Abstract: A battery safety system includes a flow valve and a sensing device. The flow valve is disposed on a housing of the battery and includes a first valve that is embedded inside the housing and a second valve that intersects the housing. The first valve includes a cavity through which analytes released upon electrochemical reactions within the battery flow towards the second valve. The second valve extends through the housing to the outside, and defines an opening through which the released analytes exit the housing. The sensing device is disposed within the cavity of the first valve of the valve and is situated in a manner to be in fluidic contact with the released analytes as they flow from the inside of the battery to the outside. In some aspects, the battery safety system can detect a minute presence of one or more analytes. In some aspects, the sensor is in communication with a battery management system.

Abstract: A pouch type secondary battery includes: an electrode assembly having an electrode including a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and a separator laminated therein; a battery case having a pouch shape to accommodate the electrode assembly; an electrode tab connected to the electrode and protruding from one side of the electrode; a first electrode lead having one end connected to the electrode tab; a second electrode lead having one end connected to the other end of the first electrode lead and the other end protruding to outside the battery case; and a connection part bonding the first electrode lead to the second electrode lead to connect the first and second electrode leads to each other. In at least one of the first and second electrode leads, a notch is on a bonding surface on which the first and second electrode leads are bonded together through the connection part.

Abstract: Disclosed is a battery device including a battery; a plurality of sensors attached to the battery; and a transceiving circuit configured to transmit a signal received from a monitoring device to the plurality of sensors and to transmit signals received from the plurality of sensors to the monitoring device. The plurality of sensors generate surface acoustic waves (SAWs) in response to the signal received from the monitoring device, when receiving the signal from the monitoring device through the transceiving circuit, and the plurality of sensors include at least one first sensor configured to output a first signal corresponding to a SAW varied depending on a temperature of the battery; at least one second sensor configured to output a second signal corresponding to a SAW varied depending on pressure of the battery; and at least one third sensor configured to output a third signal corresponding to a SAW varied depending on an electrolyte leakage state of the battery.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting leaks in batteries may include an applicator, and an indicator comprising a chemical configured to detect a trace amount of leakage in the battery.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a traction battery subject to alternating cycling and storage modes and a controller. The controller is programmed to calculate an accumulated degradation for the traction battery based on a degradation profile for the traction battery. The degradation profile defines degradation accumulated over time and may differ based on the mode and temperature. The initial degradation value includes the accumulated degradation for the present mode and at least a portion of the accumulated degradation for the other mode. Degradation is then accumulated according to the degradation profile starting from the initial degradation value. The amount of accumulated degradation from the other mode that is included may vary based on the mode and the accumulated degradation.

Abstract: A data collection system that collects information indicating a status of a battery mounted on a vehicle from the vehicle after shipment from a factory, includes a battery information collection server that is configured to periodically receive information of the battery and identification information, with which it is possible to identify the vehicle, that are transmitted wirelessly from a computer that is mounted on the vehicle and is configured to acquire and store the information of the battery mounted on the vehicle. The data collection system may further include a battery information analysis section that is configured to display a result of associating the information of the battery received by the battery information collection server with each vehicle using the identification information.

Abstract: Techniques for providing data preview before recalling large data files are disclosed. In one aspect, a data file is made accessible while being offline by converting the data file from a native format to a preview format, storing the data file in the preview format in a primary storage that is locally available and moving, after the conversion to the preview format, the data file in the native format to a secondary storage. When a viewing request is received for the data file, the data file in the preview format is displayed to fulfill the viewing request.

Abstract: An electronic shelf label system is provided. There is provided a method in which an electronic shelf label periodically transmits its remaining battery capacity to a server in a electronic shelf label system according to the present invention, and the server converts the battery level into a remaining battery life (time) and provides the same, so that a manager can check the remaining battery life in a management mode of the server and a terminal, and easily manage an electronic shelf label using a battery.

