Abstract: A multimeter includes a main body, two probes extending from the main body, a battery unit arranged in the main body, and a charging system arranged in the main body and configured for charging the battery. The charging system includes a microcontroller with an external input voltage sampling circuit, a battery voltage sampling circuit and a voltage regulator circuit each electrically connected the microcontroller. The microcontroller compares sampled signals from the external input voltage sampling circuit and the battery voltage sampling circuit, and controls the voltage regulator circuit to regulate the external input voltage to be applicable to the battery based on the comparison.

Abstract: Charging control section 17 controls charging such that when the charging of an EV satisfies a predetermined condition, the EV is charged with electricity from a stationary energy storage and when the charging of the EV does not satisfy the predetermined condition, the EV is charged with electricity from an electric power grid and information communication grid 1 and the stationary energy storage is charged from electric power grid and information communication grid 1 based on the state of stored electricity of the stationary energy storage. Charging scheduling section 15 performs scheduling for the EV based on an electric power demand that cause electric power grid and information communication grid 1 to charge the EV with electricity, the electric power demand including electric power demand created by charging performed under the control of charging control section 17.

Abstract: A method to electrically charge an energy storage device (ESD) includes a step of electrically charging the ESD with energy transmitted through a regenerative braking electrical circuit (RBEC) disposed on vehicle by an electrical charging system (ECS) in electrical connection therewith. The ESD may be electrically charged by the ECS or a motor/generator that is also in electrical communication with the RBEC. The method also includes another step of electrically transmitting energy from the ESD through the RBEC and the ECS to supply energy to a power grid disposed external to the vehicle. An ECS for electrically charging an ESD is also presented that includes a first transducer, a second transducer that wirelessly receives energy from the first transducer, a motor/generator, and at least one electrical component which receives energy from the second transducer or energy from the motor/generator to electrically charge the ESD.

Abstract: A battery pack detachably connectable to an equipment body to supply power to the equipment body, the battery pack including a battery cell, a microcomputer for communicating with the equipment body, a connection terminal connected to the microcomputer, a positive power supply input terminal connected to a cathode of the battery cell; and a negative power supply input terminal connected to an anode of the battery cell. After the power of the equipment body is turned on, the microcomputer alternately sends to the equipment body by serial communication via the connection terminal information to be used in authentication processing executed by the equipment body and information to be used in a battery residual quantity count executed by the equipment body. After the authentication processing is complete, the microcomputer sends to the equipment body information to be used in updating the battery residual quantity count executed by the equipment body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of managing power for a mobile device is disclosed, which can prevent an inflow of overcurrent to the device when the device is charged. The apparatus includes a state judgment unit to judge whether a battery of the mobile device is being charged, a voltage level detection unit to detect a voltage level of the battery if the battery is judged as being charged, and a control unit to control a driving of the mobile device in accordance with the detected voltage level.

Abstract: The power pack includes a plurality of parallel groups. Each parallel group includes a plurality of electrical power sources connected in parallel. The pack also includes a plurality of series groups. Each series group connects in series one of the power sources from each of the parallel groups. The pack also includes a series balancing circuit configured to balance the voltage of the power sources in one of the series groups such that one or more power sources in the series group recharges one or more other power sources in the same series group.

Abstract: When the output of a fuel cell starts to decrease, in consideration of the increase in the power generation efficiency, an instruction for the output of the fuel cell undergoes a smoothing process to gradually decrease the output, and excessive electric power generated during a period in which the power generation efficiency is high is used for charging a battery. While the output of the fuel cell is increasing, the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell is low. Thus, assisting electrical energy from the battery is increased. In this manner, the power generation output when the power generation efficiency of the fuel cell is low is reduced from a high power generation output to a low power generation output to achieve improvement in the average power generation efficiency.

Abstract: A system for removing a layer of lead sulfate insulation crystals in which lead sulfate is selectively subjected to heating by dielectric relaxation loss at a peak frequency of lead sulfate dielectric relaxation loss of 10 MHz, thereby finely decomposing the crystals which have turned into poor conductors to oxidize positive electrodes of lead oxide and reduce negative electrodes of elemental lead by charging current.

