Abstract: A system and method of controlling temperature of a vehicle power source. The method includes determining a representative temperature of the power source, determining an ambient zone in which the power source is operating, determining a thermal control action based on the representative temperature and the ambient zone, and adjusting the temperature of the power source based on the thermal control action.

Abstract: A method to detect the presence of battery protection circuits in any battery powered product. The major advantage of the method is to make the battery voltage very smooth during the charging process. The proposed circuit can give a good prediction of protection switching turn on time. This can provide the battery powered system work smoothly by avoiding any battery voltage discontinuity. The proposed invention addresses the issue of deep discharge and provides a solution through a discharge test procedure.

Abstract: A battery charger for charging a battery through controlling a charging regulation circuit is provided. The battery charger includes a current sensing unit and an operational amplifier. The current sensing unit monitors a charging current applied to the battery when the battery charger operates under a constant current mode, thereby generating a first regulation signal to the charging regulation circuit. The operational amplifier compares a battery voltage of the battery with a first reference voltage to generate a comparison result. When the battery charger operates under the constant current mode, the comparison result controls a charging mode transition from the constant current mode to a constant voltage mode. When the battery charger operates under the constant voltage mode, the comparison result acts as a second regulation signal to control the charging regulation circuit.

Abstract: A method for charging a battery pack for an electric vehicle charges at a preselected maximum charging current until the battery pack voltage reaches a reference voltage level. The battery pack is then charged while maintaining the reference voltage until the charging current decreases to a first reference current level. Charging continues at the first reference current level until a time rate of change of the battery pack voltage reaches a first reference time rate of change. The battery pack voltage is determined and whenever the battery pack voltage is less than a decision voltage reference level, the battery pack is further charged at a second reference current level until the time rate of change of the battery pack voltage reaches a second reference value. A manually initiated pack recovery charge routine is also provided to address new battery pack installations.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for controlling a power transfer rate in to and/or out of an energy storage device on-board a vehicle, such as a locomotive, during a power transfer opportunity. In one example, the method includes adjusting the power transfer rate based on a predetermination of a duration of the power transfer opportunity to match a duration of power transfer to the duration of the opportunity and achieve a specified state of charge.

Abstract: Electrical connection between a charging device and a secondary battery is checked during a wait time in which a charge mode of the charging device is selected. When the electrical connection is not successfully established, a charge current is not supplied from the charging device to the secondary battery.

Abstract: A circuit device contains a main circuit structure for main charging and a setting unit incorporated into the circuit structure for setting a weak current. The charging device includes a power-source for supplying a charging current to a secondary battery, an operational amplifier for controlling the supply of the charging current by the power source, and a power element for controlling the supply of the charging current to the secondary battery. Main charging is performed on the secondary battery by supplying a normal current to the secondary battery as the charging current. Trickle charging is performed on the secondary battery by supplying a weak current to the secondary battery as the charging current.

Abstract: A portable and integrated backup electric power supplies system, equipped with a battery. It comprises of an alternating current power supply, and a multifunction direct current power supply containing a variable voltage power supply, a dual polarity voltage power supply, a variable NIMH battery charger, a 12-volt lead-acid battery charger, and an automotive jumpstart system.

Abstract: In a remote battery charging system comprising a charging circuit there is always a voltage loss due to inherent resistances in the system from such things as connectors and conductors. These resistances create voltages losses in the system such that charging times are increased substantially. The present invention compensates for voltage losses on the system by generating a dynamic adjustment voltage over the charging period. A voltage translator circuit is used to measure charging circuit output voltage and current over a plurality of incremental time periods during the charging period an calculate a signal proportional to changes in output voltage and current over the incremental time period. The signal is then applied to the charging circuit to offset any voltage losses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a battery charge. The embodiment may measure the charge level of a battery and determine if the charge level equals or exceeds a threshold. When the battery charge level does not equal or exceed the threshold, the battery may be charged.

