Abstract: Battery recharging devices include a power port, a user interface module for receiving a user input, a charge profile generator responsive to the user input for producing a charge profile, and a switch for enabling a current to flow to the battery based upon the charge profile. The charge profile is associated with a set of charges that are adapted to be applied to the battery during a user-defined time period. The set of charges comprises a first charge adapted to be applied to the battery during the user-defined time period during which the battery does not recharge. Methods of recharging batteries are also disclosed.

Abstract: A temperature sensor circuit (1) for measuring a temperature, comprising a measuring resistor (2) and a controllable voltage source (3) or current source (3) which is connected to the measuring resistor (2) and by means of which an input voltage can be applied to the measuring resistor (2). The input voltage can be adjusted continuously by the controllable voltage source (3).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, apparatus, and device for charging a battery, and storage medium. The method for charging a battery includes acquiring a battery temperature; determining a charging current value In for the nth charging stage of the battery, according to the battery temperature and a mapping relationship between different temperature ranges and charging current values I, wherein a preset charging cut-off voltage value Vn for the nth charging stage is greater than Vn?1; charging the battery with Ij in the jth charging stage; acquiring a voltage value of the battery at the current time; if the voltage value is less than Vj, continuing to charge the battery with Ij; if the voltage value is not less than Vj and j<N, charging the battery with Ij+1; if the voltage value is not less than Vj and j=N, stopping charging the battery.

Abstract: When the temperature of a battery is below a prescribed temperature during execution of a lithium deposition suppression control, an ECU executes a temperature raising control for raising the temperature of the battery by repeating charging and discharging of the battery. The temperature raising control is a control for: when the magnitude of a target current is below a first threshold value that is greater than 0, prohibiting charging of the battery by restricting an allowable charging power to 0, while discharging the battery; and when the magnitude of an allowable current exceeds a second threshold value, resuming charging of the battery by canceling restriction on the allowable charging power.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method, apparatus, and device for charging a battery, and storage medium. The method for charging a battery includes acquiring a battery temperature; determining a charging current value In for the nth charging stage of the battery, according to the battery temperature and a mapping relationship between different temperature ranges and charging current values I, wherein a preset charging cut-off voltage value Vn for the nth charging stage is greater than Vn?1; charging the battery with Ij in the jth charging stage; acquiring a voltage value of the battery at the current time; if the voltage value is less than Vj, continuing to charge the battery with Ij; if the voltage value is not less than Vj and j<N, charging the battery with Ij+1; if the voltage value is not less than Vj and j=N, stopping charging the battery.

Abstract: The subject matter of the disclosure relates to low temperature power throttling at a mobile device to reduce the likelihood of an unexpected power down event in cold weather environments. A mobile device employing a power management solution may be configured to determine that a monitored temperature at the mobile device (at the battery of the mobile device) is below a first threshold level, and whether a hardware component (such as a camera) is active or inactive. Then, based on these determinations, the mobile device can select a throttle setting from a first set of throttle settings when the hardware component is active, and a second set of throttle settings when the hardware component is inactive. Subsequently the mobile device can throttle power consumption for one or more components of the mobile device according to the selected throttle setting.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes apparatuses and techniques that enable temperature-based memory access. In some aspects, a request to access a memory device is received. In response to the request, respective temperatures are determined for multiple locations of the memory device. Based on these respective temperatures, a selection can be made of which of the multiple locations to access. Alternately or additionally, an order in which to access the multiple locations can be determined based on the respective temperatures. The location(s) of the memory device are then accessed based on the selection or the determined order effective to minimize an increase in the memory device's temperature.

Abstract: One embodiment of a disclosed cable protection device connected between the positive and negative wires of the cable that provides an efficient method of protection from overheating of the device due to changes in temperatures with minimal power dissipation. The cable protection device includes a temperature monitoring device that continuously senses the temperature of the cable and device to check for overheating. A controller connected to the temperature monitor sends out an alarm message and a control signal to either an actuator circuit or a crowbar function circuit. The actuator circuit can send out current pulses to the adapter indicating the adapter to lower its current limit, so that the device can still keep charging and is not over heated. The crowbar function circuit causes the adapter to turn off power to the cable in order to provide burning of the device or connector due to overheating.

