US20030117109A1 - Parallel battery charging device - Google Patents
Parallel battery charging device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20030117109A1 US20030117109A1 US10/028,464 US2846401A US2003117109A1 US 20030117109 A1 US20030117109 A1 US 20030117109A1 US 2846401 A US2846401 A US 2846401A US 2003117109 A1 US2003117109 A1 US 2003117109A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- battery
- charging
- cell
- battery charging
- charging system
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M10/00—Secondary cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M10/42—Methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance of secondary cells or secondary half-cells
- H01M10/46—Accumulators structurally combined with charging apparatus
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
- H02J7/0013—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries acting upon several batteries simultaneously or sequentially
- H02J7/0014—Circuits for equalisation of charge between batteries
- H02J7/0018—Circuits for equalisation of charge between batteries using separate charge circuits
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
- H02J7/0013—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries acting upon several batteries simultaneously or sequentially
- H02J7/0024—Parallel/serial switching of connection of batteries to charge or load circuit
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M12/00—Hybrid cells; Manufacture thereof
- H01M12/08—Hybrid cells; Manufacture thereof composed of a half-cell of a fuel-cell type and a half-cell of the secondary-cell type
-
- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02E—REDUCTION OF GREENHOUSE GAS [GHG] EMISSIONS, RELATED TO ENERGY GENERATION, TRANSMISSION OR DISTRIBUTION
- Y02E60/00—Enabling technologies; Technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
- Y02E60/10—Energy storage using batteries
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to a device and method for charging electrochemical cells of a multi-cell battery or the simultaneous charging of multiple batteries.
- the invention relates to charging a battery with multiple cells wherein each cell includes a third or charging electrode that is used exclusively for charging.
- Each cell of the battery is charged simultaneously by coupling a third electrode and a bifunctional electrode in parallel with the battery charger.
- An induction coil distributes and isolates the charging energy to each cell.
- the cells of the battery typically wired in series, require no disassembly for charging.
- the battery charger is be used with a metal-air battery to prolong the life of the cathode but may also be used to charge common two-electrode multi-cell batteries in parallel without breaking the inter-cell connections. It may also be used to charge a plurality of conventional two-terminal batteries wired in parallel.
- battery packs include several battery cells connected in series. Ideally, each of the battery cells within a battery pack will have similar charging, discharging, and efficiency characteristics. However, this ideal scenario is not normally encountered. Thus, a battery pack ordinarily contains several multiple battery cells with each battery cell having different charging characteristics. This condition may produce many problems related to the overcharging and undercharging of the battery cells. For instance, fully charging one battery cell in a battery pack and continuing to charge it may result in overcharging and damage to the fully charged cell. Likewise, ending a charge cycle when only one battery cell is fully charged may result in undercharging one or more of the other battery cells in the battery pack. Therefore, there is a need for a system to provide an isolated charging cycle that accommodates multiple battery cells having varying charging characteristics.
- the present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for rapidly and safely charging a plurality of battery cells from a single power supply.
- a reasonably standardized recharging apparatus located at, for instance, the vehicle operator's residence, place of business, parking garage, recharge station, and the like.
- the same design may be used to simultaneously charge multiple batteries for portable devices such as personal computers, cellular phones, and the like.
- Cells that are useful for only a single discharge cycle are called primary cells, and cells that are rechargeable and useful for multiple discharge cycles are called secondary cells.
- secondary cells There are many varieties of secondary cells including the common lead-acid and nickel-cadmium (ni-cad) batteries and the less common metal-air batteries such as the zinc-air battery disclosed in patent application Ser. No. 09/552,870, herein incorporated by reference.
- Metal-air cells utilize oxygen from ambient air as a reactant in an electrochemical reaction.
- Metal-air cells include an air permeable electrode as the cathode and a metallic anode surrounded by an aqueous electrolyte and function through the reduction of oxygen from the ambient air which reacts with the metal to generate an electric current.
- the anode contains zinc, and during operation, oxygen from the ambient air along with water and electrons present in the cell are converted at the cathode to hydroxyl ions.
- zinc atoms and hydroxyl ions are converted to zinc oxide and water, which releases the electrons used at the cathode portion of the cell.
- the cathode and anode act in concert to generate electrical energy.
- Metal-air batteries may be charged mechanically and electrically. Mechanical charging is accomplished by physically replacing the electrolyte, the electrodes, or a combination thereof. (For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,569,555; 5,418,080; 5,360,680; and 5,554,918). Such a charging method requires special equipment, special skills, an inventory of electrolyte and electrodes, and a plan for storing and disposing of hazardous chemicals. Conversely, electrical recharging avoids these disadvantages.
- the electrically rechargeable metal-air cell is recharged by applying a charging voltage between the anode and cathode of the cell and reversing the electrochemical reaction. During recharging, the cell discharges oxygen to the atmosphere through a vent.
- the metal-air battery arena there are two main types of electrically rechargeable batteries.
- One type includes those with three electrodes for each cell, namely, a bifunctional anode, a discharge cathode, and a charging-electrode (i.e. a third electrode).
- the discharge cathode is designed to optimize the discharge cycle of the metal-air cell and may be incapable of recharging the cell. Instead, the charging-electrode is used to recharge the metal-air cell.
- Another type of metal-air cell includes two electrodes, both electrodes being bifunctional. The bifunctional electrodes function in both the discharge mode and the charge mode of the cell, thus eliminating the need for a third electrode.
- Bifunctional electrodes suffer from a major drawback; they do not last long because the charging cycle deteriorates the discharge system (i.e., bifunctional electrodes suffer from decreasing performance as the number of discharge/charge cycles increase). In some cases as the voltage creeps up the cell may develop a short circuit as a result of a zinc dendrite forming a metallic bridge to the positive electrode, and will consequently cease to function even though the cathode is in good condition and capable of further service.
- tri-electrode cells are advantageous when compared to two-electrode cells in that they offer more stable performance over a greater number of discharge/recharge cycles.
- a battery with four cells intended to be identical typically are not identical for many reasons.
- the electrolyte may not wet the entire anode thereby leaving useable material isolated.
