Abstract: A method and a device operate an energy storage cell having a cathode, an anode, an electrolyte, a first reference electrode which has a first capacity for storing an electric charge, and a second reference electrode which has a second capacity for storing an electric charge, the second capacity being larger than the first capacity. The method detects at least one electrode voltage between the one cathode or anode and the second reference electrode; determines the charge state of the energy storage cell using the at least one electrode voltage; detects a reference voltage between the second reference electrode and the first reference electrode; connects a current source to the first reference electrode and the second reference electrode such that the charge state of the first reference electrode and the second reference electrode changes; and separates the current source from the first reference electrode and the second reference electrode.

Abstract: A storage battery module rental system includes a storage battery module prepared in each providing point that is dispersedly distributed and that can be rented to a user, an acquisition unit configured to acquire individual information of a plurality of the users and module information from the storage battery module, the user being a rentee candidate of the storage battery module, a determining unit configured to determine an incentive given for renting the storage battery module based on the individual information and the module information in such a way that the incentive could differ for each user; and a notifying unit configured to notify the user of the incentive determined by the determining unit for each of the users.

Abstract: The herein described technology provides a device with at least two batteries having disparate charge characteristics connected in parallel and sharing a single charging node. The device further includes an adjustable resistance in a charge path between the single charging node and a first battery of the two disparate batteries, and charge control circuitry that dynamically determines a charge rate for the first battery based on a detected battery parameter and controls the adjustable resistance to charge the first battery at the determined charge rate.

Abstract: Estimating cell capacitance includes learning a function that returns capacitance as a function of an earlier capacitance and a physical characteristic that is correlated with changes in that capacitance and using a supervised learning algorithm on a learning database that has values of the capacitance, values of that physical characteristic measured concurrently with the capacitance and a preceding value of the capacitance.

Abstract: A semiconductor device and electronic control device capable of shutting off the reverse current flow from a load to a power supply is provided. The power transistor QN1 is provided between the positive power supply terminal Pi2(+) and the load-driving terminal Po2(+), and has a source and a back-gate coupled to the positive power supply terminal Pi2(+). The power transistor QN2 is provided in series with the power transistor QN1, and its sources and backgates are coupled to the load-driving terminal Po2(+). The booster CP1a charges the gates of the power transistors QN1. The gate discharge circuit DCG1a discharges the gate charge of the power transistor QN1 to the source when the potential of the negative power supply terminal Pi2(?) is higher than the potential of the positive power supply terminal Pi2(+).

Abstract: A power storage system includes a power storage device including cells connected in parallel with each other; a voltage sensor; a current sensor; a data acquisition unit configured to acquire voltage-current data sets; a linear approximation processing unit configured to perform first-order linear approximation on the acquired voltage-current data sets using a function form, Y=aX+b where Y denotes a voltage between terminals of the power storage device at a time of charging/discharging and X denotes a charge/discharge current, and to obtain constants a, b and a ratio b/a between the constants; and a determination unit configured to determine that variation in SOC has not occurred among the cells when the ratio b/a is within a prescribed constant ratio range, and to determine that the variation in SOC has occurred among the cells when the ratio b/a is not within the prescribed constant ratio range.

Abstract: An electric vehicle system for transporting human passengers or cargo includes an electric vehicle that includes a body, a plurality of wheels, a cargo area, an electric motor for propelling the electric vehicle, and a primary battery for providing electrical power to the electric motor for propelling the electric vehicle. An auxiliary battery module is attachable to the electric vehicle for providing electrical power to the electric motor via a first electrical connector at the auxiliary battery module and a second electrical connector at the electric vehicle that mates with the first electrical connector. The auxiliary battery module can be positioned in the cargo area while supplying power to the electric motor, and can be removable and reattachable from the electric vehicle. The auxiliary battery module includes an integrated cooling system for cooling itself during operation of the electric vehicle including a conduit therein for circulating coolant.