Abstract: A power-management unit is described. This power-management unit allows a common signal line to communicate data between an integrated circuit (which may be external to the power-management unit) and a battery-monitoring mechanism in a battery pack, and to convey a signal that represents a temperature state of the battery pack to a temperature-monitoring circuit or mechanism that monitors the temperature state of the battery pack. In particular, the power-management unit may include a single-wire interface or a multiplexer that, at a given time, selectively couples the signal line from the battery pack either to the integrated circuit or the temperature-monitoring circuit based on a control signal provided by the integrated circuit (for example, via an I2C bus or interface). In this way, the power-management unit may reduce the number of signal lines needed to communicate with the battery-monitoring mechanism and to convey the signal.

Abstract: A battery charger circuit includes a transistor having a first current electrode for receiving a charging voltage, a control electrode for receiving a control signal, and a second current electrode for providing an output voltage. The battery charger circuit further includes a rectifier having a terminal coupled to the second current electrode of the transistor, and another terminal coupled to a power supply voltage terminal. The battery charger circuit also includes a control and regulation circuit having an input for receiving a feedback signal representative of a temperature, and an output for providing the control signal. The control and regulation circuit operates in either a switching mode or a linear mode in response to the feedback signal.

Abstract: Methods of using specific operational charge and discharge parameters to extend the life of alkaline batteries are disclosed. The methods can be used with any commercial primary or secondary alkaline battery, as well as with newer alkaline battery designs, including batteries with flowing electrolyte. The methods include cycling batteries within a narrow operating voltage window, with minimum and maximum cut-off voltages that are set based on battery characteristics and environmental conditions. The narrow voltage window decreases available capacity but allows the batteries to be cycled for hundreds or thousands of times.

Abstract: A charger of the present invention includes a plurality of battery connection parts to which battery packs can be connected to charge, with each battery connection part having an indicator. The indicators can be configured such that when charging is expected to be completed more quickly in a first battery connection part compared to a second battery connection part, the indicator of the first battery connection part is displayed differently from the indicator of the second battery connection part.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the temperature of cells in a battery pack, without using temperature sensors, by measuring the impedance of the cells and using the impedance to determine the temperature. An AC voltage signal is applied to the battery pack, and a time sample of voltage and current data is obtained. The voltage and current data is narrowed down to a simultaneous time window of interest, and a fast fourier transformation is performed on the windowed voltage and current data to identify voltage and current magnitudes at one or more specific frequencies. The voltage and current magnitudes are used to determine the impedance at the one or more frequencies. Finally, the impedance is used to determine the temperature of the cell or cells using a look-up table, where the impedance, the frequency, and a state of charge are used as input parameters for the look-up.

Abstract: In a memory, the surface temperature and the internal resistance of an assembled battery detected under the condition where a difference between the surface and the internal temperature is within a predetermined value are stored, and an internal temperature diagnosis unit that diagnoses whether or not the internal temperature estimated by an internal temperature estimation unit is correct, detects the internal resistance with an internal resistance calculation unit when the internal temperature estimation unit estimates the internal temperature, searches for an internal resistance corresponding to the surface temperature equal to the estimated internal temperature value from among the stored internal resistances, and diagnoses the estimated internal temperature value based upon the result of comparison of a search result of the internal resistance and the internal resistance detected during internal temperature estimation.

Abstract: There is provided a method of thermally controlling an electric storage device. The method comprises increasing cooling medium supplied to the electric storage as an electric charge stored in the electric storage device increases. According to the method, by increasing the cooling medium supplied to the electric storage device as an electric charge stored in the electric storage device increases, the electric storage device may be kept at a temperature that increases the efficiency of charging or discharging the electric storage device. It is asserted to be more efficient to lower the temperature of the electric storage device when more electric charge is stored in the electric storage device. Also, an adequate amount of the cooling medium may be supplied to the electric storage. As a result, the overall efficiency of the electric system may be improved.

Abstract: A method and a system for estimating a battery percentage are provided. The method includes the following steps. A coulomb counter calculated battery index (CCBI) relating to an accumulated amount of current flowing out of a battery is obtained. A battery voltage curve tracer calculated battery index (VCBI) relating to a temperature, an output voltage of the battery, and a current flowing out of the battery is obtained. A modified calculated battery index (MCBI) ranging between the CCBI and the VCBI is generated according to the CCBI and the VCBI.

