With Thermal Condition Detection Patents (Class 320/150)
  • Patent number: 9145062
    Abstract: A charge control device is configured to delay a charge suspension time if a battery is being heated by a battery heater when carrying out a timed charge in a charge time slot specified by a user via an interface device. This enables the battery to be charged to a target charge amount without increasing a required capacity of the battery heater.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Naoki Yamamoto, Kazuhiko Okino
  • Patent number: 9140761
    Abstract: Each detection unit is configured to compare a voltage output from a battery cell associated therewith a predetermined criterion voltage. A plurality of detection units operate sequentially in response to a start trigger and also sequentially transmit a signal that reflects a result of comparing the voltages to detect whether a battery pack has a low cell voltage fault. A fault monitoring device detects an internal resistance fault when it receives from a transmission circuit a determination signal indicating that the battery pack when electrically discharged has any of its battery cells outputting a voltage decreased to be lower than the criterion voltage and if a current detected has a value smaller in magnitude than a criterion current corresponding to a value of a current obtained by dividing a difference in voltage between an open circuit voltage of the battery cell and the criterion voltage by an upper limit value for internal resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Teruo Ishishita
  • Patent number: 9142977
    Abstract: A battery is rendered to a consistent discharged state in a two-phase battery discharge operation. In a first of the two discharge phases, a constant discharge current is drawn from the battery until a threshold battery voltage is reached. In the second of the two discharge phases, executed after the threshold battery voltage is reached during the first-phase, a time-varying discharge current is drawn from the battery at a constant battery voltage until a threshold discharge current is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: ATIEVA, Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel Yeong-Shi Chang, Albert Liu, Wilson Liu, Steve Diamond
  • Patent number: 9136564
    Abstract: A battery pack system and a liquid leakage detection method thereof are provided. The battery pack system comprises battery cells, a isolated liquid and a battery box containing the isolated liquid. The battery cells are soaked in the isolated liquid. The battery box is formed with a isolated liquid outlet and a isolated liquid inlet. The outlet is connected together with the inlet via a circulation pump and a liquid separation device to form a circulation passage. When electrolyte leakage occurs to any of the battery cells, the electrolyte is separated into the liquid separation device and detected by a detection component. The present disclosure encloses the leaked electrolyte into the fire-retardant isolated liquid to prevent the electrolyte from contacting with the air so as to improve the safety of the battery box body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: Microvast Power Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Congming Yang, Zhiming Tong, Xiang Li
  • Patent number: 9130380
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a contactless power transmitting system having an overheat protection function, which protects a battery cell module from damage due to overheating while the battery cell module is being charged, and a method thereof. In the contactless power transmitting system, a contactless power transmitting apparatus transmits a first power to a contactless power receiving apparatus through a power transmitting coil to charge the battery cell module with the first power, and transmits a second power, of lower wattage than the first power, to the contactless power receiving apparatus through the power transmitting coil to charge the battery cell module with the second power if an overheat alarm signal is received from the contactless power receiving apparatus, thereby making it possible to fully charge the battery cell module while preventing overheating of the battery cell module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: HANRIM POSTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chun-Kil Jung
  • Patent number: 9120392
    Abstract: The present invention provides an electronic speed controller capable of detecting a battery type, which comprises a circuit board, a speed control module, a first detection socket, and a power socket. The speed control module has a first power management mode and a second power management mode. The first detection socket and the power socket are electrically connected with the speed control module. The former is provided to connect a first connector of a battery and the latter is provided to connect a second connector of the battery. The speed control module detects whether the first detection socket is in conductive status so as to determine the battery being a first type battery or a second type battery. If the battery is determined as the first type battery, the speed control module performs the first power management mode. Otherwise, the speed control module performs the second power management mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Jason Toys & Electronics Co. Ltd.
    Inventor: Shi-Tang Yeh
  • Patent number: 9099874
    Abstract: Provided is a battery state monitoring circuit including: a charge/discharge control circuit for detecting and controlling a state of a secondary battery; a temperature sensor circuit connected to an overcurrent detection terminal; an amplifier for comparing a reference voltage and a divided voltage of the overcurrent detection terminal; and a transistor that receives an output signal of the amplifier, for controlling a charge control output terminal. When a charger is connected in a state in which the secondary battery has an ultra-low voltage, a charge control FET is controlled so that a constant voltage may appear between output terminals, to thereby ensure an operating voltage of the temperature sensor circuit to enable an overheat protection function.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: SEIKO INSTRUMENTS INC.