- the zinc can become detached from the current collector and become isolated.
- the resulting parasitic loss may not be equal and some cells will self discharge differently.
- one or more cells will determine the end of discharge.
- the remaining cells will have some residual energy but cannot be discharged in series as that would damage the empty cell(s).
- the cell with the most residual charge will be fully charged prior to the other cells, if the cells are charged in series.
- FIG. 3A shows a set of nickle cadmium cells that are unbalanced by 10 ampere-hours. In this case, 3 ampere-hours is restored to the unbalance after charging.
- This invention relates to a parallel charging system for a multi-cell battery wherein each battery cell may or may not include a third charging electrode.
- the charging electrode eliminates the need to disconnect cells for parallel charging.
- the parallel charging system disclosed herein can provide the same function.
- the invention allows for cell charging via the respective charging electrodes without breaking inter-cell connections.
- the invention provides for isolation of each charging circuit and battery cell by employing an induction core operatively coupled to each cell.
- Each cell may be connected to the induction core such that the charging current is provided to each cell independent of the other cells via a separate circuit.
- the induction core automatically balances the current to each cell based on the cell's ability to draw current. More current is provided to the cells with a lower charge level and voltage.
- cell balancing is achieved using transformer theory.
- a load on a secondary winding is reflected to the primary winding by the transformer's turn ratio.
- Each secondary winding reflects it's load and if the transformer is tightly coupled, each secondary winding appears as if it were connected in parallel.
- Each secondary winding draws power as if it was connected to a single supply.
- This configuration does not require a regulator but just a diode set and a shunt for current measurement. This simple configuration is useful and cost effective as it requires no extra components and performs the required cell balance.
- the invention allows for parallel charging of a multi-cell battery wherein the battery cells incorporate a separate or third charging electrode in addition to conventional positive and negative discharge electrodes.
- the present invention affords for such charging through a charging electrode without the breaking of inter-cell connections. This is accomplished by providing the charging energy through an induction coil so as to provide electrical isolation of each cell.
- the present invention may be employed to charge several two-terminal batteries simultaneously regardless of whether they are multi-cell batteries or single cell batteries.
- the present invention may also be employed to parallel charge the cells of a conventional two-electrode cell battery without requiring disconnection of the battery cells.
- the isolation of the secondary windings of the transformer allows the parallel battery charger disclosed to be used where a conventional parallel charger would fail.
- the present invention also provides a battery charger for charging through a third electrode (i.e. a charging-electrode) used in metal-air cell batteries.
- a third electrode i.e. a charging-electrode
- Such third electrodes may be formed from a mixture of an lanthanum nickel compound and at least one metal oxide, and support structure.
- the present invention provides a charging system and method for metal-air cells that provides stable performance over a large number of charge/discharge cycles. The result is improved metal-air battery performance and improved battery life.
- a braking energy recovery device may be included in the charging system to allow for conversion of kinetic energy back into electrochemical storage in a electrochemical/mechanical system.
- the present invention relates to a battery charging system that isolates the parallel charging of each individual cell using an induction coil.
- the present invention relates to a battery charging system that balances the parallel charging of each individual cell using an induction coil and incorporates a current sensor to determine the end charge of each cell and further may include a top-off timer.
- the present invention relates to a battery charger that allows balanced parallel charging to each cell of a conventional multi-cell battery with two-electrode cells without breaking the intercell connections.
- the present invention relates to a battery charging system that balances the parallel charging of each individual cell using an induction coil and recaptures the braking energy for use in battery charging.
- the present invention relates to the parallel battery charging system for simultaneously charging several conventional two terminal batteries in parallel.
- the present invention relates to a parallel battery charging system wherein current and voltage sensors are applied to each charging circuit and are used to control the charging cycle.
- the present invention relates to a method of charging any battery by parallel charging of each individual cell using an induction coil.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the structure of a parallel battery charger and an associated tri-electrode multicell battery in accordance with the present invention
- FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the structure of a parallel battery charger and an associated two-electrode multi-cell battery in accordance with the present invention
- FIGS. 3A and 3B are typical graphs representing the charge and discharge performance of battery cells as detailed in the specification.
- FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the structure of a parallel battery charger used to charge conventional two-terminal batteries simultaneously in accordance with the present invention.
- FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the structure of another embodiment of the parallel battery charger where the current and voltage is sensed at each cell in accordance with the present invention.
- the present invention involves a system and method for charging multi-cell batteries using a parallel battery charger individually connected to each cell of a multi-cell battery.
- batteries may include metal-air batteries or any conventional multi-cell batteries without disconnecting the conductors that link the cells in series.
- the parallel charging system may be used wherever several conventional batteries are to be charged and the isolation provided to each charging circuit by the induction loop is beneficial.
- FIG. 1 shows a diagramatic view of the structure of a parallel battery charging device 20 and an associated tri-electrode multi-cell battery 30 in accordance with the present invention.
- the first portion of the circuit which is independent of the battery charging circuit, is a power source 10 .
- the power source 10 includes an electrical energy supply such as an alternating current power buss 12 .
- the source of alternating current could be a typical 110 volt, 60 hertz power outlet as is commonly available in the United States or could be a large power buss for charging cells in bulk.
- the power buss 12 is linked to a high power factor corrector 14 which may be a large coil or active corrector to bring the power factor to 1.
- a uc3854 manufactured by Texas Instruments or any similar device.
- the power is then supplied to an DC to DC converter 16 such as a uc3825 manufactured by Texas Instruments to prepare the DC power for use by the charging circuit.
- the components of the power source 10 may all be disposed separate from the vehicle. Such a configuration would reduce the overall weight of the vehicle and allow any properly chosen direct current source, including an offboard battery or solar energy source, to be used to charge the onboard batteries.
- the high power factor corrector 14 and an DC to DC converter 16 may be disposed in the vehicle to allow charging from any proper source of alternating current as noted above.
- the power source 10 is connected to a high frequency source 18 to generate a high frequency waveform for use by a transformer.
- the waveform may be a pulse or square-wave generated by a LT 1162 Pulse Width Modulator and LT 1846 Integrated Circuit manufactured by Linear Technologies or equivalent.
