Abstract: A cell assembly with an integrated force sensing device and a predetermined number of parallel- and/or series-connected individual cells is provided.

Abstract: A battery assembly includes a battery, an outer layer, and a power indicator apparatus. The battery includes a first terminal and a second terminal. The power indicator apparatus comprises an electrical conductor and a mechanical switch. The electrical conductor is configured to be in continuous electrical communication with the first terminal. The mechanical switch is configured to be actuated by an application of pressure at a single location, and upon actuation, to place the electrical conductor in electrical communication with the second terminal such that the power indicator apparatus can facilitate a reading of a potential energy stored in the battery. Methods of assembly and methods of determining a potential energy stored in the battery are also provided herein.

Abstract: A battery system monitors the status of a battery and ensures safe conditions under a range of events adversely affecting the safety of the battery cells, the battery pack or enclosure, or a vehicle housing the battery. In response to the safety event, the battery system provides one or more responses to secure the battery, disconnect the battery, extinguish a fire, or maintain a safe temperature. Upon detecting the safety event, the a controller activates the safety device accordingly to ensure safe conditions.

Abstract: A method of assembling a battery assembly includes forming battery packs, each pack including battery cells and cooling passages extending along a length of the pack, connecting terminals of each pack to a dc source and charging each pack to a desired state of charge, installing battery packs on a tray located on an automatically guided cart, using the cart to carry the battery assembly to locations where method steps are performed including performing testing for fluid leaks in a cooling circuit comprising interconnected passages of each pack on the tray and installing electric circuits in the assembly.

Abstract: A battery system includes a platform having an aperture formed therethrough, a flexible member having a generally planar configuration and extending across the aperture, wherein a portion of the flexible member is coextensive with the aperture, a cell provided adjacent the platform, and a sensor coupled to the flexible member and positioned proximate the cell. The sensor is configured to detect a temperature of the cell.

Abstract: The power pack includes a plurality of parallel groups. Each parallel group includes a plurality of electrical power sources connected in parallel. The pack also includes a plurality of series groups. Each series group connects in series one of the power sources from each of the parallel groups. The pack also includes a series balancing circuit configured to balance the voltage of the power sources in one of the series groups such that one or more power sources in the series group recharges one or more other power sources in the same series group.

Abstract: A battery temperature sensor may include a substrate and a thin film resistive temperature device (RTD). The substrate can be layered on a battery cell element. The battery cell element can be an anode, a cathode, and a separator between the anode and cathode used in a battery cell. The thin film resistive temperature device (RTD) on the flexible substrate can change resistance with a change in temperature. A battery cell housing can enclose the thin film RTD.

Abstract: There is provided a measuring system capable of rendering a power source voltage of an internal circuit higher than a drivable voltage of the internal circuit by removing or reducing a chloride film with greater certainty, thereby enabling operation, and initial activation of the internal circuit to be normally executed, or preventing the internal circuit from running away. The measuring system comprises a thionyl chloride based primary cell, a cell voltage measurement unit, and an internal circuit provided with state-transition controller wherein in the case of transition of the internal circuit to a state thereof, having a discharge current larger than the discharge current in the present state thereof, the transition is made according to results of comparison of a voltage measured by the cell voltage measurement unit with a threshold on the basis of a discharge current in a state before, or after the transition of the internal circuit.

Abstract: A fuel cell system is provided with a fuel cell, a system power source, an inverter system and a fuel gas supply device for supplying the fuel cell with fuel gas of a regulated quantity, wherein when the system power source falls in a power failure during the power use by the external loads, at least one of the power use by the internal loads (resistances) and the supply quantity of the fuel gas supply device is altered in dependence on the output power from the fuel cell or the power use by the external loads.

Abstract: A medical device having a battery pack comprising an indicator, wherein the battery pack indicator indicates the status of the battery pack when the battery pack is disassociated from the medical device and indicates the status of the medical device when associated with the medical device.

Abstract: A battery module includes: a plurality of connecting members electrically connecting electric terminals of adjacent electric cells; and a flexible flat cable formed by flatly encapsulating an outer circumference of a flat conductor with an insulating resin and joining the plurality of connecting members. Portions of the flexible flat cable to be disposed between adjacent connecting members are provided with folded portions formed by folding the flexible flat cable at folded lines. The folded lines extend in a direction crossing a longitudinal direction of the flexible flat cable.