Abstract: An apparatus for reporting fault information of a battery of a power storage system includes a receiving portion configured to receive state information of the battery from a battery management system of the power storage system, a controller configured to produce fault information of the battery from the state information of the battery received by the receiving portion by comparing the state information of the battery with a prestored reference value; and a display configured to display the fault information produced by the controller, wherein the receiving portion and the controller are positioned inside a storage space with the power storage system, and the display is outside of the storage space.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a sensor configured to store in memory indications of sensor use information and formulas or indications of formulas for determining the useful life of a sensor from the indications of sensor use information. A monitor connected to the sensor monitors sensor use and stores indications of the use on sensor memory. The monitor and/or sensor compute the useful life of the sensor from the indications of use and the formulas. When the useful life of the sensor is reached, an indication is given to replace the sensor.

Abstract: A vehicular travel guidance apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus includes a map image display unit that displays a map image on a display device and a maximum energy amount acquisition unit that acquires a maximum charging energy amount of an in-vehicle battery. The apparatus further includes a charging facility information acquisition unit that acquires information regarding a charging facility capable of charging the in-vehicle battery. Also included is a travelable area acquisition unit that acquires a travelable area, within which the vehicle is able to travel from the charging facility by consuming an energy amount corresponding to a predetermined percentage of the maximum charging energy amount. The apparatus also includes a display mode change unit that varies a display mode of the map image based on the acquired travelable area.

Abstract: The teachings herein disclose a method and apparatus for preventing excessive battery passivation in an electronic meter-reading module. The module operates in a low-power state most of the time. The low-power state is interrupted at defined transmit times, wherein the module temporarily turns on or otherwise activates an included communication transmitter, for the transmission of data to a remote node reachable through a wireless communication network. Because of its low current draw during the times between data transmissions, the module's battery is vulnerable to passivation layer buildup. Advantageously, however, the module is configured to perform dummy activations of its transmitter at times other than the defined transmit times, e.g., in the intervals between data transmissions. These dummy activations are not for data transmission, but rather are temporary activations of the relatively high-power transmitter, for reducing passivation layer buildup on the battery in advance of a next data transmission.

Abstract: The augmented battery includes an internal motion sensor, charge condition monitor, annunciator and optional wireless communicator. When the augmented battery is installed in a device, it provides augmented capabilities not present in the device when using conventional batteries. The augmented capabilities include responding to implicit commands from the user (by simply lifting the device containing the augmented battery) and explicit commands (such as intentional motion or tapping gestures) by providing audible or vibrational response indicating the charge conditions of the cell within the battery. Wireless communication allows the augmented battery to interact with external devices, such as battery health monitor display devices and also with the device into which the battery is installed, giving the device new augmented functionality.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for displaying the lifecycle of a surge protection device, and more particularly to a device and method for displaying the lifecycle of a surge protection device, which detects an increase in leakage current according to a deterioration in performance of the surge protection device in order to provide notice of a replacement time for the surge protection device. According to the present invention, it is possible to for a user to provide notice of a replacement time by displaying the lifecycle of a surge protection device (SPD) to the outside. Additionally, as another effect of the present invention, it is possible to confirm an amount of leakage current flowing into the ground of the SPD and whether the SPD is properly installed on a ground line by using a current and ground state detecting sensor.

Abstract: A detecting device is used for detecting a battery leak, a positive terminal of the battery is electrically connected to a first contact, a negative terminal of the battery is electrically connected to a second contact. The detecting device includes a first conductor, a second conductor electrically connected to the second contact, and a warning unit electrically connected between the first contact and the first conductor. The second conductor being electrically connected to the first conductor through electrolyte leaked out of the battery, thus the warning unit will be actuated to produce a warning signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining a remaining capacity of an energy source of an agricultural information tag. The method includes adjusting, such as increasing or decreasing, a counter at the occurrence of an event which leads to a consumption of energy from the energy source, and determining a remaining capacity of the energy source from a value of the counter. The event may include the elapsing of a predetermined period of time and a transmission of information by the information tag.

Abstract: Baseline values for battery testing are automatically determined for individual batteries, battery cells, or networks of batteries. Impedance information is obtained from individual batteries and adjusted for operating conditions at a site of use (e.g., temperature, age, connection topology and user-entered information). Population-referenced baselines are automatically calculated from the group of individual-referenced baselines. All baselines can be continually updated and improved. SOC and SOH characteristics of batteries in the network can be automatically determined by comparison of measured impedance, and other, values to said baselines.