- the operating frequency of the high frequency source may range from 20 KHZ. to 1,000 KHZ.
- the high frequency source 18 supplies a multi-winding transformer for distribution to several battery cells for charging.
- a transformer is an electrical device that is used for the transmission and distribution of electrical energy.
- a transformer consists of a plurality of coils magnetically coupled to each other.
- One of the coils known as a primary winding
- receives electrical energy which is converted to purely magnetic energy; the energy is continuously being delivered to the other coil, known as a secondary winding, in electrical form.
- a multi-winding transformer has two or more secondary windings on the same core.
- a four-winding transformer shown in FIG. 1), for example, has a primary winding 22 and three secondary windings 24 a , 24 b , and 24 c.
- the primary winding or input coil 22 provides the electrical energy to create the magnetic flux in an induction core 21 . Due to the magnetic coupling, a time-varying excitation applied to the primary winding 22 induces a similar time varying response in the secondary windings 24 a - c .
- the transformer used for this application is a prototype design produced by Zinc Air Power Corporation of Strongsville, Ohio using common ferrite materials and conventional means as known in the art.
- Each secondary winding 24 a , 24 b , and 24 c is isolated from one another and from the input coil 22 . This isolation permits each battery cell charging circuit to draw the proper current for each of a plurality of battery cells 40 a , 40 b , and 40 c .
- the three circuits are isolated so that the current draw of each battery cell does not affect the charging of the other cells.
- the output coils 24 a , 24 b , and 24 c are connected to a number of regulators 26 a , 26 b , and 26 c respectively.
- the regulators 26 a - c each convert the high frequency electrical energy back to a DC supply current at a voltage between 1.00 and 2.5 volts and regulate the current as required by each battery cell 40 a - c .
- the isolation between the charging circuits allows independent control of the battery charging current and voltage.
- the regulators may be as simple as a diode placed between the output coil and the charging electrode or may be an active circuit. Using the simple diode form, cell charge balance is possible where each cell will draw it's portion of magnetic energy inversely proportional to it's state of charge.
- Each regulator 26 a , 26 b , and 26 c is connected to the each of the battery cells 40 a , 40 b , and 40 c via a number of cables 28 a , 28 b , and 28 c wired in parallel.
- the positive output of each respective regulator 26 a - c is attached to a charge electrode 44 a - c of each of the three battery cells 40 a - c .
- the negative or common lead of each respective regulator 26 a - c is attached to a negative or common electrode 42 a - c of each of the three battery cells 40 a - c.
- FIG. 1 also includes a diagramatic view of a tri-electrode battery 30 incorporating three independent battery cells 40 a , 40 b , and 40 c connected in series using two series connectors 36 . While the tri-electrode battery 30 shows three cells, any number of cells may be used to fit the application. Each cell 40 a , 40 b , and 40 c of the tri-electrode battery 30 incorporates three electrodes. Referring specifically to battery cell 40 a , a first or common electrode 42 a is identified as synonymously with a negative terminal 34 .
- the common electrode 42 a is used for both charging in “parallel” and discharging in “series.”
- battery cell 40 a includes a discharge electrode 46 a .
- the discharge electrode 46 a performs the normal electrochemical discharge function as in a conventional bi-electrode battery; it plays no role in electrochemical charging, thereby enhancing its life.
- an independent charge electrode 44 a Unique to cell 40 a of the tri-electrode battery 30 is an independent charge electrode 44 a , which may be made in accordance with the metal-air battery invention disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/552,870.
- the third electrode of the battery cell may be positioned between the air electrode and the metal electrode.
- the metal electrode of the battery cell may be positioned between the air electrode and the third electrode to further increase in the power output of the battery cell by permitting an open separator to be used between the air electrode and the metal electrode.
- the third electrode of the tri-electrode battery 30 contains numerous openings which permit the free flow of ions from the electrolyte between the air electrode and the metal electrode during the discharge cycle.
- FIG. 2 Such a configuration is shown in FIG. 2 where the parallel battery charging device 20 is used to charge a conventional two-electrode, multi-cell battery 38 with series connections 36 connected.
- the parallel battery charging device 20 saves operator time (the series connections do not have to be disconnected) and reduces mechanical wear on the intra-battery terminals 42 abc and 46 abc.
- each battery cell 40 abc may draw its optimum electrical current during the charging cycle independent of the other battery cells being charged.
- the present invention eliminates one of the major drawbacks of electrochemical charging the battery cells in series; they all receive the same current throughout the charging cycle.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B show typical graphs representing the charge cycles of two different multi-cell batteries.
- FIG. 3A shows a 32 ampere-hour nickel-cadmium set of cells that are unbalanced by 10 ampere-hours.
- Cells labeled 1 and 3 have a 10 ampere-hour charge at the beginning of the charge cycle.
- Cells labeled 2 and 4 are essentially discharged at the beginning of the charge cycle.
- the parallel battery charging device 20 provides balanced charging current to each cell during the charging cycle.
- FIG. 3B shows a typical charging cycle of the parallel battery charging device 20 being used to charge six zinc-air cells incorporating a third electrode in accordance with the present invention. Specifically, this multi-cell battery containing the third electrode was subjected to 3 complete charge/discharge cycles. Each of the six charging curves in FIG. 3B show the charging voltage during the charge cycle.
- the charge controller 50 may include two features: a top-off timer 54 and a current sensor 52 .
- the top-off timer 54 provides an upper limit on the time for which the charger is applied to the battery cells. After the charge cycle proceeds for a predetermined period, the top-off timer 54 can terminate the charging process to prevent battery cell damage. Further, the current sensor 52 can monitor the total current provided to the input coil 22 and the charge controller 50 can terminate the charging process when the current draw required to the input coil 22 falls below a predetermined level.
- the present invention may be used to charge separate conventional batteries in parallel.
- the parallel battery charging device 20 may be used to charge conventional two-terminal batteries 47 abc , regardless of the number of cells comprising the battery.
- Each battery may be coupled via an individual regulator 26 and cable 28 in the same manner as the battery cells 40 a - c of FIG. 1.