Abstract: A power management arrangement for a mobile device comprising a digital circuit block and an analog circuit block, the power management arrangement being arranged to supply a first voltage to the analog circuit and a second voltage to the digital circuit, the power management arrangement comprising: an input unit adapted to receive input voltages from a plurality of power sources; a first voltage regulator coupled to the input unit and for supplying the first voltage; a second voltage regulator for supplying the second voltage and arranged to be selectively coupled to one of the first voltage regulator and input unit; and control logic adapted to select which of the received input voltages from the plurality of power sources provides power to the first and second voltage regulators, and to determine the magnitude of the first and second voltages supplied by the first and second voltage regulators.

Abstract: A semiconductor device which can operate normally even when the communication distance is extremely short, and which stores excess electric power which is not needed for circuit operation of the semiconductor device when a large amount of electric power is supplied thereto. The following are included: an antenna; a first AC/DC converter circuit which is connected to the antenna; a second AC/DC converter circuit which is connected to the antenna through a switching element; a detecting circuit which controls operation of the switching element in accordance with the value of a voltage output from the first AC/DC converter circuit; and a battery which stores electric power supplied from the antenna through the second AC/DC converter circuit. When the switching element is operated, electric power supplied from outside is at least partly supplied to the battery through the second AC/DC converter circuit.

Abstract: A wireless headset has a body, an ear clip, and at least two devices for converting at least two different sources of energy into electrical power. The body includes an RF integrated circuit in electrical communication with an antenna and a baseband circuit, the baseband circuit being in electrical communication with a microphone and a speaker. The at least two devices for converting at least two different sources of energy into electrical power are in electrical communication with the RF integrated circuit and the baseband circuit. The ear clip is engaged to the body. The at least two sources of energy are selected from the group consisting of solar energy, thermoelectric energy, piezoelectric energy, and vibration energy.

Abstract: A power source with multiple cells connected in parallel to a common node or power supply point. The individual cells within the power source may also have a dedicated controller for each of the individual cells. Additionally, a system controller is coupled to each controller in a feedback loop and is configured to selectively connect each cell of the plurality of cells to a power bus to control the discharge of each of the plurality of cells.

Abstract: A drive system using multi-fuel engines to provide mechanical energy as an electric generator. The electric generator provides electrical energy to an electric motor which in turn provides mechanical energy to drive a load. The electric generator also provides electric energy to storage batteries. Electrical energy may be provided from the storage batteries to the electric motor as needed.

Abstract: A charging control apparatus for a battery includes a controller that controls charging of an in-vehicle lithium ion secondary battery that is charged by power based on regenerative braking performed during vehicle travel and charged by power from an external power supply; determines whether external charging, in which the battery is charged by the power from the external power supply, or the vehicle travel is underway; and when the external charging is determined to be underway, increases an upper limit value of a charging current relative to that of a case in which the vehicle travel is determined to be underway.

Abstract: A dual-charger system operable to facilitate charging a battery with energy regulated by two chargers connected in parallel to the battery where one charger operates according to a voltage regulation mode and the other of the two chargers operates according to a current regulation mode.

Abstract: A method for detecting a type of a port connected to a USB connector and a rechargeable device with a USB connector, a USB controller and a power management module. The power management module selectively powers up the USB controller depending on the type of port connected to the USB connector. A hardware detector is connected to the USB connector for determining the port type. If the port type is for recharging only then the power management module does not enable power to the USB controller.

Abstract: Described is a system and method for charging a battery. The system includes a processor powered by a battery; and a controller determining a remaining battery charge of the battery. The controller sets a first charge current to recharge the battery when the remaining battery charge is insufficient to operate the processor. The controller wakes the processor when the battery has been recharged so that the remaining battery capacity is sufficient to operate the processor. The processor negotiates for a second charge current to recharge the battery. The controller sets the second charge current when the processor successfully negotiated.