Abstract: The future intra-terminal temperature is estimated on the basis of present intra-terminal temperature and a present service state of the terminal. In addition, the charging of the battery unit is controlled on the basis of the estimated future intra-terminal temperature.

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: Systems and methods for controlling battery cell charge current based on the ambient temperature conditions to which battery cell/s of a battery are exposed, for example, to control battery cell charging current for battery systems that may be exposed to environments where ambient temperature conditions are not controllable.

Abstract: A method for charging a secondary battery with a constant current, in which a peak of output voltage is detected by utilizing a predetermined current value, and then the battery continues to be charged with a current value lower than the predetermined current value, so that the peak of output voltage or a voltage drop subsequent to the peak is detected, or alternatively a timer may be used, for termination of the charging operation.

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

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device, in particular a charger device, with a measuring unit (10) for acquiring at least one battery characteristic value. It is provided that the device includes an arithmetic unit (12) which is provided to determine an ageing-specific charging mode as a function, at the least, of the acquired battery characteristic value.

Abstract: For laptops or other mobile devices, a battery charging arrangement wherein fast-charging and/or slow-charging is governed by something other than a fixed, immovable battery level threshold. Particularly, a variable threshold is broadly contemplated herein which may be governed by any of a very wide variety of conceivable factors, including (but by no means limited to) information relating to a user's schedule or calendar, especially as regards “free” time when a user is not using a computer. Accordingly, if there is a long uninterrupted period of computer “downtime” (i.e., when a user is not using the computer), the battery level threshold below which fast-charging takes place can be lower. By the same token, for short periods of computer downtime, this threshold can be higher. In this manner, fast-charging is reserved only for the most compelling, time-based circumstances.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling charging current to a battery of a charging system, performed by a control unit of the charging system. The method includes: (a) detecting that a device is coupled to the charging system; (b) adjusting the charging current to a level. The charging current is generated by the coupled device.

Abstract: A battery type detection approach is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of detecting a battery type can include: receiving a signal from a battery module in a portable computing device; determining if the signal is in a first state for at least a first predetermined time before transitioning to a second state; determining if the signal transitions from the second state to the first state after a second predetermined time, and identifying the battery type in response thereto; and asserting an indication of the battery type when a third predetermined time period after the transition from the second state to the first state has occurred.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus capable of dynamically adjusting a charging current includes a memory unit, a memory controlling unit, a detecting unit, a current-adjusting unit and a rechargeable battery. The memory controlling unit is coupled to the memory unit for reading/writing the data of the memory unit. The detecting unit is coupled to the memory controlling unit for detecting the portable electronic apparatus to determine whether or not the portable electronic apparatus executes any operation, for example, reading/writing data or playing music and thereby generating a detection result. The current-adjusting unit is coupled to the detecting unit for correspondingly adjusting the charging current according to the detection result. The rechargeable battery is coupled to the current-adjusting unit for receiving the charging current for charging.

Abstract: A battery is charged in a number of states, with a change from a third charge stage to a fourth charge stage (e.g., final stage) is executed when a battery voltage reaches a change voltage or when a charge time reaches an upper time limit, in order to inhibit the overcharging or undercharging of the battery. The upper time limit is set in response to a battery temperature detected at the end of a second charge stage. In addition, if the charge stage is changed to the fourth stage in response to a determination of whether the upper time limit has elapsed or not, a complete charge mode cycle is increased. At the fourth stage, a charge time calculated using a charge electricity quantity, a battery temperature and a charge mode of the first stage is set.

Abstract: A charging circuit and a charging method by the charging circuit that allow a stable charging operation are provided. The charging method of charging a battery from a charging power supply according to a constant current constant voltage charging system includes the steps of increasing a charging current for each predetermined current level step by step at a time of constant current charging, thereby performing the constant current charging, and stopping the increase of the charging current and continuing the charging maintaining a predetermined minimum chargeable voltage determined by the battery in advance, when it is detected that a supply voltage from the charging power supply has assumed the predetermined minimum chargeable voltage.