    Inventor: Kiyoshi Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 9090243
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for heating a catalytic converter's catalyst to an efficient operating temperature in a hybrid electric vehicle when the vehicle is in a charge limited mode such as e.g., the charge depleting mode or when the vehicle's high voltage battery is otherwise charge limited. The method and apparatus determine whether a high voltage battery of the vehicle is incapable of accepting a first amount of charge associated with a first procedure to warm-up the catalyst. If it is determined that the high voltage battery is incapable of accepting the first amount of charge, a second procedure with an acceptable amount of charge is performed to warm-up the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Assignee: FCA US LLC
    Inventors: Iva Shallvari, Sashidhar Velnati, Kenneth P. DeGroot
  • Patent number: 9076996
    Abstract: An electrochemical battery that exchanges energy with an external device. The battery includes a container containing a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an intervening electrolyte, the electrodes and electrolyte existing as liquid material layers in the container at the operating temperature of the battery so that adjacent layers form respective electrode-electrolyte interfaces. Positive and negative current collectors are in electrical contact with the positive and negative electrodes, respectively, both collectors being adapted for connection to the external device to create a circuit through which current flows. A circulation producer in the battery causes circulation within at least one of the layers to increase the flux of material in one layer to an interface with an adjacent layer, thereby giving the battery a greater current/power capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: David J. Bradwell, Gerbrand Ceder, Luis Ortiz, Donald R. Sadoway
  • Patent number: 9071058
    Abstract: A charger capable of charging an electronic apparatus includes a charger main body having a power output unit which output charging power, a connection unit which is attached to the charger main body, which is configured to be connected to the electronic apparatus, and which is configured to supply the charging power from the power output unit to the electronic apparatus in a state that the connection unit is connected to the electronic apparatus, and a temperature sensor which is provided in the connection unit, and which is configured to detect a temperature in the vicinity of the connection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Corporation of America
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Oku
  • Patent number: 9071057
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are a contactless power transmitting system having an overheat protection function, which protects a battery cell module from damage due to overheating while the battery cell module is being charged, and a method thereof. In the contactless power transmitting system, a contactless power transmitting apparatus transmits a first power to a contactless power receiving apparatus through a power transmitting coil to charge the battery cell module with the first power, and transmits a second power, of lower wattage than the first power, to the contactless power receiving apparatus through the power transmitting coil to charge the battery cell module with the second power if an overheat alarm signal is received from the contactless power receiving apparatus, thereby making it possible to fully charge the battery cell module while preventing overheating of the battery cell module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: HANRIM POSTECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chun-Kil Jung
  • Patent number: 9053869
    Abstract: Improved energy storage apparatus that is compact and less expensive is disclosed. High-voltage lines are no longer required, and heat energy can be simply dissipated from each storage module in the apparatus. A switchable inductive balancing element is electrically connected in parallel with each storage cell in each storage module, through which energy or electrical charge can be shifted among the individual storage cells in each storage module using suitably designed magnetic circuits. A power resistor and a module switch are electrically connected in parallel with the series circuit formed by the storage cells in of each storage module and the switchable inductive cell balancing elements in each module are magnetically coupled to a single switchable inductive module balancing element in the module, or each is magnetically coupled to a switchable inductive balancing element of a respective transformer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2015
    Assignee: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Rüdiger Kleffel
  • Publication number: 20150145467
    Abstract: A rechargeable battery temperature detection method adapted to an electronic system includes detecting a status of a processor of the electronic system when an external power is input to a power conversion module of the electronic system; determining whether a thermistor of the electronic system is conducted to a fuel gauge or a charge control circuit according to the state of the processor such that the fuel gauge or the charge control circuit determine a temperature sensing result via the thermistor. The thermistor is disposed adjacent to a rechargeable battery and has a resistance which varies with a temperature of the rechargeable battery. The temperature sensing result is related to the resistance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2014
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Applicant: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Yu-Tzu Zhu, Ping-I Chen
  • Publication number: 20150137741
    Abstract: A system to recharge a battery including a first current-voltage source to generate a first signal, a second current-voltage source to generate a second signal, a first inductor-capacitor circuit to generate the first DC current-voltage signal using the first signal, a second inductor-capacitor circuit to generate the second DC current-voltage signal using the second signal, wherein the first and second inductor-capacitor circuits are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. The system also includes a temperature sensor adapted to generate temperature data during the charging operation, and control circuitry configured to: (i) determine whether the first temperature data is out-of-specification, and (ii) generate one or more control signals to adjust the first and second DC current-voltage signals, in response to the first temperature data being out-of-specification.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Gurries, Fred Berkowitz, Nadim Maluf, David Bruce Koons, Miroslav Zmrzli
  • Patent number: 9035619
