Abstract: A method controls or regulates the charge state of an electrical energy accumulator of a hybrid vehicle, where, in some operating states, the energy accumulator is charged from a low to a higher charge state level by way of an electric machine driven by an internal-combustion engine of the hybrid vehicle and operating as a generator. The level of the charge state to which the energy accumulator is charged by the internal-combustion engine is selected as a function of a parameter representing the load of the electrical system or correlating thereto.

Abstract: A characteristic tracking method for a battery module including at least one battery is disclosed. A look-up table is provided according to a primary characteristic of the battery. It is determined whether a battery has satisfied a preset condition when the battery module is operated from a usage state to an idling state. The battery is measured to have obtained a first voltage and a real capacity when the battery satisfies the preset condition. The measured first voltage is utilized to locate a table capacity of the battery from the look-up table. The look-up table is updated according to the real capacity and the table capacity. A peripheral circuit of characteristic tracking method has been exhibited.

Abstract: A monitoring circuit for accurately monitoring a voltage level from each of a plurality of battery cells of a battery pack includes an analog to digital converter (ADC) and a processor. The ADC is configured to accept an analog voltage signal from each of the plurality of battery cells and convert each analog voltage signal to a digital signal representative of an accurate voltage level of each battery cell. The processor receives such signals and provides a safety alert signal based on at least one of the signals. The ADC resolution may be adjustable. A balancing circuit provides a balancing signal if at least two of the digital signals indicate a voltage difference between two cells is greater than a battery cell balance threshold. An electronic device including such monitoring and balancing circuits is also provided. Various methods are also provided.

Abstract: A battery charging apparatus and method adapted to reduce battery capacity as a function of increased temperature thereby permitting partial charges at temperatures in excess of manufacturer's recommendations. The method includes steps of reducing charging current and charging voltage as a function of battery temperature thereby averting chemical instability within the battery. The apparatus detects battery temperature and includes a controller that will control charger voltage and current as a function of temperature and determine a suitable charging capacity.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the state of a storage device prevents occurrence of a leakage current. A low-level detection unit is provided for each of blocks of a battery pack. Control units are connected to the blocks of the battery pack by way of first switches and are started upon receipt of power supply. The control units and measurement units are connected to the blocks by way of second switches. The control units activate the second switches after being started as a result of activation of the first switches, to thus receive power supply, and commence measurement of block voltages by means of the measurement units. The high-level detection unit supplies a read signal and a synchronous signal to the low-level detection units by way of the first switches.

Abstract: Several methods and systems to perform limitation of vampiric power consumption with decoupling of an inductive power apparatus and an alternating current power source is disclosed. In an embodiment, an inductive battery charging system includes an inductive power apparatus that provides power to a target load when the inductive power apparatus is coupled to an alternating current power source. The system further includes an observation circuit to determine a power consumption associated with the target load, and a detection circuit to determine when a power consumption reaches a threshold level. The system also includes a separation circuit to decouple the inductive power apparatus and the alternating current power source when the power consumption is lower than a threshold level to limit vampiric power consumption of the inductive power apparatus.

Abstract: A method is described for manufacturing a battery sensor unit, in particular a battery sensor unit for a motor vehicle battery, comprising a cable holder for a cable end of a cable. The method includes sliding a sleeve composed of a resistor material onto the cable end, at least one first measuring tap being installed between the cable end and an inner circumference of the sleeve. The cable end provided with the sleeve and the measuring tap is inserted into the cable holder and is permanently connected thereto to form a measuring device. A battery sensor unit is described having a fastening device for fastening the battery sensor unit to a contact of a battery, in particular a motor vehicle battery, and having a measuring device for detecting the state of the battery.

Abstract: The battery pack charging method charges a battery pack, which is a plurality of lithium ion rechargeable batteries connected in series, to full charge by constant current and constant voltage charging. Constant current charging is performed until total voltage reaches a prescribed total voltage. Subsequently, constant current charging is switched to constant voltage charging until full charge is reached. In addition, the voltage of each battery being charged is detected. When the voltage of any battery exceeds a first specified voltage, charging is switched to pulse charging.

