Abstract: A method and system for battery charging. In some aspects, an electrical combination including a battery charger operable to supply a charging current to a battery to charge the battery and a battery including a switch having an interrupt condition, in which the switch is operable to interrupt a discharge current from the battery. The battery is electrically connectable to the battery charger and the supply of the charging current from the battery charger to the battery is enabled when the switch is in the interrupt condition.

Abstract: A NiH/NiCd (nickel hydrogen/nickel cadmium) battery charger with the function of emergency power supply unit having a main body with a charging chamber and a charging circuit positioned within the main body to allow an electric connection to the charging chamber and the power input interface. This charging control circuit is controlled by an electrical switch which divides the charging chamber into two or more parts. When the power input interface is connected, the electrical switch shuts off automatically to make the batteries in the charging chamber to be charged in groups. This is the function of charger. When the power input interface is switched off, the batteries in different circuit are joined in series to supply power as an emergency power supply unit. Therefore, with the design principle of “separate charging and common sharing”, it can protect the rechargeable batteries and provide power in lacking of power supply unit outdoors.

Abstract: A voltage difference is developed between the negative input side 2c and the negative output side 2d of the voltage boost circuit 2, the negative input side 2c is connected to the negative side of the power source 5, and the negative output side 2d is connected to the negative side of the rechargeable batteries 1. Further, the load FET 3 is connected between the negative input side 2c and the negative output side 2d of the voltage boost circuit 2, and an n-channel FET is used as the load FET 3. The control circuit 4 maintains the load FET 3 in the OFF state to cut-off conduction when there is no power outage, and switches the load FET 3 ON to supply power to the load 12 from the rechargeable batteries 1 during a power outage.

Abstract: A serial charger with the function of automatic change of charging speed for NiCd/NiH batteries is provided where the different charging modes for multi-speed (four speed) charging process, two speed charging process or two speed charging process in two charging phases can be achieved by use of the speed-changing principle with a low power consumption of an exchange power unit. The finished charging time of each battery varies inversely as the number of the detected batteries to be charged. No matter whether the charging voltage is variable or constant, the charging current varies automatically to achieve the speedy charging process or the normal charging process even under low power consumption. Accordingly, an exchange power unit can be reduced in size and built in the charger so that the charger is convenient to carry and the finished charging time can be adjusted automatically according to the demand of battery consumption of customers.

Abstract: A power generation and/or storage device utilizes human motion inputs or other power sources (i.e. hydraulics, pneumatics or explosive gases) to create mechanical kinetic energy that is stored (preferably in springs) and later released on demand to rotate a generator to produce electricity.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method (300) for charging a set of batteries. The method includes the steps of charging (314) a first battery (116) with a charging current from a power supply (138), monitoring (316) a parameter of the first battery during the charging step and selectively diverting (318) at least a portion of the charging current used to charge the first battery to charge a second battery (118). The first and second batteries are charged simultaneously after the parameter of the first battery reaches a predetermined threshold. As an example, the parameter can be a battery voltage or a battery temperature rate.

Abstract: A warning is displayed for a constant time prior to end of a battery with respect to battery packs having various cell structures. A microcomputer 14 in the side of a video camera recorder body 10 obtains a reference voltage value from a voltage correction value decided based on information concerning a capacity of a cell in a battery pack obtained from a battery pack 20, and an end voltage value at which use of the battery is ended. A display section 15 is controlled by a result of comparison between the voltage value of the battery pack 20 and the reference voltage value, and a warning is displayed when the voltage value of the battery pack becomes equal to or lower than the reference voltage value.

Abstract: A method and system, compatible with low-voltage CMOS technology, for controlling the charging of a battery. The method includes monitoring a battery voltage with respect to a threshold voltage. The method further includes coupling a charging control logic supply to ground, generating an active low first control signal, inverting the active low first control signal, and charging the battery at a first rate when the battery voltage is below the threshold voltage. The method further includes coupling the charging control logic supply to the battery voltage, generating an active high second control signal, and charging the battery at a second rate when the battery voltage exceeds the threshold voltage. The first charging rate is slower than the second charging rate. The method further includes supplying battery power to a charger line when the battery voltage exceeds the charger voltage, and suppressing a leakage current.

Abstract: A power generation and/or storage device utilizes human motion inputs or other power sources (i.e. hydraulics, pneumatics or explosive gases) to create mechanical kinetic energy that is stored (preferably in springs) and later released on demand to rotate a generator to produce electricity.

