Abstract: A battery management system for batteries, such as, but not limited to, electric vehicle battery packs and cells, lithium iron phosphate batteries, lead acid batteries, gel batteries, and absorbed gel mat batteries, in engine start applications is disclosed. The battery management system is configured to control the charge and charging of each cell individually. The battery management system may be configured to control the charge of a battery which may consist of a plurality of cells, such as, but not limited to, lithium iron phosphate cells, and in at least one embodiment, the battery may consist of, but is not limited to being formed from, four lithium iron phosphate cells connected in series and a battery management system to ensure proper charge and safe operation.

Abstract: A two-cell battery management system may include a switching network comprising a plurality of switches configured to electrically couple two battery cells to one another and a first load configured to receive electrical energy from the two battery cells and control circuitry configured to dynamically control the switching network among a plurality of switching configurations comprising a first switching configuration in which the first load is in parallel with both of the two battery cells, a second switching configuration in which the first load is in parallel with a first battery cell of the two battery cells and is electrically isolated from a second battery cell of the two battery cells, and a third switching configuration in which the first load is in parallel with the second battery cell and is electrically isolated from the first battery cell.

Abstract: A patient support apparatus, such as a bed, recliner, cot, stretcher, operating table, or the like, includes battery-powered circuitry whose functions are reduced, but not eliminated, as the battery charge level falls below a threshold. Electrical power may be cut off to one or more components of the battery-powered circuitry while still providing battery-supplied electrical power to the other components of the circuitry. A user interface provides battery status data, including a replacement status of a rechargeable battery, and allows a user to select different formats for displaying battery status data. Such formats include displays of battery charge level information not only in manners specific to the battery, but also in manners relative to the patient support apparatus, such as displays of how many, or how much of, one or more functions the patient support apparatus is able to perform based on the battery's current charge level.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises at least one processing device configured to obtain information characterizing a status of one or more batteries of a computing device. The processing device is also configured to determine whether at least one connector port of the computing device is connected to one or more external devices, the at least one connector port being configured to receive power from the connected external devices for charging the one or more batteries of the computing device. The processing device is further configured, responsive to determining that the at least one connector port of the computing device is connected to the one or more external devices, to selectively enable the charging of the one or more batteries of the computing device utilizing power received from the connected external devices based at least in part on the information characterizing the status of the one or more batteries of the computing device.

Abstract: A charging control apparatus and method for an electronic device are provided. During a process of charging, the power adapter first charges the battery with a constant-voltage direct current output, and then after the power adapter receives a quick-charging instruction, the power adapter adjusts an output voltage according to the voltage of the battery fed back by the charging control circuit, and if the output voltage meets a quick-charging voltage condition pre-set by the charging control circuit, the power adapter adjusts an output current and the output voltage respectively according to a preset quick-charging current value and a preset quick-charging voltage value for quick-charging the battery, and meanwhile the charging control circuit introduces direct current from the power adapter for charging the battery; during a process of quick-charging, the power adapter adjusts the output current in real time according to the output voltage thereof and the voltage of the battery.

Abstract: An over-current protection device for a power generator includes a first pin, configured to receive a signal; a detection and control module, coupled to the first pin, and configured to detect the signal to determine whether the signal conforms to a pre-determined condition or not, and to output a control signal when the signal conforms to the pre-determined condition; and an auto-trim and memory module, coupled to the detection and control module, configured to receive the control signal from the detection and control module, wherein the auto-trim and memory module is configured to execute a plurality of auto-trim measurements and to store adjustment data corresponding to the plurality of auto-trim measurements; a second pin, coupled to the detection and control module, configured to receive a second signal.

Abstract: An electric vehicle charging station that is installed in a residence is coupled with a main circuit breaker in an electrical service panel. The charging station includes a charging point connection that couples an electric vehicle to a set of service drop power lines that provide electricity from a power grid to the residence; a current control device coupled to control the amount of electric current that can be drawn from the set of service drop power lines by an the electric vehicle through the charging point connection; a receiver to receive energy readings from one or more current monitors that indicate an amount of current is being drawn from the set of service drop power lines; and a set of control modules to cause the current control device to control the amount of current that can be drawn by the electric vehicle through the charging point connection based on the received energy readings to avoid tripping the main circuit breaker.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes: an input stage configured to receive first and a second input signals and generate a first voltage based on the first input signal and generate a second voltage based on the second input signal; an amplification stage configured to generate a first output current based on the first voltage and a second output current based on the second voltage; a bias stage configured to generate a bias voltage for the amplification stage based on the first and second voltages; a load stage configured to output a differential voltage signal proportional to a current through a device for which current is sensed based on a comparison of the first and second output currents; and an output stage configured to output a signal to control a duty cycle of the device for which current is sensed.