Abstract: The present relates to a system and method for dynamic power management of a mobile device. The mobile device has a plurality of loads and a battery charger electrically connected to a voltage rail. The method comprises monitoring the plurality of loads to determine when at least one of the loads will become active or inactive, determining a minimum required output voltage level to be provided by the voltage converter based on active loads and the at least one load that will become active or inactive and device operation; and adjusting an input voltage level via the voltage converter to provide the minimum required output voltage level on the voltage rail in advance of the at least one load becoming active or after the at least one load becomes inactive. The method further monitors the input voltage level, and determines whether the input voltage level is below a first predetermine threshold.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the status of a vehicle battery to determine whether the battery may not have enough charge to start the vehicle. The method includes collecting data relating to the battery on the vehicle and collecting data relating to the battery at a remote back-office. Both the vehicle and the remote data center determine battery characteristics based on the collected data and the likelihood of a vehicle no-start condition, where the algorithm used at the remote back-office may be more sophisticated. The data collected at the remote back-office may include vehicle battery information transmitted wirelessly from the vehicle, and other information, such as temperature, battery reliability, miles that the vehicle has driven per day, ambient temperature, high content vehicle, etc. Both the vehicle and the remote back-office may determine the battery open circuit voltage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a charging apparatus capable of efficiently charging battery in view of power consumption and a charging method. The charging apparatus has a charging unit which charges a battery, a remaining capacity detecting unit which detects remaining capacity of the battery, a necessary charging capacity obtaining unit which obtains charging capacity necessary for use after completion of the charging of the battery, an additional charging capacity calculating unit which calculates additional charging capacity for additionally charging the battery based on the remaining capacity and the necessary charging capacity of the battery, a charging current determining unit which determines a charging current at the time when the charging unit charges for the additional charging capacity based on power consumption generated at the time of charging for the additional charging capacity, and a control unit which controls the charging unit based on the determined charging current.

Abstract: The present invention aims to quickly charge a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including a heat-resistant layer between a negative electrode and a positive electrode. A method according to the present invention for charging a non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including a heat-resistant layer between a negative electrode and a positive electrode is provided with a step of performing pulse charge on the secondary battery, a step of detecting a change amount of a cell voltage associated with a change in the concentration polarization of the non-aqueous electrolyte as a polarization voltage, and a step of terminating the pulse charge when the polarization voltage increases to or above a predetermined threshold value. According to the present invention, it is possible to quickly charge the non-aqueous electrolyte secondary battery including the heat-resistant layer between the negative electrode and the positive electrode at such a borderline level as not to cause overcharge.

Abstract: The present invention is a charge method of a battery for an electric motor vehicle, in which a battery is charged by an outside electric source. A residual charge quantity of the battery is detected before charging. A maximum-quantity charge time Ttotal which is required for the residual charge quantity of the battery becoming the maximum quantity is calculated based on detection result. A driving-start time tds of the electric motor vehicle is estimated. A first charge is executed so as to be started from a driving stop of the electric motor vehicle, continued for a period of time which is shorter than the maximum-quantity charge time Ttotal, and completed before the driving-start time tds. A second charge is executed so as to be started after the first charge is completed and completed at the driving-start time tds.

Abstract: A technique for dynamically adjusting an output voltage of forward converter circuits for a battery charging operation is provided. The technique allows for varying voltage at the charging battery by manipulating the duty cycles of two forward converter circuits. Method and systems allow for increasing synchronized duty cycles in a pair of forward converter circuits in response to a changing battery charge state that requires a higher voltage output then changing a phase shift between the duty cycles in response to further increases in output voltage demand. The methods and systems also allow for setting a phase shift between duty cycles in a pair of forward converter circuits based on battery rating and then altering pulse width in response to changing battery charge state.

Abstract: The battery module comprises a main battery, a voltage converter, an auxiliary device, a battery management unit and a first set of switching devices and a second set of switching devices. The main battery provides the electric power. The auxiliary device is used to store the electric power. The battery management unit controls the main battery and the auxiliary device to charge or discharge through a first set of switching devices and a second set of switching devices, respectively. When the battery module is charged by an external charger, the auxiliary device and the main battery are charged simultaneously. When the external charger stops to charge the battery module, the battery management unit controls the auxiliary device through the second set of switching devices to continuously charge the main battery through the voltage converter.