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

Abstract: Plural batteries installed in an information handling system are simultaneously charged in a constant current mode to a predetermined charge and then in a constant voltage mode to a full charge to provide a reduced charge time and improved battery life. A current regulator integrated in a battery casing monitors current applied at the battery to maintain constant voltage charging. Voltage to ground of the other batteries is monitored to adjust current at those batteries where voltages in all of the battery cells are maintained substantially equal during charging.

Abstract: A battery charging system is disclosed. The battery charging system includes a battery charger, a switching circuit and a control circuit. The battery charger receives electric power from a DC power supply and charges a rechargeable battery based on a setting current. The switching circuit is capable of switching between a first charging mode and a second charging mode. In the first charging mode, the battery charger charges the rechargeable battery while the DC power supply is supplying electric power to the battery charger in a state where the DC power supply is able to supply electric power to a load. In the second charging mode, the DC power supply charges the rechargeable battery in a state where the DC power supply is able to supply electric power to the load.

Abstract: A cell controller capable of ensuring high safety even when a short occurs among voltage detecting lines without causing increased costs is provided. The cell controller 10 includes a unit cell voltage detecting section 7 to detect a voltage of each unit cell 1 constituting a battery group through each voltage detecting line and a SOC adjusting circuit for adjusting a SOC of each unit cell 1 having resistors 2 for SOC adjustment, switching elements 6, and a bypass control section 8 to exercise on/off control on the switching elements 6. Each resistor 2 is connected in series to each voltage detecting line and the unit cell voltage detecting section 7 to detect a voltage of each unit cell 1 through each of the resistors 2.

Abstract: A battery charging system uses power line carrier communications, for communicating battery state information associated with charging batteries, between a battery charger and a battery management system (BMS) located on the battery or battery pack. The power line carrier includes transmitters and receivers transmitting and receiving battery state information, such as current, voltage and temperature, as digital signals on existing cable conductors located between the battery/battery pack and the battery charger. The battery management system (BMS), which is physically located on the battery pack, receives the information from the power line carrier, in order to measure a variety of parameters relating to charging the battery, which may be a motor vehicle battery or a battery for operating machinery, such as fork lifts, bulldozers and other earth moving and product transportation vehicles.

Abstract: A method for charging a battery module including a plurality of parallelly-connected battery cell sets in multiple stages is provided. In the present invention, a constant current charging is applied for charging the battery module in an initial stage of charging through the method of voltage control or current control. Then, the charging current is lowered substantially to reduce the charging speed when the voltage of one of the battery cell sets exceeds a safety value or a total voltage of the battery module itself reaches a rated voltage. Accordingly, a safety problem of the battery can be avoided and battery life can be prolonged.

Abstract: A computer system, including a converter to convert a level of an input voltage into a charging voltage and to output the charging voltage to a battery unit; a converter driving unit to output a driving signal to the converter so that the charging voltage outputted from the converter is able to reach a predetermined target value; and a controller to control the converter driving unit to alternate the driving signal between supplying the charging voltage and suspension of the charging voltage.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a charging method for equalization charging a battery array consisting of at least two cells, comprising the following steps: (a) charging the cells of the battery array with a constant charging current; (b) detecting the cell voltages of the individual cells to judge whether some of the cell voltages have reached a pre-set safe reference voltage; (c) repeating the step (a) when determining that none of the cell voltages has reached the safe reference voltage, or maintaining at least one of the cell voltages at the safe reference voltage and reducing the charging current at the same time when determining that said at least one of the cell voltages has reached the safe reference voltage; (d) judging whether all of the cell voltages have reached the safe reference voltage when the charging current is reduced to a pre-set minimum charging current; and (e) reducing the charging current continuously below the minimum charging current and then terminating the charging operation when

Abstract: A multi charging current control circuit including a voltage reference unit, a current limiting unit, a current detector and a current control unit is provided. The voltage reference unit provides many reference voltages. The current limiting unit selects a corresponding reference voltage from the reference voltages according to a charge mode signal and outputs a control signal according to the corresponding reference voltage. The current detector detects a first and a second charging current. The current control unit controls the first charging current and the second charging current according to the control signal. The current detector feedbacks the first charging current and the second charging current detected to the current control unit, such that the current control unit adjusts the first charging current or the second charging current to make the sum of the first charging current and the second charging current less than or equal to a constant value.