Abstract: A method for charging an energy storage system (ESS) from an AC line voltage having differing input voltages (e.g., 120Vac or 240Vac), the method includes a) determining which of the AC line voltages is provided for charging the ESS as a charging AC voltage; b) boosting the charging AC voltage to an intermediate voltage responsive to the provided AC line voltage; c) scaling, responsive to the particular one of the AC line voltages, the intermediate voltage to a secondary voltage using a scaling factor; and d) converting the secondary voltage to a charging voltage applied to the ESS.

Abstract: In a first embodiment multiple power sources are selected and then combined. Selecting power rather than controlling power may be a cheaper way of controlling the amount of power delivered. In a second embodiment the logic to control power is removed from the battery charger so that the logic may be changed when a different battery is being charged. This permits all types of batteries to be charged if the power source is compatible with the battery. Other embodiments expand the types of power sources that may be used.

Abstract: Systems and methods to minimize signal loss and distortions with connections of audio sources and speakers are disclosed. Fiber optic cables are used instead of conventional cables. The audio signals are kept always in the analog domain, no matter if they are in optical or electric format. The strength of the audio signals can be controlled by a volume control unit. A small amplifier unit can either directly plugged to speakers are connected to the speakers via a short speaker cable. A preamplifier is no more necessary in the system.

Abstract: A system and method for enabling compatibility of wired charging with wireless charging are disclosed. The system includes an interface circuit, a wired charging unit and a wireless charging unit. The interface circuit is configured to connect the wired charging unit and the wireless charging unit to a power management unit; the wired charging unit is connected to the power management unit via an interface circuit and is configured to charge the power management unit by using a charging circuit in the power management unit; and the wireless charging unit is connected to the power management unit via the interface circuit and is configured to charge the power management unit by using the same charging circuit as that used by the wired charging unit.

Abstract: A battery management system and a driving method thereof are provided for detecting a short battery cell. The battery management system includes a main control unit (MCU) and a cell balancing unit. The MCU transmits a battery cell control signal for controlling charge and discharge of the battery cells. The cell balancing unit balances the battery cells according to the battery cell control signal. The MCU includes a cell balancing discharge amount measurement unit and a controller. The cell balancing discharge amount measurement unit measures a cell balancing discharge amount of each of the battery cells. The controller compares a difference value between a maximum value among the cell balancing discharge amounts of the battery cells and each of the cell balancing discharge amounts to determine a short battery cell.

Abstract: This invention discloses a power supply and a dual-chargeable battery pack therein, wherein the dual-chargeable battery pack comprises a main body provided with an electrical energy storage device, a first connecting device and a second connecting device. The first connecting device comprises a first charging terminal set and a first power output terminal set, wherein the first charging terminal set is configured to receive an input of a first power for outputting to the electrical energy storage device. The second connecting device comprises a second charging terminal set which is configured to receive an input of a second power for outputting to the electrical energy storage device. The electrical energy storage device is configured to output the electrical energy accumulated therein as a third power through the first power output terminal set. The second power is different than the first power.

Abstract: Capacity degradation due to charge/discharge cycles is suppressed in either a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary cell provided with a positive electrode including, as a positive electrode active material, a lithium-transition metal complex oxide having a layered structure and containing at least Ni and Mn as transition metals, and a negative electrode containing a carbon material as a negative electrode active material and having a higher initial charge-discharge efficiency than that of the positive electrode, or an assembled battery having a plurality of cells each of which is the secondary cell. A control circuit incorporated in the secondary cell or the assembled battery, or in an apparatus using the secondary cell or the assembled battery, monitors the voltage of the secondary cell or each of the cells in the assembled battery so that the end-of-discharge voltage of each cell is 2.9 V or higher.

Abstract: A solar energy includes a charging control unit to output a number of charge voltages, a switch control unit, and a comparing unit. The switch control unit receives a break control signal and a charging control signal from the charging control unit to switch the charging control unit to charge the rechargeable battery, and receives a voltage detecting signal from the charging control unit to output a detect voltage corresponding to a charge voltage of the rechargeable battery. The comparing unit receives the detect voltage and correspondingly outputs a selecting signal to the charging control unit. The charging control unit determines the charge voltage of the rechargeable battery according to the selecting signal, and outputs a corresponding charge voltage to charge the rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A battery charger is disclosed for use with various batteries, such as automotive and marine-type batteries. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, the charging current is alternated between non-zero DC charging current levels. By alternating the charging current between non-zero DC charging levels, the battery can be charged to a higher capacity (i.e., ampere hours) faster, thus reducing the charging time and at the same time allow the rating of the battery charger to be increased. In accordance with another important aspect of the invention, the technique for alternating the charging current can be implemented in both linear and switched-mode battery chargers.