Abstract: Battery management can be advantageously integrated into a programmable logic device (PLD). Specifically, by using a programmable battery controller provided on the PLD, the user can make a decision regarding battery choice much later in the design process, reduce the inventory of batteries associated with the system/product, increase the life of the batteries, and upgrade to the newest technology battery at the user's discretion. The battery controller can be implemented on any type of PLD, e.g., an FPGA, potentially requiring battery management for critical circuits.

Abstract: This invention includes a circuit for displaying charge status to a user. The circuit includes circuitry for comparing a supply or reference voltage to a cell voltage, circuitry for sensing charging current and circuitry for displaying at least one of three charging states to a user. The circuit compares the supply or reference voltage to the cell voltage while sensing current. If the difference between the supply or reference voltage is great, and current is small, the circuit indicates a trickle charging mode. If the charging current is large, the circuit indicates rapid charge. If the difference between the supply or reference voltage is small, and the current is small, the circuit indicates a top off mode. The circuit preferably includes a plurality of comparators for both sensing and comparing the voltages and currents. A pair of light emitting diodes preferably indicates the state of charge to the user.

Abstract: A method and system, compatible with low-voltage CMOS technology, for controlling the charging of a battery. The method includes monitoring a battery voltage with respect to a threshold voltage. The method further includes coupling a charging control logic supply to ground, generating an active low first control signal, inverting the active low first control signal, and charging the battery at a first rate when the battery voltage is below the threshold voltage. The method further includes coupling the charging control logic supply to the battery voltage, generating an active high second control signal, and charging the battery at a second rate when the battery voltage exceeds the threshold voltage. The first charging rate is slower than the second charging rate. The method further includes supplying battery power to a charger line when the battery voltage exceeds the charger voltage, and suppressing a leakage current.

Abstract: A battery charger controller is coupled to DC output terminals of an AC-DC (or DC-DC) adapter containing an AC-DC (or DC-DC) converter. A controlled current flow path between input and output terminals of the battery charger controller circuit is controlled to provide a substantially constant current to charge the battery to a nominal battery voltage. When a constant voltage output of the said adapter transitions to a value that limits available charging current to a value less than programmed constant charging current, current flow drive for the controlled current flow path is increased for a limited time interval. Thereafter, the controlled current flow path gradually reduces charging current as the battery voltage remains at its nominal battery voltage until the charge is complete or otherwise terminated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows a battery charger/tester to transmit and receive information from a remote location. Information, such as the result of the charge and testing of the battery, can be relayed via a wire or wirelessly to a remote device, such as a server for storage. Additionally, information such as firmware updates can be relayed to the battery charger/tester for upload.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling charging and discharging of an energy storage device. If the charging voltage that is applied exceeds a restriction determining voltage, the power value at that time is held as the charging power upper limit value. In addition, by multiplying a restriction coefficient by the charging power upper limit value while gradually reducing the restriction coefficient until the voltage drops below a restriction removal determining voltage. By setting its result as a control target value of the charging power, the charging power is gradually restricted. In contrast, if the applied charging voltage drops below the restriction removal determining voltage, the charging power is conversely gradually restored to its original state using a control target value obtained by multiplying the restriction coefficient by the charging power upper limit value while gradually increasing the restriction coefficient until the voltage equals or goes above the restriction determining voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of determining remaining capacity in a battery, including the following steps: detecting the presence of a battery within one of a plurality of specified terminals; automatically initiating a timed pulse load test on the battery upon detection in a terminal; continuously passing current from the battery through a specified resistive load for the terminal; measuring a voltage of the battery while under the resistive load; comparing the measured voltage to a discharge voltage profile of the battery; and, computing the measured voltage as a percent of remaining battery capacity.

Abstract: Provided is a method for charging a battery that dynamizes the charging phase of the battery, thereby enabling optimum charging. The dynamization of the charging phase is intended to achieve effective mixing of the battery acid and/or depolarization of the electrodes and ultimately result in improved receiving of the charging current. In this context, the charging method can be carried out according to at least two different methods. In a first method, targeted discharges result in depolarization of the electrodes due to locally decreasing acid density, and in a second method the battery acid is reliably mixed as a result of temporary increasing of the charging voltage via the so-called gassing voltage of the battery. Both methods result in improved battery charging. In an embodiment of the method, the two methods are combined.

