Search Patents
  • Method of operating a multiport vehicle charging system
    Patent number: 8643330
    Abstract: A method of distributing charging power among a plurality of charge ports of a battery charging station is provided, where the battery charging station includes a plurality of power stages where each power stage includes an AC to DC converter and provides a portion of the charging station's maximum available charging power, the method comprising the steps of (i) monitoring battery charging station conditions and operating conditions for each charging port; (ii) determining current battery charging station conditions, including current operating conditions for each charging port; (iii) determining power distribution for the battery charging station and the charging ports in response to the current battery charging conditions and in accordance with a predefined set of power distribution rules; and (iv) coupling the power stages to the charging ports in accordance with the power distribution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Troy Adam Nergaard, Martin Sukup, Kristoffer John Donhowe, Christopher Hugo Van Dyke, Warwick Ka Kui Wong
  • Battery Charging Time Optimization System
    Publication number: 20100134073
    Abstract: A system for optimizing battery pack charging is provided. In this system, during charging the coupling of auxiliary systems (e.g., battery cooling systems) to the external power source are delayed so that the battery pack charge rate may be optimized, limited only by the available power. Once surplus power is available, for example as the requirements of the charging system decrease, the auxiliary system or systems may be coupled to the external power source without degrading the performance of the charging system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventor: Scott Ira Kohn
  • Method for battery charging based on cost and life
    Patent number: 7719232
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present subject matter includes a system that includes a battery, an electric vehicle, the battery coupled to the electric vehicle to propel the electric vehicle, and a charging circuit to charge the battery. The embodiment includes a charging cost circuit to estimate a charging cost rate and to turn on the charging circuit. The embodiment also includes a timer circuit to provide a time signal to the charging cost circuit. The embodiment is configured such that the charging cost circuit is to turn on the charging circuit during a first time period in which the charging cost rate is below a first threshold until the battery reaches a first energy stored level, and to turn on the charging circuit during a second time period in which the charging cost rate is above the first threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Kurt R. Kelty, Eugene M. Berdichevsky
  • Fast charging with negative ramped current profile
    Patent number: 8643342
    Abstract: A battery cell charging system, including a charger and a controller, for rapidly charging a lithium ion battery cell, the battery cell charging system having a circuit for charging the battery cell using an adjustable voltage charging-profile to apply a charging voltage and a charging current to the battery cell wherein the adjustable voltage charging-profile includes: a first charging stage with a constant first stage charging current and an increasing battery cell voltage with the first stage charging current provided until the first stage charging voltage is about equal to a first stage complete voltage less than a maximum battery cell voltage; an intermediate ramped charging stage, the intermediate ramped charging stage including both an increasing ramped voltage and a decreasing ramped iBat current for the battery cell for the voltage charging range of the first stage complete voltage to about the maximum battery cell voltage; and a final charging stage with a constant final stage charging voltage about
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Vineet Haresh Mehta, Jeffrey Brian Straubel
  • FAST CHARGING WITH NEGATIVE RAMPED CURRENT PROFILE
    Publication number: 20110156661
    Abstract: A battery cell charging system, including a charger and a controller, for rapidly charging a lithium ion battery cell, the battery cell charging system having a circuit for charging the battery cell using an adjustable voltage charging-profile to apply a charging voltage and a charging current to the battery cell wherein the adjustable voltage charging-profile includes: a first charging stage with a constant first stage charging current and an increasing battery cell voltage with the first stage charging current provided until the first stage charging voltage is about equal to a first stage complete voltage less than a maximum battery cell voltage; an intermediate ramped charging stage, the intermediate ramped charging stage including both an increasing ramped voltage and a decreasing ramped iBat current for the battery cell for the voltage charging range of the first stage complete voltage to about the maximum battery cell voltage; and a final charging stage with a constant final stage charging voltage about
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Vineet H. Mehta, Jeffrey B. Straubel
  • Dual Mode Range Extended Electric Vehicle
    Publication number: 20130066506
    Abstract: A dual mode battery charging system and method of use are provided for use in an electric vehicle. The system utilizes at least two user selectable, charging operational modes. In a first operational mode, a state of charge circuit powers on the engine/generator system whenever the battery state of charge falls below a first level and until the battery state of charge reaches a second level, where the second level is higher than the first level. In a second operational mode, the state of charge circuit powers on the engine/generator system whenever the battery state of charge falls below a third level and until the battery state of charge reaches the second level, where the third level is lower than both the first and second levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: Tesla Motors, Inc.
