is received from the controller or the adjacent voltage monitoring device at a leading end of the communication channel, and transmits the command to the adjacent voltage monitoring device at a termination of the communication channel. When received the measured voltage from the adjacent voltage monitoring device at the termination, the voltage monitoring device transmits it with the own measured voltage. The controller determines the abnormality in reception state based on the number of received, measured voltages.

Abstract: A method of optimizing the operation of the power source of an electric vehicle is provided, where the power source is comprised of a first battery pack (e.g., a non-metal-air battery pack) and a second battery pack (e.g., a metal-air battery pack). The power source is optimized to minimize use of the least efficient battery pack (e.g., the second battery pack) while ensuring that the electric vehicle has sufficient power to traverse the expected travel distance before the next battery charging cycle.

Abstract: A power supply method for an universal serial bus apparatus is provided. The USB apparatus includes an upstream port module and a plurality of downstream port modules. The power supply method comprises the following steps: setting a maximum charging port number for the downstream port modules according to the connection configuration between the upstream port module and a host, and the condition of power supply from an external power supply; detecting the coupling condition of the electronic apparatuses to the downstream port modules so as to customize a specific charging specification for one of the electronic apparatuses; respectively providing a plurality of power to the electronic apparatuses according to the specific charging specification and the maximum charging port number. Thus, the electronic apparatuses enable to be charged with maximum charging currents and operate normally under the USB specification without being affected.

Abstract: A method for charging an electric storage battery in a plug-in electric vehicle through a power supply circuit includes coupling a charger to the circuit, providing the charger with a signal representing a current capacity of the circuit, using the signal to determine a maximum charge rate corresponds to the current capacity of the circuit represented by the signal, and charging the battery through the circuit and charger at the maximum charge rate.