Abstract: A method of charging a storage battery comprising executing an n(n≧2)-stage constant current charging process charging the battery with a constant current while monitoring a terminal voltage of the battery, the current decreasing stepwise n−1 times every time the terminal voltage coincides with a current switching voltage. The method further comprises measuring a depth of discharge of the battery immediately before charging and executing an additional charging process before the n-stage constant current charging process when the depth of discharge is deeper than a reference depth of discharge, the additional charging process charging the battery with an additional constant current larger than an initial current in the n-stage constant current charging process and switching the additional current to the initial current when the terminal voltage coincides with the current switching voltage, so as to attain a rapid charging of the battery at a low cost.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method reduces charging time of a multi-battery with a plurality of battery units. A charging process and apparatus charges a first battery unit of a multi-battery, keeps checking whether a current charging the first battery unit reaches a prescribed value, selects and charges a selected second battery unit of the multi-battery along with the first battery unit if the preset value is reached, and charges the second battery unit with a limited maximum magnitude current when the first battery unit is completely charged. Dual-charging operations for both first and second battery units conducted in the present charging process can reduce total charging time of the multi-battery.

Abstract: A method of controlling the charging of a secondary battery (battery) without deterioration of a charging/discharging characteristic of the battery. An ordinary charging portion performs a first charging control specified to stop the charging at a charge level less than a full-charge level is used in combination with a refresh charging portion for performing a second charging control specified to stop the charging at a charge level more than the full-charge level. When the charging by the ordinary charging portion is continuously repeated by, for example, 10 times, a switching portion is switched such that the next charging is performed by the refresh charging portion. A counter, which is reset when the charging by the refresh charging portion is terminated, is provided for deciding whether or not the number of times of the repeated charging reaches 10.

Abstract: A nonaqueous-electrolyte secondary battery charging/discharging method that provides a prolonged cyclic life. In the charging/discharging method, a secondary battery is continuously charged unconditionally until a charging capacity exceeds 20% of a full charging capacity. The charging is completed when the charging capacity exceeds 70% of a full charging capacity. A maintenance charging/discharging operation is performed to avoid the full charging capacity being in an error state when dV/dt exceeds a specified value “a” before a charging current exceeds 70% of the full charging capacity. Likewise, the maintenance charging/discharging operation is performed to avoid the full charging capacity being in an error state when dT/dt exceeds a specified value “b” before a charging current exceeds 70% of the charging capacity.

Abstract: A method is provided for charging a plurality of batteries. A plurality of batteries may be charged using charging voltage/current characteristics. Charging operations among the multiple batteries may be repeatedly performed. A first battery may be charged with a constant current until a voltage of the first battery becomes more than a reference voltage. Additionally, after charging of a second battery with the constant current is started, charging of a second battery may occur until a voltage of the second battery becomes more than a reference voltage. Charging of the first battery may be resumed if a charging current is not more than a reference current. Additionally, charging of the second battery may be resumed if the charging current is not more than the reference current. After charging of the first battery is resumed, and if the charging current is not more than a limit current indicating a state of full charging, then charging of the first battery is stopped.

Abstract: A battery charger provides remote or untethered charging of a rechargeable battery. The battery charger provides untethered charging either in situ within a battery-powered device or external to the device. The battery charger comprises a power converter and an energy storage device connected to the power converter. A battery charging system comprises the battery charger and independent electrical connection devices. One connection device connects the battery charger to an external energy source to acquire energy that is stored in the storage device. Another connection device connects the battery charger to a battery for charging. The connection devices are independent and battery charging is untethered in that the battery charger need not be connected to the external energy source while the battery charger charges the battery. A method of charging the battery comprises charging the battery with energy stored in a portable energy storage device.

Abstract: A mobile toy is described. The mobile toy includes a wheel assembly having a hubcap for removably engaging a wheel of the wheel assembly. The mobile toy may also include a transmitter having a charging pad for charging of a radio-controlled embodiment of the toy. The transmitter comprises an indicator showing certain states of the toy as well as a storage compartment for housing items associated with the toy. Additional embodiments include an assembly for retaining the toy on the charging pad during charging of the toy. A kit for storing the components of the radio-controlled embodiment of the toy is also described.

Abstract: A modular uninterruptible power supply is disclosed, which provides complete redundancy for all components required for UPS operation. Novel aspects of the invention include design of the modules and their interconnection and interoperability, as well as improved operation techniques applicable to UPS systems generally.