Abstract: A battery temperature rise causing system has a converting unit for converting voltage of electric power held in one of a rechargeable battery and an accumulator and applies the converted voltage to the other one, and a control unit controlling the converting unit to alternately perform first transfer of electric power from the battery to the accumulator and second transfer of electric power from the accumulator to the battery while changing the first transfer for the second transfer each time the battery voltage reaches a lower limit and changing the second transfer for the first transfer each time the battery voltage reaches an upper limit, and to increase temperature of the battery due to heat generated by electric current flowing through the battery during the electric power transfer.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving a temperature indication, the temperature indication being a function of a temperature of a power pack of a portable electronic device; determining, as a function of the temperature indication, whether the temperature is within an elevated operating temperature range; and reducing a charge termination voltage and a charging current when the temperature is within the elevated operating temperature range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for compensating for temperature effects in a pulsed battery-charging scheme with an average charging current less than the root-mean-square (rms) current. The method comprises varying the ratio of the average charging current to rms current as a function of the battery ambient temperature. The method may also comprise varying an upper threshold charging voltage as a function of the battery ambient temperature. The invention also relates to a battery charger.

Abstract: A thermal manager has a digital filter whose input is to receive raw temperature values from a sensor and whose output is to provide processed or filtered temperature values according to a filter function that correlates temperature at the sensor with temperature at another location in the device. The thermal manager has a look-up table that further correlates temperature at the sensor with temperature at the other location. The look-up table contains a list of processed temperature sensor values, and/or a list of temperatures representing the temperature at the other location, and their respective power consumption change commands. The thermal manager accesses the look-up table using selected, filtered temperature values, to identify their respective power consumption change commands. The latter are then evaluated and may be applied, to mitigate a thermal at the other location. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A controller for vector-controlled motor of vehicle judges whether a battery needs to be warmed up in accordance with an output of a battery temperature sensor, and when the battery needs to be warmed up, in situation (i) where the vehicle is stopped, sets a q-axis current value of the motor at zero, or when a brake is released from the situation (i), sets a q-axis current at a value corresponding to a drive torque for a vehicle creep operation, and sets a d-axis current at a value for battery warm-up. When the battery needs to be warmed up in situation (ii) where the vehicle is running, the controller sets a q-axis current at a value corresponding to a drive torque of vehicle running and sets a d-axis current at a value for the battery warm-up in relation to the q-axis current value.

Abstract: The method includes the simultaneous measurement of the current I, of the positive plate potential V+, and of the temperature T at the positive terminal of the battery, the determination of a temperature compensated value Vc+ of the positive plate potential and the use of the temperature compensated value Vc+ for estimation of the state of charge. This method is more particularly used for estimation of the state of charge of an alkaline battery having a NiOOH positive plate.

Abstract: A controller detects the temperature of a portable electronic device as being below a battery charging threshold, and in response signals one or more of the electronic circuit components that make up the device to enter an increased power consumption state so as to generate more heat in the device for warming up the battery. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: When the relation of battery temperature Tb1>battery temperature Tb2 is satisfied, a temperature increase request for a power storage unit becomes relatively large. Therefore, a target power value P2* for the power storage unit is determined with priority. The target power value P2* is calculated by multiplying the required power value Ps* by a distribution ratio Pr2 (0.5?distribution ratio Pr2?1.0) determined in accordance with temperature deviation between battery temperature Tb1 and battery temperature Tb2. The target power value P1* is determined by subtracting the target power value P2* from the required power value Ps*.