Abstract: In order to enable a connection between measuring points of an electro-chemical device and a monitoring unit of the electro-chemical device to be easily and rapidly established, there is proposed a conduit system for connecting a plurality of voltage tapping points and/or temperature measuring points of an electro-chemical device to a monitoring unit of the electro-chemical device which comprises a plurality of voltage tapping lines and/or temperature measuring lines and a stiffening structure in which and/or on which the plurality of voltage tapping lines and/or temperature measuring lines are arranged at least in sections thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system with which fuel cell stacks can be tested automatically or manually so that production of pollutants and consumption of electricity are little. The system runs various analyses and tests on the fuel cell stacks and provides operative conditions such as temperatures and fluid flows needed in the tests.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing and to a method for replacing pouches of a secondary battery and to a rack or base for a secondary battery. The base comprises a plurality of reception portions wherein each one of the plurality of reception portions comprises a fastening element for receiving and mechanically supporting at least one of a plurality of pouches. A pair of electrical contact elements is provided for contacting the electrochemical cell in the pouch.

Abstract: A battery module includes a plurality of battery supports each having a face orthogonal to the stacking direction, and a side face, the battery supports each containing a plurality of cells and being made of an insulating material, a coupling part that is located between the face of one battery support and the face of another adjacent battery support, and contracts in the stacking direction upon stacking the battery supports to bring the faces of the battery supports into intimate contact, a group of cells including the battery supports stacked with the coupling part being placed between the battery supports, a base plate, and first and second regulating plates placed facing each other in a standing position on the base plate, the first and second regulating plates sandwiching the group of cells arranged between the first and second regulating plates and stacked with the coupling part being contracted.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a voltage sensing member for sensing voltages of battery cells constituting a battery module, the voltage sensing member including (a) a pair of supporting parts, i.e.

Abstract: Shunt currents in electrochemical systems with liquid electrolytes are reduced by placing shunt resistors in electrolyte flow paths. Shunt resistors substantially increase electrical resistance in electrolyte flow channels by interrupting the physical continuity of liquid through their length. Some shunt resistors also provide a flow metering, pumping or flow-resisting functions for improved electrolyte flow control.

Abstract: A battery includes a battery cell having a pair of cell electrodes that are encased in a laminated pouch. The laminated pouch has a conductive moisture barrier layer that is sandwiched between respective electrically insulating layers. Several terminals are integrated with the pouch, including a first terminal and a second terminal that are directly connected to the first and second cell electrodes, respectively, and a third terminal that is directly connected to the conductive moister barrier layer. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A thermal battery including: a casing; a thermal battery cell disposed in the casing and operatively connected to electrical connections exposed from the casing; at least one portion of a material having an exothermic reaction positioned between the casing and the thermal battery cell; a first initiator for initiating the thermal battery cell; at least one second initiator for initiating the at least one portion; and a temperature sensor for monitoring a temperature of the thermal battery cell corresponding to the at least one portion; wherein the second initiator initiates the at least one portion when the temperature of the thermal battery cell corresponding to the at least one portion falls below a predetermined level.

Abstract: An intelligent multifunctional accumulator includes a multi-pin intelligent controller, a signal emitter, a buzzer, a sensor and an accumulator with an enclosure with two layers. All the aforementioned devices are assembled inside the cavity on the back side of the top cover. Two positive terminals are set on the top surface of the accumulator enclosure. The two positive terminals can separately control the power of the engine and other electric appliances by a chip and two relays to attain an anti-theft function. The intelligent controller can be automatically locked after it is inserted into a controller box on the back side of the top cover, and cannot be taken out without the password signal of a car owner. The sensor can automatically detect the inner state of the accumulator, and the information of the state can be displayed by an LCD or sent out by using voice prompts.

Abstract: A sulfide-based solid electrolyte cell which can efficiently detect its deterioration, a cell pack equipped with the cell, a vehicle system equipped with the cell pack, and a method for detecting hydrogen sulfide. A sulfide-based solid electrolyte cell including at least one or more power generation units each including a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an electrolyte present between the positive and negative electrodes, and a cell case which houses the power generation units, wherein at least one of the positive electrode, negative electrode and electrolyte includes a sulfur material, and wherein at least one of a current collector which constitutes a charging and discharging path, a lead which constitutes a charging and discharging path, and a lead which is connected to a circuit that is attached to the charging and discharging path, includes a material which chemically reacts with hydrogen sulfide to change electrical resistance.