- the charging method maintains the same isolation properties to each charging circuit as are obtained when charging the tri-electrode battery cells.
- the system may further include a braking energy recovery device 58 .
- a braking energy recovery device 58 converts the vehicle's kinetic energy into electrical energy by mechanically or electrically engaging a generator to the vehicle's drive-train upon application of the brakes.
- a device is the vehicle's drive motor operated in reverse.
- Such a device assists the vehicle braking with the mechanical load of the generator while providing an electric current to the high frequency source 18 or into the DC to DC converter 16 if the device's output is alternating current.
- the device operates to recycle kinetic energy into electrochemical storage in the battery rather than to allow the energy to dissipate as heat.
- the current levels I 1 , I 2 , and I 3 and the voltages V 1 , V 2 , and V 3 are detected at each cell 40 a , 40 b , and 40 c .
- the voltage and current levels provide feedback input to the controller 50 that controls the DC supply 60 to the high frequency source 18 .
- This configuration provides an extensive number of ways to control the charging including statistical analysis on the cells' comparative health. If the characteristic voltage and current levels of a damaged cell are known, the damaged cell may be identified and the charging level is controlled accordingly or the cell is replaced as necessary. Additionally with such a configuration, it is possible to simultaneously charge and discharge individual cells.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention generally relates to a device and method for charging electrochemical cells of a multi-cell battery or the simultaneous charging of multiple batteries. In particular, the invention relates to charging a battery with multiple cells wherein each cell includes a third or charging electrode that is used exclusively for charging. Each cell of the battery is charged simultaneously by coupling a third electrode and a bifunctional electrode in parallel with the battery charger. An induction coil distributes and isolates the charging energy to each cell. The cells of the battery, typically wired in series, require no disassembly for charging. The battery charger is be used with a metal-air battery to prolong the life of the cathode but may also be used to charge common two-electrode multi-cell batteries in parallel without breaking the inter-cell connections. It may also be used to charge a plurality of conventional two-terminal batteries wired in parallel.
- Generally, battery packs include several battery cells connected in series. Ideally, each of the battery cells within a battery pack will have similar charging, discharging, and efficiency characteristics. However, this ideal scenario is not normally encountered. Thus, a battery pack ordinarily contains several multiple battery cells with each battery cell having different charging characteristics. This condition may produce many problems related to the overcharging and undercharging of the battery cells. For instance, fully charging one battery cell in a battery pack and continuing to charge it may result in overcharging and damage to the fully charged cell. Likewise, ending a charge cycle when only one battery cell is fully charged may result in undercharging one or more of the other battery cells in the battery pack. Therefore, there is a need for a system to provide an isolated charging cycle that accommodates multiple battery cells having varying charging characteristics.
- The present invention relates generally to a method and apparatus for rapidly and safely charging a plurality of battery cells from a single power supply. Given the anticipated proliferation of electric vehicles including electric scooters, it will be necessary to have a reasonably standardized recharging apparatus located at, for instance, the vehicle operator's residence, place of business, parking garage, recharge station, and the like. Additionally, the same design may be used to simultaneously charge multiple batteries for portable devices such as personal computers, cellular phones, and the like.
- Generally, there are two types of battery cells. Cells that are useful for only a single discharge cycle are called primary cells, and cells that are rechargeable and useful for multiple discharge cycles are called secondary cells. There are many varieties of secondary cells including the common lead-acid and nickel-cadmium (ni-cad) batteries and the less common metal-air batteries such as the zinc-air battery disclosed in patent application Ser. No. 09/552,870, herein incorporated by reference.
- Battery packs comprised of metal-air cells provide a relatively light-weight power supply. Metal-air cells utilize oxygen from ambient air as a reactant in an electrochemical reaction. Metal-air cells include an air permeable electrode as the cathode and a metallic anode surrounded by an aqueous electrolyte and function through the reduction of oxygen from the ambient air which reacts with the metal to generate an electric current. For example, in a zinc-air cell, the anode contains zinc, and during operation, oxygen from the ambient air along with water and electrons present in the cell are converted at the cathode to hydroxyl ions. Conversely, at the anode zinc atoms and hydroxyl ions are converted to zinc oxide and water, which releases the electrons used at the cathode portion of the cell. Thus, the cathode and anode act in concert to generate electrical energy.
- Metal-air batteries may be charged mechanically and electrically. Mechanical charging is accomplished by physically replacing the electrolyte, the electrodes, or a combination thereof. (For example, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,569,555; 5,418,080; 5,360,680; and 5,554,918). Such a charging method requires special equipment, special skills, an inventory of electrolyte and electrodes, and a plan for storing and disposing of hazardous chemicals. Conversely, electrical recharging avoids these disadvantages. The electrically rechargeable metal-air cell is recharged by applying a charging voltage between the anode and cathode of the cell and reversing the electrochemical reaction. During recharging, the cell discharges oxygen to the atmosphere through a vent.
- While clean and efficient, electrical charging of a conventional multi-cell battery does have some other disadvantages. In particular, most multi-cell batteries are designed such that the cells are connected in “series” such that the discharge voltage between the battery terminals may be increased. For example, a 12-volt battery is normally comprised of 6 battery cells, each producing 2 volts, wired end-to-end in “series” to provide 12 volts across the two battery terminals. Such a configuration may be electrically recharged by applying a charging voltage across the two battery terminals to reverse the electrochemical process that occurs on discharge. When connected for charging in this fashion, each battery cell wired in series, necessarily receives the identical current flow regardless of its current state of charge and ability to convert this energy to electrochemical storage.
- By forcing the same charging current to each cell, charging the battery cells in series is disadvantageous. During the electrochemical recharge cycle of a battery cell, the cell passes through several stages of charging. It is well known that during charging, a phenomenon known as “gassing” occurs, that is to say, the battery electrolyte dissociates into gaseous components which may emanate as bubbles. It is usually desirable to reduce the battery charging current during “gassing” so as to avoid damage to the electrode which would otherwise be caused by maintaining the charging current at the higher levels permissible in the “pre-gassing” or “bulk-charge” phase of charging. Thus, it is desired that the battery charger provide a separate charging circuit to each battery cell such that the charging current may by optimized for each stage of a cell's charging cycle.