    Abstract: Temperature characteristics of battery cells are detected. In accordance with one or more embodiments, an intercept frequency is detected for each battery cell, at which frequency an imaginary part of a plot of impedance values of the battery cell exhibits a zero crossing. The impedance values correspond to current injected into the cell. A temperature of the cell is determined based upon the detected intercept frequency for the cell and stored data that models operation of the cell. Various approaches are implemented with different types of circuits coupled to detect the impedance values of the respective cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2015
    Assignee: DATANG NXP SEMICONDUCTORS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Johannes van Lammeren, Matheus Johannus Gerardus Lammers
  • Publication number: 20150130402
    Abstract: A device charging system that uses the fact that individual devices do not need to be continuously charged for an extended charging period in order to be fully charged at the end of the period. With automatic timing and switching, different devices can be charged at different times during the charging period with the result that all the devices are fully charged at the end of the period. Several charging power boxes that fit into one or more charging cabinets that are controlled by one or more timers. Each charging power box also includes a heat sensor and circuit breaker. User appliances or electronic devices can be stacked in the cabinets, plugged into numerous outlets available on the charging power boxes and then locked inside the cabinet for overnight charging and security. Any abnormal rise in temperature within the cabinet can shut down the entire charging process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicant: LUCASEY MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventor: Edward L. O'Neill
  • Patent number: 9030173
    Abstract: A temperature is measured for each terminal of the battery unit. The magnitude and sign of a temperature differential is calculated from the temperatures. The temperature differential is then correlated to a deteriorating condition of the battery unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Global Energy Innovations, Inc.
    Inventors: John McHardy, Paul Nicholas Chait, Kurt Salloux, Stanley Chait
  • Patent number: 9030165
    Abstract: An operating machine includes: a charging time estimation unit that estimates a first estimated charging time required to restore a capacity of a first battery from a first estimated residual capacity to a target capacity value of the first battery and a second estimated charging time required to restore a capacity of a second battery from a second estimated residual capacity to a target capacity value of the second battery; a capacity management implementation unit that implements capacity management on the first battery and the second battery such that the first battery is charged for the first estimated charging time and the second battery is charged for the second estimated charging time; and a discharge amount limitation unit for limiting a discharge amount of the second battery during an idling stop so that a residual capacity of the second battery after discharge is maintained at or above a set value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Kobelco Cranes Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kawai, Koichi Shimomura, Hideaki Ishihara, Shintaro Sasai
  • Patent number: 9030170
    Abstract: In a method and a device for controlling hybrid functions in a motor vehicle, including at least one control unit, hybrid functions of a motor vehicle are controlled by the control unit, the control unit switching off at least one hybrid function above a predetermined battery temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Vasoontara Thiamtong, Benjamin Krafzig, Thomas Mueller
  • Patent number: 9018905
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a battery management apparatus of a high voltage battery for a hybrid vehicle, in more detail, a battery management apparatus of a high voltage battery for a hybrid vehicle which includes: a plurality of battery packs including a plurality of unit cells; slave battery management modules measuring and monitoring temperature and voltage of the unit cells in the battery packs; temperature/voltage measurement wires connecting the unit cells with adjacent unit cells for the slave battery management modules to measure temperature and voltage between the unit cells and the adjacent unit cells; a master battery management module connected with the slave battery management modules; and communication wires connecting the modules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2015
    Assignee: SK Innovation Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jae Hwan Lim, Jeong Hwan Yang, Soo Yeup Jang
  • Publication number: 20150108950
    Abstract: A battery pack including: a battery including a battery cell; a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the battery; a cell voltage measuring unit for measuring a cell voltage of the battery cell and generating cell voltage data including a cell voltage value; a temperature measuring unit coupled to the temperature sensor, the temperature measuring unit being for generating temperature data including a temperature value corresponding to the temperature of the battery detected by the temperature sensor; and a control unit for determining a maximum charging current value (MCCV) of a charging current for charging the battery based on the cell voltage data and the temperature data. The control unit is for transmitting the MCCV to a charging apparatus for supplying the charging current to the battery pack. The charging apparatus is for controlling the charging current supplied to the battery pack to have a value below the MCCV.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2014
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: Samsung SDI Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Han-Seok Yun
  • Patent number: 9007033
    Abstract: The present application provides systems and methods for battery temperature detection and parasitic resistance compensation. Compensation circuitry is provided to generate a compensation current, proportional to a battery charging or discharging current, to compensate for the parasitic resistance associated with the line connection between a charger/monitor and a battery pack. The compensation current operates to adjust a reference current supplied to a temperature sensor, to enable accurate temperature measurement of the battery pack while reducing or eliminating influence from the parasitic resistance. The compensation circuitry can be utilized in a battery charger topology to enhance battery charging control and/or a battery monitoring topology to enhance battery discharge control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: O2Micro, Inc.