Abstract: A portable electronic device includes a case; a revolution body rotatable with respect to the case; an electric generator converting rotational kinetic energy of the revolution body into electrical energy; a gear assembly transferring rotational force of the revolution body to the electric generator, and including at least one gear; and a secondary cell storing the electrical energy generated by the electric generator.

Abstract: A device (102) contains a battery (116) which is recharged under control of a charge controller (112). An external power supply (104) provides charging current and voltage (106). A linear regulator (110) regulates the raw voltage provided by the external power supply. The device (102) also contains a heat-generating sub-system (118). To prevent excess heat generation while charging the battery, the battery charging regime is altered from a conventional regime when the heat-generating sub-system is active. Once the battery voltage reaches a charge limit (208), charge current is ceased (210) until the battery voltage falls to a lower limit (212), at which time the charging current is recommenced.

Abstract: A cradle charging system comprises a charging cradle defining a space for a battery of an electronic device. Transformer charging circuitry for charging the battery in the electronic device includes a primary side circuitry for receiving a charging voltage. Secondary side circuitry inductively couples the charging voltage to the battery. The secondary side circuitry provides a controlled output signal based on either constant voltage control or constant current control responsive to a charge level of the battery.

Abstract: A charge current control system is disclosed. One embodiment of the present invention includes a voltage detecting component that determines whether voltage stored by a load is at a voltage threshold. Also included are current supplying components that supply a charge current to the load that attains a plurality of magnitudes. The supply of the charge current is facilitated by a single charge current pass component over the course of a charge cycle. The magnitude of the charge current is based on the outcome of a determination of whether the minimum voltage threshold is reached.

Abstract: It is made possible to keep a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery in a charged state for a long period of time and minimize the degradation of the battery. A method for charging a nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery including a cathode, an anode, and a nonaqueous electrolyte, includes: a first charging step of charging the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery at a first current value which increases the voltage of the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery; and a second charging step of charging the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery at a second current value which decreases the voltage of the nonaqueous electrolyte secondary battery. These two charging steps are repeated alternately.

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

Abstract: A polarity protection circuit for a battery booster device is provided. According to an exemplary embodiment, the polarity protection circuit is comprised of solid-state devices. Preferably no mechanical or electro-mechanical devices, such as solenoids are included in the polarity protection circuit. The polarity protection circuit is electrically connected to the battery to be charged and to the boosting battery. The polarity protection circuit prevents current flow between the batteries unless proper polarity is achieved.

Abstract: A system and method for charging a battery. In one embodiment, the system includes a charging circuit that charges the battery with a constant current during a first phase and charges the battery with a constant voltage during a second phase. The system also includes a control circuit for minimizing glitches when the charging transitions from the first phase to the second phase. According to the system and method disclosed herein, a battery may be charges in a controlled and reliable manner.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a battery management system includes a charger controller for controlling a charging current of a battery according to a status of a load which is powered by the battery, and a counter coupled to the charger controller for determining a charging time according to such status. Advantageously, a first charging current is selected when the load is off. A second charging current that is less than the first charging current is selected when the load is on. Furthermore, a frequency of the counter is set to a first frequency when the load is off. The frequency is set to a second frequency that is less than the first frequency when the load is on.

Abstract: A method for charging a battery is disclosed, wherein a constant current charging current is periodically adjusted as needed such that the change in battery voltage increases approximately linearly during the charging period. In some embodiments the charging is in three phases. An optional first phase charges with a low current until the battery voltages rises to a certain minimum. During a second phase a constant current is provided while the battery voltage is monitored. The second phase constant current is periodically increased if the rate of change of battery voltage is less than a predetermined value and is decreased if the rate of change of battery voltage is more than the predetermined value. When the battery voltage attains a predetermined value, a third phase begins wherein a constant voltage is applied to the battery while the battery current draw is periodically monitored.