Abstract: A power supply system and method include multiple power conversion units (PCUs) with independent power generation control and a PCU-to-PCU regulation of power, handoff control system to transfer control of power regulation to a load among the PCUs. The multiple PCUs maintain independent power generation control to collectively provide power to the load and handoff regulation of the power to the load from one PCU to another PCU. The term “handoff” refers to communication between PCUs that affects a transfer and acceptance of regulation of power control. The independent PCU power generation control with singularly located but transferable control of the regulation of power provides a flexible dynamic power supply.

Abstract: A control method for a series hybrid power system or synergic electric power supply and a control device thereof are disclosed. The control device includes: a generator reference current value generating module and a generator current control module. The generator reference current value generating module is configured to generate a reference current value of a generator according to an actual current value of an energy storage device, a reference current value of the energy storage device, an actual voltage value of a DC bus, and a reference voltage value of the DC bus. The generator current control module is configured to generate a control signal of a rectifier according to the reference current value of the generator, the actual value of any two-phase current of the generator, and an actual angular velocity of the generator, thereby controlling the series hybrid power system or the synergic electric power supply.

Abstract: A battery system may include a controller and multiple parallel connected battery strings, with each string including at least one battery, a passive overcurrent protection device and an active overcurrent protection device. The passive overcurrent protection device may be configured to disconnect the string from the battery system when an electrical current in the string exceeds a first threshold value, and the active overcurrent protection device may be configured to disconnect the string from the battery system upon activation by the controller. The controller may be configured to (a) activate a first active overcurrent protection device of a first string of the multiple strings at a first time, and (b) activate a second active overcurrent protection device of a second string of the multiple strings at a second time different from the first time.

Abstract: The present application relates to an online detection method for internal short-circuit of power battery, which comprises the following steps: in the process of charging and discharging, when the state of charge of a power battery is greater than a preset first threshold, monitoring and recording the voltage for each cell in the power battery; in accordance with the recorded historical voltages of each cell, determining whether there is a cell with voltage less than a second threshold in the process of charging, and less than a third threshold in the process of discharging, if so, then marking the corresponding cell as an internal short-circuited cell. The present application could accurately determine whether a malfunction of internal circuit of power battery occurs during the operation of a vehicle, so as to guarantee the safety of the vehicle and the people on-board.

Abstract: A multipath charger includes a first charging path, a second charging path, and a management module. A supply voltage is coupled through the first charging path and the second charging path to a battery. The management module provides the supply voltage and detects the operating state of the battery. The management module selectively enables the first charging path, the second charging path, or both according to the operating state of the battery, so as to charge the battery through the enabled charging path.

Abstract: A battery charging apparatus that acquires a remaining battery charge amount by detecting a battery voltage after charging of a battery by a charging circuit has been temporarily stopped and a given wait time has elapsed, wherein, regardless of the temporary stopping of charging by the charging circuit, a charging display control unit that controls display of a charging displaying section causes the charging displaying section to display that charging control is being performed while charging control is being performed.

Abstract: A DC power distribution system has power sources, a DC power distribution bus with DC bus sections. The system has power switching assemblies to couple one of the DC bus sections to another and a system controller. An inverter is connected to one of the power switching assemblies to supply a consumer. The first and second terminals are electrically coupled to first and second bus sections. First and second semiconductor devices between the terminals control current flow and there is a current connection from each terminal to a power switching assembly controller for providing an indication of current. A control signal line is connected between the power switching assembly controller and each semiconductor device provides a signal to the semiconductor devices to control the current flow and an inverter coupler couples each current connection to the inverter. The inverter coupler has a feed from each current connection to the inverter.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a lithium-ion battery includes a cathode, an anode, a separator between the cathode and anode, a current collector on the anode, and a layer of electronically conducting material between the anode and current collector. The layer of electronically conducting material is configured to, responsive to a potential of the battery crossing a phase-transition potential of the electronically conducting material, phase-transition from a conductor to an insulator to prevent dissolution of metal ions from the current collector into the anode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technique for effectively detecting a low voltage defect that may occur at a secondary battery. A method for detecting a low voltage defect of a secondary battery includes an assembling step of assembling a secondary battery by accommodating an electrode assembly, in which a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate are stacked with a separator being interposed therebetween, and an electrolytic solution in a battery case; a primary aging step of aging the assembled secondary battery at a temperature of 20° C. to 40° C.; a primary formation step of charging the aged secondary battery at a C-rate of 0.1 C to 0.5 C; a high-rate charging step of charging the secondary battery at a C-rate of 2 C or above, after the primary formation step; and a detecting step of detecting a defect of the secondary battery, after the high-rate charging step.