    Inventor: Guoxing Li
  • Patent number: 9007028
    Abstract: A control device controls charging/discharging of an electric power storage device for supplying electric power to a load device. The control device includes: a limit value setting unit setting a limit value of charging electric power for the electric power storage device based on the state of the electric power storage device; a target setting unit setting a target value of the charging electric power based on the state of the load device and the limit value; a correction unit correcting the limit value based on a difference between the target value and the actual electric power input to and output from the electric power storage device; and a command setting unit setting a command value of the charging electric power based on the state of the load device and the corrected limit value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Hiroki Tashiro
  • Patent number: 9007027
    Abstract: Charging and discharging an energy storage device (ESD) generates heat and may prevent its temperature from dropping to unsafe levels. By monitoring and managing the charge and discharge of an ESD with respect to the periods of time in which demand charges are determined, the heating will have minimal adverse effect on demand charges. ESDs may also exchange energy in a controlled manner for heating purposes and reduce reliance on utility grid-based energy sources. ESD heating may also be made more efficient by offsetting the heating with load shedding during charging periods. Precharging the ESD while heating or preheating the ESD by charging and discharging can prevent new maximum demand levels from appearing and thereby limit increases in demand charges.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Green Charge Networks LLC
    Inventor: Ronald D Prosser
  • Patent number: 9000731
    Abstract: A battery based power supply assembly is disclosed. The system comprises a discharge initiating device and a plurality of battery modules electrically connected with one another. Each of the battery modules comprises a plurality of battery cells, a discharge load connected in series with the battery cells, a switch coupled between the battery cells and the discharge load, a temperature sensor, and a controller adapted for placing the switch in its electrically connected state upon being driven by the discharge initiating device. The invention further provides a safe method of draining the energy from the power supply assembly disclosed herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2015
    Assignee: Atieva, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard J. Biskup
  • Patent number: 8994339
    Abstract: A dual-loop control configuration employs battery temperature as a feedback metric in order to prevent overheating when recharging batteries. Temperature sensors are used to obtain the battery temperature. Depending on the battery temperature that is measured, a processing device such as a battery interface module determines whether that temperature exceeds a temperature threshold. The processing device also determines a charge rate of the batteries. The processing device is configured to vary the fan speed to increase or decrease airflow for cooling the batteries based on this information, and also regulates the charge rate of the batteries as a function of the fan speed. This arrangement may be used as part of a battery backup system, such as in an uninterruptible power supply used in a data center. Alternatively, it may be used in the power supply system of an electric vehicle. Fluids besides air may also be employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventor: Pascal C. Kam
  • Publication number: 20150082617
    Abstract: The process for charging a lead battery comprises an initialisation phase (E1), during which a value representative of an amount of lead oxide of the negative active material of the battery is determined, and a charging phase (E2), the duration of which is determined as a function of the value representative of amount of lead oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: March 26, 2015
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Rémy Christin, Sylvie Genies, Jean-Marie Klein
  • Patent number: 8988045
    Abstract: The method for charging or discharging a battery comprises measurement of the voltage at the terminals of the battery and comparison of the measured voltage with an end of charging or discharging voltage threshold. The method also comprises measurement of a temperature representative of the temperature of the battery and measurement of the current flowing in the battery to form a pair of measurements. The voltage threshold is then determined according to the pair of measurements. Charging or discharging of the battery is stopped when the voltage threshold is reached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Jean-Marie Klein, Arnaud Delaille, Sylvie Genies
  • Patent number: 8988046
    Abstract: An electronic device includes: a plurality of parallel-connection battery groups; and a plurality of battery balance circuits, respectively coupled to the parallel-connection battery groups, when the parallel-connection battery group has a temperature over a predetermined temperature range, the battery balance circuit performs a thermal balance operation on the parallel-connection battery group so that the temperature of the parallel-connection battery group returns into the predetermined temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: Quanta Computer Inc.
