Abstract: In a storage system provided with a plurality of storage modules, the rated power consumption can be reduced. The storage system is provided with a charge control unit. The charge control unit stops, when detecting that a predetermined number of a plurality of battery modules are during battery charging, the battery charging in the remaining battery modules.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wireless charging system that includes a transmission device including a primary coil and a reception device including a secondary coil, wherein the transmission device determines the presence or absence of the reception device upon receiving the remaining amount of current supplied from the primary coil to the secondary coil, and controls a voltage input to the primary coil based on the determination results. The wireless charging system can generate a sensing signal for determining the presence and absence of the reception device by measuring the amount of current applied from the transmitter coil to the receiver coil through the detection unit. Thus, the receiver controller of the wireless charging system can accurately determine whether to transmit power by comparing the sensing signal provided from the detection unit with a reference signal, thus reducing power consumption.

Abstract: A charger calibrating device and a calibrating method thereof. The device comprises a control module and a processing module. The control module controls a charger to be calibrated to perform a first stage charging and a second stage charging on an electronic device. The processing module performs an adjusting process according to the second stage charging time for adjusting the high level period of the PWM signal in the charging circuit of the charger. In the adjusting process, generating an updated high level period by adding or decreasing a preset adjusting amplitude, and decrease the preset adjusting amplitude by half to generate an updated adjusting amplitude. The processing module terminates the calibrating process after repeating the aforementioned calibrating loop a preset number of times.

Abstract: A charging method and apparatus, the apparatus including: an adaptor to receive power from a predetermined power source and output a first voltage; a narrow voltage direct current (NVDC) charging unit to convert the first voltage into a second voltage, and supply power to a battery and a system terminal of a mobile device; and a control unit to control the NVDC charging unit to adjust a charging current to be supplied to the battery based on a state of the system terminal, wherein the second voltage is lower than the first voltage.

Abstract: A charging converter includes a plurality of switches configured to switchably operate to either step up an input voltage or step down the input voltage and generate a charging voltage on a second terminal to charge to a rechargeable storage unit, and control logic configured to operate the plurality of switches in one of a step up mode and a step down mode based on a determination of a voltage level of the input voltage relative to the desired charging voltage. A method includes determining a desired charging voltage to charge a rechargeable storage unit, switchably controlling a charging converter to step up the input voltage if an input voltage is lower than the desired charging voltage to generate a charging voltage, and switchably controlling the charging converter to step down the input voltage if the input voltage is higher than the desired charging voltage to generate the charging voltage.

Abstract: A charging control system is configured to calculate an internal resistance line indicating a relation between a value of a charging current and a value of a voltage of a battery, which voltage occurs when the charging current has flown into the battery, to obtain a maximum inputtable value point SMAX corresponding to a maximum inputtable power/current and a currently-inputted value point SINP corresponding to a charging power/current currently inputted to the battery, these points existing on the calculated internal resistance line. The charging control system is also configured to calculate a point located between the maximum inputtable value point SMAX and the currently-inputted value point SINP, as a target point STRG corresponding to a target charging power/current point, and to set, based on the calculated target point STRG, a charging power/current for charging the battery.

Abstract: A charging path includes a charging switch for transferring a charging current from an input terminal to an output terminal. The charging path further includes a first enable terminal coupled to the charging switch. The first enable terminal receives a first enable signal to control the charging switch to operate in either a first mode, a second mode, or a third mode, based on a status of the output terminal. More specifically, in the first mode, the charging switch is fully turned off. In the second mode, an equivalent resistance of the charging switch is determined by a control terminal of the charging switch. In the third mode, the charging switch is turned off.

Abstract: A battery charging apparatus is configured to charge a battery with at least one of charging current and charging power set to a predetermined setpoint, wherein the battery includes a lithium secondary cell. The battery charging apparatus calculates a lithium deposition threshold voltage value based on the setpoint, wherein lithium is assumed to be deposited in the lithium secondary cell when a terminal voltage of the lithium secondary cell is above the lithium deposition threshold voltage value. Then, the battery charging apparatus compares the terminal voltage with the calculated lithium deposition threshold voltage value, and controls the at least one of charging current and charging power depending on the comparison.