Abstract: A thermal manager has a digital filter whose input is to receive raw temperature values from a sensor and whose output is to provide processed or filtered temperature values according to a filter function that correlates temperature at the sensor with temperature at another location in the device. The thermal manager has a look-up table that further correlates temperature at the sensor with temperature at the other location. The look-up table contains a list of processed temperature sensor values, and/or a list of temperatures representing the temperature at the other location, and their respective power consumption change commands. The thermal manager accesses the look-up table using selected, filtered temperature values, to identify their respective power consumption change commands. The latter are then evaluated and may be applied, to mitigate a thermal at the other location. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: In a voltage detecting apparatus, a voltage controlled oscillator, when an input voltage is applied thereto, outputs a signal with a logical value that is periodically inverted. A detector counts a number of logical inversion of the output signal from the voltage controlled oscillator over an interval between edges of pulses of a pulse signal to thereby generate, based on the counted number of logical inversion, digital data as a detected result of the input voltage. A determiner determines whether a reduction of a time required to detect the input voltage is higher in priority than an increase of a resolution of detection of the input voltage. A variably setting unit variably sets a frequency of the pulse signal based on a result of the determination of whether the reduction of the time required to detect the input voltage is higher in priority than the increase of the resolution of detection of the input voltage.

Abstract: A lightweight radio/CD player for vehicular application is virtually “fastenerless” and includes a case and frontal interface formed of polymer based material that is molded to provide details to accept audio devices such as playback mechanisms (if desired) and radio receivers, as well as the circuit boards required for electrical control and display. The case and frontal interface are of composite structure, including an insert molded electrically conductive wire mesh screen that has been pre-formed to contour with the molding operation. The wire mesh provides EMC, RFI, BCI and ESD shielding and grounding of the circuit boards via exposed wire mesh pads and adjacent ground clips. The PCB architecture is bifurcated into a first board carrying common circuit components in a surface mount configuration suitable for high volume production, and a second board carrying application specific circuit components in a wave soldered stick mount configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods for charging a battery of an electrical system. The electrical system includes the battery, a battery charger, and a controller. The battery charger is adapted to produce an output power in response to a control signal from the controller. The controller is adapted to control a battery charging process by determining a temperature of the battery pack, determining a voltage setpoint for the battery charger based on the temperature, and providing the control signal to the battery charger. According to an embodiment, when the temperature of the battery exceeds a first temperature value, the battery charging process is temporarily suspended prior to satisfying a charging termination criterion. Determining the temperature of the battery is repeated, and when the temperature of the battery is less than a second temperature value, the battery charging process is resumed.

Abstract: A method for managing the charge of a battery having at least one rechargeable electrochemical cell. A charging circuit applies a trickle charge current to the battery and, when the temperature of the battery is below a first threshold temperature, an overcharge current for keeping the battery within its nominal temperature range even if the battery is employed in a cold environment. And a related electronic system for a battery implementing the method and a battery employing such system.

Abstract: A converter ECU obtains a temperature increase start signal indicating start of temperature increase of a power storage unit from each sensor and ECU provided in a vehicle. In addition, the converter ECU obtains allowable electric power of the power storage unit from a battery ECU and obtains a power storage unit temperature from a temperature detection unit. When any of the obtained power storage unit temperatures is lower than a corresponding temperature lower limit value, the converter ECU generates a temperature increase instruction for the power storage unit of which temperature is lower than the corresponding temperature lower limit value, based on the temperature increase start signal. In addition, the converter ECU selects one control mode from among a plurality of control modes set in advance, based on the generated temperature increase instruction, and sets that mode as the control mode for a converter.

Abstract: A charging method includes first and second charging steps to charge a lithium-ion battery. In the first charging step, a temperature rise gradient of the battery is detected. A battery temperature when the battery is charged to a first predetermined capacity is predicted based on the detected gradient. A charging current is controlled based on the predicted temperature. The battery is charged, at a current that results in a battery temperature that is lower than a predetermined temperature, to the first predetermined capacity. In the second charging step, a temperature rise gradient of the battery is detected. A battery temperature when the battery is charged to a second predetermined capacity is predicted based on the gradient. A charging current is controlled based on the predicted temperature. The battery is charged, at a current that results in a temperature of the battery that is lower than the predetermined temperature, to the second predetermined capacity.

Abstract: A vehicle control system has a battery mounted to a vehicle, a vehicle alternator charging the battery, a battery current detection device detecting a charging/discharging current of the battery, a voltage regulation device regulating an output voltage of the vehicle alternator to a specified output voltage, and a temperature sensor mounted to the inside of the battery current detection device. One terminal of a shunt resistance is connected to a negative terminal of the battery through a battery clump, and the other terminal of the shunt resistance is grounded. The temperature sensor is placed close to the shunt resistance. This structure enables the temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the battery with a high accuracy while considering the temperature characteristics of the shunt resistance.