Abstract: A method for charging a battery is disclosed, wherein a constant current charging current is periodically adjusted as needed such that the change in battery voltage increases approximately linearly during the charging period. In some embodiments the charging is in three phases. An optional first phase charges with a low current until the battery voltages rises to a certain minimum. During a second phase a constant current is provided while the battery voltage is monitored. The second phase constant current is periodically increased if the rate of change of battery voltage is less than a predetermined value and is decreased if the rate of change of battery voltage is more than the predetermined value. When the battery voltage attains a predetermined value, a third phase begins wherein a constant voltage is applied to the battery while the battery current draw is periodically monitored.

Abstract: A battery charging system for receiving an AC voltage and charging a rechargeable battery is provided herein. The battery charging system includes an adapter for rectifying an AC voltage into a first DC voltage; a controller for receiving a battery voltage of a rechargeable battery and outputting a control signal; and a DC switching convertor for converting the first DC voltage into a second DC voltage to recharge the rechargeable battery according to the control signal, wherein the second DC voltage changes according to the battery voltage. A charging method is also provided.

Abstract: A high capacity, high charge rate lithium secondary cell includes a high capacity lithium-containing positive electrode in electronic contact with a positive electrode current collector, said current collector in electrical connection with an external circuit, a high capacity negative electrode in electronic contact with a negative electrode current collector, said current collector in electrical connection with an external circuit, a separator positioned between and in ionic contact with the cathode and the anode, and an electrolyte in ionic contact with the positive and negative electrodes, wherein the total area specific impedance for the cell and the relative area specific impedances for the positive and negative electrodes are such that, during charging at greater than or equal to 4C, the negative electrode potential is above the potential of metallic lithium.

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 system part of an electronic device a plurality of electronic components, and a power supply supplies power from an external source to the system part is connected to a battery at a power supply line between the power supply and the system part. The battery provides auxiliary power to the system part and requires a recharge when it has been discharged. A switch is provided to selectively connect the power supply line to the battery under the control of a controller which controls the switch according to a charge level of the battery.

Abstract: A charge controller that includes an input interface that receives input DC electrical signals. A converter section converts the input DC electrical signals to output DC electrical signals. Control means is operably coupled to the converter section. The control means includes means for operating the converter section at an estimated maximum power point of the input DC electrical signals. The estimated maximum power point is derived by a novel control scheme that quickly adapts to changing conditions and thus affords optimum energy harvest from the source and improved energy conversion efficiencies.

Abstract: To provide a universal battery charger with low power consumption during a standby condition and a rush current suppressing capability at the time of commencement of charging, a voltage slightly larger than a battery voltage is produced and applied to the battery. Thereafter, the highest voltage is produced and applied to the battery to charge the same. When the battery is unloaded from the battery charger, the lowest voltage is produced to save power consumption.

Abstract: A computer system, including a system unit having at least one device; a battery unit which supplies power to the system unit; a charging unit which charges the battery unit at a predetermined charging speed; a user input unit which receives a user input related to a charging speed of the battery unit; and a controller which controls the charging unit to charge the battery unit at the charging speed according to the user input.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for operating a rechargeable battery, the system comprising: current maintaining device for maintaining a predetermined current to the rechargeable battery until the rechargeable battery reaches a predetermined maximum voltage; voltage maintaining device for maintaining a predetermined voltage to the rechargeable battery until a predetermined minimum current is delivered to the rechargeable battery; determining device for determining a cyclical charge value delivered to the rechargeable battery by the current maintaining device and the voltage maintaining device during a cycle; and a correction device for correcting the determining device when charge is not being delivered to the rechargeable battery, on the basis of the charge value.