Abstract: In an autonomous system, the method for charging a power storage element from a generator comprises temperature measurement, with switching from a first charging mode to a second charging mode in which the voltage is regulated by the temperature. The first charging mode is charging at regulated current to a maximum current value which is a function of the state of charge of the power storage element and of the temperature of the power storage element. Switching is performed when the voltage at the terminals of the power storage element reaches a preset threshold value, itself a function of the value of the current and temperature of the power storage element.

Abstract: A device includes a rechargeable battery and a USB interface including a USB_ID pin. A charging device is connected to the device via the USB interface. A battery charging circuit in the device receives a charge via the USB_ID pin from the charging device, and the battery charging circuit charges the battery with the received charge.

Abstract: In the present invention, a battery pack type discriminating or deciding concave portion (131) is formed at a position corresponding to a battery pack type deciding switch (214) of an SQ battery pack (1) and when the SQ battery pack (1) is set, the battery pack type deciding switch (214) is avoided to be pressed by a bottom (115) of the SQ battery pack (1) owing to the concave portion (131). In this way, as the switch (214) is avoided to be pressed, it is recognized that the set battery pack is an SQ battery pack (1) under charging. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to identify battery packs among different charging modes and charging can be performed in a proper charging mode.

Abstract: An energy saving type feeder voltage compensation apparatus improved in availability at low temperatures, wherein when a secondary battery is lower in temperature than a predetermined value, an output voltage output to a feeder side is made equal to or higher than a no-load output voltage of a substation connected in parallel. Power is supplied to a power running rolling stock preferentially from the secondary battery. The heating value of the secondary battery is increased and the battery temperature is raised by this discharging, whereby internal resistance of the secondary battery is lowered, and the charging and discharging loss is suppressed, and the efficiency and availability of the energy saving type feeder voltage compensation apparatus as a whole are improved.

Abstract: A charge control device of a secondary battery that allows the use of an electronic apparatus for a long period using a single initial charging, and is capable of extending battery life. The charging device includes a charge circuit for supplying charging current to secondary batteries, a voltage detection circuit for detecting the voltage of secondary batteries, a current detection circuit for detecting the charging current in secondary batteries, a memory such as an EEPROM for recording the number of times of charging or total charge integrated amount in secondary batteries, and a microcontroller for controlling charge circuit, changing over to constant voltage charge after charging secondary batteries 2 at constant current, and decreasing the voltage in constant voltage charging depending on the number of times of charge or total charge integrated amount recorded in the memory of EEPROM.

Abstract: To provide a system for controlling the charging of a secondary battery (battery), which is capable of keeping an initial charging/discharging characteristic of the battery in consideration of a change in environmental temperature and deterioration of the battery with elapsed time. An ordinary charging portion for performing a first charging control specified to stop the charging at a charge level less than a full-charge level is used in combination with a refresh charging portion for performing a second charging control specified to stop the charging at a charge level more than the full charge level. After the charging by the ordinary charging portion is continuously repeated by a specific number of times, for example, ten times, the next charging is performed by the refresh charging portion.

Abstract: A vehicle system that includes an engine control apparatus which regulates engine idling speed incorporates a battery current detection apparatus which acquires information expressing the value of field current of an engine-driven electric generator and detects a condition of high electrical load as occurrence of a battery discharge current exceeding a threshold value, and responds to that condition by notifying the engine control apparatus of a higher value of field current of the electric generator than the actual value, to thereby effect a rapid increase in engine speed and so rapidly increase the output power of the electric generator.

Abstract: A method for detecting the charged state of a battery based on the measurements of open circuit voltage in which the charged state of a battery can be detected precisely regardless of the degradation state of the battery. Internal impedance of a battery is measured, voltage of the battery is measured under stable state, measurement of the battery voltage under stable state is subjected to raising correction depending on the measurement of internal impedance, and then charged state of the battery is determined based on the corrected value of battery voltage under stable state.