Abstract: A two-stage voltage step-up converter and energy storage system is utilized for harvesting trickling electrons from benthic microbe habitats. A relatively random low voltage from the microbial fuel cell (less than about 0.8 VDC) is provided to the first stage step-up converter, which stores power in a first output storage device. A first comparator circuit turns on the second stage step-up converter to transfer energy from the first output storage device to a second output storage device. A second comparator circuit intermittently connects the load to the second output storage device. After initial start-up, the system is self-powered utilizing the first and second output devices but may use a battery for the initial start-up, after which an automatic switch can switch the battery out of the circuit.

Abstract: A battery charging system and a method for a increasing endurance of a high voltage battery in a hybrid electric vehicle includes a high voltage battery for vehicle propulsion, a generator for charging the high voltage battery, a DC/DC converter for converting a high voltage to a low voltage, a low voltage battery charged with the low voltage, and an alternator, driven by an engine, and connected with the low voltage battery in parallel with the voltage converter. The method includes registering a parameter, where the parameter is at least one of a state of charge of said high voltage battery, and energy inflow/outflow to/from said high voltage battery to said vehicle drive motor or said generator, and controlling the low voltage in dependence of the registered parameter.

Abstract: A charging system capable of charging a battery cell so that the surface temperature of the battery cell does not exceed an upper temperature limit, is provided. A battery charger is configured in a manner such that a setting current is variable during charging. The battery charger starts charging of a secondary battery with a setting voltage set to a minimum charging current value. The surface temperature of the secondary battery is measured during charging. An estimated temperature value is calculated which is a surface temperature of the secondary battery, at which the secondary battery is charged up until a charging amount corresponding to the maximum surface temperature under assumption that the charging is performed with a present charging current value. The setting current is increased when the estimated temperature value is lower than the target temperature range and is reduced when the estimated temperature value is higher than the target temperature range.

Abstract: A charging control device includes a plurality of battery packs including a secondary battery therein, one or two or more power input units configured to input power, a power integration unit configured to integrate the power input by the one or two or more power input units to one power, and a main control unit configured to measure the quantity of power input to the power integration unit and determine the quantity of power supplied from the power integration unit to the battery packs based on the measured quantity of power so as to control simultaneous charging of the plurality of battery packs.

Abstract: A fuel cell system includes grid independent operation with DC microgrid capability. This fuel cell system has a capability of operation with and without the grid, and with DC micro-grid capability.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus is disclosed. The electronic apparatus includes a battery, a main body, a charging section, an obtaining section, and a controlling section. The battery has first information with which charging of the battery is controlled. The main body operates with the battery as a power supply. The charging section charges the battery. The obtaining section obtains the first information from the battery. The controlling section controls the charging section based on the obtained first information and causes the charging section to perform a charging according to another battery.

Abstract: A photovoltaic circuit configured to supply an output current to a tank module is provided. The photovoltaic circuit comprises a photovoltaic transformation module, a first process module, a plurality of second process modules, and a first control module. The process modules are connected to each other in parallel. The process modules in the parallel connection are connected to the photovoltaic transformation module and the tank module in series. The first control module is connected to the first process module and generates a control signal to the process modules in response to a divided current, a modulation current, and a last output current generated by the first process module. Thereby, the process modules interlacedly output the corresponding modulation current as the output current supplied to the energy reserve module.

Abstract: There is a need for improving switching regulator characteristics and providing a stable power supply controller. The power supply controller uses a battery and either or both functions of stepping up and stepping down a battery voltage. The power supply controller includes a means that prevents a ripple voltage from occurring by stopping the up conversion function for a switching operation in connection with a battery during a predetermined period without changing conditions for a conventional switching device or smoothing circuit and fast stabilizes a primary voltage using only the down conversion function.