    Inventor: Wei-Ting Yen
  • Publication number: 20150077057
    Abstract: An automated charge preparation method periodically determines critical parameters for the set of relevant operating conditions, determines whether fast charging is possible, applies fast charging when possible, otherwise applies a dynamically scaled charging rate that is optimized based upon current critical parameters (while optionally heating the individual battery cells as long as fast charging is not available) to reduce/eliminate a risk of lithium-plating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Kurt R. Kelty, Clay H. Kishiyama, Sarah G. Stewart
  • Patent number: 8981731
    Abstract: A charger capable of charging an electronic apparatus includes a charger main body having a power output unit which output charging power, a connection unit which is attached to the charger main body, which is configured to be connected to the electronic apparatus, and which is configured to supply the charging power from the power output unit to the electronic apparatus in a state that the connection unit is connected to the electronic apparatus, and a temperature sensor which is provided in the connection unit, and which is configured to detect a temperature in the vicinity of the connection unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Panasonic Intellectual Property Corporation of America
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Oku
  • Publication number: 20150069975
    Abstract: The invention described herein generally pertains to batteries for a welding operation being managed by various staggering techniques. Particularly, various controllers or methodologies can stagger, rotate, or selectively activate and deactivate welding batteries to manage battery parameters or remain within constraints. For example, battery temperature can be monitored and controlled based on staggered charging or derating. In some embodiments, various controls can be integrated with (or methodologies applied to) batteries used in hybrid welders.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Publication date: March 12, 2015
    Applicant: Lincoln Global, Inc.
    Inventors: SAMIR F. FARAH, ANDREU MECKLER
  • Publication number: 20150061605
    Abstract: A charging system of an electric vehicle includes a drive battery storing electric power for driving a motor of the electric vehicle, a heater heating the drive battery, an electric power supply device converting electric power supplied from outside the electric vehicle and supplying the electric power to the drive battery or the heater, a contactor activating or deactivating a connection between the drive battery and the electric power supply device, temperature detector detecting a temperature of the drive battery, and controller controlling the contactor and the heater based on the temperature. The controller controls the contactor so as to deactivate the connection and conducts electricity to the heater when the temperature is less than a first predetermined temperature, and controls the contactor so as to activate the connection when the temperature is the first predetermined temperature or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Inventors: Yasuyuki YAMAZAKI, Ryo SHIMIZU
  • Patent number: 8961004
    Abstract: Methods and systems to determine an internal temperature of a rechargeable lithium-ion cell based on a phase shift of the cell. Internal cell temperature may be determined with respect to an internal anode temperature and/or an internal cathode temperature. Internal anode temperature may be determined based on a phase shift of a frequency within a range of approximately 40 Hertz (Hz) to 500 Hz. Internal cathode temperature may be determined based on a phase shift of a frequency of up to approximately 30 Hz. A temperature sensor as disclosed herein may be powered by a monitored cell with relatively little impact on cell charge, may be electrically coupled to cell but housed physically separate from the cell, and/or may monitor multiple cells in a multiplex fashion. A rate of change in phase shift may be used to initiate pre-emptive action, without determining corresponding temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: The Johns Hopkins University
    Inventors: Rengaswamy Srinivasan, Michael H. Butler, Bliss G. Carkhuff, Terry E. Phillips, Jeremy D. Walker, Oscar M. Uy, Andrew C. Baisden
  • Patent number: 8950533
    Abstract: A cooling arrangement is disclosed for a vehicle having a first component, a first duct, and a cooling fan configured to deliver air through the first duct to the first component when the cooling fan is operated. The cooling arrangement includes, but is not limited to, a second component, a port coupled to the second component, the port being accessible from a position external to the vehicle, and a second duct having a first end positioned proximate the port and a second end in fluid communication with the first duct. The second duct is configured to deliver air from outside of the vehicle to the second component when the cooling fan is operated while the vehicle is off.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Mark D. Nemesh, Wissam Ibri
  • Patent number: 8947023
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Youhei Kawahara, Akihiko Emori, Akihiko Kudo, Atsuo Suga, Masato Isogai, Kenji Kubo
  • Patent number: 8928274
    Abstract: A battery module for a portable electronic device is disclosed. The battery module is connected with the portable electronic device with at least three contacts. The battery module includes a battery, a recognition circuit, and a thermal sensing circuit. The recognition circuit has an energy storage element and a current limiting element, and the thermal sensing circuit has a switch and a thermal sensing element. The thermal sensing element varies its electric parameter in accordance with the temperature of the battery module. With the charging curve of charging the energy storage element by way of the current limiting element, the portable electronic device can determine a battery type, and the thermal sensing circuit is then initiated to acquire the thermal information of the battery module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: HTC Corporation