  • Charging efficiency using variable isolation
    Patent number: 9225197
    Abstract: A method for charging an energy storage system (ESS) from an AC line voltage having differing input voltages (e.g., 120 Vac or 240 Vac), the method includes a) determining which of the AC line voltages is provided for charging the ESS as a charging AC voltage; b) boosting the charging AC voltage to an intermediate voltage responsive to the provided AC line voltage; c) scaling, responsive to the particular one of the AC line voltages, the intermediate voltage to a secondary voltage using a scaling factor; and d) converting the secondary voltage to a charging voltage applied to the ESS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Krauer
  • Battery charging time optimization system
    Patent number: 7911184
    Abstract: A system for optimizing battery pack charging is provided. In this system, during charging the coupling of auxiliary systems (e.g., battery cooling systems) to the external power source are delayed so that the battery pack charge rate may be optimized, limited only by the available power. Once surplus power is available, for example as the requirements of the charging system decrease, the auxiliary system or systems may be coupled to the external power source without degrading the performance of the charging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Ira Kohn
  • Multi-mode charging system for an electric vehicle
    Publication number: 20090167254
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows the end user to optimize the performance of an all-electric or hybrid vehicle and its charging system for a desired mode of operation is provided. The system of the invention includes multiple charging/operational modes from which the user may select. Each charging/operational mode controls the cut-off voltage used during charging and the maintenance temperature of the battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Forest Eberhard, Jeffrey Brian Straubel, Kurt Russell Kelty, Scott Ira Kohn, Weston Arthur Hermann, Eugene Michael Berdichevsky, Andrew Gregory Simpson, Craig Bruce Carlson
  • Multi-mode charging system for an electric vehicle
    Publication number: 20090140700
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows the end user to optimize the performance of an all-electric or hybrid vehicle and its charging system for a desired mode of operation is provided. The system of the invention includes multiple charging/operational modes from which the user may select. Each charging/operational mode controls the cut-off voltage used during charging and the maintenance temperature of the battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Forest Eberhard, Jeffrey Brian Straubel, Kurt Russell Kelty, Scott Ira Kohn, Weston Arthur Hermann, Eugene Michael Berdichevsky, Andrew Gregory Simpson, Craig Bruce Carlson
  • Multi-mode charging system for an electric vehicle
    Publication number: 20090140698
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows the end user to optimize the performance of an all-electric or hybrid vehicle and its charging system for a desired mode of operation is provided. The system of the invention includes multiple charging/operational modes from which the user may select. Each charging/operational mode controls the cut-off voltage used during charging and the maintenance temperature of the battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Forest Eberhard, Jeffrey Brian Straubel, Kurt Russell Kelty, Scott Ira Kohn, Weston Arthur Hermann, Eugene Michael Berdichevsky, Andrew Gregory Simpson, Craig Bruce Carlson
  • FAST CHARGING OF BATTERY USING ADJUSTABLE VOLTAGE CONTROL
    Publication number: 20140253023
    Abstract: A battery cell charger for rapidly charging a lithium ion battery cell (or string of series-parallel connected cells) having a maximum battery cell voltage the battery cell charging system including: a circuit for charging the battery cell using an adjustable voltage charging-profile to apply a charging voltage and a charging current to the battery cell wherein the adjustable voltage charging-profile includes: a first charging stage with a constant first stage charging current and an increasing battery cell voltage with the first stage charging current provided until the first stage charging voltage is about equal to a first stage complete voltage less than the maximum battery cell voltage; one or more intermediate charging stages, each intermediate stage selected from the group consisting of one or more of an intermediate constant voltage stage that provides a decreasing charging current, an intermediate constant current stage that produces an increasing battery cell voltage, and combinations thereof; and a
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 11, 2014
    Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Anil PARYANI, Clay H. Kishiyama, Scott I. Kohn, Vineet H. Mehta
  • Multi-mode charging system for an electric vehicle
    Publication number: 20090143929
    Abstract: A method and apparatus that allows the end user to optimize the performance of an all-electric or hybrid vehicle and its charging system for a desired mode of operation is provided. The system of the invention includes multiple charging/operational modes from which the user may select. Each charging/operational mode controls the cut-off voltage used during charging and the maintenance temperature of the battery pack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Forest Eberhard, Jeffrey Brian Straubel, Kurt Russell Kelty, Scott Ira Kohn, Weston Arthur Hermann, Eugene Michael Berdichevsky, Andrew Gregory Simpson, Craig Bruce Carlson
  • CHARGING EFFICIENCY USING SELECTABLE ISOLATION
    Publication number: 20120229098
    Abstract: The apparatus for charging an energy storage system (ESS) from an AC line voltage includes a boost stage for converting the AC line voltage to a first ESS charging voltage; an isolation stage, coupled to the boost stage, for converting the first ESS charging voltage to a second ESS charging voltage with the second ESS charging voltage less than the first ESS charging voltage, the isolation stage removing a common mode current between the ESS and the boost stage; a configurator, responsive to a control signal, to set a direct communication of the first ESS charging voltage to the ESS in a bypass mode and to open the direct communication of the first ESS charging voltage to the ESS in an isolation mode; and a controller, coupled to the configurator, for setting the modes responsive to a battery voltage, a peak of the AC line voltage, and a total leakage current at an input of the AC line voltage, the controller asserting the control signal to the configurator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Krauer, Nicholas Robert Kalayjian, Troy A. Nergaard