Abstract: A method for monitoring battery safety is provided and includes the following operations. Duration of a constant-voltage charging stage when a terminal device is charged is acquired. A battery of the terminal device is determined to be abnormal, when the duration is longer than or equal to a preset time period.

Abstract: A battery charging method and an electronic device are disclosed. The electronic device can comprise: a connection unit comprising a first terminal to which a voltage is applied by an external device, and a second terminal for transmitting/receiving data; a first charging unit for charging a battery connected to the electronic device by using the voltage applied to the first terminal; and a second charging unit for charging the battery by dropping the voltage applied to the first terminal according to a preset voltage drop rate.

Abstract: Techniques for reallocating power between a plurality of electronic components and a connection port of a computing system are described. In operation, operational state of an electronic component from amongst multiple electronic components is analysed. Based on the operational state of the electronic component, an unused power available with the electronic components is determined. Based on the availability of the unused power, a default power level associated with the connection port is increased, where the default power level is a predefined power allocated to the connection port for operation.

Abstract: A charging system for a battery-operated machine is disclosed. The charging system includes a charging receptacle having a power connection and a signal connection, with the charging receptacle configured to receive electrical current via the power connection from a power supply plug. The charging system further includes a heat rejection element thermally coupled to the charging receptacle, a temperature sensor, and a charging controller operatively coupled to the temperature sensor and the charging receptacle. The charging controller is configured to receive a temperature signal from the temperature sensor, the temperature signal being indicative of a charging-receptacle temperature. The charging controller is further configured to transmit, via the signal connection to the connected plug, a control signal to adjust (e.g., raise or lower) the electrical current supplied to the power connection.

Abstract: In a power supply device, switching section switch a connection between batteries to a series connection or a parallel connection. In a case where the connection between the batteries is switched from the series connection to the parallel connection to charge the batteries by an external charger, a controller does not switch the connection to the parallel connection, does not charge one battery having a larger voltage out of the batteries, and separately charges the other battery when a potential difference between a voltage of the battery and a voltage of the battery is a predetermined threshold value or higher; and the controller switches the connection to the parallel connection and charges the batteries when the potential difference is lower than the threshold value.

Abstract: Systems/methods for operating a solar charger system. The system comprises: preventing, by a first circuit, damage to the solar charger system when a reverse polarity connection exists between a solar panel and the solar charger system; preventing, by a second circuit, damage to the solar charger system when a reverse polarity connection exists between the battery and the solar charger system; preventing, by a third circuit, damage to the battery when a temperature of a surrounding environment exceeds a pre-defined value while the battery is being charged by the solar charger system; and preventing, by a fourth circuit, back-feed from the battery without any voltage drop or loss while the battery is being charged by the solar charger system.

Abstract: To sufficiently exert charging and discharging performance of a cell while reliably protecting the cell, a battery controller determines ?Vlimit which is a limit value for a difference between a CCV and an OCV of a cell module, which is a secondary cell, and determines at least one of an upper limit voltage and a lower limit voltage of the cell module. An allowable current of the cell module is calculated based on the ?Vlimit and at least one of the upper limit voltage and the lower limit voltage determined in this manner.

Abstract: A battery charging circuit providing a charging current to a battery via a charging transistor. A control circuit used to control the battery charging circuit has a system voltage control loop providing a system voltage compensation signal, a charging current control loop providing a charging current compensation signal and a charging transistor control loop providing a charging regulation signal based on a charging transistor reference signal and the system voltage feedback signal.

Abstract: An electronic equipment, a charger and a charging method are provided. The charging method includes that: a processor determines a type of a charger coupled with a physical charging interface through a communication control chip; when the charger is a preset charger, the processor sets a direct charging control switch into an ON state, and controls the charger to perform charging according to a first charging mode; and when the charger is not the preset charger, the processor sets the direct charging control switch into an OFF state, and performs charging through charging chips according to a second charging mode.

Abstract: A battery charging method and apparatus are provided. A setting value of charging control information is determined based on an overpotential value and a voltage value of a battery and is applied in the charging control information, and a voltage applied to charge the battery is controlled based on the charging control information that applies the setting value.