Abstract: The present invention claims the addition of vinylene carbonate (VC) and optionally also fluoroethylene carbonate to the electrolyte of lithium ion cells having a structural silicon composite anode, i.e. an anode containing fibres or particles of silicon. The additive significantly improves the cycling performance of the cells. A VC content in the range 3.5-8 wt % based on the weight of the electrolyte has been found to be optimum.

Abstract: A method and system for optimizing the behavior of a charger connected to a portable device when the portable device current exceeds the charger current limit. The system includes a configuration module configured to set a maximum current limit and a register-based current limit values. The system further includes a port power switch configured to limit the portable device current, in the event that the portable device current exceeds the maximum current limit value. The port power switch is configures to modify the portable device current to a predetermined constant current value or reset the current to zero based on the relation between the maximum current limit and the register-based current limit value.

Abstract: A charge control system (10) includes an electric power storage device (102), a variation suppression coefficient setting section (214) which sets a variation suppression coefficient, a variation suppression operation processing section which operates a charged state estimation operation value, and a charged state estimation section which estimates a charged state of the electric power storage device.

Abstract: A DC power tool having an interiorly provided lithium battery element and a charging switch includes a safety protection module to eliminate the risk of circuitry burn-out and other dangers resulting from connecting the power tool to a power supply with unmatched rated voltage and rated current when charging the power tool via use of an adapter.

Abstract: A charge device is provided. The charge device includes a charge interface, a voltage detector and a control circuit. The charge interface receives a first power and provides a charge power to charge a rechargeable device accordingly. The voltage detector detects a charge voltage of the rechargeable device. The control circuit is respectively coupled to the charge interface and the voltage detector. When the charge voltage is smaller than a predetermined voltage, the control circuit makes the charge voltage and a charge current of the charge power to present a proportional relation. An electronic device and a charge method are also provided.

Abstract: A delayed power-on function for an electronic device is disclosed. A charging unit charges a rechargeable battery with a pre-charge current when a voltage of the rechargeable battery is less than a voltage threshold value and with a current larger than the pre-charge current when the voltage of the rechargeable battery is greater than the voltage threshold value. A disabling unit can disable power-on when the voltage of the rechargeable battery is less than the voltage threshold value. A user may also be notified when power-on is disabled.

Abstract: Disclosed are a system and method for charging a battery pack. The system uses a recovery vehicle to quickly charge a vehicle battery pack. The system includes a charging power supply module equipped in the recovery vehicle, quick charging power lines placed in the vehicle battery pack, a quick charge switch placed in the quick charging power lines, and a control module.

Abstract: A charging circuit includes first and second input terminals connecting the circuit to first and second supply terminals, respectively, of a DC power source, first and second output terminals providing an output voltage to a load to be charged, a first switch between the first and second input terminals, a current sensor between the first input terminal and the first output terminal in series with the first switch, a connecting element having first and second inductance connectors for connecting an inductance, the first inductance connector connected to the switch and the second inductance connector connected to the first output terminal, and a diode element connected to the first inductance connector and the second output terminal. The first switch and the current sensor are arranged to be connected to a control circuit arranged for controlling operation of the first switch in response to a signal received from the current sensor.

Abstract: A charging circuit includes a power path control unit which switches a first switch connected between a system connection terminal and a battery connection terminal on while not charging, and switches the first switch on and a second switch connected between an external power supply input terminal and the system connection terminal on while charging so as to supply power to a system and charge a battery. A voltage difference between the external power supply input terminal and the battery connection terminal is detected, a current flowing between the external power supply input terminal and the system connection terminal is detected, and it is determined that an external power supply is disconnected based on the detection results of the voltage differences and the current.

Abstract: A charge controller includes a power supply circuit and a battery charge circuit. The power supply circuit converts the input voltage into an output voltage for supply to the load at the output terminal. The power supply circuit includes an output current detection circuit and an output current limiting circuit. The output current detection circuit detects an output current supplied through the power supply circuit. The output current limiting circuit limits the output current below a maximum output current limit. The battery charge circuit derives power from the power supply circuit to charge a secondary battery. The battery charge circuit includes a charge current detection circuit and a charge current setting circuit. The charge current detection circuit detects a charge current supplied to the secondary battery. The charge current setting circuit regulates the charge current to a set current value.

