Abstract: An electric-vehicle battery system includes a high voltage system with a plurality of connected rechargeable battery cells; a low voltage system with an operating voltage lower than an operating voltage of the high voltage system, the low voltage system supplying a battery system manager; and a real time clock configured to provide a system time to the battery system manager. The real time clock may be at least temporarily powered by the high voltage system.

Abstract: A method for operating an electrical energy store system including at least two electrical energy store units. The method includes: a) ascertaining voltages of the at least two electrical energy store units; b) ascertaining at least one first characteristic value of the ascertained voltages; c) ascertaining a charge voltage limiting value and/or a discharge voltage limiting value as a function of the ascertained at least one characteristic value; and d) operating the electrical energy store system as a function of the ascertained charge voltage limiting value and/or discharge voltage limiting value.

Abstract: A method for depassivation of an energy storage device having an anode, a cathode and a core with an electrolyte, the method including: detecting that a first predetermined event related to a buildup of passivation has occurred with regard to the energy storage device; switching between a positive input voltage and a negative input voltage provided to the anode at a frequency sufficient to depassivate the anode; discontinuing the switching when a second predetermined event related to passivation has occurred.

Abstract: A method for battery charging includes performing a first-constant-current charging the battery with a constant current having a first intensity, determining a voltage of the battery rises above a first voltage level, performing a second-constant-current charging of the battery with a constant current having a second intensity that is less than the first intensity, determining a voltage of the battery rises above a second voltage level that is higher than the first voltage level, performing a third-constant-current charging the battery with a constant current having a third intensity that is less than the second intensity, determining a voltage of the battery rises above a third voltage level that is higher than the second voltage level, performing a constant voltage charging the battery with a constant voltage having the third voltage level, determining a charging current of the battery falls to a fourth intensity that is less than the third intensity.

Abstract: There is provided a method of controlling a powered air purifying respirator blower system to deliver a substantially uniform volumetric airflow to a user, the system comprising a fan powered by a battery in communication with a variable speed electric motor, the variable speed electric motor is controlled by an electronic control unit for delivering a forced flow of air through at least one filter to a user, comprising the steps of: (a) determining an estimated system run time by summing a battery run time remaining and a system run time; and (b) altering a speed of the variable speed electric motor when the estimated system run time is equal to or less than a desired system run time.

Abstract: A method for controlling charging includes: determining charge cycle counts of a battery; obtaining a set charge cut-off current corresponding to the charge cycle counts based on a preset charge strategy; adjusting a charge cut-off current of the battery according to the set charge cut-off current corresponding to the charge cycle counts to control a charge volume of the battery.

Abstract: A carrier, such as a battery, that queries a memory of a charger or charging circuit, or the memory of equipment or discharging circuit powered by the battery, to determine the relative date or version of data, operating parameters and/or software on both the battery and the equipment, and either provides updated data, operating parameters and/or software to the equipment, or retrieves later dated data, operating parameters and/or software from the equipment to update the memory of the battery and/or further distribute the updated data, operating parameter sand/or software to other batteries or equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cycle test method for at least one rechargeable battery (1) having, in particular, a single-battery emergency lamp (2) as a load, wherein the battery (1) is connected to a supply device (3) for charging/discharging at the location of use, comprising the following steps: i) charging the battery (1) by means of the supply device (3); ii) interrupting the charging for a time, in particular a specified time, in order to lower the temperature of the battery (1); iii) discharging the battery (1) to a specified remaining voltage value; and iv) performing steps i) to iii) multiple times.

Abstract: A method of detecting an electric arc in an electrical system from a signal originating from at least one sensor detecting acoustic waves in the system, including: a) calculating by means of a processing device, over a sliding window of signal samples, at least one statistical parameter selected from the skewness and the kurtosis of the signal; b) detecting a possible occurrence of an event by taking into account said at least one statistical parameter; and c) performing a frequency analysis of the signal enabling to identify an electric arc when an event is detected at step b).