Abstract: A battery alarm for use with a battery assembly is provided, the battery alarm including a first activation component, a signaling component, and an output component. The first activation component is configured to activate the alarm upon disengagement of the battery assembly from a battery-operated device and is further configured to deactivate the alarm upon engagement of the battery pack with the battery-operated device. The signaling component is coupled to the first activation component and is configured to transmit a signal when the alarm is activated. The output component is adapted to receive the signal from the signaling component and is configured to produce a visual, audible, and/or tactile output upon receipt of the signal from the signaling component.

Abstract: A transponder and method for operating a transponder, which has a capacitor (Cbuf) for storing power transmitted via an air interface and an arithmetic logic unit (10) that can be supplied with the stored power, in which a capacitor voltage (VC) of the capacitor (Cbuf) is compared with a first threshold (V1), in which the capacitor voltage (VC) is compared with a second threshold (V2), whereby the first threshold (V1) and the second threshold (V2) are different, in which in a first operating mode (M1), when the capacitor voltage (VC) is above the first threshold (V1), the arithmetic logic unit (10) performs a number of routines with a different priority, in which in a second operating mode (M2), when the capacitor voltage (VC) is between the first threshold (V1) and the second threshold (V2), a number of low-priority routines are stopped and a number of high-priority routines are continued.

Abstract: In an electric power amount information output device for a vehicle, a control section checks whether a remaining electric power amount of a battery of a motor-driven vehicle at a departure point is less than a total electric power amount required for the vehicle to travel to a destination point. The control section drives an output section to output insufficiency information indicating that the remaining electric power amount of the battery is insufficient, if the remaining electric power amount is less than the required total electric power amount.

Abstract: An apparatus for managing a battery pack for a vehicle includes a temperature measurement module for measuring temperature of the battery pack; a current measurement module for measuring a charge/discharge current of the battery pack when the measured temperature is not within a predetermined temperature range; a time measurement module for measuring the time while the measured charge/discharge current is over a predetermined current value; a storage module for accumulating and storing the measured time; and a control module for determining a state of the battery pack according to the accumulated and stored time and providing the state information to a user.

Abstract: A battery system comprises a first battery cell and a first management unit which is connected in one-to-one correspondence to the first battery cell. The first management unit comprises a first parameter acquiring unit, a first calculating unit, and a first storage unit. The first parameter acquiring unit acquires a power consumption parameter of the first battery cell. The first calculating unit calculates a power consumption state value of the first battery cell on the basis of the power consumption parameter acquired by the first parameter acquiring unit. The first storage unit stores the power consumption state value calculated by the first calculating unit.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the status of a system of battery strings is described. The system includes a current sensor for each of the battery strings, and a controller configured to compare the measured current with criteria to determine whether the battery is in a thermal runaway state. Prior to entering the thermal runaway state the battery current characteristics may indicate other less serious states. Warning messages are provided for selected events, and the battery string is disconnected from the remainder of the system when a thermal runaway state is encountered. The system may provide a local indication of status and may also interface with a communications network to provide for remote monitoring.

Abstract: A system for combining multiple direct current power sources is provided. The system is operable to combine multiple feeds from an array of power generating elements, such as solar panel arrays and combine the feeds into a single voltage output. The system includes a current monitoring assembly operable to monitor the current from each input to evaluate whether there is a malfunction or other problem associated with a particular output. An alarm or other signal can be provided to inform the operator of which power generating element in the array need to be analyzed.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes a housing having an external surface including a user interface region. A battery cell within the housing is characterized by a charging status, a state of charge, and a state of health. A processor disposed within the housing determines and/or stores the charging status as well as one or more of the state of charge and the state of health of the battery cell. The user interface region provides a plurality of visual components configured to provide a plurality of visual cues relating to the charging status, the state of charge, and the state of health of the battery cell. The plurality of visual components may include a persistent display, an on-demand display, and an input component. The input component may be used to select the manner in which the visual cues are provided.

Abstract: A fuel battery system is comprised of a power source circuit, a rotating electrical machine that is a load, a memory device and a control unit. Here, a battery learning system corresponds to an arrangement including a fuel battery that is a structural component of the power source circuit, a high frequency signal source, an electric current detection means, a voltage detection means, the memory device and a battery learning part that is a structural element of the control unit. An impedance value can be obtained from alternating current components of respective detecting values of the electric current detection means and the voltage detection means. The battery learning unit has an I-V characteristic curve learning module that learns an I-V characteristic curve and a learning prohibition judgment module that judges whether or not an acquiring interval of the impedance value is over a predetermined threshold interval set in advance, and prohibits learning if the former is over the latter.