Abstract: A method tests a balancing circuit for a battery having a plurality of battery cells. The method detects first voltage states of the battery cells by way of a control unit; activates the balancing circuit with the aim of achieving a voltage equalization of at least two of the battery cells; detects second voltage states of the battery cells by way of the control unit; and determines a functional capability of the balancing circuit based on the first voltage states and the second voltage states of the battery cells by way of the control unit.

Abstract: A storage amount estimation device is provided that can estimate a storage amount of an energy storage device containing an active material in which a storage amount-voltage characteristic exhibits a hysteresis, an energy storage module including the storage amount estimation device, a storage amount estimation method, and a computer program. An energy storage device contains an active material exhibiting hysteresis between a storage amount-voltage charge characteristic and a storage amount-voltage discharge characteristic in a positive electrode and/or a negative electrode, the active material generating a plurality of electrochemical reactions according to transition of charge-discharge.

Abstract: A battery-type power supply device realizes data transmission while also supplying power to a battery-driven external load device in a state in which the battery-type power supply device is mounted in a battery box of the external load device. The battery-type power supply device is mountable in the battery box of the external load device, has a shape and dimensions conforming to battery standards, and is capable of housing a small-size battery therein. An output transistor is interposed between a housed battery and an outer electrode terminal, and opening and closing of the output transistor are controlled by a PWM control section at a duty ratio corresponding to an instruction received from an external information processing device by a radio communication section, so that the battery type power supply device thereby functions as a switching power supply.

Abstract: An energy storage system includes one or more new and renewable energy power stations generating power with a new or renewable energy source, and an energy storage facility including a plurality of energy storage apparatuses to be charged by one of an external power grid supplying power to a power load and the one or more new and renewable energy power stations, and to be discharged to supply the power to the power load, wherein the plurality of energy storage apparatuses have different charging and/or discharging periods.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery protection circuit module including a first positive terminal and a first negative terminal electrically connected to electrode terminals of a battery bare cell, a second positive terminal and a second negative terminal electrically connected to a charger or an electronic device, a single field-effect transistor including a drain terminal, a source terminal, a gate terminal, and a well terminal, wherein the drain terminal is electrically connected to the first negative terminal and the source terminal is electrically connected to the second negative terminal, and a protection integrated circuit (P-IC) for controlling charging/discharging of the battery bare cell by controlling the gate terminal to control whether to switch on the single field-effect transistor and controlling a bias voltage of the well terminal by using an internal switch.

Abstract: A power supply unit (PSU) mismatch detection system that includes a plurality of PSU slots configured to couple to a PSU and transmit power to an auxiliary power rail (APR) and a main power rail (MPR), a controller that is coupled to the MPR and the PSU slots and configured to perform a PSU mismatch check on each PSU coupled to the PSU slots, and a programmable logic device (PLD) that is coupled to the APR, the MPR, and each of the plurality of PSU slots. The PLD enables transmission of power to the MPR from a first PSU coupled to a first PSU slot, receives an indication that the controller has completed the PSU mismatch check, determines valid PSU slots using the results of the PSU mismatch check, and enables the transmission of power to the main power rail from the valid PSUs slots.

Abstract: A method for determining a fault state of a battery, which method is based on a calculation of a differential conductance. An associated battery sensor and to an associated onboard power supply system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Dynamic allocation of power modules for charging electric vehicles is described herein. The charging system includes multiple dispensers that each include one or more power modules that can supply power to any one of the dispensers at a time. A dispenser includes a first power bus that is switchably connected to one or more local power modules and switchably connected to one or more power modules located remotely in another dispenser. The one or more local power modules are switchably connected to a second power bus in the other dispenser. The dispenser includes a control unit that is to cause the local power modules and the remote power modules to switchably connect and disconnect from the first power bus to dynamically allocate the power modules between the dispenser and the other dispenser.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first main MOS transistor and a second main MOS transistor of a vertical structure that are inversely coupled to each other in series by sharing a drain electrode and a first sense MOS transistor and a second sense MOS transistor of a vertical structure that are inversely coupled to each other in series by sharing a drain electrode. The first sense MOS transistor is used for detecting the main current of the first main MOS transistor, and the second sense MOS transistor is used for detecting the main current of the second main MOS transistor.