Abstract: A control device for a wireless power supply system includes a battery configured to supply power to a first device, a power reception coil, a power reception circuit connected to the power reception coil and configured to adjust a voltage generated by the power reception coil to charge the battery, and a switch circuit connected between the battery and the first device and configured to detect the adjusted voltage applied to the battery. The switch circuit is further configured to, when the adjusted voltage is not detected, electrically connect the battery and the first device, and when the adjusted voltage is detected, electrically disconnect the battery and the first device.

Abstract: The embodiments disclose an electronic pen system, including an electronic pen having a digital writing nib to allow a user to create digital nib writing strokes and a microphone to record voice dictation data, an electronic pad wirelessly coupled to the electronic pen to receive the digital nib writing strokes, a scanning device coupled to the electronic pad to scan handwritten data and convert into editable text, a beacon coupled to the electronic pad and a computer with a plurality of writing styles and genre proofreading templates stored, a handwriting converter to covert nib writing strokes into editable text, a voice to text converter for converting dictation into editable text, and editing software installed on the electronic pen and coupled to the beacon to receive the plurality of writing styles and genre proofreading templates selectable by the user to allow editable text to be proofread.

Abstract: A controlling circuit, utilized in an ear bud device which can be charged by a charging device, includes a voltage detection circuit and a processing circuit. The voltage detection circuit is coupled to a power input pin of a communication interface between the ear bud device and the charging device and used for detecting a voltage level of an analog power supply signal at the power input pin to generate a digital input signal. The processing circuit is coupled to the voltage detection circuit and used for receiving the digital input signal to obtain data information carried by the analog power supply signal outputted from the charging device.

Abstract: An image capture apparatus capable of charging a battery. The image capture apparatus includes a connection unit that receives power from a power supply device, a charging control unit that charges the battery by using power received from the power supply device, a power supply control unit that supplies power to components of the image capture apparatus by using power received from the power supply device, and a control unit that controls charging of the battery and power supply to the components of the image capture apparatus by using power received from the power supply device, according to whether or not an operating mode of the image capture apparatus is restricted due to heat from the battery.

Abstract: A flying capacitor (FC)-type 3-level power conversion device turns on or off first to fourth semiconductor switching elements based on comparison between a flying capacitor voltage and a half of higher-voltage side filter capacitor voltage, comparison between the higher-voltage side filter capacitor voltage and the flying capacitor voltage plus a lower-voltage side filter capacitor voltage, comparison between the flying capacitor voltage and the lower-voltage side filter capacitor voltage, and comparison between the lower-voltage side filter capacitor voltage or the higher-voltage side filter capacitor voltage and a filter capacitor voltage command value, so that an electric current flows along a path including a filter reactor L and charging a flying capacitor so as to charge a lower-voltage side filter capacitor or a higher-voltage side filter capacitor to predetermined values.

Abstract: A charging control apparatus and method for an electronic device are provided. During a process of charging, the power adapter first charges the battery with a constant-voltage direct current output, and then after the power adapter receives a quick-charging instruction, the power adapter adjusts an output voltage according to the voltage of the battery fed back by the charging control circuit, and if the output voltage meets a quick-charging voltage condition pre-set by the charging control circuit, the power adapter adjusts an output current and the output voltage respectively according to a preset quick-charging current value and a preset quick-charging voltage value for quick-charging the battery, and meanwhile the charging control circuit introduces direct current from the power adapter for charging the battery; during a process of quick-charging, the power adapter adjusts the output current in real time according to the output voltage thereof and the voltage of the battery.