Abstract: A positive electrode is configured by a plurality of mutually bonded primary particles respectively composed of a lithium composite oxide having a layered rock-salt structure. An average orientation angle of the plurality of primary particles relative to a plate face direction parallel to a plate face is more than 0° and less than or equal to 30°. An aggregate area of primary particles that have an orientation angle relative to the plate face direction of more than 0° and less than or equal to 30° is greater than or equal to 70% relative to a total area of the plurality of primary particles, in a cross section.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present systems and methods may provide the capability to provide more detailed and granular battery function information and control of battery management and monitoring functions. For example, in an embodiment, a battery apparatus may comprise a plurality of power cells, memory attached to each power cell adapted to store information relating to operational parameters of each power cell, and measurement circuitry adapted to measure operational parameters of each power cell and to store information relating to operational parameters of each power cell in each respective attached memory and to measure operational parameters of the battery apparatus and to store information relating to operational parameters of the battery apparatus in a memory, wherein the circuitry adapted to measure operational parameters of each power cell may be further adapted to alter the measurement operation based on usage of the battery apparatus.

Abstract: A carrier, such as a battery, that queries a memory of a charger or charging circuit, or the memory of equipment or discharging circuit powered by the battery, to determine the relative date or version of data, operating parameters and/or software on both the battery and the equipment, and either provides updated data, operating parameters and/or software to the equipment, or retrieves later dated data, operating parameters and/or software from the equipment to update the memory of the battery and/or further distribute the updated data, operating parameters and/or software to other batteries or equipment.

Abstract: A charger mounting a rechargeable battery includes a switcher configured to switch transmission status of electric power through cables connected to an upstream port and/or downstream port, and a discharger configured to consume the electric power by discharging. The controller is configured to control, depending on charged quantity of the rechargeable battery and request information for feed/reception of the electric power, the switcher and the discharger to execute one of: at least one of charging the rechargeable battery with the electric power received from one of the power source, the upstream charger and the downstream charger through a cable, and consuming the electric power as received by the discharger; and at least one of transmitting the electric power of the rechargeable battery to one of the upstream charger and the downstream charger through a cable, and consuming the electric power of the rechargeable battery by the discharger.

Abstract: A battery system includes a chargeable and dischargeable secondary battery and a controller that estimates the deterioration state or the charge state of the secondary battery. When estimating the deterioration state or the charge state, the controller uses an average ion concentration between a positive electrode and a negative electrode. The average ion concentration varies depending on an electric current flowing through the secondary battery. The average ion concentration between the electrodes can be calculated with a computing expression that includes a surface pressure of the secondary battery as a variable. The surface pressure of the secondary battery can be detected by a pressure sensor. The surface pressure of the secondary battery can also be estimated from an electric current flowing through the secondary battery.

Abstract: A charger circuit for providing a charging power to a battery includes a power delivery unit and a power conversion circuit. The power conversion circuit includes at least one conversion switch coupled to an inductor, a front stage switch conducting a DC power generated by the power delivery unit to generate a mid-stage power, and a direct charging switch. In a switching charging mode, the conversion switch converts the mid-stage power to the charging current onto a charging node. In a direct charging mode, the power delivery unit regulates the DC current, and the front stage switch and the direct charging switch conduct the DC current onto the charging node. The body diodes of the front stage switch and the direct charging switch are reversely coupled, and the body diodes of the front stage switch and the conversion switch are reversely coupled, for blocking the parasitic body current.

Abstract: A charger for blocking power when charging a battery is provided. The charger includes a charging voltage generating unit that generates a charging voltage for charging a battery. The charger includes a control unit with at least one microprocessor for controlling calculation and comparison and determination required for charging. A back-flow preventing unit is disposed between the charging voltage generating unit and the battery and has a plurality of diodes. A driving unit is connected between the control unit and an AC power supply unit and includes a relay for supplying/blocking AC power to the charger according to the control of the control unit. An alarm unit provides notification of a contact failure or charging completion when charging the battery. A cable connector is connected to a target device.