Abstract: A method and system for modeling or simulating an application environment so as to evaluate the effect of a selected battery and charger in the application environment. Sensors are used to gather data regarding the energy consumption needs of the application environment over time. Based on the energy needs and/or user-specified application environment parameters, such as a charge schedule, a battery size and type, and a charge return model, an energy transfer profile for the application environment is generated and outputted. The energy transfer profile provides an indication of the state of charge of the battery over time based upon the simulated discharging and charging of the battery in the application environment. The generation of the energy transfer profile takes into account the charging schedule and the incremental change in battery parameters over time.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes an assembled battery including a plurality of cells, a plurality of temperature sensors sensing temperatures of the plurality of cells, respectively, a current sensor sensing a current flowing through the assembled battery, and a state monitoring unit and an abnormality detecting apparatus that are a detecting unit of detecting an abnormality of the plurality of temperature sensors. The detecting unit makes a notification of an abnormality, when charging or discharging of the assembled battery is performed and on a basis of a plurality of detections of the deviation being greater than a first prescribed value and the output fluctuation range being smaller than a second prescribed value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the charge and discharge currents in a battery (2) as a function of temperature. When a battery (2) is charged or discharged in an environment that approaches its design operating temperature extreme, the currents are reduced to limit self-heating of the battery and thus extend the useful operating environment temperature range. A temperature sensor (18) is coupled to a controller (6) to sense the battery (2) temperature. The temperature information is used to set a suitable charging or discharging current (8). In the illustrative embodiment, the charging current is set to a maximum value when said temperature is lower than a first predetermined threshold value, the maximum value being the battery's maximum specified charging current, and the first predetermined threshold value being the battery's maximum charging temperature.

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: Battery pack (10) may include rechargeable battery cells (12). Battery charger (20) may include power source circuit (100). Power source circuit (100) may be connected with an external power source and battery cells (12). The external power source may supply power to the power source circuit and then, the power source circuit may supply charging current to battery cells (12). Battery charger (20) may also include voltage detector (32, 33) for detecting the voltage input from the external power source to power source circuit (100). Battery charger (10) may further include processor (40) for controlling power source circuit (32). Processor (40) may determine the amount of charging current supplied to battery cells (12) based upon the external power source voltage detected by the voltage detector (32, 33).

Abstract: A control system and method for a battery charger. The system includes a processor that receives inputs from a battery current sensor and temperature sensors within the batteries. The processor terminates and resumes charging in response to measured battery temperatures compared to stored reference values in order to prevent high temperatures associated with damage to the batteries.

Abstract: The invention involves systems and methods of providing energy to land-based telemetry devices wherein the energy storage and power conditioning system is comprised of an input power supply, an energy storage element, an output supply and a control system. The input power supply provides energy to the output power supply and charges the energy storage element. The energy storage element is comprised of one or more UltraCaps and supplies energy to the output power supply at times of peak need and when the primary energy source to the input power supply is removed. The control system adjusts the voltage supplied to the energy storage element by the input power supply according to changes in the ambient temperature to compensate for changes in the internal equivalent series resistance of the UltraCaps caused by the change in ambient temperature. The output power supply provides energy to the land-based telemetry device.

Abstract: A battery voltage regulation circuit is provided for regulation the charging voltage of a battery. The system of the present invention includes a battery charger and a plurality of series connected batteries. Each of the plurality of series connected batteries are connected in parallel with a battery voltage regulator circuit. Each battery voltage regulator identifies excess battery current by using a voltage temperature compensation factor to compare the voltage of a battery to a reference voltage. A battery bypass circuit is used to remove excess battery current from a battery bath. In addition to being used in conjunction with a plurality of series connected batteries, the present invention may be used with a single charging battery to achieve the same results.