- It remains that the two-electrode cells of conventional batteries, connected in “series,” cannot be charged “conventionally” through separate charging circuits as the cells are linked end-to-end. Such batteries may charged in parallel by a conventional battery charger only if the inter-cell connections or links are broken or disconnected. In this manner, each cell is independent and separate charging circuits may be attached to each cell.
- In the metal-air battery arena, there are two main types of electrically rechargeable batteries. One type includes those with three electrodes for each cell, namely, a bifunctional anode, a discharge cathode, and a charging-electrode (i.e. a third electrode). The discharge cathode is designed to optimize the discharge cycle of the metal-air cell and may be incapable of recharging the cell. Instead, the charging-electrode is used to recharge the metal-air cell. Another type of metal-air cell includes two electrodes, both electrodes being bifunctional. The bifunctional electrodes function in both the discharge mode and the charge mode of the cell, thus eliminating the need for a third electrode. Bifunctional electrodes, however, suffer from a major drawback; they do not last long because the charging cycle deteriorates the discharge system (i.e., bifunctional electrodes suffer from decreasing performance as the number of discharge/charge cycles increase). In some cases as the voltage creeps up the cell may develop a short circuit as a result of a zinc dendrite forming a metallic bridge to the positive electrode, and will consequently cease to function even though the cathode is in good condition and capable of further service.
- Thus, tri-electrode cells are advantageous when compared to two-electrode cells in that they offer more stable performance over a greater number of discharge/recharge cycles. In view of the above and the increased availability of tri-electrode batteries, there is a need in the art for an improved battery charging device and method for charging each of the battery cells independently and simultaneously.
- The need for an improved battery charging device with cell balancing is illustrated by the following scenario. For example, a battery with four cells intended to be identical typically are not identical for many reasons. In a metal-air cell, the electrolyte may not wet the entire anode thereby leaving useable material isolated. Through cycling, the zinc can become detached from the current collector and become isolated. The resulting parasitic loss may not be equal and some cells will self discharge differently. During discharge, one or more cells will determine the end of discharge. The remaining cells will have some residual energy but cannot be discharged in series as that would damage the empty cell(s). On the next charge cycle, the cell with the most residual charge will be fully charged prior to the other cells, if the cells are charged in series. Further series charging may damage the fully charged cell and the remaining cells are denied a full charge. As the process continues, the cells unbalance further and each cycle capacity is reduced. FIG. 3A shows a set of nickle cadmium cells that are unbalanced by 10 ampere-hours. In this case, 3 ampere-hours is restored to the unbalance after charging.
- This invention relates to a parallel charging system for a multi-cell battery wherein each battery cell may or may not include a third charging electrode. The charging electrode eliminates the need to disconnect cells for parallel charging. The parallel charging system disclosed herein can provide the same function. The invention allows for cell charging via the respective charging electrodes without breaking inter-cell connections. Further, the invention provides for isolation of each charging circuit and battery cell by employing an induction core operatively coupled to each cell. Each cell may be connected to the induction core such that the charging current is provided to each cell independent of the other cells via a separate circuit. The induction core automatically balances the current to each cell based on the cell's ability to draw current. More current is provided to the cells with a lower charge level and voltage.
- In the simplest form, cell balancing is achieved using transformer theory. A load on a secondary winding is reflected to the primary winding by the transformer's turn ratio. Each secondary winding reflects it's load and if the transformer is tightly coupled, each secondary winding appears as if it were connected in parallel. Each secondary winding draws power as if it was connected to a single supply. This configuration does not require a regulator but just a diode set and a shunt for current measurement. This simple configuration is useful and cost effective as it requires no extra components and performs the required cell balance.
- For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the invention allows for parallel charging of a multi-cell battery wherein the battery cells incorporate a separate or third charging electrode in addition to conventional positive and negative discharge electrodes.
- The present invention affords for such charging through a charging electrode without the breaking of inter-cell connections. This is accomplished by providing the charging energy through an induction coil so as to provide electrical isolation of each cell. In addition, the present invention may be employed to charge several two-terminal batteries simultaneously regardless of whether they are multi-cell batteries or single cell batteries.
- The present invention may also be employed to parallel charge the cells of a conventional two-electrode cell battery without requiring disconnection of the battery cells. As described herein, the isolation of the secondary windings of the transformer allows the parallel battery charger disclosed to be used where a conventional parallel charger would fail.
- The present invention also provides a battery charger for charging through a third electrode (i.e. a charging-electrode) used in metal-air cell batteries. Such third electrodes may be formed from a mixture of an lanthanum nickel compound and at least one metal oxide, and support structure. The present invention provides a charging system and method for metal-air cells that provides stable performance over a large number of charge/discharge cycles. The result is improved metal-air battery performance and improved battery life.
- Additionally, when employed in vehicular applications, a braking energy recovery device may be included in the charging system to allow for conversion of kinetic energy back into electrochemical storage in a electrochemical/mechanical system.
- In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a battery charging system that isolates the parallel charging of each individual cell using an induction coil.
- In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a battery charging system that balances the parallel charging of each individual cell using an induction coil and incorporates a current sensor to determine the end charge of each cell and further may include a top-off timer.
- In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a battery charger that allows balanced parallel charging to each cell of a conventional multi-cell battery with two-electrode cells without breaking the intercell connections.
- In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a battery charging system that balances the parallel charging of each individual cell using an induction coil and recaptures the braking energy for use in battery charging.
- In another embodiment, the present invention relates to the parallel battery charging system for simultaneously charging several conventional two terminal batteries in parallel.
- In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a parallel battery charging system wherein current and voltage sensors are applied to each charging circuit and are used to control the charging cycle.