Abstract: A power-supply voltage sensing device is disclosed, which relates to a technology for detecting a level of an external power-supply voltage during a test mode. The power-supply voltage sensing device includes a reference voltage trimming unit configured to trim a reference voltage in response to a code signal, a power-supply voltage detection unit configured to select one of a power-supply voltage and an external power-supply voltage in response to a test signal, compare the external power-supply voltage with the reference voltage, and output a detection signal according to the result of comparison, and a reference voltage control unit configured to output the code signal in response to the detection signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods for discharging an entropic energy storage device (EESD) that stores and releases entropic energy are disclosed. Embodiments of circuits including the EESD also are disclosed. The method includes providing a circuit including an EESD charged to a first voltage level, the EESD including first and second electrodes with a dielectric film positioned there between, the dielectric film comprising an entropic material, and the first electrode charged positively or negatively with respect to the second electrode; and applying a reversed polarization electric potential to the first electrode of the EESD in a first mode of operation of the circuit for a discharge period of time, thereby supplying power from the EESD to a load. In some embodiments, the method includes a pulsed discharge of the EESD with alternating discharge and recovery periods of time.

Abstract: A rechargeable power cell having no voltage across its positive and negative power terminals unless the power cell is inserted into a device configured to accept the power cell is described. The power cell includes a battery management processor and battery insertion detection circuitry that cooperate to determine when the power cell is inserted into the device and then drive an electronic switch to provide for conduction of current from the power cell to the positive terminal of the cell.

Abstract: According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, a power storage module state estimation apparatus comprises a parameter calculator configured to calculate a parameter based on a current value of a power storage module, wherein the parameter includes at least one of a direction having a high frequency of current flowing in the power storage module, an average current value of the power storage module, and a charge and discharge capacity after the direction having the high frequency of current flowing in the power storage module is switched; and a hysteresis compensator configured to use the parameter to compensate an open circuit voltage of the power storage module.

Abstract: An electrode structure has a layer of at least two interdigitated materials, a first material being an electrically conductive material and a second material being an ionically conductive material, the materials residing co-planarly on a membrane in fluid form, at least one of the interdigitated materials forming a feature having an aspect ratio greater than one.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to systems and methods for a memory device comprising a memory system and power delivery circuitry comprising an energy storage, wherein the power delivery circuitry is configured to simultaneously deliver a first power from the energy storage and a second power from an external power supply coupled to the memory device.

Abstract: An improved electrolyte battery is provided that includes a tank assembly adapted to hold an amount of an anolyte and a catholyte, a number of cell stacks operably connected to the tank assembly, each stack formed of a number of flow frames disposed between end caps and a number of power converters operatively connected to the cell stacks. The cell stacks are formed with a number of flow frames each including individual inlets and outlets for anolyte and catholyte fluids and a separator disposed between flow frames defining anodic and cathodic half cells between each pair of flow frames. The power converter is configured to connect the battery with either forward or reverse polarity to a DC power source, such as a DC bus. The anodic and cathodic half cells switch as a function of the polarity by which the battery is connected to the Dc power source.

Abstract: The subject innovation relates to providing battery backup for a power supply (e.g., a power supply implemented within a distributed power architecture where multiple power supplies are coupled together) based at least in part on voltage feed-forward control. A backup converter is coupled to a battery and a primary power converter. The backup converter delivers power from the battery to a load when a primary power failure is detected in the primary power converter. A controller controls an output current level of the backup converter based on an output voltage level of the battery.

Abstract: A method for cycling a sulfur composite lithium ion battery includes a step of charging and discharging the sulfur composite lithium ion battery at a first voltage range between a predetermined highest voltage and a predetermined lowest voltage. The lithium ion battery includes an electrode active material. The electrode active material includes a sulfur composite. The step of charging and discharging satisfies at least one conditions of (1) and (2): (1) the predetermined lowest voltage of the first voltage range is larger than a discharge cutoff voltage of the sulfur composite; and (2) the predetermined highest voltage of the first voltage range is smaller than a charge cutoff voltage of the sulfur composite. A method for using a sulfur composite as an electrode active material of a lithium ion battery is also disclosed.