Abstract: An accumulator control device includes a first electrical connection configured to connect the accumulator control device to a local accumulator. A second electrical connection is connected to the first electrical connection and configured to connect to a remote auxiliary electrical power supply device. A control unit is configured to measure at least one of a parameter of the accumulator and an environmental parameter and to transmit at least one of the at least one measured parameter and a value calculated using the at least one measured parameter to the remote auxiliary electrical power supply device via a communication interface.

Abstract: Systems (50, 200) and methods for determining a state of charge of a battery (52, 102, 150, 202) are provided. The system (50, 200) includes a power source (56, 206) configured to provide a charging current to a battery (52, 102, 150, 202). A controller (54, 104, 204) is included and configured to determine a state of charge of the battery (52, 102, 150, 202) based on impedance of a battery (52, 102, 150, 202) during a discharge time period based on an impedance and a state of charge relation-ship of a battery (52, 102, 150, 202) during a charge time period.

Abstract: A technique of monitoring a battery assembly may include monitoring a parameter associated with the battery assembly to obtain a number of monitored parameter samples. A temporal sequence of monotonically increasing values may be generated from the monitored parameter samples. The temporal sequence may be analyzed for an indication of a trend in the monitored parameter toward one of an upper operational boundary or a lower operational boundary to predict a fault condition of the battery assembly.

Abstract: A dual-energy storage system is described, having two energy sources: (a) a fast-energy storage device (FES) such as an ultracapacitor, and (b) a long duration or steady power device, such as a fuel-cell or battery. A power converter or controller executes an energy management algorithm to determine when to provide bursts of additional power/current from the fast-energy storage device, and when to recharge the fast-energy storage device.

Abstract: An early warning method for an abnormal state of a lithium battery and a recording medium applicable to a portable electronic device are provided. The method includes the following steps. A plurality of curves of voltage against electric quantity is obtained according to different predicted average current consumptions of the portable electronic device. An operating average current consumption and an operating electric quantity from a first voltage to a second voltage are obtained when the lithium battery at an operating test state in a unit time. One of the curves of voltage against electric quantity is searched, and a warning electric quantity is obtained in a range from the first voltage to the second voltage. The warning electric quantity is compared with the electric quantity, so as to provide an early warning of an abnormal state.

Abstract: A voltage clamping circuit includes a current source having a fixed current source and a variable current source and a variable resistor receiving current from the current source. The variable resistor varies its resistance in response to an environmental operating condition. The voltage clamping circuit also includes an amplifier configured to compare a sensor node voltage with a reference voltage, the sensor node voltage being in communication with the voltage drop across the variable resistor. The amplifier is configured and connected to provide a control output to control the variable current source to modify current output from the variable current source to at least in part prevent the sensor node voltage from exceeding a reference voltage when certain operating conditions are present.

Abstract: The batteries of at least one battery subset are partially and preferably simultaneously charged; during this partial charging, electrical parameters representative of a coup de fouet effect on charging are measured to enable the extent of discharge of each of the batteries of the subset to be analyzed; the batteries are then charged sequentially with an order of priority that depends on the extent of discharge of the different batteries; priority is preferably given to charging the most extensively discharged batteries.

Abstract: A charging method for a battery includes: enabling a charging device to charge the battery with a first charging voltage having a value that is increasing and a first charging current having a value that is constant; and when it is determined that the value of the first charging voltage is equal to a maximum charging voltage value of the battery, enabling the charging device to charge the battery with a second charging voltage having a value that is equal to a maximum charging voltage value of the battery, and a second charging current having a value that is decreasing. A charging device for realizing the charging method is also disclosed.

Abstract: An energy source isolation and protection circuit is provided for an electronic device, such as a patient-worn or patient-carried medical device. The isolation and protection circuit includes a supply voltage rail, a reference voltage rail, an electrical load coupled across the supply voltage rail and the reference voltage rail, and an energy source for supplying a voltage to the electrical load via the supply voltage rail and the reference voltage rail. The isolation and protection circuit also includes a voltage-controlled switch architecture that is configured to detach and electrically isolate the energy source from the electrical load (and from itself) in response to the voltage of the energy source falling below a threshold voltage. The voltage-controlled switch architecture is also designed to maintain the energy source in the detached and electrically isolated state in the absence of operating voltage provided by the energy source to the voltage-controlled switch architecture.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a state of charge (SOC) of an electrical energy storage device are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system is provided for determining the SOC of an electrical energy storage device comprises at least one memristor coupled in series with the electrical energy storage device to monitor charge current and discharge current of the electrical energy storage device. The system also includes a readout controller configured to determine the SOC of the electrical energy storage device based on the resistance of the memristor.