Abstract: A battery charger and a charging method capable of charging a battery for a short period of time while suppressing battery temperature from rising. The current temperature of the battery is detected (in step S12) and a temperature rise is calculated from the detected temperature (in step S14). An allowable current map is then retrieved from the detected temperature and the obtained temperature rise, an allowable current with which the battery can be charged while suppressing battery temperature from rising is obtained (in step S16) and the battery is charged with the allowable current (in step S20). Since the allowable current which the battery can be charged with, while suppressing battery temperature from rising is retrieved using the map which the allowable current is mapped, based on battery temperature and battery temperature rise, and charging current is controlled, it is possible to charge the battery for a short period of time while suppressing battery temperature from rising.

Abstract: A charging method of a rechargeable battery includes steps of: charging the rechargeable battery with a constant current; charging the rechargeable battery with a constant voltage or with a current having a pulse waveform; and when a charging current is decreased so as to be equal to or lower than a predetermined current value, or when an average charging current for a single pulse of the current having a pulse waveform is decreased so as to be equal to or lower than a predetermined current value, determining that the rechargeable battery has been fully charged and stopping the charging of the rechargeable battery, wherein a temperature of the rechargeable battery is measured, and the predetermined current value at which the charging of the rechargeable battery is stopped is adjusted according to the measured temperature.

Abstract: A battery charging apparatus comprising a controller to control on-off controllable switch elements of an AC power source output short circuit and including a first control section to control the on-off controllable switch elements so that they are at an on-state when an instantaneous terminal voltage of a battery exceeds a first set value and a second control section to control the on-off switch elements so that they are at an on-state when an average voltage of the battery exceeds a second set value and serving to control them when a power source switch is closed.

Abstract: In one preferred embodiment of the invention, a method of restoring charge to a battery operating with a predetermined terminal voltage, including: determining an expected rate of degradation of a plate or plates of a battery in terms of decrease of capacity per unit time and temperature of operation of the battery to determine a degree of degradation of capacity of the battery; and providing sufficient charge to the battery to restore a predetermined degree of the capacity of the battery. In another preferred embodiment of the invention, a method of diagnosing state of health of a battery, including: restoring a theoretical amount of charge to a partially depleted battery; and examining how the battery responded to the step of restoring a theoretical amount of charge to the partially depleted battery to determine the state of health of the battery.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for reactivating an electric battery (B) which is no longer able to supply the required minimum amount of electrical power to a connected consumer unit because it was supercooled by frost. The object of the invention is to create a solution, at a justifiable cost of time and energy, which enables the consumer unit to operate as soon as possible or keep it operating after the effect of extremely low temperatures on the battery. According to the invention, the reactivation of the battery takes place by internally heating the electrolyte, which is achieved with the help of its own time-controlled current via the battery contacts, whereby a negligibly small electric output is transformed in the external circuit. To that end the high internal resistance during supercooling is utilized and works as an internal heating element. A reactive load (X) is advantageously connected to at least one inductive and/or capacitive element through the battery contacts (+,−).

Abstract: A method of charging a rechargeable battery which comprises charging the battery with a charging current; sampling conditions of the battery during charging to recognize potential adverse conditions within the battery; interrupting the charging current periodically to create current-free periods and sampling an open circuit voltage of the battery during each current-free period to identify potential overcharge conditions in the battery; lowering the charging current if any adverse conditions are identified and continuing charging with the charging current if adverse charging conditions are not identified; and terminating charging when a predetermined value is recognized. The method of charging nickel-metal hydride and nickel-cadmium batteries is based on switching charging current as soon as temperature related battery open circuit voltage reaches the first predetermined value, tapering current and continuing charging up to terminating point.

Abstract: A testing device applies time-varying electrical excitation to a cell or battery and senses the resulting time-varying electrical response. Computation circuitry within the device uses voltage and current signals derived from the excitation and response signals as inputs and computes values of elements of an equivalent circuit representation of the cell or battery. The internal temperature of the cell or battery is calculated from the value of the time constant of a particular parallel G-C subcircuit of the equivalent circuit. The battery's internal temperature is then either displayed to the user, used to apply appropriate temperature corrections to other computed quantities, used to detect thermal runaway, and/or used to control an external process such as charging of the battery.