Abstract: Electronic device comprising: processing unit including accepting part accepting processing request from external device and executing process specified by request; secondary battery connected with external power source; and power-source device transitioning to operating state when request is accepted in waiting state, and transitioning to waiting state when processing unit completes executing process, wherein, in waiting state, power supply from external power source to processing unit is stopped and secondary battery supplies power to accepting part, and in operating state, power is supplied from external power source to processing unit.

Abstract: A carrier, such as a battery, that queries a memory of a charger or charging circuit, or the memory of equipment or discharging circuit powered by the battery, to determine the relative date or version of data, operating parameters and/or software on both the battery and the equipment, and either provides updated data, operating parameters and/or software to the equipment, or retrieves later dated data, operating parameters and/or software from the equipment to update the memory of the battery and/or further distribute the updated data, operating parameters and/or software to other batteries or equipment.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, among other things, are apparatus and methods for detecting and switching battery polarity in a battery charger. In various embodiments, a method includes grounding a first terminal of a battery inserted in a charger and sensing a bipolar voltage from a second terminal of the battery. The bipolar voltage is converted to a reduced unipolar voltage for sensing by an input to a microcontroller. A low resistance analog switch connects the battery to a charging circuit. The switch state of the analog switch is controlled using an output of the microcontroller, to present the proper battery polarity to the charging circuit based on the unipolar voltage. The battery is charged using the charging circuit, in various embodiments.

Abstract: A battery module group includes a plurality of battery groups. Each battery group includes a plurality of battery modules. Cell information is supplied from each battery module of the battery module group to a charge/discharge controller. The charge/discharge controller controls the turning on and off of a plurality of switching elements of a connector based on the supplied cell information of each battery module. The plurality of switching elements correspond to the plurality of battery groups, respectively. Thus, the plurality of battery groups are selectively connected to an external object via a DC/AC converter.

Abstract: An intelligent rechargeable battery pack having a battery management system for monitoring and controlling the charging and discharging of the battery pack is described. The battery management system includes a memory for storing data related to the operation of the battery, and the battery management system is also configured to communicate the data related to the operation of the battery to other processors for analysis.

Abstract: A temperature-controlled power supply system is disclosed. The temperature-controlled power supply system comprises a power source, for supplying input power; a rechargeable battery module, for receiving the input power for power storage; a charging unit, coupled between the power source and the rechargeable battery module, for charging the rechargeable battery module with the input power; a temperature sensing unit, coupled to the rechargeable battery module, for sensing a temperature of the rechargeable battery module; and a current control unit, coupled to the temperature sensing unit and the charging unit, for controlling a current for charging the rechargeable battery module according to the temperature of the rechargeable battery module.

Abstract: In a semiconductor integrated circuit device including a digital circuit region in which a digital circuit is formed, and an analog circuit region in which an analog circuit is formed, the analog circuit region is separated into an active element region in which an active element of the analog circuit is formed, and a resistive and capacitive element region in which a resistor or a capacitor of the analog circuit is formed, the resistive and capacitive element region is arranged in a region adjacent to the digital circuit region, and the active element region is arranged in a region separated from the digital circuit region.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a power dissipation apparatus including a conductive trace formed on a substrate and to methods of using the power dissipation apparatus. The power dissipation apparatus may be used to dissipate heat generated from electrical current passed through the conductive trace of the power dissipation apparatus. The current may be provided from, for example, a battery conditioner.

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: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that manages use of a battery corresponding to a high-voltage lithium-polymer battery in a portable electronic device. During operation, the system monitors a cycle number of the battery during use of the battery with the portable electronic device, wherein the cycle number corresponds to a number of charge-discharge cycles of the battery. If the cycle number exceeds one or more cycle number thresholds, the system modifies a charging technique for the battery to manage swelling in the battery and use of the battery with the portable electronic device.