Abstract: For charging a secondary battery, at least two operation modes including first and second operation modes, in which the secondary battery is charged to predetermined charge end voltages different from each other, are established. Both life and capacity of the battery can be maximized by a user selecting either of the two operation modes, or switching between the two operation modes automatically with a timer device, or according to a temperature of the battery, state of health thereof, or internal pressure thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a charge control system for affecting current draw from a charging unit coupled at an input locus of the charge control system for charging a battery unit includes a current sink switchingly coupled with the input locus for selectively contributing a predetermined current draw at the input locus. A method for selectively establishing a predetermined current draw from a charging unit coupled at an input locus with a charge control unit for charging a battery unit includes the steps of: (a) providing a current sink switchingly coupled with the input locus; (b) sensing at least one predetermined condition in the battery unit; and (c) switchingly engaging the current sink when the at least one predetermined condition satisfies at least one predetermined criteria.

Abstract: When starting charging of an internal battery as a result of connection of an external power source by an AC adapter, a charging control unit sets a first charging voltage at which the charging capacity of the internal battery is maximized. When starting the charging from recognition of reduced capacity of the internal battery due to its self-discharge in desk-top use where the AC adapter is in connection at all times, the charging control unit sets a second charging voltage lower than the first charging voltage to prevent the battery from degrading.

Abstract: A method of charging a storage battery comprising executing an n(n≧2)-stage constant current charging process charging the battery with a constant current while monitoring a terminal voltage of the battery, the current decreasing stepwise n−1 times every time the terminal voltage coincides with a current switching voltage. The method further comprises measuring a depth of discharge of the battery immediately before charging and executing an additional charging process before the n-stage constant current charging process when the depth of discharge is deeper than a reference depth of discharge, the additional charging process charging the battery with an additional constant current larger than an initial current in the n-stage constant current charging process and switching the additional current to the initial current when the terminal voltage coincides with the current switching voltage, so as to attain a rapid charging of the battery at a low cost.

Abstract: A charging device having a voltage stabilization unit, a charging unit, a battery protection unit, and a voltage setting unit. The voltage setting unit includes a control circuit, a voltage adjustment circuit, and a voltage selection circuit. The charging device can output a selected one of a plurality of voltages to one of various portable electronic devices such that a plurality of portable electronic devices can be charged with only one charging device. Moreover, the device is connectable to external power source or automobile power supply depending on applications. Hence, it is convenient in use.

Abstract: A method of controlling the charging of a secondary battery (battery) without deterioration of a charging/discharging characteristic of the battery. An ordinary charging portion performs a first charging control specified to stop the charging at a charge level less than a full-charge level is used in combination with a refresh charging portion for performing a second charging control specified to stop the charging at a charge level more than the full-charge level. When the charging by the ordinary charging portion is continuously repeated by, for example, 10 times, a switching portion is switched such that the next charging is performed by the refresh charging portion. A counter, which is reset when the charging by the refresh charging portion is terminated, is provided for deciding whether or not the number of times of the repeated charging reaches 10.

Abstract: A charging device with a multi-step voltage charging source provides active control over charging source voltage to further control its output charging current in the course of charging process for a (dis)chargeable storage device so that when the (dis)chargeable storage device reaches a preset voltage, a primary control switch connected in series with the charging circuit detects and is driven by the preset voltage to execute cutoff so to stop charging the (dis)chargeable storage device.

Abstract: For charging a secondary battery, at least two operation modes including first and second operation modes, in which the secondary battery is charged to predetermined charge end voltages different from each other, are established. Both life and capacity of the battery can be maximized by a user selecting either of the two operation modes, or switching between the two operation modes automatically with a timer device, or according to a temperature of the battery, state of health thereof, or internal pressure thereof.

Abstract: A power charging system for charging portable electric devices. The power charging system includes a plurality of transformers for transforming a plurality of different input voltages into a standard DC (direct current) voltage. The charging system also includes a power cord for inputting and outputting the standard DC voltage. The charging system also includes a plurality of converters for converting the standard DC voltage into the working voltage of the portable electric devices. Users connect the corresponding converters to the power cord and then connect the power cord to any one of the transformers to use the standard DC voltage to charge the portable electric devices.