Abstract: A charge/discharge control device for a secondary battery mounted on a vehicle includes a temperature sensor detecting a temperature of a battery and a control device setting a battery power charged to and discharged from the battery base on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the state of charge of the battery. The control device sets at least one of a first value, a second value and a third value to be increased as the battery temperature rises, the first value indicating the state of charge at the time of switching between charging and discharging of the battery, the second value indicating the state of charge at the time when the battery power charged to the battery reaches a limit value in the case where the state of charge falls below the first value, and the third value indicating the state of charge at the time when the battery power discharged from the battery reaches the limit value in the case where the state of charge exceeds the first value.

Abstract: A network device includes several modules and a microcontroller for indicating working operations of the network device. The network device is configured for outputting a plurality of indicating control signals based on a detected signal power and a detected battery capacitance of the network device. The network device indicates the signal power and the battery capacitance based on the indicating control signals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dual use apparatus including a base device having a port for delivering charging current to an battery to be charged, and a charging circuit, disposed in the base device and in communication with the port to determine a charge capacity of the battery using battery identifying information received from the battery, and applying the charging current to the battery based on the determined charge capacity.

Abstract: A device for charging a battery system having a number of individual voltage sources situated in a series circuit is provided, which device uses a voltage source and a respective bypass associated with each of the individual voltage sources. A charge current IL is supplied from the voltage source via the bypasses to the individual voltage sources as a function of their charge condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a charge-controlling semiconductor integrated circuit including: a current-controlling MOS transistor; a current detection circuit including a 1/N size current-detecting MOS transistor; and a gate voltage control circuit, wherein the current detection circuit includes an operational amplifier circuit, a bias condition of the current-detecting MOS transistor becomes same as the current-controlling MOS transistor based on an operational amplifier circuit output, voltage drops in lines from drain electrode to a corresponding input point of the operational amplifier circuit become the same by a parasitic resistance, and when the output of the operational amplifier circuit is applied to a control terminal of the bias condition controlling transistor, the drain voltages become the same potential, and the line from the drain electrode of the current-detecting MOS transistor to the input point is formed to be redundantly arranged inside the chip so that a parasitic resistance becomes a predetermined valu

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and circuit configuration (100) for preventing any needless battery recharge at each short battery voltage dip. Such a circuit configuration (100) comprises a detector means (200) for detecting a voltage variation (?V) of a variable value (Vbat) across a battery (BAT) dropping below a threshold value (Vref), followed by a time determination means (300) for measuring an elapsed time (te), as soon as the variable value (Vbat) decreases below the threshold value (Vref), and evaluating a duration (?) of the voltage variation (?V) relative to a reference time (W). The threshold value (Vref) is defined as the value from which a battery charge cycle, initiated by a battery charge controller (400), is deemed to be necessary. No battery charge cycle will be restarted when the elapsed time (te) is less than the reference time (W), i.e., when the battery (BAT) is submitted to short voltage dips.

Abstract: The battery saver includes a charge pump connected to a control switch to provide a time-hysteretic threshold feature wherein it takes a longer, elapsed time threshold to activate the control switch than it does to deactivate the control switch. Control switch output is connected to a main switch wherein activation of the control switch opens the main switch to de-energize a battery-powered device's battery circuit. Control switch deactivation closes the main switch, which energizes the battery circuit of the battery-powered device. A quick elapsed time threshold allows a vibration sensor, which indicates continuing use of the battery-powered device, to instantaneously deactivate the control switch when vibrations are sensed. When the vibration sensor no longer senses motion in the device, a longer elapsed time threshold is triggered in which the charge pump slowly ramps up current to activate the control switch to turn the battery-operated device off.