Abstract: The teachings herein disclose a method and apparatus for preventing excessive battery passivation in an electronic meter-reading module. The module operates in a low-power state most of the time. The low-power state is interrupted at defined transmit times, wherein the module temporarily turns on or otherwise activates an included communication transmitter, for the transmission of data to a remote node reachable through a wireless communication network. Because of its low current draw during the times between data transmissions, the module's battery is vulnerable to passivation layer buildup. Advantageously, however, the module is configured to perform dummy activations of its transmitter at times other than the defined transmit times, e.g., in the intervals between data transmissions. These dummy activations are not for data transmission, but rather are temporary activations of the relatively high-power transmitter, for reducing passivation layer buildup on the battery in advance of a next data transmission.

Abstract: A battery management method of an electrical device, including an internal power source and a battery management unit, includes the following steps. The battery management unit detects whether the electrical device is electrically connected with an external power source. If the electrical device is electrically connected with the external power source, the battery management unit utilizes a timer to determine whether the electrical device has been electrically connected with the external power source for a predetermined time. If the electrical device has been electrically connected with the external power source for the predetermined time, the battery management unit resets the timer and controls the internal power source to discharge fast.

Abstract: A method of maintaining the performance level of an electrochemical cell is described. The cell usually includes a negative electrode that includes an alkali metal; a positive electrode that includes at least one transition metal halide; a molten salt electrolyte based on an alkali metal haloaluminate; and a sodium ion-conducting solid electrolyte partitioning the positive electrode from the negative electrode. The method is based on a treatment regimen that includes the step of applying a series of electrical cycles to the cell, wherein the series includes at least one deep discharge of the cell. Each discharge of the cell is usually followed by recharging the cell to its available capacity.

Abstract: A system implements a first charging method or a second charging method during one or more charge cycles of a battery. The first charging method includes a first voltage charging level and the second charging method includes a second voltage charging level that is higher than the first charging level.

Abstract: A discharge control apparatus in an electric motorcycle includes a main battery; a motor driven based upon electric power supplied from the main battery and a lighting device that is a load other than the motor for consuming electric power. A BMU determines a remaining capacity of the main battery. A control member performs a discharge control of the main battery for supplying electric power to the motor and the lighting device. The BMU and the control member allow the discharge of the main battery until the remaining capacity becomes a threshold value higher than zero. When the control member receives an instruction of checking a deterioration state of the main battery from an external checking device, the control member performs a discharge of the main battery until the remaining capacity reaches zero, and then, allows the main battery to be fully charged so as to determine a chargeable capacity.

Abstract: A vehicle starts traveling in an EV travel mode. When a reset request is issued to a first power storage unit, current control is performed to discharge actively the first power storage unit. After time when charging by an external power supply becomes allowed, a discharge current of the first power storage unit to be reset is kept at a constant current value, and a second power storage unit not to be reset is charged with a charge current including at least the discharge current of the first power storage unit. When a distinctive point appears on a battery voltage characteristic of the first power storage unit at a subsequent time, an estimated value of an SOC of the first power storage unit is reset to a predetermined reference value.

Abstract: A rechargable battery with an internal microcontroller. The microcontroller contains a memory in which data regarding the environment to which the battery is exposed are stored. These data are read by a processor integral with the charger used to charge the battery. If these data indicates the battery may have been subjected to a harsh environment, such as being exposed to an excessive temperature, the charger performs a fulle state of health evaluation of the battery.

Abstract: An automatic flow control apparatus includes a solar cell module that provides a received light signal, an energy storage module, a charging circuit, a regulating module, a control module, a rainfall detection module for generating a detected rainfall signal, and a pair of conductors. The control module converts the received light signal and the detected rainfall signal into measured light data and measured rainfall data, and stores a measured data set that includes the measured light data and the measured rainfall data. The controller determines based on at least the measured data set whether to output a control signal to the regulating module for controlling regulation of fluid flow.