Abstract: An apparatus for reporting fault information of a battery of a power storage system includes a receiving portion configured to receive state information of the battery from a battery management system of the power storage system, a controller configured to produce fault information of the battery from the state information of the battery received by the receiving portion by comparing the state information of the battery with a prestored reference value; and a display configured to display the fault information produced by the controller, wherein the receiving portion and the controller are positioned inside a storage space with the power storage system, and the display is outside of the storage space.

Abstract: A method for non-destructive health monitoring of a joined component includes: supplying a first current between a first end of a first member and a first end of a second member of the joined component; measuring a first voltage between a second end of the first member and a second end of the second member, wherein the first ends of the first member and the second member are situated opposite of at least one joint from the second ends of the first member and the second member; calculating a first joint resistance of the at least one joint from the supplied first current and the measured first voltage; comparing the calculated first joint resistance to a predetermined minimum joint resistance; and comparing the calculated first joint resistance to a predetermined maximum joint resistance, wherein the predetermined maximum joint resistance is greater than the predetermined minimum joint resistance.

Abstract: Systems and methods of monitoring battery health in an HVAC system. The charge state of a rechargeable battery and the number of amp-hours provided to or from the rechargeable battery are monitored. The number of amp-hours provided is recorded and an end-of-life condition is detected based on the number of amp-hours provided during the charge or discharge cycle. In some constructions, the end-of-life condition is detected by comparing the number of amp-hours provided during the charge or discharge cycle to a threshold. In some constructions, the end-of-life condition is detected by calculating a rate of change of the number of amp-hours provided during a charge or discharge cycle and comparing the rate of change to a threshold.

Abstract: It is possible to prevent charge of an incompatible secondary cell while suppressing the size of a mobile electronic device and a secondary cell without increasing power consumption so as to prevent damage of the secondary cell or the mobile electronic device by charge. A detachable secondary cell (30) supplies power to a mobile electronic device (2). The mobile electronic device (2) includes: a cell terminal (60) which outputs and inputs power to/from the mounted secondary cell (30); non-contact information extraction means (20) which performs a magnetic field communication; a loop antenna (26) which transmits/receives a signal using an electromagnetic wave by the non-contact information extraction means (20); and control means (22) which acquires particular information outputted from the non-contact information extraction means (20) and controls charge of the secondary cell (30) according to the acquired particular information. The loop antenna (26) is arranged in the cell terminal (60).

Abstract: A battery pack includes at least one battery cell that expands and contracts in relation to the chemical conditions of the battery cell. A substrate is configured to contact the at least one battery cell. A sensor is attached to the substrate and the sensor produces a signal indicative of the displacement of the substrate. A controller is communicatively connected to the sensor such that the controller receives the signal from the sensor. The controller processes the signal to produce an indication of a status of the battery cell. A method of monitoring battery safety includes movably securing a substrate across at least one cell of a battery. A displacement of the substrate is measured. The measured displacement is processed with a controller to identify a safety status of the at least one cell. An output device is operated with a controller to provide an indication of the safety status of the at least one cell of the battery.

Abstract: The calculation unit converts into a battery age each parameter calculated for a different factor of degradation of a battery. If at least one of the battery ages has reached an upper limit age, the determination unit determines that it is necessary to conduct a battery diagnosis. Once it has been determined that it is necessary to conduct the battery diagnosis, the display control unit causes a display device to display a diagnosis request message. After displaying the diagnosis request message has started if there is no result of the battery diagnosis received the electric power limiter unit limits electric power charged to and discharged from the battery. After the electric power charged to/discharged from the battery is limited if there is no result of the battery diagnosis received the start-up prohibition unit prohibits starting a system driving the vehicle.