Abstract: A smart battery device includes an adapter, a switch electrically connected to the adapter, a battery pack electrically connected the switch, a sense resistor electrically connected to the battery pack and the adapter, an analog preprocessing circuit electrically connected to the battery pack and the sense resistor for digitizing analog signals measured at the battery pack and the sense resistor to form digital signals, and an adaptive control circuit electrically connected to the analog preprocessing circuit for receiving the digital signals, and electrically connected to the switch for selectively turning the switch on or off according to the digital signals.

Abstract: A system for capturing regenerative energy includes a battery configured to provide power for a traction motor and other operations of a vehicle and a capacitor connected to the battery. An auxiliary motor is configured to operate as a generator during a regenerative energy operation. The system further includes a controller configured to direct the regenerative energy to the capacitor during the regenerative energy operation and discharge the capacitor to provide power to the traction motor or for the other operations of the vehicle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a charger device. The charger device includes a housing, defining a volume, that includes a power conversion module to provide output power of between 3-300 W, and a controller configured to determine a current level to direct to one or more rechargeable batteries, and cause the output power to be directed to the one or more rechargeable batteries at a charging current substantially equal to the determined current level. A ratio of the output power directed to the one or more rechargeable batteries and the volume is equal to at least 10 W/in3.

Abstract: A charging control apparatus comprising: a voltage control unit in a charging apparatus configured to control generation of an output voltage and a power supply voltage, the charging apparatus being an apparatus configured to generate, from a voltage of an input power supply applied through a relay, the output voltage for charging a battery and the power supply voltage for control; and a relay control unit operated by the power supply voltage, the relay control unit configured to drive the relay so as to stop applying the voltage of the input power supply to the charging apparatus, when detecting a standby state in which the battery is not being charged, and drive the relay so as to increase the power supply voltage by applying the voltage of the input power supply to the charging apparatus, when the power supply voltage decreases below a predetermined level.

Abstract: In a proposed apparatus and method, constant-voltage charge is performed with an in-vehicle secondary battery immediately after start of a vehicle or during running of the vehicle. A quantity relevant to polarization caused in the battery immediately after start of the constant-voltage charge is calculated using data of the charge current. It is determined whether or not a change rate of the calculated polarization-relevant quantity is less than a given threshold. When the change rate is less than the given threshold, a plurality of data of the charge current sampled and held during a predetermined period of time are acquired. A value of the charge current to be accumulated until the charge current reaches a given final value is calculated using the plurality of data of the charge current. The internal electric state of the battery is estimated based on the accumulated value of the charge current.

Abstract: A hybrid forklift truck is provided with an engine, a battery-driven motor generator, and a battery control device that prevents excessive exhaustion or charging of the battery. The state of charge (SOC) of the battery is determined from the battery voltage and SOC when battery current is zero for at least a predetermined time period and from the battery voltage, current and SOC when discharge current is constant for at least a predetermined time period. SOC is revised whenever battery current is zero or constant for at least the predetermined time period, and SOC at any point of time in operation of the forklift truck is estimated by integrating battery current from the SOC revision and subtracting the integrated current from the revised SOC. Drive power of the engine and motor generator are allocated according to a relationship between permissible discharge and charge current and SOC of the battery.

Abstract: A method is provided for distinguishing between batteries having different chemistry compositions. The method includes: supplying electrical energy to the battery for charging thereof; monitoring a voltage characteristic of the battery periodically during charging, wherein the voltage characteristic varies over time with the state of charge of the battery; and identifying the chemistry composition of the battery based on the voltage characteristic of the battery.

Abstract: The present invention provides a quick charge method belonging to the field of the battery and particularly relates to a quick charge method for lithium ion battery and polymer lithium ion battery.

Abstract: A conversion system includes a conversion circuit coupled to multiple cells for generating multiple sampling signals indicative of the cell voltages of the cells respectively. Each sampling signal is with respect to the same reference level. In addition, the conversion system includes a compensation circuit coupled to the conversion circuit for generating a compensation current that flows through at least one cell of the multiple cells via the conversion circuit for balancing the currents respectively flowing through the cells.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide methods and systems for auto-voltage detect chargers. One disclosed method comprises the steps of determining a condition of a battery based at least in part on a measured response to a predetermined test charge; and determining a voltage rating of the battery based at least in part on the condition of the battery and a response to a precharge process.