    Inventors: Jean-Lieh Shen, Chih-Chung Teng, Chung-Yi Pan
  • Patent number: 8928272
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for controlling a charging voltage of a 12V auxiliary battery for a hybrid vehicle, which can (1) improve charging efficiency of an auxiliary battery by increasing the output voltage of a DC-DC converter during cold start when the outside air temperature is low, (2) improve the charging efficiency of the auxiliary battery by increasing or decreasing the output power of the DC-DC converter according to the state of charge of the auxiliary battery and by increasing the output voltage of the DC-DC converter when many electrical loads are turned on, and (3) allow the DC-DC converter to provide continuous power supply for charging the auxiliary battery by turning on a main switch disposed between a high voltage battery and the DC-DC converter based on a reverse power conversion operation of the DC-DC converter even in the case where the voltage of the auxiliary battery falls below 9V.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventor: Hong Seok Song
  • Patent number: 8922152
    Abstract: A temperature protection device basically includes a temperature detector, a temperature estimator, an overheated determining component and an overheating protection component. The temperature detector detects a temperature of a semiconductor component. The temperature estimator estimates an estimated temperature of the semiconductor component. The overheated determining component determines whether the semiconductor component is in an overheated state based on the detected temperature and the estimated temperature by using a first estimated temperature as the estimated temperature at a time point when the detected temperature has reached a first threshold temperature and a second estimated temperature that is estimated subsequent to the time point as the estimated temperature when the detected temperature has reached the first threshold temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiromichi Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20140375277
    Abstract: A method for controlling the temperature of at least one battery element, a battery, and a motor vehicle that has the battery includes specifying a temperature value, and determining the cool-down behavior of the at least one battery element beginning at a first temperature. A first point in time, at which the battery temperature will have reached or fallen below the temperature value, is determined by evaluating the cool-down behavior. Subsequently, a second point in time for a beginning of the charging or discharging of the at least one battery element is determined. If tmin<t_end, heat is applied to the at least one battery element in such a manner that the battery temperature at the second point in time is higher than or equal to the temperature value. The method can be used to avoid damage to the battery element during charging and discharging of the battery element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Xiaofeng Yan, Christian Pankiewitz
  • Publication number: 20140375279
    Abstract: In a charging method for a lithium ion battery, constant current charging of the lithium ion battery is performed. The constant current charging includes at least three consecutive charging stages. The at least three consecutive charging stages include consecutive first, second, and third charging stages. The second charging stage has a set current value which is set lower than set current values of the first and third charging stages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Hajime Nishino, Mitsuhiro Takeno, Mikinari Shimada, Masato Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 8914173
    Abstract: A method and system for conditioning an energy storage system (ESS) for a vehicle, like a high-voltage battery or a fuel cell used for vehicle propulsion. It may be detrimental for a high-voltage battery in a parked vehicle to be exposed to extreme temperatures for an extended period of time. Thus, the method and system may be used to condition such a battery—for example, by heating it up if it is too cold or by cooling it down if it is too hot—so that the performance, durability, lifespan and/or other aspects of the battery are improved. In an exemplary embodiment, the method predicts if the battery will need conditioning the next time the vehicle is parked and, if such conditioning is needed, then the method predicts if the battery has sufficient charge to perform this conditioning. If the charge appears insufficient, then the method operates an energy generator that provides additional charge to the battery in anticipation of the needed conditioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: William A. Biondo, David T. Proefke, Clark E. McCall
  • Publication number: 20140361753
    Abstract: A temperature sensing device can be embedded in a memory module or system in order to sense the temperature of the memory module or system. One oscillator generates a temperature variable signal that increases frequency as the temperature of the oscillator increases and decreases frequency when the temperature of the oscillator decreases. A temperature invariant oscillator generates a fixed width signal that is controlled by an oscillator read logic and indicates a temperature sense cycle. An n-bit counter is clocked by the temperature variable signal while the fixed width signal enables/inhibits the counter. The faster the counter counts, the larger the count value at the end of the sense cycle indicated by the fixed width signal. A larger count value indicates a warmer temperature. A smaller count value indicates a colder temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: Round Rock Research, LLC