Abstract: A method and a circuit arrangement for determining the charging current and the temperature of an accumulator, wherein a part of the charging current is amplified via a transistor that is in thermal contact with the accumulator. An output voltage of the transistor amplifier circuit is measured once at a known temperature for determining a reference value. The output voltage is measured at the temperature to be identified with the charging current switched off and the output voltage is measured at the same temperature with the charging current switched on. The temperature and the charging current are then determined from the reference value, from the voltage with the charging current turned off and from the voltage with the charging current turned on.

Abstract: A battery charger and a charging method capable of charging a battery for a short period of time while suppressing the battery temperature from rising, by incorporating in the battery charger memory a look-up table for mapping an allowable value of current with which the battery can be charged based on a battery temperature and a battery temperature rise only. The current temperature of the battery is detected (in step S12) and a temperature rise is calculated from the detected temperature (in step S14). An allowable current map is then retrieved from the detected temperature and the obtained temperature rise, an allowable current with which the battery can be charged while suppressing battery temperature from rising is obtained (in step S16) and the battery is charged with the allowable current (in step S20).

Abstract: A charging circuit generates a charging current from an ac supply which is supplied to a secondary battery in a battery package through first terminals. A second terminal receives a temperature detection signal from a thermistor on the secondary battery. A value of the temperature detection signal is sampled every predetermined interval. A memory stores the sampled value. A difference between the sampled value and the value from the memory is obtained, as well as the temperature decrease value between the sampled value and the value stored, when it applies. An error signal is generated when the difference is higher than a predetermined value and the operator is alarmed and informed of the error. The difference may be obtained between the sampled value and the value one-cycle-previously-sampled value from the memory, between the sampled value and a minimum of the sampled values, or between the sampled value and a charging start value of the sampled value.

Abstract: In an exemplary fast charging system, a hand-held computerized terminal with rechargeable batteries therein may be bodily inserted into a charger receptacle. The terminal may have volatile memory and other components requiring load current during charging. The system may automatically identify battery type and progressively increase charging current while monitoring for an increase in battery terminal voltage to ascertain the level of load current. The battery temperature may be brought into a relationship to surrounding temperature such that by applying a suitable overcharge current value and observing any resultant temperature increase, the level of remaining battery charge can be determined. For example, if the battery is found to be relatively fully discharged, a relatively high fast-charge rate may be safely applied while monitoring battery temperature.

Abstract: A battery charger and a charging method capable of charging a battery for a short period of time while suppressing battery temperature from rising. The current temperature of the battery is detected (in step S12) and a temperature rise is calculated from the detected temperature (in step S14). An allowable current map is then retrieved from the detected temperature and the obtained temperature rise, an allowable current with which the battery can be charged while suppressing battery temperature from rising is obtained (in step S16) and the battery is charged with the allowable current (in step S20). Since the allowable current which the battery can be charged with, while suppressing battery temperature from rising is retrieved using the map which the allowable current is mapped, based on battery temperature and battery temperature rise, and charging current is controlled, it is possible to charge the battery for a short period of time while suppressing battery temperature from rising.

Abstract: A system for regulating the output voltage of an alternator of a vehicle, supplying power to the electrical system of the vehicle and charging the battery, includes a regulator which controls the excitation current of the alternator. The regulator regulates the output voltage of the alternator with respect to a reference voltage which does not vary as a function of temperature. The system also includes a module in which a temperature sensor measures the battery temperature. This module supplies to the regulator an input signal which is a function of the battery voltage and of the measured battery temperature. The regulator maintains this input voltage at a constant value, and the module is such that this regulation causes the battery voltage to vary in accordance with a required regulation law.