Abstract: An uninterruptible power supply (UPS) having an adjustable battery charger that generates a charger current, and a controller, coupled to the adjustable battery charger, that receives a signal representative of a system constraint and provides a reference, based on the signal, to the adjustable battery charger to control an amplitude of the charger current supplied by the adjustable battery charger based on the system constraint. The system constraint may include, for example, a maximum input current to the UPS, maximum charging current of the battery cell, and maximum and/or minimum charger current values.

Abstract: A type of protection and cell conditioning circuit is proposed that partly uses the typically existing hardware present in traditional cell-protection circuits and that can achieve an optimum state of charge for the individual cell independently from the actions of the external battery charger. For minimum cost, the proposed circuit and system can solve the battery-cell-balancing problem, while optimizing the performance of the battery pack and while simultaneously enhancing the safety of the battery pack. Multiple battery cells can be communicatively combined to form large batteries. Information from and commands to each of the individual battery cells can be relayed through a low-power serial bus in order to form “intelligent” and optimally managed battery systems.

Abstract: A battery that includes an electrochemical cell having an internal bore therethrough is described herein. The battery also includes a voltage converter module electrically coupled to the electrochemical cell and disposed within a portion of the internal bore The voltage converter is configured to convert a first voltage produced by the electrochemical cell into a second, different voltage.

Abstract: A lithium-ion battery (126) is normally charged using a constant current/constant voltage charge regime (206, 210), where the battery is charged to a preselected normal voltage level (210) whereupon the voltage is maintained at the limit while the charging current diminishes. The battery charge capacity can be selectively increased by charging the battery to an enhanced voltage level (212). The enhanced charging mode is selected by a user via a device user interface (112), or alternatively by a broadcast command (304) transmitted to the device.

Abstract: A battery-voltage detection circuit comprising: a first-capacitor; an operational-amplifier; a second-capacitor; a voltage-application-circuit to sequentially apply one and the other-battery-terminal-voltages to the other-first-capacitor-end; a discharge circuit to allow the second-capacitor to discharge before the other-battery-terminal-voltage is applied to the other-first-capacitor-end; a constant current circuit to output a constant-current causing predetermined-speed-discharge of electric charge accumulated in the second-capacitor in response to a discharge-start-signal input after voltage is applied to the other-first-capacitor-end; a comparator; and a measurement-circuit to measure a time-period from a time when the discharge-start-signal is input until a time when an comparator-output-signal changes to one logic level as a time-period corresponding to a battery-voltage, at least one of the operational-amplifier and the comparator being provided with an offset so that the comparator-output-signal chang

Abstract: A method of charging a battery pack that can prevent a battery or an external power source from being damaged due to a trickle charge current in order to improve battery safety, and the battery itself. The method of charging the battery pack includes determining whether a charge current exists, determining whether the charge current and a charge voltage are changed if determined that the charge current exists, determining whether the charge current is changed from a first current level to a second current level less than the first current level, and a present voltage level of the battery is less than a former voltage level if determined that the charge current and the charge voltage are changed, and maintaining the charge current at the second current level for a predetermined maintenance time if determined that the present voltage level of the battery is less than the former voltage level.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide an improved rechargeable lithium battery. This rechargeable lithium battery includes a cathode current collector with a coating of cathode active material. It also includes an electrolyte separator, and an anode current collector with a coating of anode active material. Within this rechargeable battery, the thickness of the coating of cathode active material and the thickness of the coating of anode active material are selected so that the battery will charge in a predetermined maximum charging time with a predetermined minimum cycle life when the battery is charged using a multi-step constant-current constant-voltage (CC-CV) charging technique.

Abstract: One of first through fourth target state of charge levels, which are set at values that increase gradually over time, is selected on the basis of an ON/OFF state of a specific current consumer installed in the vehicle and a state of charge immediately preceding an engine stoppage. A target state of charge is set on the basis of the selected target state of charge level and an elapsed time after the lead storage battery is installed in the vehicle, whereupon the target state of charge is compared with the actual state of charge of the lead storage battery. The lead storage battery is charged in accordance with the comparative result.