Abstract: A self-loop detection method for a charging device includes switching a positive signal cable Do and a negative signal cable Do from a connected state to a disconnected state; and detecting whether a positive signal cable Di and a negative signal cable Di are switched from a connected state to a disconnected state; and if yes, determining that a self-loop exists in the charging device.

Abstract: A battery system has a battery cell including a can and tabs, flexible circuits on and electrically isolated from the can, and electrically connected with the tabs, and a monolithic integrated circuit. The monolithic integrated circuit is mounted to the can via thermally conductive adhesive such that the can and monolithic integrated circuit are electrically isolated from one another. The monolithic integrated circuit is also wire bonded to the flexible circuits, and configured to measure and transmit data about the battery cell.

Abstract: A detection circuit detects a current value obtained from a mathematically processed signal to be inputted in a former half period of bisected halves of an ON period of a switching element when step-down operation is performed. Moreover, the detection circuit detects a current value obtained from a mathematically processed signal to be inputted in a latter half period of bisected halves of an ON period of a switching element when step-up operation is performed.

Abstract: The hybrid propulsion system for a multi-engine aircraft includes a plurality of free-turbine engines, each having a gas generator, among which at least a first engine, or hybrid engine, is suitable for operating in at least one standby mode during stabilized flight of the aircraft, while other engines of the plurality of engines operate alone during such stabilized flight. The hybrid engine is associated with first and second identical electric powertrains, each including a respective electrical machine capable of operating as a starter and as a generator, itself connected to a respective electronic power module, itself selectively connected to a specific electrical power supply network, such as an onboard network, and to a respective at least one electrical energy storage member. Each of the electric powertrains is adapted to deliver maximum power not less than half the total power needed for rapid reactivation of the hybrid engine.

Abstract: A computer includes a processor; and a memory. The memory stores instructions executable by the processor to determine, based on a measurement performed in a vehicle, that a parameter of a power device is outside of a predetermined range; and actuate components in the vehicle to heat the power device.

Abstract: A programmable battery protection system. Implementations may include: a battery, only two field effect transistors (FETs) coupled with the battery, and a battery protection integrated circuit (IC) coupled with the FETs. The battery protection IC may include an array of fuses, a plurality of latches coupled with the array of fuses, and a comparator coupled with the plurality of latches. The array of fuses and the plurality of latches may be coupled with a fuse refresh circuit coupled with a trigger circuit where the fuse refresh circuit is configured to refresh the states of the plurality of latches using states of the array of fuses in response to receiving one of a power on signal and an operating trigger signal generated by the trigger circuit. The plurality of latches may be used to generate a threshold voltage that is provided to the comparator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a safety light, such as a barricade lamp. The safety light comprises a light member and a power source comprising a non-rechargeable battery source and a rechargeable battery source. A solar cell array is also included and is adapted to recharge the rechargeable battery source. A battery monitor and a power control processor are configured to control the supply of power to the light member by causing the rechargeable battery source to power the light member until the charge level of the rechargeable battery source falls below a certain level, at which time the power control processor causes power from the non-rechargeable battery source to power the light member.

Abstract: A battery system includes a lithium ion battery that couples to an electrical system. The battery system also includes a battery management system that electrically couples to the lithium ion battery and controls one or more recharge parameters of the lithium ion battery. Additionally, the battery management system monitors one or more parameters of the lithium ion battery. Further, the battery management system controls the recharge parameters of the lithium ion battery based on at least one lithium plating model and the monitored parameters. Furthermore, the at least one lithium plating model indicates a relationship between the one or more parameters of the lithium ion battery and a likelihood of lithium plating occurring in the lithium ion battery.