Abstract: A digital electronic apparatus includes a touch display panel, an active touch pen and a power shortage reminding module. The active touch pen is suitable for inputting signals to the touch display panel. The power shortage reminding module is disposed in one of the touch display panel and the active touch pen. The power shortage reminding module is suitable for monitoring a remaining power of the active touch pen and prompting the touch display panel to send out a reminding signal for charging the active touch pen, and therefore, the active touch pen can be timely charged, which prevents the power of the active touch pen be exhausted in use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining coolant leakage in a vehicular propulsion system battery. An AC isolation resistance test is used to determine whether an isolation fault has occurred within the battery, but can also determine the capacitance of the circuit or system, which can further determine the coolant leakage levels of the vehicular propulsion system battery. This eliminates having an additional device to measure the coolant leakage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to indicate battery capacity status. Different blinking frequencies of an LED correspond to different battery states of charge. Furthermore, the present invention provides a smooth visual brightness change of the LED by providing the appropriate LED current according to human eye characteristics.

Abstract: A semiconductor device with a built-in battery whose residual amount of the electrical energy can be detected accurately. The semiconductor device has a battery, a demodulation circuit, a control circuit which generates a signal having information about the residual amount of the electrical energy stored in the battery, and a transmission medium which displays the residual amount of the electrical energy in accordance with the signal. The demodulation circuit demodulates a signal input from an antenna which requests display of the residual amount of the electrical energy. Based on the demodulated signal, the control circuit starts to generate a signal having information about the residual amount of the electrical energy in the battery.

Abstract: A transponder and method for operating a transponder, which has a capacitor (Cbuf) for storing power transmitted via an air interface and an arithmetic logic unit (10) that can be supplied with the stored power, in which a capacitor voltage (VC) of the capacitor (Cbuf) is compared with a first threshold (V1), in which the capacitor voltage (VC) is compared with a second threshold (V2), whereby the first threshold (V1) and the second threshold (V2) are different, in which in a first operating mode (M1), when the capacitor voltage (VC) is above the first threshold (V1), the arithmetic logic unit (10) performs a number of routines with a different priority, in which in a second operating mode (M2), when the capacitor voltage (VC) is between the first threshold (V1) and the second threshold (V2), a number of low-priority routines are stopped and a number of high-priority routines are continued.

Abstract: A method of providing assistance for locating a radio-frequency identification (RFID) device is provided. The RFID device preferably comprises a power source having a power level and a feedback device. The method comprises determining the power level of the power source is below a first predetermined power level, and transmitting a first signal that indicates the power level of the power source is below the first predetermined power level. Thereafter, the method comprises receiving a second signal that instructs the RFID device to activate the feedback device, and operating the feedback device in response to receiving the second signal.

Abstract: A leak detection system for a flowing electrolyte battery comprising a containment member associated with at least one of a stack of a flowing electrolyte battery and an electrolyte reservoir of a flowing electrolyte battery and a sensing member for sensing a fluid leak within the containment member.

Abstract: An audio warning monitoring device, system and method including an audio detector, one or more audio screens to determine if monitored sound is an alarm, a processor or logic device to potentially analyze sound data and then instruct a transmitter to send a message with the monitoring device identification and signals representing sound detected by the audio detector to a server. The computer server analyzes the message and authenticates the audio detector, looks up user data associated with the detector, and contacts a user from previously stored user data in order to notify of the alert and then relay the audio signals in an audio file. At the user's option, the server may contact a staffed or automated monitoring center. Here a human operator may listen to the signals in the audio file and take appropriate action, such as calling the location of the alarm for verification or contacting a professional first responder(s).

Abstract: A degradation evaluating unit collects data related to a power storage device from a vehicle through a power cable, and based on the collected data, evaluates the state of degradation of the power storage device. A data processing unit reads data related to the state of degradation of the power storage device evaluated by degradation evaluating unit from a storage unit, and processes the read data related to the state of degradation to a first display item for a user, a second display item for a dealer and a third display item for a manufacturer. A display control unit controls display of the data processed by data processing unit on a display terminal.

Abstract: A method is provided for representing battery degradation of a rechargeable battery for use with a battery operated device. The method comprises the following steps. At predefined intervals, the battery degradation of the rechargeable battery is determined. An indicator is selected from one of a plurality of predefined indicators based on the determined battery degradation. The selected indicator is displayed on a screen of a computing device for representing the battery degradation. A computing device configured to implement the method is also described.