Abstract: A battery system to monitor temperature includes at least one cell with a temperature sensing device proximate the at least one cell. The battery system also includes a flexible member that holds the temperature sensor proximate to the at least one cell.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for managing a battery pack, which can rapidly and accurately diagnose the coupling state of a bus bar to battery modules in the battery pack. In accordance with the present invention, provided is an apparatus for managing a battery pack having a plurality of battery modules and a bus bar coupled between the battery modules to electrically connect the battery modules, the apparatus comprising a coupling detection unit for detecting the coupling state of the bus bar to the battery modules; and a controlling unit for determining whether the coupling state of the bus bar has a defect on the basis of the coupling state detected by the coupling detection unit.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery including an electrode assembly including first and second electrodes, and a separator between the first and second electrodes; a case housing the electrode assembly; a cap plate closing an opening of the case; an electrode terminal in a terminal hole of the cap plate and electrically connected to the electrode assembly, the electrode terminal having a penetration hole for connecting an inside and an outside of the case; and a piezoelectric element in the penetration hole, the piezoelectric element configured to detect a change of pressure inside the case and transmit a detection signal to the outside of the case.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for retaining a battery within a battery compartment is described.

Abstract: A handheld tool having a battery interface is described, in which a provision is made for the handheld tool to have at least one measuring device interface, which is provided to receive at least data containing measuring information of a handheld tool add-on measuring device.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for portable storage of disposable or rechargeable batteries are disclosed. The battery holder can have several battery compartments, each being suitable for securely holding a battery of a certain size. Additionally, the battery holder has visible indicia instructing a user as to how to orient the battery in the compartment depending on whether the battery is empty or full. Thus, the orientation of the battery in the holder signals battery's empty/full status to the user. The battery compartments can be arranged in one or more rows, circularly, or in a honeycomb orientation. The battery holder can be made of elastic material capable of securely keeping the battery in place. The battery compartments for round batteries can have a non-round cross section, thus enabling air escape from the compartment as the battery is inserted.

Abstract: A current sensor includes a magnetic balance sensor and a switching circuit. The magnetic balance sensor includes a feedback coil which is disposed near a magnetic sensor element varying in characteristics due to application of an induction field caused by measurement current and which produces a canceling magnetic field canceling the induction field. The switching circuit switches between magnetic proportional detection and magnetic balance detection. The magnetic proportional detection is configured to output a voltage difference as a sensor output. The magnetic balance detection is configured to output, as a sensor output, a value corresponding to current flowing through the feedback coil when a balanced state in which the induction field and the canceling magnetic field cancel each other out is reached after the feedback coil is energized by the voltage difference.

Abstract: A multi-port reconfigurable battery has at least one bank of statically joined series connected battery cells, each including a positive and negative pole connected through switches to respective output connections on at least one port. Processor controlled switches reconfigure the cells to provide power for electrical loads on one or more ports and simultaneously provide charging on one or more other ports. An alternative configuration divides groups of series connected cells into separate battery banks that permit other configurations. Ports are configurable to share one electrically common connection with other ports providing a simplified configuration (multi-tap reconfigurable battery). Applications include selectable motor speed control and battery regeneration schemes matched to motor output, and single or multiphase AC power output at selectable frequencies for use as an Uninterruptible Power Supply. The battery is also described as a power source for a forced-air induction system (e.g.

Abstract: A battery pack and a liquid leak detection system are provided. The system includes first and second wire grids and an open-cell foam layer. The first and second wire grids are disposed on first and second sides, respectively, of the foam layer. The foam layer allows at least a portion of liquid contacting the foam layer to migrate from the first side to the second side. The system further includes an insulating mat disposed between the second wire grid and a tray. The system further includes a resistance measuring device that outputs a first signal indicative of a resistance level between the wire grids. The system further includes a microprocessor that compares an amplitude of the first signal to a threshold value, and outputs a second signal if the liquid is detected based on the comparison.

Abstract: A battery or plurality of batteries adapted for to be installed in a transport vessel used as a method of transporting a large quantity of electricity. The battery system can be one rechargeable battery, or plurality placed rechargeable batteries installed for the life of the batteries. The vessel may include one battery, or many batteries, integrated into a ship, boat, or any other floating device, and, in case of more than one battery, are electrically connected to each other by wire or cable. There are one or more inlet/outlets that allow charging/discharging of the batteries. The batteries can be of any size, from the size of a shipping crate battery to larger batteries, the size of a cargo ship or larger. The electricity could be used for the same purposes as electricity transported through electric wires.