Abstract: A protection circuit is provided for protecting a secondary battery from overcharging and excessive discharge current by a simple circuit. The protection circuit is provided with a connection terminal (T3) for connecting the secondary battery (6); a connection terminal (T1) for connecting a charging device for charging the secondary battery (6) and/or a load device driven by a discharge current from the secondary battery (6); a bimetal switch (SW1) that is provided between the connection terminals (T1, T3) and turned off in the case of exceeding a specified temperature set beforehand; a heater (R2) for heating the bimetal switch (SW1); and an integrated circuit (IC1) for turning the bimetal switch (SW1) off by causing the heater (R2) to generate heat if a voltage applied to the connection terminal (T3) by the secondary battery (6) exceeds a preset reference voltage.

Abstract: A charger protection device (20) includes an oscillator (201), a resistor (204) electronically connected to the oscillator, a capacitor (203) electronically connected to the resistor and a switch (202). The oscillator (201), the resistor (204) and the capacitor (203) form an oscillating circuit. The switch is electronically connected to the capacitor, and a voltage across the capacitor is input to the switch.

Abstract: A charge accumulating system of the present invention comprises a nonaqueous electrolyte battery unit including a nonaqueous electrolyte containing an ionic liquid, a negative electrode and a positive electrode, a temperature detector which detects an ambient temperature of the battery unit, a first controller which lowers a maximum battery voltage of the battery unit when the detected temperature from the temperature detector exceeds a standard ambient temperature, and a second controller which controls a maximum charging amount Qmax of the nonaqueous electrolyte battery unit at a constant level, or lowers the maximum charging amount Qmax when the detected temperature from the temperature detector exceeds the standard ambient temperature.

Abstract: Method for treatment, in the form of regeneration, of an accumulator (160) having at least one cell, preferably lead batteries, in which a varying direct current from a power source (130) is applied in intermittent current supply periods, which are interrupted by pauses of substantially less current, preferably current free, the direct current being sufficient to generate gas in the accumulator. During the treatment process, process data is registered, which process data is used in order to control the treatment process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for rapidly and safely estimating the high-rate load test voltage of a storage battery utilizing open-circuit voltage, temperature and a dynamic parameter such as conductance or resistance. An output indicative of the condition of the battery is provided as a function of the estimated load test voltage of the battery compared to industry standards without the necessity to charge the battery or discharge the battery with high-rate loads using bulky load testing equipment.

Abstract: A charging device includes a charging unit; a detection unit for detecting a temperature and a temperature increasing rate of a rechargeable battery; a controller for controlling the charging unit to supply a charging current to the rechargeable battery; and a compensating unit for setting a value of the first threshold to be greater if the temperature of the rechargeable battery at the time of mounting the rechargeable battery on the charging device is equal to or smaller than a second threshold and smaller if otherwise. The charging unit stops supplying the charging current to the rechargeable battery if the temperature increasing rate is equal to or greater than a first threshold.

Abstract: A charging method and device for a rechargeable battery to make more stable and faster full charging possible. One embodiment of a charging method for the rechargeable battery includes charging the battery by applying a constant current, and then charging the battery by applying a constant current pulse having uniform pulse width. The charging method further includes charging the battery by applying or interrupting the constant current and then applying the dynamic constant current pulse based on a voltage across terminals of the battery.

Abstract: Circuitry for charging a battery includes a switch for coupling the power source to the battery. The switch is turned on and off in accordance with a periodic control signal including a plurality of periods. Each period includes a first duration during which the control signal is in a first state and a second duration during which the control signal is in a second state. The switch is turned on when the control signal is in the first state to couple the power source to the battery, and turned off when the control signal is in the second state to decouple the power source from the battery. Since the switch is periodically turned off while the battery is being charged, the average amount of heat generated by the switch is reduced, thereby preventing excessive thermal emission from the battery charging circuitry.

Abstract: An information handling system includes a power source configured to provide a plurality of power levels to a load. At least one of the plurality of power levels corresponds to a level obtained by de-rating a capacity of the power source from a nominal design specification of the power source.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for charging a lithium-ion based rechargeable battery in a short time is provided.