Abstract: A battery isolator unit is disclosed for controlling a switching means having a first contact for connection to a terminal of a first battery, a second contact for connection to a corresponding terminal of a second battery, and an actuating input for biasing a switch element of the switching means switch in a closed position. The battery isolator unit includes a sensing circuit and a switch controller. The sensing circuit periodically determines a first and second value attributable to terminal voltage values of the first battery and the second battery respectively. The switch controller is responsive to detecting a predetermined condition of the first battery and/or the second battery to provide to the actuating input a control signal having a characteristic for biasing the switch element to the closed position.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for an electrical system. The electrical system, for example, includes a first load, an interface configured to receive a voltage from a voltage source, and a controller configured to receive the voltage through the interface and to provide a voltage and current to the first load. The controller may be further configured to, receive information on a second load electrically connected to the voltage source, determine an amount of reactive current to return to the voltage source such that a current drawn by the electrical system and the second load from the voltage source is substantially real, and provide the determined reactive current to the voltage source.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a charging apparatus includes a charger, a controller, and a switch. The charger is configured to charge a battery. The controller is configured to control a charge of the battery performed by the charger such that the charge is stopped when a battery capacity reaches a first capacity at a first charge mode and stopped when the battery capacity reaches a second capacity lower than the first capacity at a second charge mode. The switch is configured to execute processing which is concerned with switching between the first charge mode and the second charge mode in accordance with a record on the battery capacity.

Abstract: A process for producing a lithium secondary battery employs a charging method where a positive electrode upon charging has a maximum achieved potential of 4.3 V (vs. Li/Li+) or lower. The process includes charging the lithium secondary battery to reach at least a region with relatively flat fluctuation of potential appearing in a positive electrode potential region exceeding 4.3 V (vs. Li/Li+) and 4.8V (vs. Li/Li+) or lower. The lithium secondary battery includes an active material having a solid solution of a lithium transition metal composite oxide having an ?-NaFeO2 type crystal structure. The composition ratio of Li, Co, Ni, and Mn contained in the solid solution satisfies Li1+1/3xCo1?x?yNiy/2Mn2x/3+y/2(x+y?1, 0?y and 1?x?y=z).

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided to charge a vehicle battery from an external power source. The system includes a sensor configured to detect an electrical current received from the external power source and a processor configured to determine a charging schedule related to charging the vehicle battery. The processor is also configured to determine a variation from the charging schedule based on the electrical current and to direct transmissions of messages based on the electrical current detected by the sensor. The system includes a remote electronic device configured to receive the messages and to alert a driver of the plug-in vehicle based on the messages.

Abstract: A system for charging a plurality of power storage devices includes a first charging device and at least one other charging device coupled to the first charging device to form a network. The first charging device includes a processor programmed to determine whether said first charging device possesses a network token, and if so, to determine a first charging parameter and a first priority associated with said first charging device, a second charging parameter and a second priority associated with said second charging device, and to determine a second amount of current to be at least one of received from the electrical supply or supplied to the first power storage device, based on the determined first and second charging parameters and first and second priority.

Abstract: A system and method for digital management and control of power conversion from battery cells. The system utilizes a power management and conversion module that uses a CPU to maintain a high power conversion efficiency over a wide range of loads and to manage charge and discharge operation of the battery cells. The power management and conversion module includes the CPU, a current sense unit, a charge/discharge unit, a DC-to-DC conversion unit, a battery protection unit, a fuel gauge and an internal DC regulation unit. Through intelligent power conversion and charge/discharge operations, a given battery type is given the ability to emulate other battery types by conversion of the output voltage of the battery and adaptation of the charging scheme to suit the battery.