Abstract: A method for charging a battery includes (a) applying a charging current pulse to the battery, (b) after the step of applying the charging current pulse to the battery, measuring a first voltage across the battery, (c) estimating an equilibrium voltage of the battery, (d) determining a Nernst voltage of the battery from a difference between the first voltage and the equilibrium voltage, and (e) controlling charging of the battery at least partially based on the Nernst voltage.

Abstract: A charging and discharging method for a lithium secondary battery is provided, wherein, while charging or discharging the lithium secondary battery using a constant current, the charge current or allowable discharge current is modified by measuring the internal resistance of the lithium secondary battery. In the charging and discharging method for a lithium secondary battery according to the present disclosure, the charging time and charge capacity, or the discharge current amount and discharge capacity, may be appropriately harmonized, and thus the method may be usefully used as a charging method and a discharging method for a lithium secondary battery.

Abstract: A battery monitoring circuit for a portable device driven by a secondary battery that supplies an electric current via a wiring pattern formed on a substrate. The battery monitoring circuit includes: a current measuring circuit that measures a current value of a current that flows in the wiring pattern by monitoring an amount of voltage drop that occurs in a specific section of the wiring pattern; a converter that converts the current value into a digital measured current value; a first storage part that stores data for compensating a variation in a resistance value of the wiring pattern depending on an individual particularity of the substrate; and a calculating part configured to correct the digital measured current value by using the data to calculate a corrected current value and to calculate a remaining capacity or to monitor a state of the secondary battery based on the corrected current value.

Abstract: A battery pack includes: a plurality of battery cells; a printed circuit board (PCB) substrate electrically connected to the plurality of battery cells and including first and second surfaces opposite each other; and first and second electrode tabs electrically connecting each of the plurality of battery cells and the PCB substrate and respectively connected to conductive pads that have different polarities and are located on the first surface of the PCB substrate. The battery pack has an improved structure for easily electrically connecting the battery cells.

Abstract: A battery pack including a battery, a sensor, a controller, and a self-discharge circuit. The battery includes at least one battery cell connected between a pair of external terminals. The at least one battery cell is used for an engine-start attempt. The sensor detects a temperature of the battery. The controller compares the temperature of the battery with a reference temperature value and outputs a self-discharge signal when the temperature of the battery is lower than the reference temperature value. The self-discharge circuit is connected between the pair of external terminals in parallel with the battery and performs self-discharge the battery based on the self-discharge signal.

Abstract: A vehicle power supply device that includes a control unit that performs at least a quick charging control which causes the first voltage converter to perform the charging operation and causes the second voltage converter to perform the charging operation, and a charging/discharging control which causes the first voltage converter to perform the charging operation and causes the second voltage converter to perform the discharging operation.

Abstract: There are provided a charge/discharge control circuit and a battery apparatus to which a load having a large capacitance is connected. In the battery apparatus, the charge/discharge control circuit includes an overdischarge latch circuit providing an overdischarge latch signal, based on a discharge control signal supplied thereto and a voltage of an external negative voltage input terminal, and a logic circuit supplied with an overdischarge detection signal and the overdischarge latch signal and providing the overdischarge detection signal to a control circuit while receiving the overdischarge latch signal, to thereby enable the power supply to the load to stop in a short processing time.

Abstract: A load detecting device for detecting whether a load is connected to a power supply device includes a no-load condition detector configured to detect a no-load condition using a sensing voltage having a frequency variant with a switching frequency of the power supply device, a circuit configured to acquire a signal having a waveform differing according to a connection or detachment between the load and the power supply device after the no-load condition is detected by the no-load condition detector, and a detachment detector configured to detect whether the load is detached by sensing the signal acquired by the circuit.

Abstract: The overvoltage protection circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a voltage measurement unit for measuring the voltage of a battery; a power control unit that supplies power if the battery voltage value measured in the voltage measurement unit is equal to or greater than a first predetermined voltage value; and a cut-off circuit unit that receives power supplied from the power control unit and cuts off the charge of the battery if the voltage value of the battery is equal to or greater than a second predetermined voltage value that is higher than the first voltage value.