Abstract: A battery charging method and system, the battery charging method comprising: charging at least one battery at a first voltage for a first time duration; charging the batteries at a second voltage for a second time duration; determining state of charge of the batteries at the end of the second time duration; if the batteries are not substantially fully charged at the end of the second time duration, the total charging time is evaluated to determine if the batteries have been charged for a time duration greater than or equal to a third time duration, and if the total charging time has not exceeded or is not equal to the third time duration, charging the batteries at the first voltage for the first time duration and charging the batteries at the second voltage for the second time duration is repeated; if the batteries are substantially fully charged at the end of the second time duration, battery charging is ceased; or if the total charging time has exceeded or is equal to the third time duration at the end of

Abstract: A voltaic pile has first and second terminals by which it is charged and discharged. The pile comprises a plurality of modules (3), each having respective third and fourth terminals with a plurality of voltaic cells connected in series therebetween. The modules are connected series-wise or in series-parallel configuration by the respective third and fourth terminals, with the end terminals of the series of modules defining the previously mentioned first and second terminals. A power supply Load (1) is provided with DC input terminals and AC output terminals, the DC input terminals connected via lines (2) with the first and second terminals. Thus, even in the absence of Power charging current or drain current, the power supply is able to draw upon the output of the pile to supply power back to individual modules that may require charging, to maintain balance among the modules.

Abstract: A battery charging system includes a battery management module and a battery charger. The battery charging system provides controlled charging in accordance with an algorithm utilizing historical battery data. The historical battery data is data pertaining to the historical status of the battery, and is acquired while the battery is in service and during previous charge cycles. The historical battery data is stored in memory in the battery management module. In one embodiment of the battery charging system, the battery management module is physically and electrically coupled to the battery during service and during charging. The historical battery data is provided to the battery charger during charging. The historical battery data is used to provide parameters to a charging algorithm, wherein the battery charging system provides controlled charging of the battery in accordance with the algorithm.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method reduces charging time of a multi-battery with a plurality of battery units. A charging process and apparatus charges a first battery unit of a multi-battery, keeps checking whether a current charging the first battery unit reaches a prescribed value, selects and charges a selected second battery unit of the multi-battery along with the first battery unit if the preset value is reached, and charges the second battery unit with a limited maximum magnitude current when the first battery unit is completely charged. Dual-charging operations for both first and second battery units conducted in the present charging process can reduce total charging time of the multi-battery.

Abstract: A power system for an electric motor drive such as may be used in an electrically propelled vehicle incorporates the combination of a high power density battery and a high energy density battery to provide an optimal combination of high energy and high power, i.e., a hybrid battery system. The hybrid battery system in one form includes components which prevent electrical recharge energy from being applied to the high energy density battery while capturing regenerative energy in the high power density battery so as to increase an electric vehicle's range for a given amount of stored energy. A dynamic retarding function for absorbing electrical regenerative energy is used during significant vehicle deceleration and while holding speed on down-hill grades, to minimize mechanical brake wear and limit excessive voltage on the battery and power electronic control devices.

Abstract: A method for charging a rechargeable battery pack includes providing a charger having first and second charging processes, and manually selecting one of the first and second charging processes. The charging method may include a step for indicating status or end of the selected one charging process. The first charging process may include the steps of providing a fast charging current, indicating end of the fast charging current and providing an equalization current. The second charging process may include the steps of providing a fast charging current, subsequently providing an equalization current and indicating end of equalization current. The second charging process may also include a temperature checking step. Further disclosed is a battery charging apparatus including a charger for charging a battery and having first and second charging processes, and a switch connected to the charger for manually selecting one of the first and second charging processes. The charger may include a microprocessor.

Abstract: A charger for a battery includes a power source and a control circuit. The battery has an internal resistance, at least one cell having a recommended charge voltage, and an aggregate recommended charge voltage. The power source is capable of providing an applied voltage and charge current to the battery. The control circuit is connected to the power source and is capable of detecting the applied voltage of the battery and enabling the charge current and applied voltage to the battery until the applied voltage is greater than the aggregate recommended charge voltage by an amount less than the product of the internal resistance and the charge current. The control circuit is capable of reducing the applied voltage towards the aggregate recommended charge voltage at a controlled rate such that the recommended charge voltage of the at least one cell is not exceeded.

Abstract: A method for charging a battery pack including a plurality of battery units includes: a first step of charging the battery units with a first electric current at a first rate until an internal pressure of at least one of the plurality of battery units begins to increase; and a second step of charging/discharging the battery units with a second electric current which is lower than the first electric current at a second rate which is lower than the first rate after the internal pressure of the at least one of the plurality of battery units has begun to increase.