Abstract: An energy storage system comprising at least one energy storage module adapted to supply electrical energy to a hybrid vehicle. The energy storage module comprises an enclosure, at least one battery array located within the enclosure, and an energy storage controller module located within the enclosure and electrically connected to the battery array. A high voltage junction box is attached to a first end of the enclosure and having a plurality of high voltage connection terminals connected by a plug-in bussed electrical center configured to reduce the possibility of unintentional grounding or shorting, and decreases the safety risk to a technician during servicing. At least one of the high voltage connection terminals is configured to receive a high voltage conductor connected between the energy storage module and an inverter of the hybrid vehicle.

Abstract: A battery module is provided in which a signal line is prevented from the influence of noise caused by an internal current output line. A battery module includes: a plurality of cells 100; a current conduction member 34 electrically connecting electrode terminals of the plurality of cells; and a signal line 50 configured to measure capacitance of the plurality of cells, wherein the current conduction member includes a parallel section including two members which are opposite in direction of a current flowing therethrough and are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and a connection section electrically connecting the two members at one end of the parallel section, and the signal line is arranged nearly equidistant from the two members, and extends substantially parallel to the two members to approach the connection section.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a middle- or large-sized battery module including a plurality of battery cells or unit modules, the middle- or large-sized battery module being configured to have a connection structure in which measured voltage and/or temperature signals of the battery cells or the unit modules are transmitted and received by a wire type connection member, wherein at least one end of the connection member is connected to a connection counterpart in a male and female engagement type mechanical coupling manner, the connection member has a downwardly bent region (a downwardly bent portion) formed at a region adjacent to a connection part such that the downwardly bent portion is bent downward to a height lower than the connection part for preventing moisture condensed on the connection member from being introduced to the connection part due to gravity.

Abstract: A battery system includes an assembled battery, a first terminal, a second terminal, and a measurement part. The first terminal includes a terminal body having at least a portion of an inner circumference contacting an electrode terminal, and two projection plates projecting from an outer circumference of the terminal body toward an outside of the terminal body in a radial direction thereof, and the second terminal includes an insertion hole part into which the projection plates are inserted, wherein the insertion hole part and the projection plates are fitted to each other to reduce a diameter of the first terminal such that the first terminal is fixed to the electrode terminal.

Abstract: Electroactive compositions are disclosed for use in lithium ion battery electrodes. The compositions, such as multifunctional mixed metal olivines, provide an electrochemical cell having a plurality of open circuit voltages at different states of charge. The compositions afford improved state-of-charge monitoring, overcharge protection and/or overdischarge protection for lithium ion batteries.

Abstract: A battery system includes a rack having a plurality of battery tray positions, a battery tray in a corresponding battery tray position among the battery tray positions, and a system management unit electrically coupled to the battery tray. Each of the battery tray positions is associated with position information, and the battery tray has an identifier. The system management unit is configured to receive and store the position information and the identifier, and to determine the corresponding battery tray position of the battery tray in accordance with the identifier and the position information.

Abstract: A battery assembly includes a housing and N charge storage devices within the housing. The system also includes a first tray includes a first side that includes X areas that transfer first current from electrolyte leaked from a first one of the N charge storage devices to a current detector. The tray includes a second side that insulates the housing from the electrolyte. N and X are integers greater than or equal to 1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unit set having a plurality of lithium rechargeable batteries, which can receive and protect a plurality of lithium rechargeable batteries comprised of an pouch and an electrode tap and facilely change a voltage and a capacity thereof according to a degree of freedom in a stack structure of the lithium rechargeable batteries, and a set having a plurality of the unit sets.

Abstract: A battery includes multiple battery cells separated by isolating plates, and multiple detecting units coupled to the battery cells and operable for detecting a status of the battery cells. The battery further includes multiple interfaces coupled to the detecting units and operable for receiving detecting results indicating the status from the detecting units. After the battery is airproofed, the battery cells and the detecting units are enveloped inside the battery.

Abstract: A method for evaluating the composition of an MEA for a fuel cell. The method includes soaking the MEA in an unsaturated organic compound for a predetermined period of time, and then allowing the MEA to dry. The method then includes staining the MEA with osmium tetroxide (OsO4) in a closed container. The stained MEA is then encased in an epoxy. Thin sections of the encapsulated MEA are then prepared, and the sections are viewed through a transmission electron microscope. The stained MEA will show dark regions where the ionomer and carbon particles are located and lighter regions that are epoxy filled pores.