Abstract: A voltage sensing device with which high-precision voltage sensing is possible without the need to obtain a unique correction constant for each device. A pair of voltage input nodes NCk and NCk-1 is selected from voltage input nodes NC0-NCn in switch part 10, and they are connected to sensing input nodes NA and NB in two types of patterns with different polarity (forward connection, reverse connection). Sensing input nodes NA and NB are held at reference potential Vm by voltage sensing part 20, and current Ina and Inb corresponding to the voltage at voltage input nodes NCk and NCk-1 flows to input resistors RIk and RIk-1. Currents Ina and Inb are synthesized at different ratios in voltage sensing part 20, and sensed voltage signal S20 is generated according to the synthesized current Ic. Sensed voltage data S40 with low error is generated according to the difference between the two sensed voltage signals S20 generated in the two connection patterns.

Abstract: A battery state estimating unit estimates an internal state of a secondary battery according to a battery model equation in every arithmetic cycle, and calculates an SOC based on a result of the estimation. A parameter characteristic map stores a characteristic map based on a result of actual measurement performed in an initial state (in a new state) on a parameter diffusion coefficient and a DC resistance in the battery model equation. The parameter change rate estimating unit estimates a DC resistance change rate represented by a ratio of a present DC resistance with respect to a new-state parameter value by parameter identification based on the battery model equation, using battery data measured by sensors as well as the new-state parameter value of the DC resistance corresponding to the present battery state and read from the parameter characteristic map.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a voltage detecting circuit for detecting a voltage range of a power source. The voltage detecting circuit includes a micro controlling unit, a boost circuit and a plurality of divider resistors. The micro controlling unit includes a general input/output port and a controlling input/output port. The boost circuit provides a constant voltage. A judgment voltage is obtained according to the divider resistors, the constant voltage and a voltage of the power source. A digital level signal is issued by the general input/output port according to the judgment voltage. In response to the digital level signal, the micro controlling unit generates a corresponding prompt associated with the voltage status of the power source.

Abstract: A detecting device is used for detecting a battery leak, a positive terminal of the battery is electrically connected to a first contact, a negative terminal of the battery is electrically connected to a second contact. The detecting device includes a first conductor, a second conductor electrically connected to the second contact, and a warning unit electrically connected between the first contact and the first conductor. The second conductor being electrically connected to the first conductor through electrolyte leaked out of the battery, thus the warning unit will be actuated to produce a warning signal.

Abstract: A method is provided for presenting battery degradation of a rechargeable battery to a user of an electronic device. The method comprising the following steps. An initial capacity and a remaining capacity of the rechargeable battery are obtained. The battery degradation is determined as a proportion of a difference between the initial capacity and the remaining capacity to the initial capacity. The battery degradation is visually displayed on a display of the electronic device as a battery gauge. A system to implement the method is also provided.

Abstract: A semiconductor device with a built-in battery whose residual amount of the electrical energy can be detected accurately. The semiconductor device has a battery, a demodulation circuit, a control circuit which generates a signal having information about the residual amount of the electrical energy stored in the battery, and a transmission medium which displays the residual amount of the electrical energy in accordance with the signal. The demodulation circuit demodulates a signal input from an antenna which requests display of the residual amount of the electrical energy. Based on the demodulated signal, the control circuit starts to generate a signal having information about the residual amount of the electrical energy in the battery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided to indicate battery capacity status. Different blinking frequencies of an LED correspond to different battery states of charge. Furthermore, the present invention provides a smooth visual brightness change of the LED by providing the appropriate LED current according to human eye characteristics.

Abstract: A battery state determining apparatus is provided which can accurately determine a state of a lead battery in an automotive vehicle. The apparatus calculates a corrected engine starting voltage Vst1 from an open-circuit voltage (OCV) measuring section that measures the open circuit voltage Vst of the lead battery at an engine starting time in accordance with a temperature of the vehicle. The apparatus further calculates a battery determination voltage Vst_th representing a voltage of the lead battery at an engine starting time when a growth rate of internal resistance of the lead battery reaches a predetermined value from the open-circuit voltage OCV. The apparatus then determines the battery state of the lead battery by determining whether the corrected engine starting voltage Vst1 is larger than the battery determination voltage Vst_th and whether the corrected engine starting voltage Vst1 belongs to a predetermined region on a characteristic map.