Abstract: When starting charging of an internal battery as a result of connection of an external power source by an AC adapter, a charging control unit sets a first charging voltage at which the charging capacity of the internal battery is maximized. When starting the charging from recognition of reduced capacity of the internal battery due to its self-discharge in desk-top use where the AC adapter is in connection at all times, the charging control unit sets a second charging voltage lower than the first charging voltage to prevent the battery from degrading.

Abstract: An improved asymmetrical charger for charging a plurality of batteries of different capacity and voltage values, and automatically judging the residual power capacity and charge saturation level of every battery mainly includes a control unit, a voltage detection unit, a battery dock, an alternate power supply circuit, a current detection and rapid/slow charging switch unit, a battery detection unit, and a human machine interface. The battery dock is connected to a main circuit of the alternate power supply circuit, and connects in series at least one battery chamber which has two parallel circuits; one of the parallel circuits has a short circuit switch driven by the current detection and rapid/slow charging switch unit and another one of the parallel circuits has a positive conductor and a negative conductor to connect a battery thereby to provide a safe charger for charging batteries of different capacities without risking overcharge or undercharge of the batteries.

Abstract: In a battery accumulating apparatus, a charge current I1 from the charging solar battery 9 is supplied to the storage battery 5 through the switch 10, and charges the storage battery 5. The charge controller 4b detects each cell voltage of the storage battery 5, and when any cell voltage reaches a prescribed value, the charge controller 4b turns the switch 10 which is in the ON status to the OFF status. The charge controller 4b has a function which generates the charge currents I2 and I3 (I2>I3) whose levels are lower than the charge current I1, according to the output from the charging solar battery 9, and which supplies the charge current I2 to the storage battery 5 to charge the battery at the same time as the turning OFF of the switch 10. The storage battery 5 is charged by the charge current I2, and when any cell voltage reaches a prescribed value, the charge controller 4b switches the charge current I2 to the charge current I3, and supplies the charge current I3 to the storage battery 5.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery having a user-selected charge capacity whereby a user of the battery can select the voltage at which the battery is charged, and thus can control the capacity of the battery. The battery has a rigid casing with an exterior surface thereof, and a rechargeable electrochemical cell within the casing. A plurality of charge contacts are accessible at the exterior surface of the casing and are in conductive contact with the electrochemical cell to allow charging of the electrochemical cell when a current is placed across the charge contacts. The battery also has a charge control circuit in conductive contact with at least the charge contacts and the electrochemical cell, and the control circuit includes a voltage regulator that regulates the charge voltage from the charge contacts to the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: A method and system for performing automatic and rapid diagnostic testing and charging of a battery. The diagnostic test unit utilizes a charger combined with a rapidly variable load. After inputting battery characteristics including the cranking rating (CCA or CA) and the temperature of the battery, a diagnostic ramp procedure is utilized to provide an instantaneous current versus voltage analysis to determine the instantaneous cranking value (i.e., the single crank capability at full charge) of the battery being tested. If the instantaneous cranking value of the battery is above a level determined acceptable, a sustained discharge is carried out to tax the capacity of the battery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extending the cycle life of a battery by using different charge voltages or different current cut-offs to recharge the battery during the course of the battery's life. The capacity of a battery is gradually depleted as the battery is repeatedly charged and discharged. The rate at which the battery capacity is depleted varies in accordance to the charge voltage, or the current cut-off, used to recharge the battery. For example, higher charge voltages cause the capacity to be more rapidly depleted than lower charge voltages. A battery may be charged using a high charge voltage, e.g., its rated charge voltage, during periods of expected high usage. To extend the battery's cycle life, the battery may be charged using a low charge voltage during periods of expected low usage.

Abstract: A method for charging a battery pack including a plurality of battery units includes: a first step of charging the battery units with a first electric current at a first rate until an internal pressure of at least one of the plurality of battery units begins to increase; and a second step of charging/discharging the battery units with a second electric current which is lower than the first electric current at a second rate which is lower than the first rate after the internal pressure of the at least one of the plurality of battery units has begun to increase.

Abstract: A battery charger, a method of charging a battery and a battery plant incorporating the battery charger or the method. In one embodiment, the battery charger includes: (1) a battery voltage monitor that measures a voltage of a battery and (2) a charge current generator, coupled to the battery voltage monitor, that provides an incrementally adjustable charge current to the battery based on the voltage.