Abstract: A system for energizing an energy storage device includes an electric power source, an energy system in communication with the electric power source, and a switching time control multiplexer. The energy storage system includes at least two parallel energy storage devices. The switching time control multiplexer is configured to supply total charging current from the electric power source to the energy storage system such that each storage device is charged in an alternating manner with the total charging current being less than a total charging current required for parallel charging.

Abstract: In an electric system including a first converter and a second converter connected in parallel, an ECU executes a program including a step of selecting a charging mode for a first battery pack connected to the first converter and a charging mode for a second battery pack connected to the second converter, and a step of controlling a charger connected to the first battery pack, the first converter and the second converter to charge the first battery pack and the second battery pack in the selected charging modes.

Abstract: Embodiments include a power processing system and methods of its operation in a plug-in electric vehicle. The power processing system includes at least one AC electric motor, a bi-directional inverter system, and an electronic control system. The electronic control system provides a drive function by providing first control signals to the bi-directional inverter system which, in response, draws DC electrical power from a DC energy source, converts the DC power to AC power, and provides the AC power to windings of the at least one AC electric motor. The electronic control system also provides a charging function by providing second control signals to the bi-directional inverter system which, in response, draws AC power from the windings of the at least one AC electric motor, converts the AC power to DC power, and provides the DC power to the DC energy source in order to recharge the DC energy source.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a switching circuit operable with an arrangement configured to effectuate a charging or discharging of an energy-storage device to a circuit including electrically-parallel condenser. The switching circuit includes a main switch electrically connectable to the condenser, and a control circuit electrically connected in parallel with the main switch, and electrically connectable to the condenser. The main switch and control circuit are each configured to independently, switchably pass current from the energy-storage device to the condenser and a power load/source. In this regard, the main switch and control circuit are controllable to pass current from the energy-storage device to the power load, and in a manner whereby current from the energy-storage device to the condenser is diverted from passing through the main switch for a period during which a voltage disparity between the condenser and energy-storage device decreases to within a predetermined range.

Abstract: A wireless charging method includes synchronizing power phases of at least two charging power supply devices, and wirelessly charging a terminal using the at least two charging power supply devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and an apparatus for tracking a maximum power point. An apparatus for tracking a maximum power point according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure includes: a system controller monitoring a plurality of energy sources for each predetermined period and selecting an energy source having a maximum power among the plurality of energy sources; and a maximum power tracking unit limiting an output voltage of the selected energy source to a reference voltage determined by an open circuit voltage of the selected energy source to track the maximum power point from the selected energy source and store the power of the selected energy source in a battery.

Abstract: A control strategy for distributed power generation modules in a power system that varies the line frequency or voltage according to a predetermined pattern to cause a PV inverter to modify its power output and thereby avoid overcharging a battery. When the power system operates in islanded mode, the AC load demand can be lower than the available energy from the PV array, causing the battery to become overcharged. To avoid this scenario, a hybrid inverter executes a pattern generator algorithm that varies the line frequency or voltage linearly, exponentially or any mathematical function or look-up tables. The PV inverter executes a pattern detection algorithm that detects the linear, exponential, or any mathematical function or look-up table change in the line frequency. In response, the PV inverter modifies its power output until an overcharging condition of the battery is removed. The line frequency/voltage can be varied within the anti-islanding limits.

Abstract: A wireless headset has a body, an ear clip, and at least two devices for converting at least two different sources of energy into electrical power. The body includes an RF integrated circuit in electrical communication with an antenna and a baseband circuit, the baseband circuit being in electrical communication with a microphone and a speaker. The at least two devices for converting at least two different sources of energy into electrical power are in electrical communication with the RF integrated circuit and the baseband circuit. The ear clip is engaged to the body. The at least two sources of energy are selected from the group consisting of solar energy, thermoelectric energy, piezoelectric energy, and vibration energy.