Abstract: A circuit for charging a battery by selecting among two available power sources while providing overcharging and temperature protection to the battery and managing a charging current is described. A power pass and sense circuit is arranged to provide charge voltage from either power source based on control voltages from a current/voltage control circuit, which receives control signals from a logic control and timer circuit, a sensed voltage from a current setting circuit and reference and temperature voltages from a voltage reference and thermo-sense circuit. Differential amplifiers controlling power pass transistors are turned on and off depending on a power source availability and selection. A power supply circuit provides global supply voltages to all subcircuits preventing reverse current to power sources and stable supply independent of a power source availability. A pair of transistors arranged to operate as body-switcher protect power pass and sense transistors against reverse bias current.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power converter for recreational vehicle (RV) batteries that uses time and ambient temperature to control output voltage. By employing a remote temperature sensor attached to the battery post, temperature information is sent to an output voltage control circuit in the power converter. When the power converter is powered up an internal timing circuit increases the output voltage by a preset amount for a timed period for rapid charging but is also adjusted to predetermined temperature curve controlled by the remote temperature sensor to prevent overcharge. The output voltage is held at the increased value until the internal timing circuit times out and the output voltage is reduced (setback) to the float voltage determined by the remote temperature sensor.

Abstract: A control apparatus for use in a vehicle for controlling an energy storage device adapted to discharge electric power that varies with a temperature is provided. The control apparatus includes a temperature sensor that measures a temperature associated with the energy storage device, and a voltage control unit that sets a minimum storage voltage of the energy storage device to a relatively high voltage level when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor is lower than a predetermined temperature, as compared with a voltage level to which the minimum storage voltage is set when the temperature is higher than the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A laptop computer system comprising an apparatus and related method for monitoring a battery gauge of a laptop computer and notifying the computer system user if the battery gauge is out of calibration by monitoring a calculated remaining battery capacity value in relation to a system battery charging or discharging such that if the calculated remaining battery capacity does not properly indicate a remaining charge capacity at either of a charge cycle of a system battery or discharge cycle of the system battery. If the battery gauge is out of calibration, a unique scan code identifying that a battery gauge calibration needs to be run is generated which triggers some form of user notification.

Abstract: A temperature/voltage detecting unit has a temperature detector and a voltage detector. The temperature detector has a light electric system stabilized power supply for stabilizing a light electric system power supply voltage, a temperature resistance element provided close to a corresponding battery element, for changing its resistance value based on a change in temperature, and a voltage-to-frequency converter operating based on a voltage from the light electric system stabilized power supply, for detecting a terminal voltage of the temperature resistance element to which a constant current flows from the light electric system stabilized power supply, converting this value into frequency information and outputting the frequency information.

Abstract: An electrical charging circuit for applying a controlled charge to a receiving device, such as a battery, and particularly such as a battery carried on a towed vehicle such as a trailer for actuating the trailer brakes during emergency situations such as unexpected disconnection from the towing vehicle, i.e., break-away. In a basic sense, the charging circuit includes a voltage potential-responsive element or component for sensing the charged level of the receiving device coupled to the circuit and enabling or disabling the circuit charging operation, together with a variable-conductance circuit component for producing a generally constant charging voltage output to the receiving device over a wide range of applied voltages but also operable to provide a first amount of current flow to the receiving device at a given applied voltage and temperature but a second a limited amount of current flow when the voltage across the charging circuit is sufficiently large.

Abstract: A method for managing a back-up power source capable of maintaining the discharge capacity of a nickel metal-hydride storage battery for a long-term at a low cost, and is suitable for the management of the back-up power source for the guidance lights, the emergency lights, the information telecommunication systems, and the like is disclosed.

Abstract: A charging technique (200) charges a battery pack (102) by taking into account the additional internal circuit impedance of the battery pack. An optimum pack voltage value for the battery pack is calculated (208) based on the rated internal cell voltage as well as the charge current and the internal battery pack circuitry impedance. The battery pack can now be charged such that the internal battery cell voltage is maintained at the rated voltage throughout the charging process. The optimum pack voltage is also updated (220) to account for variations in the battery pack circuitry impedance over temperature (216, 218) as well as variations in charge current (222, 224) during the charging process.