    Inventor: Simon J. Lovett
  • Patent number: 8907631
    Abstract: A system to recharge a battery including a first current-voltage source to generate a first signal, a second current-voltage source to generate a second signal, a first inductor-capacitor circuit to generate the first DC current-voltage signal using the first signal, a second inductor-capacitor circuit to generate the second DC current-voltage signal using the second signal, wherein the first and second inductor-capacitor circuits are spaced apart by a predetermined distance. The system also includes a temperature sensor adapted to generate temperature data during the charging operation, and control circuitry configured to: (i) determine whether the first temperature data is out-of-specification, and (ii) generate one or more control signals to adjust the first and second DC current-voltage signals, in response to the first temperature data being out-of-specification.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Qnovo Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Nathan Gurries, Fred Berkowitz, Nadim Maluf, David Bruce Koons, Miroslav Zmrzli
  • Publication number: 20140354233
    Abstract: In various embodiments, a device for testing a battery may be provided. The device for testing a battery may include: a determination circuit configured to determine at least one of a differential enthalpy of the battery and a differential entropy of the battery; and an evaluation circuit configured to evaluate a health state of the battery based on the determined at least one of the differential enthalpy and the differential entropy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Rachid Yazami, Kenza Maher
  • Patent number: 8901878
    Abstract: A transcutaneous charging device for charging an implant comprising: a power input; a conversion circuit to convert power from said power input to transcutaneously charge said implant; a control; and an indication element; wherein said control is programmed to initiate an indication using said indication element when it is time to charge said implant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Impulse Dynamics NV
    Inventors: David Prutchi, Paul Richard Spehr
  • Patent number: 8899492
    Abstract: A method for actively cooling the battery pack of an electric vehicle after the vehicle has been turned off, thereby limiting the adverse effects of temperature on battery life, is provided. Different battery pack cooling techniques are provided, thus allowing the cooling technique used in a particular instance to be selected not only based on the thermal needs of the battery pack, but also on the thermal capacity and energy requirements of the selected approach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt Russell Kelty, Scott Ira Kohn, Weston Arthur Hermann, Clay Hajime Kishiyama
  • Publication number: 20140340020
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for controlling charging of a portable terminal equipped with a solar battery that converts solar energy into an electrical energy, the apparatus including a thermistor in which a resistance value changes according to a temperature change; a comparator which outputs a first signal when a temperature surrounding the thermistor is less than a preset reference temperature as determined by the resistance value change of the thermistor according to the temperature change and outputs a second signal when the temperature is at least the preset reference temperature or more; and a charging unit which is activated and receives the electrical energy from the solar battery to charge a battery when the first signal is inputted from the comparator, and is deactivated and blocks the charge of battery in case the second signal is inputted.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2014
    Publication date: November 20, 2014
    Inventors: Jun Chul KANG, Seung Chul CHOI, Jae Ahn RYU
  • Patent number: 8890483
    Abstract: A protection circuit having: a connecting terminal for receiving a voltage for charging a rechargeable battery; a switching element interposed between the connecting terminal and the rechargeable battery; a temperature fuse for blocking a conductive path between the connecting terminal and the switching element; a heater for melting the temperature fuse; a voltage detection unit for detecting a voltage relating to the conductive path; a first abnormality detection unit for detecting occurrence of a first abnormality that is pre-set as a recoverable abnormality; a second abnormality detection unit for detecting occurrence of a second abnormality that is pre-set as an abnormality on the basis of which the temperature fuse should be melted; a protection control unit for turning OFF the switching element when the first abnormality is detected by the first abnormality detection unit; and a heater control unit for executing a temperature fuse melting process of applying the voltage of the conductive path to the hea
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Toshiyuki Nakatsuji, Toshiaki Ishikawa, Yoshikazu Kiyohara
  • Publication number: 20140333267
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a temperature measurement component configured to receive temperature information from a battery, a heater configured to provide heat to the battery, and a controller configured to enable and disable the heater using information from the temperature measurement component to optimize charge efficiency and capacity of the battery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: Fairchild Semiconductor Corporation
    Inventor: Philip J. Crawley