Abstract: A semiconductor device which can operate normally even when the communication distance is extremely short, and which stores excess electric power which is not needed for circuit operation of the semiconductor device when a large amount of electric power is supplied thereto. The following are included: an antenna; a first AC/DC converter circuit which is connected to the antenna; a second AC/DC converter circuit which is connected to the antenna through a switching element; a detecting circuit which controls operation of the switching element in accordance with the value of a voltage output from the first AC/DC converter circuit; and a battery which stores electric power supplied from the antenna through the second AC/DC converter circuit. When the switching element is operated, electric power supplied from outside is at least partly supplied to the battery through the second AC/DC converter circuit.

Abstract: A fuel cell system that includes a fuel cell stack and an EESD electrically coupled to a common high voltage bus line. The EESD has a higher voltage output than the fuel cell stack, and thus the stack is unable to fully charge the EESD, for example, at system shut-down. In order to allow the fuel cell stack to fully charge the EESD, the EESD is separated into a plurality of separate electrical storage banks having lower voltage potentials. A series of contactors are provided to electrically couple the storage banks in series during normal system operation, and separately charge the storage banks using the fuel cell stack so that they are fully charged. The series of contactors can also be configured so that the storage banks can be electrically coupled in series during normal operation of the system and be electrically coupled in parallel during charging at system shut-down.

Abstract: At the time of charging a power storage device from a commercial power supply, electric power from the commercial power supply is applied to a neutral point of each of first and second motor generators. A rotation preventing control unit (222) determines one phase to be subjected to switching control in the first inverter, based on a rotation angle (?1) of the first motor generator. Further, rotation preventing control unit (222) calculates torque generated in the first motor generator, generates a torque control value for canceling out the torque, and outputs the value to a phase voltage operating unit (214) for motor control.

Abstract: An electrical energy storage device for a solar cell includes at least one electrode substrate coated with a oxide or mixed oxides layer. When the electrical energy storage device is electrically connected with a receive unit of the solar unit in parallel, the electrical energy storage device can have the advantages of high electric energy density, enhancing the charging efficiency of the solar cell, and reducing the charging time of the solar cell.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for charging of a battery in a portable terminal. The apparatus includes a charge management unit and a controller. The charge management unit determines a predefined charge threshold value and a battery voltage, compares the battery voltage with the threshold value, and determines if the battery voltage is suitable for normal operation of the portable terminal. If it is determined by the charge management unit that the battery voltage is not suitable for normal operation, the controller sends a power supply request to an external device.

Abstract: To provide a power storage device for regularly supplying power to a mobile electronic device, in which charging of a battery by a power feeder can be simplified and even when power stored in the battery is not enough, power can be regularly supplied to the mobile electronic device. The mobile electronic device includes an antenna circuit which receives power supply via radio signals, a battery which stores power, and a power supply control circuit which includes a switch circuit for intermittently supplying power to a load. Power supply to the load is intermittently controlled by controlling the switch circuit, which is provided in the power supply control circuit for controlling the supply of power stored in the battery, using a signal from a low-frequency-signal generating circuit.

Abstract: A system is provided for charging a battery with an AC adapter. The system includes a first closed loop electrical path between the battery and the AC adapter. The first closed loop electrical path includes a first monitoring circuit for monitoring at least one first parameter of the system and a control circuit for dynamically adjusting the AC adapter output to the battery in response to the at least one first parameter exceeding an associated predetermined threshold. The system includes a second closed loop electrical path between the battery and the AC adapter. The second closed loop electrical path includes a second monitoring circuit for monitoring at least one second parameter of the system and a protection circuit responsive to the at least one second parameter exceeding an associated predetermined threshold for protecting the system until the AC adapter reaches a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method for charging a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including the step of repeating pulse charging and charging pause, in which a pulse charging time is arbitrarily set between a lower limit value and an upper limit value, the lower limit value being an inverse time Tx of a frequency Fx of the high frequency side at which an imaginary part of an alternating current impedance of the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is a first local maximum value, or of a frequency adjacent to Fx, and the upper limit value being an inverse time Ty of a frequency Fy at the low frequency side at which an imaginary part of the alternating current impedance of the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery is a second local maximum value, or of a frequency adjacent to Fy.