Abstract: According to certain aspects, the present embodiments are related to systems and methods providing an autonomous adapter pass through mode in a battery charger. For example, when an adapter is connected to the battery charger, but the system is idling, embodiments allow for power from the adapter to be directly coupled to the battery charger output, and main switching to be stopped, thereby dramatically reducing battery charger current consumption. These and other embodiments provide various circuitry and techniques to ensure that the battery is protected in this mode. According to further aspects, the present embodiments provide for the charger itself to autonomously enter and exit the adapter pass through mode, thereby eliminating the need for excessive processing overhead in components external to the battery charger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a battery charging device and a charging control method thereof, the battery charging device including: a charger configured to provide a charging voltage for charging a battery; at least one processor configured to control the charger; and a variable resistor placed on a charging path and configured to adjust a charging capacity provided from the charger to the battery and have a resistance determined corresponding to a digital code received from the processor, wherein the processor corrects the digital code to be output to the variable resistor in accordance with battery charging characteristics monitored during a charging cycle of the battery. Thus, flexible and adaptive charging control is possible through at least one digital variable resistor provided in the charging device, and error situations are handled in real time by correcting the digital code through monitoring in a charging process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a battery management system, which includes: at least one cell group configured to include first and second battery cells connected in parallel between first and second bus bars; a plurality of first and second measurement terminals positioned on the first and second bus bars; a plurality of third and fourth measurement terminals positioned at positions on the first bus bar, which correspond to one of ends of each of the first and second battery cells, respectively; a cell voltage measuring unit configured to measure a cell voltage of the cell group by using the first and second measurement terminals; a voltage drop measuring unit configured to measure an error voltage corresponding to a resistance value of the first bus bar by using the third and fourth measurement terminals; and a battery management unit configured to calculate a corrected cell voltage by using the cell voltage and the error voltage.

Abstract: A system for generator-based charging of a battery module may include the battery module, a sensor located adjacent the battery module, a generator controller comprising a processor and a non-transitory memory device storing instructions. The battery modules include one or more battery types, such as lithium ion batteries. The generator controller analyzes one or more sensor signals received from the sensor, the signals associated with battery conditions including temperature, a current, a voltage, a state of charge, a state of health and the like. The generator controller calculates a generator current value for use in charging the battery module. Next, the generator controller may generate a control signal comprising a command that may cause the generator to provide a charging current having the current value. The control signal is generated using a first control loop associated with a battery voltage and a second control loop associated with a battery current.

Abstract: An integrally formed rigid razor blade made of martensitic stainless steel includes a cutting edge portion, a base portion, and a bent portion. The cutting edge portion extends along a cutting edge portion axis and has a cutting edge at one end. The base portion extends along a base portion axis. The bent portion is intermediate the cutting edge portion and the base portion. The blade has a concave face and an opposed convex face. An average radius of curvature of the concave face of the bent portion is between 0.4 millimeters and 1 millimeter.

Abstract: At least some embodiments are directed to an electronic device port system comprising a first device configured to negotiate power supply contracts from a power source via a universal serial bus (USB) cable. The system also comprises a second device configured to negotiate power supply contracts from the power source via the USB cable when the first device is unable to negotiate power supply contracts from the power source. The second device is configured to activate a switch after the second device negotiates a power supply contract with the power source. The switch is configured to permit the provision of power from the power source to a battery system of the electronic device per the negotiated power supply contract.

Abstract: A leakage current detection apparatus and detection method thereof for detecting a leakage current generated when a tested circuit is in a standby state are provided. The leakage current detection apparatus includes a capacitor, a pre-charge circuit, a discharge current generator and a detection result generator. The pre-charge current is provided to pre-charge the capacitor during a first time interval. The discharge current generator generates a discharge current according to the leakage current when the tested circuit is in a standby state and during a second time interval, and the capacitor is discharged accordingly. The leakage detection result is generated in the second time interval by comparing a voltage value on a detection end and a voltage value of a preset reference voltage.

Abstract: A charging system that includes a switching control circuit coupled to four series-coupled MOSFET transistors; a flying capacitor coupled across two of the four series-coupled MOSFET transistors; and node between the two of the four series coupled transistors that couples to an output inductor to form a buck regulator is presented. Embodiments of the charging system can have increased efficiency, can reduce the size and inductance of the output inductor, and can be produced with a low voltage process.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for removing a defective energy storage cell from an energy storage array is described. An apparatus includes an energy storage array including a plurality of energy storage cells, and a cell removal circuit coupled to the energy storage array. The cell removal circuit is configured to prevent a defective energy storage cell of the plurality of energy storage cells from causing other energy storage cells of the plurality of energy storage cells to become defective. A method includes receiving power at a charging node of an energy storage array, the energy storage array including a plurality of energy storage cells. Responsive to failure of an energy storage cell of the plurality of energy storage cells, current is provided through the defective energy storage cell, and responsive to the defective energy storage cell becoming an open circuit, discontinuing provision of the current through the defective energy storage cell.