Abstract: Battery formation protocols are used to perform initial charging of batteries with lithium rich high capacity positive electrode to result a more stable battery structure. The formation protocol generally comprises three steps, an initial charge step, a rest period under an open circuit and a subsequent charge step to a selected partial activation voltage. The subsequent or second charge voltage is selected to provide for a desired degree of partial activation of the positive electrode active material to achieve a desired specific capacity while providing for excellent stability with cycling. The formation protocol is particularly effective to stabilize cycling for compositions with moderate lithium enrichment.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a battery cell voltage includes a battery having a cell group; a first switching unit for selectively connecting both terminals of each battery cell of the cell group to conductive lines; a first voltage charging unit connected between the conductive lines to primarily charge a cell voltage; a second voltage charging unit for relaying the charged voltage in the first voltage charging unit for secondary charging; a cell voltage sensing unit for sensing the voltage charged in the second voltage charging unit; and a second switching unit for interconnecting the voltage charging units in the charged voltage relaying mode and isolating the voltage charging units in the charged voltage sensing mode. This apparatus realizes isolation between a high voltage battery and a voltage sensing unit, thereby allowing voltage sensing of each battery cell included in a high voltage battery using a part with low withstanding voltage.

Abstract: A battery status detecting method for detecting a battery status of a secondary battery is disclosed. The method includes: an open circuit voltage correcting step of obtaining a temperature-corrected value of the open circuit voltage of the secondary battery according to the temperature of the secondary battery, based on first open circuit voltage characteristics indicating the relationship between the open circuit voltage and the temperature of the secondary battery; and a charge rate correcting step of obtaining a temperature-corrected value of the charge rate of the secondary battery according to the temperature-corrected value of the open circuit voltage obtained in the open circuit voltage correcting step, based on second open circuit voltage characteristics indicating the relationship between the open circuit voltage and the charge rate of the secondary battery.

Abstract: A system and method for externally controlling the charging of a battery powered mobile computing device includes a charging unit configured to be electrically coupled to the mobile computing device to charge a battery therein. The charging unit comprises a charger configured to operate in a first mode to provide a constant charge current to the battery to be charged and to operate in a second mode to provide a constant charge voltage to the battery to be charged and where the switch from the first mode to the second mode occurs when the voltage at the battery a predefined threshold voltage. The charger including an offset compensator configured for applying an offset voltage to the measured output of the charger to maintain the charger in the first mode to compensate for voltage drops between the charger and the battery thereby allowing the battery voltage to reach the threshold voltage.

Abstract: The invention discloses a charging control method for adjusting a charging current of a charging device, including monitoring a working voltage of the charging device, wherein the working voltage includes a voltage difference between a charging voltage and a battery voltage; adjusting the charging current of the charging device dynamically according to the working voltage of the charging device to maintain a working power of the charging device within a predetermined power range.

Abstract: Battery charging methods and systems for devices that have rechargeable batteries provide an efficient way to know when to charge a device's battery, and when to switch between the device's battery and an external power source as the device's power source. The methods and systems access thresholds for a plurality of power rates, obtain information about when different power rates are in effect and, after determining a current power rate based on the information, compare the threshold of the current power rate to the device's battery's charge level. Based on such a comparison, the methods and systems can determine whether the battery should be charged, and the methods and system can determine whether the device's battery or an external power source should be used as the device's power source.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting an intermittent failure of an injector that injects hydrogen gas fuel into the anode side of a fuel cell stack in a fuel cell system. The method includes operating the injector at a fixed injector pulse width and frequency, which causes the stack to generate a constant current, and therefore, a constant fuel consumption rate. While at a constant current, the injector is commanded to a constant duty cycle and frequency that matches the rate of fuel consumption in the fuel cell system. The resulting fuel pressure feedback is then monitored, and if it diverges from a defined nominal value, either in a constant or oscillatory manner, it can be determined that the injector has an intermittent opening failure. In one embodiment, the determination of the injector failure is performed during a shut-down sequence of the fuel cell system.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus includes a power supply unit that outputs power wirelessly to an electronic device and a setting unit that sets a first time and a second time. The first time includes a period of time that the power supply unit outputs the first power. The second time includes a period of time that the power supply unit outputs the second power.