Abstract: A battery charger system for providing a temperature compensated charging output voltage to a battery. The battery charger system includes a voltage source and an output circuit coupled to the voltage source and the battery for supplying the charging output voltage to the battery. The output circuit includes a diode compensation network that is responsive to variations in temperature near the battery to vary the charging output voltage supplied to the battery. Methods for providing a temperature compensated charging output voltage to a battery are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for automatically switching and adjusting the load of a battery discharger by using PTC (positive temperature coefficient) units and resistive heating elements as the load. The automatic switching and adjustment is accomplished by the steps of selecting the number of operating PTC units with constant power by the user; selecting the number of operating resistive heating elements based on the detected current changes; and automatically micro-adjusting the current of other resistive heating elements to obtain a discharge with a constant current. The present invention further provide a device for implementing the method for automatically switching and adjusting the load of a battery discharger.

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.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery charging circuit comprises a detection circuit for detecting the ambient temperature and a charging current control circuit for controlling the charging current in dependence upon the ambient temperature. The battery charging circuit charges the battery in response to the ambient temperature variations in order to maximize the charging efficiency of the battery at temperatures higher than room temperature.

Abstract: This invention makes it possible to inform a user of a battery replacement timing and a necessity for maintenance by storing in advance a reference vale of average battery temperature rise speed, obtaining an actual value of average battery temperature rise speed by measuring the battery temperature during charging, determining the battery deterioration easily, reliably, and irrespective of ambient temperatures at which the battery is charged and discharged by comparing the actual value of average battery temperature rise speed with the reference vale of average battery temperature rise speed.

Abstract: In order to optimally control the charging of a rechargeable battery of one or more cells to ensure that full and rapid charge is achieved without damaging the battery, a maximum safe value (or sequence of values during the charging process) for one or more charging parameters is determined during a test charge, and subsequent charges of the battery are performed without exceeding the predetermined maximum value(s) for the charging parameter(s). Among the charging parameters contemplated for use are: the charging voltage potential placed across the battery terminals, the charging current supplied to the battery, the temperature of the battery cell and internal pressure of the battery cell as well as rates of changes of the parameters.

Abstract: Techniques for controlling the charging of batteries and portable electronic devices are described. In order to avoid inclusion of a temperature sensing element within a battery pack, various techniques are described that control charging of the battery with respect to its temperature. For example, when the portable electronic device is powered on, a timer may begin counting which, after a predetermined time period, will allow an external charging device to charge the battery. Alternatively, if a temperature sensing element is provided within the device for monitoring the temperature of some other element, its monitored temperature may also be taken into account in determining when the battery is within a safe temperature range for charging. A temperature gradient measured by the temperature sensing element within the device may also be considered to counteract the impact of drastic temperature differences between the battery and the device itself.

Abstract: A monitoring circuit for a Li-Ion battery pack charging apparatus is disclosed. The monitoring circuit modifies charging time for a Li-Ion battery pack inserted in the charging apparatus to compensate for temperature effects on the charging current input to the battery pack. In one embodiment of the monitoring circuit, a comparator is utilized to compare a voltage across the battery pack, V.sub.charge, to a set point voltage value, V.sub.sp. The set point voltage value, V.sub.sp, is taken off a temperature sensor circuit comprising a voltage divider circuit. The voltage divider circuit includes at least one thermistor in a ground connected leg of the divider. In a second embodiment of the monitoring circuit of the present invention, a differential amplifier is coupled to opposite ends of a low resistance sensor resistor. The sensor resistor is coupled between charging circuitry and the Li-Ion battery pack to be charged. The voltage differential across the resistor, V.sub.

Abstract: A battery charging system (300) provides an expanded range of battery recognition between a charger (302) and a battery (304). Two resistors (316, 318) are coupled in series across the positive and negative charging terminals (B+, B-) of the battery (304) such that when the battery is coupled to the charger (302) there is provided a voltage divider to an A/D port (332) which is used to determine the battery type. Initially, the charger (302) disables charge current to the battery (304) and the charger determines the first resistor (316) value by enabling a switching circuit (336) and reading A/D port (332). Current is then enabled through positive charge node (B+) with the switching circuit (336) switched off, and the value of second resistor (318) is determined. The two resistors (316, 318) provide for an expanded range within which the A/D port (332) can determine battery type. A second charging system (400) provides an expanded battery type recognition range in a three contact charging system.