Abstract: A semiconductor device for battery control is provided with a control circuit capable of controlling turning on/off of a charging transistor provided in a charging path of a battery, a CPU capable of controlling charging of the battery via the control circuit, and a deep discharge detection circuit capable of detecting a deeply discharged state of the battery. The semiconductor device is also provided with a switch circuit which, when a deeply discharged state of the battery is detected by the deep discharge detection circuit, preferentially sends the detection result to the control circuit and, thereby, forcibly turns off the charging transistor regardless of charging control by the CPU. When a deeply discharged state of the battery is detected, the charging path of the battery is shut off to prohibit subsequent charging regardless of charging control by the CPU.

Abstract: An apparatus using a battery includes a receiving unit, a determination unit and a calculation unit. The receiving unit receives a dischargeable capacity, a first voltage and a second voltage from the battery. The first voltage is used to display the end of an available time and the second voltage is used to carry out a low power operation. The determination unit determines whether the first voltage is less than the second voltage. The calculation unit corrects the dischargeable capacity and calculates the available time based on the corrected dischargeable capacity, if the determination unit determines that the first voltage is less than the second voltage.

Abstract: A desulfation device 10 drives its switching circuit 140 by using a pulse wave drive signal having a pulse width of 1.6 ?sec and a frequency of 20000 Hz. The switching circuit 140 is switched on to allow extraction of electric current of 500 mA from a battery via a resistor R1, while being switched off to stop the extraction of electric current. When the switching circuit 140 is switched off, a back electromotive force and a reverse current of 500 mA are supplied to the battery. The supplied reverse current is negative current in the form of spikes. This electric current acts on electrodes of the battery and thereby enables removal of sulfation on the electrodes of the battery, while reducing a temperature increase of the desulfation device 10 during its operation.

Abstract: A flashlight includes a light powered by a battery, and a circuit having: a memory for storing a battery life information and voltage output information versus time for the battery to power the light, a controller operating a count down timer to accumulate an amount of time that the battery powers the light, a voltage measure circuit for monitoring the voltage output by the battery while the battery powers the light and supply the voltage output to the controller. The controller determines: a first remaining battery life by comparing the accumulated time to the battery life, a second remaining battery life by comparing the voltage output to the voltage output information, and the lesser of the first and second remaining battery lives. The flashlight includes a display for receiving a command from the controller to display the lesser of the first remaining battery life and the second remaining battery life.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a system for conditioning a battery include a pulse generator and a use sensor. The pulse generator is configured to apply a plurality of energy pulses to a polarized cathode of a battery and a passivated anode of the battery by selectively shorting the battery across the polarized cathode and the passivated anode for durations of time. The plurality of energy pulses at least partially depolarize the polarized cathode and at least at least partially depassivate the passivated anode. The use sensor is configured to detect a use of the battery with a device and communicate the detected use to the pulse generator. The pulse generator automatically applies the plurality of energy pulses upon receipt of the detected use.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mobile electronic device and a power management method of a battery module thereof. The mobile electronic device includes a battery module, a charging/discharging module, and a control module. The charging/discharging module is coupled with the battery module. The control module is coupled with the battery module and the charging/discharging module. When the power supply is coupled with the mobile electronic device and the system time is not within a maintenance period, the control module controls the charging/discharging module to maintain capacity of the battery module within a first capacity range. When the power supply is coupled with the mobile electronic device and the system time is within the maintenance period, the control module controls the charging/discharging module to maintain the capacity of the battery module within a second capacity range.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the disclosure, a system for conditioning a battery include a pulse generator and a use sensor. The pulse generator is configured to apply a plurality of energy pulses to a polarized cathode of a battery and a passivated anode of the battery by selectively shorting the battery across the polarized cathode and the passivated anode for durations of time. The plurality of energy pulses at least partially depolarize the polarized cathode and at least at least partially depassivate the passivated anode. The use sensor is configured to detect a use of the battery with a device and communicate the detected use to the pulse generator. The pulse generator automatically applies the plurality of energy pulses upon receipt of the detected use.