Abstract: An energy storage apparatus. The energy storage apparatus includes an energy storage, wherein the energy storage is connected to at least one energy source, wherein the energy storage is configured to store energy from the at least one energy source; a power supplier, wherein the power supplier is connected to an external load, wherein the power supplier is configured to provide energy from the energy storage to the external load; and a distribution regulator, wherein the distribution regulator is configured, in real-time, to operate the energy storage apparatus in a reduced power mode.

Abstract: A power receiving device, which receives power from a power feed device via a removable cable, includes: a battery; a charging circuit configured to charge the battery with a bus voltage received from the power feed device via the cable; and a controller configured to communicate with the power feed device and instruct a target value of the bus voltage, wherein the controller adaptively changes the target value of the bus voltage according to a state of the power receiving device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for hybrid energy harvesting for transaction cards are disclosed. Embodiments include a transaction card comprising a data storage device configured to supply account information to a transaction card terminal, a primary rechargeable power source to allow recharging and further to receive charging energy from the transaction card terminal during a transaction using the card, a secondary rechargeable power source configured to receive energy from the first rechargeable power source, and a power controller configured to control a flow of energy between the first and second rechargeable power sources.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a charging method, a charging adapter and a charging system. The charging adapter includes a second controller and an adjusting circuit including a current detection circuit. The second controller is configured to receive a voltage value of a cell, search a threshold range table to obtain a current adjusting instruction. The current detection circuit is configured to detect a current value of a power signal outputted by the adjusting circuit. The second controller is further configured to calculate a difference between the current value detected and a current value specified by the current adjusting instruction, and send a calibration instruction to the adjusting circuit when an absolute value of the difference calculated is greater than a difference threshold. The adjusting circuit is configured to calibrate the power signal according to a current difference specified by the calibration instruction, and output a calibrated power signal.

Abstract: A method for communication between at least a first telecommunication terminal and a second telecommunication terminal includes: in the event that a charge state of the energy store of the first telecommunication terminal is below a predetermined reference charge state, transmitting a message comprising energy transmission information from the first telecommunication terminal to the second telecommunication terminal, the energy transmission information comprising a request to transmit additional energy to the energy store of the first telecommunication terminal; and increasing the charge state of the energy store of the first telecommunication terminal, or transmitting at least one message between a telecommunication network and the second telecommunication terminal, for the first telecommunication terminal.

Abstract: A method for estimating insulation resistance between a terminal of a battery and an electrical ground, including: connecting a measuring circuit to one terminal of the battery, the measuring circuit including a resistance of known value and a capacitance; application of a known input signal having an input voltage; measurement of an output voltage between the ground and a point located between the resistance of known value and the capacitance; determination of a complex impedance of a dipole of the capacitance and the insulation resistance or determination of parameters of a differential equation; and determination of the insulation resistance from the parameters of the differential equation or the complex impedance.

Abstract: An electrical system for low-power charging of personal electronic devices is made available at each passenger seat in a vehicle using wireless power technology. Alternating current is delivered by conductors behind the sidewall panels or under the floor of the vehicle body to the passenger area. Electrical power is transferred from these conductors using transmit coils attached outboard of the sidewall panels or below the floor to receive coils attached to passenger seats near the transmit coils. The electrical current induced in the receive coils is made available via electrical power charging circuits at a convenient location for each seat via conventional charging ports. Transmit and receive coils are designed and configured to permit different seating configurations without the need for rewiring by placement and design of larger transmit and receive coils or by using track-mounted transmit and receive coils or a combination of these.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a charging method and a charging system. The charging system includes a charging adapter and a mobile terminal, the charging adapter includes a second controller and an adjusting circuit, and the mobile terminal includes a cell detection circuit and a cell. The cell detection circuit acquires a voltage value of the cell, and sends the voltage value of the cell to the second controller, the second controller searches a threshold range table for a current adjusting instruction matched with a threshold range containing the voltage value of the cell, and sends the current adjusting instruction to the adjusting circuit, and the adjusting circuit performs a current adjustment according to the current adjusting instruction and outputs a power signal after the current adjustment, in which the threshold range table records threshold ranges and current adjusting instructions having a one-to-one mapping relation with threshold ranges.

Abstract: A battery charging circuit has a first switching circuit and a second switching circuit which are coupled in parallel. A control circuit has a plurality of feedback control loops, a logic integrated circuit, a first logic circuit and a second logic circuit, wherein the plurality of feedback control loops provides a plurality of feedback control signals, the logic integrated circuit provides a logic integrated signal based on the plurality of feedback control signals, the frequency dividing circuit provides a first frequency dividing signal and a second frequency dividing signal based on the logic integrated signal, the first logic circuit controls the first switching circuit based on the first frequency dividing signal and a first duration signal, the second logic circuit controls the second switching circuit based on the second frequency dividing signal and a second duration signal.