- In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of charging any battery by parallel charging of each individual cell using an induction coil.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the structure of a parallel battery charger and an associated tri-electrode multicell battery in accordance with the present invention;
- FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the structure of a parallel battery charger and an associated two-electrode multi-cell battery in accordance with the present invention;
- FIGS. 3A and 3B are typical graphs representing the charge and discharge performance of battery cells as detailed in the specification;
- FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the structure of a parallel battery charger used to charge conventional two-terminal batteries simultaneously in accordance with the present invention; and
- FIG. 5 is a schematic view of the structure of another embodiment of the parallel battery charger where the current and voltage is sensed at each cell in accordance with the present invention.
- The present invention involves a system and method for charging multi-cell batteries using a parallel battery charger individually connected to each cell of a multi-cell battery. Such batteries may include metal-air batteries or any conventional multi-cell batteries without disconnecting the conductors that link the cells in series. Additionally, the parallel charging system may be used wherever several conventional batteries are to be charged and the isolation provided to each charging circuit by the induction loop is beneficial.
- Referring initially to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 shows a diagramatic view of the structure of a parallel
battery charging device 20 and an associated tri-electrodemulti-cell battery 30 in accordance with the present invention. The first portion of the circuit, which is independent of the battery charging circuit, is apower source 10. Thepower source 10 includes an electrical energy supply such as an alternatingcurrent power buss 12. The source of alternating current could be a typical 110 volt, 60 hertz power outlet as is commonly available in the United States or could be a large power buss for charging cells in bulk. Thepower buss 12 is linked to a highpower factor corrector 14 which may be a large coil or active corrector to bring the power factor to 1. For example, one may use a uc3854 manufactured by Texas Instruments or any similar device. The power is then supplied to an DC toDC converter 16 such as a uc3825 manufactured by Texas Instruments to prepare the DC power for use by the charging circuit. - Should the parallel
battery charging device 20 be intended for use on a mobile vehicle, the components of thepower source 10 may all be disposed separate from the vehicle. Such a configuration would reduce the overall weight of the vehicle and allow any properly chosen direct current source, including an offboard battery or solar energy source, to be used to charge the onboard batteries. - Alternatively, should ground support equipment be unavailable, the high
power factor corrector 14 and an DC toDC converter 16 may be disposed in the vehicle to allow charging from any proper source of alternating current as noted above. - The
power source 10 is connected to ahigh frequency source 18 to generate a high frequency waveform for use by a transformer. The waveform may be a pulse or square-wave generated by a LT 1162 Pulse Width Modulator and LT 1846 Integrated Circuit manufactured by Linear Technologies or equivalent. The operating frequency of the high frequency source may range from 20 KHZ. to 1,000 KHZ. - The
high frequency source 18 supplies a multi-winding transformer for distribution to several battery cells for charging. A transformer is an electrical device that is used for the transmission and distribution of electrical energy. In principle, a transformer consists of a plurality of coils magnetically coupled to each other. One of the coils, known as a primary winding, receives electrical energy, which is converted to purely magnetic energy; the energy is continuously being delivered to the other coil, known as a secondary winding, in electrical form. A multi-winding transformer has two or more secondary windings on the same core. A four-winding transformer (shown in FIG. 1), for example, has a primary winding 22 and threesecondary windings - The primary winding or
input coil 22 provides the electrical energy to create the magnetic flux in aninduction core 21. Due to the magnetic coupling, a time-varying excitation applied to the primary winding 22 induces a similar time varying response in the secondary windings 24 a-c. The transformer used for this application is a prototype design produced by Zinc Air Power Corporation of Strongsville, Ohio using common ferrite materials and conventional means as known in the art. Each secondary winding 24 a, 24 b, and 24 c is isolated from one another and from theinput coil 22. This isolation permits each battery cell charging circuit to draw the proper current for each of a plurality ofbattery cells - The output coils24 a, 24 b, and 24 c are connected to a number of
regulators regulator battery cells cables - FIG. 1 also includes a diagramatic view of a
tri-electrode battery 30 incorporating threeindependent battery cells series connectors 36. While thetri-electrode battery 30 shows three cells, any number of cells may be used to fit the application. Eachcell tri-electrode battery 30 incorporates three electrodes. Referring specifically tobattery cell 40 a, a first orcommon electrode 42 a is identified as synonymously with anegative terminal 34. Thecommon electrode 42 a is used for both charging in “parallel” and discharging in “series.” In addition to thecommon electrode 42 a,battery cell 40 a includes adischarge electrode 46 a. Thedischarge electrode 46 a performs the normal electrochemical discharge function as in a conventional bi-electrode battery; it plays no role in electrochemical charging, thereby enhancing its life. - Unique to
cell 40 a of thetri-electrode battery 30 is anindependent charge electrode 44 a, which may be made in accordance with the metal-air battery invention disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/552,870. In that patent application, the third electrode of the battery cell may be positioned between the air electrode and the metal electrode. Alternatively, the metal electrode of the battery cell may be positioned between the air electrode and the third electrode to further increase in the power output of the battery cell by permitting an open separator to be used between the air electrode and the metal electrode. - The remaining structure of a typical tri-electrode battery cell is conventional in nature and is known to those skilled in the art. For example, see:Metal-Air Batteries by D P Gregory, BSG, PhD, published by Mills & Boon Limited, copyright 1972, which discloses secondary metal-air cells and is incorporated herein by reference.
- The third electrode of the
tri-electrode battery 30 contains numerous openings which permit the free flow of ions from the electrolyte between the air electrode and the metal electrode during the discharge cycle. - By charging any conventional battery using the parallel
battery charging device 20, the need to disconnect theseries connectors 36 is eliminated. Such a configuration is shown in FIG. 2 where the parallelbattery charging device 20 is used to charge a conventional two-electrode,multi-cell battery 38 withseries connections 36 connected. The parallelbattery charging device 20 saves operator time (the series connections do not have to be disconnected) and reduces mechanical wear on the intra-battery terminals 42 abc and 46 abc. - Further, each battery cell40 abc may draw its optimum electrical current during the charging cycle independent of the other battery cells being charged. The present invention eliminates one of the major drawbacks of electrochemical charging the battery cells in series; they all receive the same current throughout the charging cycle.