  • Battery charging time optimization system
    Patent number: 7928699
    Abstract: A system for optimizing battery pack charging is provided. In this system, during charging the coupling of auxiliary systems (e.g., battery cooling systems) to the external power source are delayed so that the battery pack charge rate may be optimized, limited only by the available power. Once surplus power is available, for example as the requirements of the charging system decrease, the auxiliary system or systems may be coupled to the external power source without degrading the performance of the charging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Ira Kohn
  • Dual Mode Range Extended Electric Vehicle
    Publication number: 20130066504
    Abstract: A dual mode battery charging system and method of use are provided for use in an electric vehicle. The system utilizes at least two user selectable, charging operational modes. In a first operational mode, a state of charge circuit powers on the engine/generator system whenever the battery state of charge falls below a first level and until the battery state of charge reaches a second level, where the second level is higher than the first level. In a second operational mode, the state of charge circuit powers on the engine/generator system whenever the battery state of charge falls below a third level and until the battery state of charge reaches a fourth level, where the fourth level is higher than the third level, and where both the third and fourth levels are lower than both the first and second levels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventor: Tesla Motors, Inc.
  • Fast charging of battery using adjustable voltage control
    Patent number: 9419450
    Abstract: A method for charging at least one lithium ion cell the method includes: (a) applying, to the lithium ion cell, a constant first stage charging current until a first stage charging voltage is about equal to a first stage complete voltage less than a maximum cell voltage, the constant first stage charging current greater than about 1C; and thereafter (b) applying multiple constant second stage charging currents to the lithium ion cell at different current levels, wherein the constant second stage charging currents are applied based on accessing a lookup table that relates at least current, temperature and open source voltage to each other; and thereafter (c) applying, to the lithium ion cell, a constant third stage charging voltage about equal to a complete voltage from the multiple constant second stage charging currents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: TESLA MOTORS, INC.
    Inventors: Anil Paryani, Clay H. Kishiyama, Scott I. Kohn, Vineet H. Mehta
  • Fast charging of battery using adjustable voltage control
    Patent number: 8754614
    Abstract: A battery cell charger for rapidly charging a lithium ion battery cell (or string of series-parallel connected cells) having a maximum battery cell voltage the battery cell charging system including: a circuit for charging the battery cell using an adjustable voltage charging-profile to apply a charging voltage and a charging current to the battery cell wherein the adjustable voltage charging-profile includes: a first charging stage with a constant first stage charging current and an increasing battery cell voltage with the first stage charging current provided until the first stage charging voltage is about equal to a first stage complete voltage less than the maximum battery cell voltage; one or more intermediate charging stages, each intermediate stage selected from the group consisting of one or more of an intermediate constant voltage stage that provides a decreasing charging current, an intermediate constant current stage that produces an increasing battery cell voltage, and combinations thereof; and a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Tesla Motors, Inc.
    Inventors: Anil Paryani, Clay H. Kishiyama, Scott I. Kohn, Vineet H. Mehta
  • Charging system with thermal protection
    Patent number: 11225156
    Abstract: A thermal protection system includes an electrical circuit and a thermal switch. The electrical circuit transmits an electrical signal between a charge source and a charge receiver during a charging process. The thermal switch is placed in-line with the electrical circuit. The thermal switch opens above a threshold temperature to block transmission of the electrical signal. Blocking the transmission of the electrical signal causes the charging process to stop. In further examples, the charge source includes and electric vehicle charging system and the charge receiver includes an electric vehicle. In further examples, the electrical signal is required for compliance with one or more electric vehicle charging standards implemented by the electric vehicle charging system and the electric vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2022
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: Allen Ham Miller, Paul Guerra, Pascal-Andre Fortin, Frank Spiteri
  • Inter-protocol charging adapter
    Patent number: 9787112
    Abstract: An inter-protocol charging adapter for equipment to be charged via a bus includes: first connectors corresponding to a first charging protocol that requires the bus to be energized before the equipment closes onto the bus; second connectors corresponding to a second charging protocol that does not energize the bus before the equipment closes onto the bus; and a boost converter coupled to the bus and to at least one of the second connectors, wherein the boost converter uses energy from the second connector to energize the bus before the equipment closes onto the bus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: Tesla, Inc.
    Inventors: Martin Sukup, Troy A. Nergaard, Kristoffer J. Donhowe
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