Abstract: A power management system for a hybrid vehicle including an engine includes a vehicle power bus distributing power from a battery to vehicle loads. A capacitor includes one of a plurality of supercapacitors and a plurality of ultracapacitors. A starter/generator controller communicates with the capacitor and the battery. A power management module is configured to supply current from the capacitor to the starter/generator controller during cranking of the engine; and supply current from the battery to the starter/generator controller during the cranking of the engine. The power supplied by the battery is greater than or equal to 2% and less than or equal to 20% of a total power supplied to the starter/generator controller during the cranking of the engine.

Abstract: A charging and discharging system with anti-counterfeiting function of a battery pack for an electric tool includes: a battery pack which includes a data acquisition module and a battery pack verification module; and at least one charge-discharge adapter which includes an adapter verification module, an adapter controller, and a discharging communication verification module.

Abstract: A power system includes a rechargeable battery removably connected to a vacuum cleaner. The power system also includes a charger including an electrical connection interface to conduct electrical current to the rechargeable battery. The charger also includes a switch to detect when the rechargeable battery is connected to the charger. The switch is movable between an ON position and an OFF position. The switch is positioned in the ON position when the rechargeable battery is connected to the charger and in the OFF position when the rechargeable battery is disconnected from the charger. The charger further includes a housing supporting the electrical connection interface. The housing defines a groove and includes a barrier extending across the groove. The barrier prevents movement of the switch to the ON position when the rechargeable battery is disconnected from the charger.

Abstract: In a surgical power tool that includes an electric motor positioned in a housing and a movable element extending from the housing and operatively actuated by the electric motor, a controller can repeatedly interrogate for faults a plurality of components in or on the housing, such as the electric motor, the controller, a battery, a trigger, and a mode switch. Upon finding a component in a fault condition, the controller can engage a critical error handler that disengages the electric motor, disables at least some of the plurality of components, and directs a microprocessor in the controller into a safe software state. Upon engaging the critical error handler, the controller can further write to a memory an error code corresponding to which of the plurality of components is in the fault condition. The error code can be accessible via a wired or wireless connection.

Abstract: A power supply protective device, includes: a first switch provided between a first terminal to which at least one of a load and a charger is connected and a second terminal to which a power supply is connected; a switching circuit connected in parallel to the first switch and including a second switch and a voltage drop element connected in series to the second switch, the voltage drop element causing a voltage drop of a reference voltage by a current flow; a voltage detection unit which detects at least one voltage of a first voltage as a voltage of the first terminal, a second voltage as a voltage of the second terminal, and a third voltage as a voltage at a point between the second switch and the voltage drop element; and a control unit.

Abstract: A power control apparatus has a peak cut prediction unit that predicts a period of time to impose a restriction on power supply from a power system to a consumer based on a predetermined condition, a threshold setting unit that sets a predetermined threshold such that a power supply amount from the power system to the consumer does not exceed the threshold in the period of time predicted by the peak cut prediction unit, and a charge/discharge control command unit that stops power supply from the power system to the consumer and causes a power storage device to be discharged by an amount of demand power exceeding the threshold when demand power of the consumer reaches the threshold in the period of time predicted by the peak cut prediction unit.

Abstract: A method for detecting thermal events in an electrical system includes: synchronizing, via a controller, measurements of power consumed by each of a plurality of load elements during an interval with one another and with measurements of power supplied by each of a plurality of power sources to the plurality of load elements during the interval; determining a differential between a sum of the power consumed by the load elements during the interval and a sum of the power supplied by the power sources to the plurality of load elements during the interval; comparing the differential to a predetermined threshold; and determining whether a thermal event has occurred based on the comparison of the differential to the predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A battery pack may include a housing, a battery in the housing, a first switch connected to the battery in the housing, a current detector, and a controller. The current detector configured to detect a current flowing to the battery, the current detector being in the housing. The controller configured to control the first switch to switch to a conductive state to flow the current to the battery if the current flowing to the battery detected by the current detector is higher than a first threshold value, and control the first switch to switch to a shut-off state to interrupt the current to the battery if the current flowing to the battery detected by the current detector is equal to or less than the first threshold value, the controller being in the housing.