Abstract: A power management unit (PMU) for supplying electrical energy to a circuitry of a portable electronic device includes a power supply module, a power detection module connected to the power supply module, and a power control module connected to the power detection module and the circuitry. The power supply module includes a battery, a charge controller, and an adapter. The power detection includes a detection resistor connected to the battery, the charge controller, and the adapter. The battery or the adapter provides electrical energy to the circuitry. The adapter further charges the battery to charge the battery when it is used to provide electrical energy to the circuitry. The charge controller detects the current for charging the battery via the detection resistor, and regulates the current for charging the battery when the charging current exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A portable electronic device has a battery to provide power to operate the device, a connector including a power supply pin to be coupled to an external power supply, and a power manager having a battery charger circuit that draws power through the power supply pin to charge the battery. The power manager has a current limit feedback control loop that limits the drawn current in accordance with a predetermined output current rating of the external power supply. The power manager automatically changes the behavior of its control loop to stabilize operation of the coupled external power supply. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of managing power for a mobile device is disclosed, which can prevent an inflow of overcurrent to the device when the device is charged. The apparatus includes a state judgment unit to judge whether a battery of the mobile device is being charged, a voltage level detection unit to detect a voltage level of the battery if the battery is judged as being charged, and a control unit to control a driving of the mobile device in accordance with the detected voltage level.

Abstract: A vehicle power source device which can improve the accuracy of battery deterioration detection. The vehicle power source device (100) is provided with: generator (110) which is in-built in a vehicle; high-voltage first battery (120) which stores the electricity generated by the generator (110); DC/DC converter (140) which is provided between the generator (110) and the first battery (120), and electrical component (180); second battery (130) which is connected to the first battery (120) via the DC/DC converter (140), and which has a lower voltage than the first battery (120); and power source ECU (150) which controls the DC/DC converter (140). If the current drawn from the first battery (120) satisfies predicted conditions, the power source ECU (150) increases the output voltage of the DC/DC converter, measures the parameters required to detect the deterioration of the first battery (120), and determines the deterioration of the first battery (120).

Abstract: A battery device including a case, an elastic component, a metal coil, a magnetic component, at least one energy storage component and a rectifier voltage regulator circuit is provided. The case includes a first and a second electrode ends, and both the elastic component and the metal coil are disposed in the case. The magnetic component is disposed in a receiving space of the coil and connects to an end of the elastic element, and the energy storage component connects to the first and the second electrode ends in parallel. When the battery device moves back and forth along a direction, the elastic component extends or retracts to drive the magnetic component to move back and forth relative to the metal coil along this direction. Thereby, an electric energy is induced in the metal coil, and is then stored in the energy storage component after being rectified and voltage-regulated.

Abstract: A vehicle power system includes a battery having a plurality of cells and at least one controller. The at least one controller causes the cells to acquire charge for a period of time such that at the expiration of the period of time, voltages of some of the cells are approximately equal to a specified voltage, amp·hours stored by other of the cells are approximately equal, and an amount of energy stored by the battery is at least equal to a predetermined target energy amount.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a charging circuit is provided. The apparatus includes a first detector, a second detector, and a controller. The first detector detects a voltage level at a first time and generates a first indication value corresponding to the voltage level at the first time, where the voltage level corresponds to an output voltage of the charging circuit. The second detector detects the voltage level at a second time after the first time and generates a second indication value corresponding to the voltage level at the second time. The controller receives the first and second indication values, and generates a control signal according to the first and second indication values for turning the charging circuit on and off.

Abstract: A recharging system and method for an implantable medical device includes: a secondary coil associated with the implantable medical device; an external power source including a primary coil and a modulation circuit operatively coupled to the primary coil, the modulation circuit being capable of driving the primary coil at a carrier frequency when the primary coil is in proximity to the secondary coil and of varying the carrier frequency in response to sensor data received from the implantable medical device; a first sensor associated with the implantable medical device and in communication with the modulation circuit, the first sensor capable of sensing a first condition indicating a need to adjust the carrier frequency during a charging process; and a second sensor associated with the implantable medical device and in communication with the modulation circuit, the second sensor capable of sensing a second condition which is affected by the carrier frequency.