Abstract: A system according to examples of the present disclosure includes a battery charger electrically coupled to a battery and a battery charging circuit. The battery charging circuit includes an operational amplifier having a negative input to receive a pre-bias voltage, a positive input, an output, and a voltage offset. The battery charging circuit also includes a charge controller having an analog-to-digital converter to receive a voltage output from the output of the operational amplifier and a voltage supply to supply a voltage input into the positive input of the operation amplifier to cancel the voltage offset of the operational amplifier. In the example, the voltage output of the charge controller is a function of the voltage input of the charge controller.

Abstract: An electrical circuit, in some embodiments, comprises a control circuit having a plurality of switches and an electrical load having a plurality of load components. A first of the plurality of switches is configured to control a first of the plurality of load components. A second of the plurality of switches is configured to control a second of the plurality of load components synchronously with the first of the plurality of switches.

Abstract: An electronic circuit arrangement may include a first and a second electrical supply line for connecting an electronic device with a rechargeable battery. The first electrical supply line may be connected at one end with the rechargeable electric battery and at the other end with the electronic device for supplying electric energy. At least two switching elements may be provided in the first electrical supply line, which each may be switchable between an open state, in which the respective switching element electrically interrupts the first supply line, and a closed state. The electronic circuit arrangement may include a protective circuit arrangement and a reset circuit arrangement.

Abstract: A battery system controller is provided which is used for a battery system including a generator, electrical loads, a lead storage battery, a high performance storage battery which has higher-power and higher-energy density, and an opening and closing switch which switches the generator and the lead storage battery, and the high performance storage battery to an electrically conducting state or an interrupted state, a terminal voltage of the high performance storage battery being controlled so as to be lower than a terminal voltage of the lead storage battery. The battery system controller includes a control unit which allows the opening and closing switch to switch from an electrically conducting state to an interrupted state on the condition that charging current flowing to the high performance storage battery is smaller than a determination value, the larger an internal resistance of the lead storage battery, the smaller the determination value is set.

Abstract: Switch mode power supplies and integrated circuits are presented to provide a DC output voltage signal using high and low side switches, with a switching control circuit to turn off the high side switch and engage an active shunt circuit to provide a reduced voltage to continue converter operation to accommodate high input voltage transients when the DC input voltage exceeds a threshold voltage without requiring an oversized low side switch for improved efficiency through reduced switching and conduction losses in normal operation.

Abstract: A method of power delivery. Port controllers each include a state machine, an IO pin, a receptacle supply pin receiving power from a receptacle, and a gate driver pin coupled to a control node of a power path switch each having an output coupled to a load. The state machines implement a dead-battery control (DBC) algorithm upon sensing a DB condition. The DBC algorithm pulls up the IO pin, starts a timer for T1, and monitors the IO pin for T1. If the IO pin is pulled low, the port controller is reset for a pulled low period, the DBC algorithm is then restarted or its IO pin is monitored until not pulled low for T1. One port controller pulls its IO pin low for an assertion period to claim priority over the other port controller, and closes its associated power path switch to exclusively provide power to the load.

Abstract: A method of controlling a high-temperature storage battery connected to an electric power system, an apparatus for controlling the storage battery, and an electric power control system reside in that, when the temperature of the storage battery is equal to or lower than a reference temperature, charging and discharging the storage battery with charging and discharging electric power, which is the sum of charging and discharging electric power based on a preset process of operating the storage battery and charging and discharging electric power corresponding to charging and discharging cycles each of a continuous charging time of 1 hour or shorter and a continuous discharging time of 1 hour or shorter, for thereby supplying thermal energy to the storage battery.

Abstract: Current spikes may occur when dynamically shortening a light emitting diode chain. These current spikes can be avoided by using a voltage control loop to regulate the output of the LED driver just prior to the transition period. Specifically, regulation of the LED driver is switched from a current control loop (e.g., a control loop regulating the output current of the led driver) to a voltage control loop (e.g., a control loop regulating the output voltage of the led driver) just before the LED chain is shortened. The voltage control loop then reduces the voltage of the LED driver to a target voltage prior to shortening the LED chain, thereby allowing the LED chain to be shortened without eliciting a current spike.