- FIGS. 3A and 3B show typical graphs representing the charge cycles of two different multi-cell batteries. FIG. 3A shows a 32 ampere-hour nickel-cadmium set of cells that are unbalanced by 10 ampere-hours. Cells labeled1 and 3 have a 10 ampere-hour charge at the beginning of the charge cycle. Cells labeled 2 and 4 are essentially discharged at the beginning of the charge cycle. The parallel
battery charging device 20 provides balanced charging current to each cell during the charging cycle. - FIG. 3B shows a typical charging cycle of the parallel
battery charging device 20 being used to charge six zinc-air cells incorporating a third electrode in accordance with the present invention. Specifically, this multi-cell battery containing the third electrode was subjected to 3 complete charge/discharge cycles. Each of the six charging curves in FIG. 3B show the charging voltage during the charge cycle. - In operation, while the
induction core 21 isolates each battery charging circuit and the regulators 26 abc monitor the voltage in each circuit, overall control of the chargingdevice 20 is governed by acharge controller 50. Thecharge controller 50 may include two features: a top-off timer 54 and acurrent sensor 52. The top-off timer 54 provides an upper limit on the time for which the charger is applied to the battery cells. After the charge cycle proceeds for a predetermined period, the top-off timer 54 can terminate the charging process to prevent battery cell damage. Further, thecurrent sensor 52 can monitor the total current provided to theinput coil 22 and thecharge controller 50 can terminate the charging process when the current draw required to theinput coil 22 falls below a predetermined level. - In addition to the capability of parallel charging of individual battery cells of a tri-electrode battery, the present invention may be used to charge separate conventional batteries in parallel. As shown in FIG. 4, the parallel
battery charging device 20 may be used to charge conventional two-terminal batteries 47 abc, regardless of the number of cells comprising the battery. Each battery may be coupled via an individual regulator 26 and cable 28 in the same manner as the battery cells 40 a-c of FIG. 1. The charging method maintains the same isolation properties to each charging circuit as are obtained when charging the tri-electrode battery cells. - Moreover, if the battery charging device is incorporated onto a vehicle, the system may further include a braking
energy recovery device 58. Such a device converts the vehicle's kinetic energy into electrical energy by mechanically or electrically engaging a generator to the vehicle's drive-train upon application of the brakes. Typically, such a device is the vehicle's drive motor operated in reverse. Such a device assists the vehicle braking with the mechanical load of the generator while providing an electric current to thehigh frequency source 18 or into the DC toDC converter 16 if the device's output is alternating current. In any event, the device operates to recycle kinetic energy into electrochemical storage in the battery rather than to allow the energy to dissipate as heat. - In another embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the current levels I1, I2, and I3 and the voltages V1, V2, and V3 are detected at each
cell controller 50 that controls theDC supply 60 to thehigh frequency source 18. This configuration provides an extensive number of ways to control the charging including statistical analysis on the cells' comparative health. If the characteristic voltage and current levels of a damaged cell are known, the damaged cell may be identified and the charging level is controlled accordingly or the cell is replaced as necessary. Additionally with such a configuration, it is possible to simultaneously charge and discharge individual cells. - Although the invention has been shown and described with respect to a certain preferred embodiment or embodiments, it is obvious that equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, circuits, etc.), the terms used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component which performs the specified function of the described component. In addition, while a particular feature of the invention may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several embodiments, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other embodiments as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/028,464 US6586909B1 (en) | 2001-12-21 | 2001-12-21 | Parallel battery charging device |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/028,464 US6586909B1 (en) | 2001-12-21 | 2001-12-21 | Parallel battery charging device |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20030117109A1 true US20030117109A1 (en) | 2003-06-26 |
US6586909B1 US6586909B1 (en) | 2003-07-01 |
Family
ID=21843588
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US10/028,464 Expired - Lifetime US6586909B1 (en) | 2001-12-21 | 2001-12-21 | Parallel battery charging device |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6586909B1 (en) |
Cited By (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20030224241A1 (en) * | 2002-05-30 | 2003-12-04 | Masahiro Takada | Secondary cell replacing method |
WO2005124965A2 (en) * | 2004-06-09 | 2005-12-29 | International Components Corporation | Multiple cell battery charger configured with a parallel topology |
US20070139012A1 (en) * | 2005-11-01 | 2007-06-21 | Aerovironment, Inc. | Motive power dual battery pack |
WO2008048028A1 (en) * | 2006-10-16 | 2008-04-24 | Lg Chem, Ltd. | High power secondary battery system comprising asymmetric charged cells |
US20080252256A1 (en) * | 2007-04-12 | 2008-10-16 | Parker Jeffrey C | Multi-battery charging system and method |
US7576513B1 (en) * | 2006-04-26 | 2009-08-18 | Nierescher David S | Battery charger configuration reducing thermal conduction |
US20110135972A1 (en) * | 2006-10-16 | 2011-06-09 | Lg Chem, Ltd. | High power secondary battery system comprising asymmetric charged cells |
FR2955000A1 (en) * | 2010-01-05 | 2011-07-08 | Claude Meunier | Regeneration device for batteries i.e. lead-acid batteries, has derivation case with analysis unit for analyzing state of batteries and controlling qualitatively and quantitatively current directed from main line towards secondary line |