Abstract: The electric power system is provided with a main module 10 having a switching device 17, and a sub-module 20. The output-side of the sub-module 20 sub-reverse current protection diode 24 is connected to a connection point CP between the main module 10 main reverse current protection diode 14 and the switching device 17 to allow power to be supplied to the load from the sub-battery pack 21 through the sub-reverse current protection diode 24 and the switching device 17. The main module 10 main control circuit 13 controls the switching device 17 ON and OFF to supply power from both the main module 10 main battery pack 11 and the sub-module 20 sub-battery pack 21 to light an illumination source 3.

Abstract: Several methods and systems to perform automatic coupling of an alternating current power source and an inductive power apparatus to charge a target device battery are disclosed. In an embodiment, an inductive battery charging system includes a connection module to determine when a target device is coupled to a charging apparatus comprised of an inductive power apparatus. The system further includes a monitoring module to determine when a target device battery is below a charging threshold while using power from a supplemental power source. In addition, the system includes an activation module to automatically couple the inductive power apparatus and an alternating current power source when a power level of the target device battery is below the charging threshold.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-purpose power management apparatus, a power path control circuit, and a control method therefor. The multi-purpose power management apparatus controls power conversion between an input power and an output power and charging operation from the output power to a battery. The multi-purpose power management apparatus includes: a switch circuit including at least one power transistor; a switch control circuit generating a PWM signal to control the power transistor, for controlling the power conversion between the input power and the output power; a charging management circuit for controlling the charging operation from the output power to the battery; and a path selection circuit for determining whether the charging operation is controlled by the charging management circuit.

Abstract: A method for charging a metal-air battery pack at the maximum possible rate while maintaining an ambient oxygen concentration below a preset concentration is provided, thereby minimizing the risks associated with generating oxygen during the charging cycle.

Abstract: An electrical charging system (ECS) to electrically charge a battery includes a power transmitter, an energy coupling arrangement, at least one electrical signal shaping device (ESSD) including a controller, and an alignment means. The arrangement includes a first transducer disposed external to the vehicle and a second transducer attached with the vehicle. The alignment means communicates with the vehicle to ensure repeatable vehicle positioning so that the second transducer is positioned relative to the first transducer so that the second transducer receives the energy produced by the power transmitter wirelessly transmitted from the first transducer. The energy received by the second transducer is electrically shaped by the ESSD and further electrically transmitted through the ESSD as controlled by the controller to electrically charge the ESD. Methods to operate and electrically transmit energy through the ECS to electrically charge the EDS are also presented.

Abstract: A flexible dual mode battery charger that charges a battery in two different modes, depending on the difference between the adapter voltage and the battery voltage, with a smooth transition between these two modes and the charging current remains relatively constant during the transition is provided in this application. At a lower battery level, the dual mode battery charger charges the battery as a LDO charger and when battery voltage is very close to the adapter voltage, the charger migrates its operating mode from the LDO mode to the boost mode and charges the battery as a boost charger. This flexible battery charger uses one common control circuit for controlling the operations of the LDO charger and the boost charger. The switching operation from one operation mode to other operation mode is smooth.

Abstract: The present invention relates in particular to a battery unit with at least one battery cell and a switch unit that is designed so as to alter the internal resistance of the battery unit.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments provide a system that manages use of a battery in a portable electronic device. During operation, the system uses a reference electrode in the battery to monitor an anode potential of an anode in the battery during charging of the battery in the portable electronic device. If the anode potential falls below an anode potential threshold, the system modifies a charging technique for the battery to extend a cycle life of the battery. For example, the system may reduce a charge current of the battery if the anode potential falls below the anode potential threshold to prevent degradation caused by a negative anode potential during charging of the battery.

Abstract: A determination determines permission/forbiddance to charge an accumulator that obtains electrical power from a power grid network. The determination device comprises a first acquisition unit configured to acquire first information about a requested power amount requested to charge the accumulator, a second acquisition unit configured to acquire second information about an available power amount that can be provided from the power grid network, and a determination unit configured to determine permission or forbiddance with respect to the accumulator based on the first information and the second information.