Abstract: A rechargeable battery includes a housing comprising at least two cells that can be filled with an electrolyte. The rechargeable battery includes a cover and a degassing system having openings provided therein. The cover and the degassing system are arranged such that the openings provided in the cover and the degassing system are located above the cells of the rechargeable battery. A sealing plug is provided in each of the openings, the sealing plug having an upper part and a lower part having a splash basket. The upper part covers the openings on the outside of the cover and the lower part extends in the direction of the cells. The splash basket surrounds a cavity and has slots distributed over its circumference, the slots continuing as far as a free end of the splash basket.

Abstract: Portable computer battery structures are provided. The portable computer battery structures may include a battery with a metal enclosure and a battery cable with a floating end. The battery may have six cells. Three pairs of parallel-connected cells may be connected together in series. The six cells may be substantially planar in shape. The battery may have a connector with at least five conductive pins and six recesses. The battery cable may have a cable with at least five conductive pins that mate with the five pins of the battery's connector and with six support pins that slide into the six recesses of the battery's connector. The batter connector may be formed on a printed circuit board substrate that folds over on itself.

Abstract: A novel deionization filter for removing ions from a coolant in an electric fuel cell vehicle cooling system is disclosed. The deionization filter includes a filter housing having a coolant inlet port, through which the coolant enters the filter housing; and a coolant outlet port, through which the coolant exits the filter housing. An ion exchange bed having positively-charged and negatively-charged ion exchange resin beads is provided in the filter housing for removing negative and positive ions, respectively, from the coolant. At least one filter assembly is typically provided in the filter housing for filtering particles from the coolant.

Abstract: A battery system is provided with: an assembled battery having a plurality of solid-state unit cells; an assembled battery case that houses the assembled battery; a gas that fills an interior of the assembled battery case; a pressing section that pressurizes the unit cells with hydrostatic pressure that is generated in the assembled battery case by the gas; a deformation section that is part of the assembled battery case and that, upon occurrence of an anomaly in the assembled battery case, deforms in reaction to the anomaly; and a sensing section that senses deformation of the deformation section.

Abstract: The provision of a mode in silver zinc batteries where a user can access extra capacity as an emergency reserve for times when extra capacity is needed. While this temporarily increases capacity, it does not detrimentally affect cycle life over the longer term, and it permits a silver zinc battery to essentially mimic the long term capacity and cycle life characteristics of a lithium ion battery while still affording inherent advantages associated with silver zinc batteries. In a variant embodiment, this ability to temporarily increase capacity is optimally employed at the end of a battery life cycle in a controlled “roll-off” that accords additional cycles of battery service life. In another variant embodiment, the general capability to control capacity is employed to gradually decrease the available capacity of a battery over the life of the battery, to thereby extend the battery service life.

Abstract: Techniques for optimizing battery usage are provided. The techniques include sensing energy level of a battery, comparing the sensed energy level of the battery to a predetermined energy threshold for the battery, and controlling energy flow to and from the battery based on the comparison of the sensed energy level and the energy threshold.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical energy storage device comprising a plurality of flat storage cells for storing and discharging electrical energy, having opposing flat current collectors, a plurality of frame elements for maintaining the storage cells, and a clamping means for clamping the cells with the frame elements into a stack. Each storage cell carries at least one measurement or sensor element for measuring at least one physical variable, to which at least one respective cable for transmitting the measurement data is fixed. The frame elements comprise first recesses for receiving the measurement or sensor elements and second recesses connected to the first recesses, the second recesses of the frame elements together forming at least one channel extending over the length of the device for receiving the cables.

Abstract: A battery unit is constituted of a battery assembly, coolant for cooling the battery assembly, a battery case containing the battery assembly and the coolant, an electric resistivity detector for detecting the electric resistivity of the coolant, and a battery ECU that determines whether the electric resistivity detected by the electric resistivity detector is equal to or lower than 102 ?m. If the electric resistivity is equal to or lower than 102 ?m, the battery ECU commands a battery protection circuit to interrupt the current output from the battery assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a battery module which consists of a plurality of interconnected cells that have respective positive and negative terminals. The module is characterized in that the flat terminals have cut-out sections and are arranged in two rows in such a manner that the short ends of adjacent flat terminals of a respective row face each other, in that the terminals of every row are maintained at a distance to each other by specifically arranged, conductive spacer elements and optionally insulating spacer elements, in that within the module, the cells are electrically connected in series and/or in parallel by specifically arranging their positive and negative terminals in the one or the other row, and in that the terminals of every row and the interposed spacer elements are pressed against each other by a bracing device.