US20140015496A1 (en) * | 2012-07-02 | 2014-01-16 | Omron Automotive Electronics Co., Ltd. | Charging device |
WO2014031028A1 (en) * | 2012-08-20 | 2014-02-27 | Akkuratov Alexander Vladimirovich | Electric power supply method and device for carrying out said method |
US20140342193A1 (en) * | 2013-05-17 | 2014-11-20 | Tenergy Corporation | Smart battery system |
US9419448B1 (en) * | 2013-06-18 | 2016-08-16 | Cree Fayetteville, Inc. | Multi-module, scalable, high power density, radiation-hardened power converter interface system |
US20170203659A1 (en) * | 2008-02-19 | 2017-07-20 | Bloom Enegy Corporation | Fuel cell system for charging an electric vehicle |
WO2018054926A1 (en) * | 2016-09-21 | 2018-03-29 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. | Device and method for supplying energy to a plurality of energy storage components and/or for providing energy stored in the energy storage components |
US20180260092A1 (en) * | 2016-02-17 | 2018-09-13 | Christopher Alsante | Consumer electronic entertainment and display system |
EP2874270B1 (en) * | 2012-09-18 | 2019-03-20 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Battery pack and electric vehicle |
WO2019172964A1 (en) * | 2018-03-05 | 2019-09-12 | Trufan Llc | Consumer electronic entertainment and display system |
EP3705337A4 (en) * | 2017-11-02 | 2021-08-11 | NIO (Anhui) Holding Co., Ltd. | Charging connector, charging device, kit, and method |
WO2022081554A1 (en) * | 2020-10-13 | 2022-04-21 | Primex Wireless, Inc. | Series-connected battery cell charger with cell balancing |
US11407319B2 (en) * | 2017-10-17 | 2022-08-09 | Dr. Ing. H. C. F. Porsche Ag | Method and apparatus for charging an energy store |
Families Citing this family (87)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9425638B2 (en) | 1999-11-01 | 2016-08-23 | Anthony Sabo | Alignment independent and self-aligning inductive power transfer system |
US7394225B2 (en) * | 2004-06-09 | 2008-07-01 | International Components Corporation | Pseudo constant current multiple cell battery charger configured with a parallel topology |
GB0501115D0 (en) * | 2005-01-19 | 2005-02-23 | Innovision Res & Tech Plc | Combined power coupling and rf communication apparatus |
US8169185B2 (en) * | 2006-01-31 | 2012-05-01 | Mojo Mobility, Inc. | System and method for inductive charging of portable devices |
US7952322B2 (en) | 2006-01-31 | 2011-05-31 | Mojo Mobility, Inc. | Inductive power source and charging system |
US11201500B2 (en) | 2006-01-31 | 2021-12-14 | Mojo Mobility, Inc. | Efficiencies and flexibilities in inductive (wireless) charging |
US11329511B2 (en) | 2006-06-01 | 2022-05-10 | Mojo Mobility Inc. | Power source, charging system, and inductive receiver for mobile devices |
US7948208B2 (en) | 2006-06-01 | 2011-05-24 | Mojo Mobility, Inc. | Power source, charging system, and inductive receiver for mobile devices |
CA2676799C (en) | 2007-01-29 | 2016-07-12 | Powermat Ltd. | Pinless power coupling |
EP2140535A2 (en) | 2007-03-22 | 2010-01-06 | Powermat Ltd | Signal transfer system |
US7782013B2 (en) | 2007-04-17 | 2010-08-24 | Chun-Chieh Chang | Rechargeable battery assembly and method for recharging same |
CA2700740A1 (en) * | 2007-09-25 | 2009-04-02 | Powermat Ltd. | Inductive power transmission platform |
US10068701B2 (en) | 2007-09-25 | 2018-09-04 | Powermat Technologies Ltd. | Adjustable inductive power transmission platform |
US8283812B2 (en) * | 2007-10-09 | 2012-10-09 | Powermat Technologies, Ltd. | Inductive power providing system having moving outlets |
AU2008309155A1 (en) * | 2007-10-09 | 2009-04-16 | Powermat Technologies Ltd. | Inductively chargeable audio devices |
US8193769B2 (en) | 2007-10-18 | 2012-06-05 | Powermat Technologies, Ltd | Inductively chargeable audio devices |
US8026693B2 (en) * | 2007-10-18 | 2011-09-27 | Wi.U, Llc | Induction charger for portable battery-powered devices |
US8536737B2 (en) * | 2007-11-19 | 2013-09-17 | Powermat Technologies, Ltd. | System for inductive power provision in wet environments |
US8547065B2 (en) * | 2007-12-11 | 2013-10-01 | Antonio Trigiani | Battery management system |
US7956579B2 (en) * | 2007-12-19 | 2011-06-07 | International Business Machines Corporation | Battery charge management system for charging a battery bank that includes a plurality of batteries |
US7990276B2 (en) * | 2008-01-09 | 2011-08-02 | Black & Decker Inc. | Battery identification for battery packs with inter-cell taps |
US8228026B2 (en) * | 2008-02-25 | 2012-07-24 | L & P Property Management Company | Inductively coupled shelving and storage containers |
US8421407B2 (en) * | 2008-02-25 | 2013-04-16 | L & P Property Management Company | Inductively coupled work surfaces |
US8193768B2 (en) * | 2008-02-28 | 2012-06-05 | Jason S. Hallett | Contactless charging system for musical instruments |
US9960640B2 (en) | 2008-03-17 | 2018-05-01 | Powermat Technologies Ltd. | System and method for regulating inductive power transmission |
US9337902B2 (en) | 2008-03-17 | 2016-05-10 | Powermat Technologies Ltd. | System and method for providing wireless power transfer functionality to an electrical device |
CA2718901C (en) | 2008-03-17 | 2018-10-16 | Powermat Ltd. | Inductive transmission system |
US9960642B2 (en) | 2008-03-17 | 2018-05-01 | Powermat Technologies Ltd. | Embedded interface for wireless power transfer to electrical devices |
US9331750B2 (en) | 2008-03-17 | 2016-05-03 | Powermat Technologies Ltd. | Wireless power receiver and host control interface thereof |
US8320143B2 (en) * | 2008-04-15 | 2012-11-27 | Powermat Technologies, Ltd. | Bridge synchronous rectifier |
US20110050164A1 (en) | 2008-05-07 | 2011-03-03 | Afshin Partovi | System and methods for inductive charging, and improvements and uses thereof |
US8309259B2 (en) | 2008-05-19 | 2012-11-13 | Arizona Board Of Regents For And On Behalf Of Arizona State University | Electrochemical cell, and particularly a cell with electrodeposited fuel |
WO2009147664A1 (en) * | 2008-06-02 | 2009-12-10 | Powermat Ltd. | Appliance mounted power outlets |
US8981598B2 (en) | 2008-07-02 | 2015-03-17 | Powermat Technologies Ltd. | Energy efficient inductive power transmission system and method |
US8188619B2 (en) * | 2008-07-02 | 2012-05-29 | Powermat Technologies Ltd | Non resonant inductive power transmission system and method |
CA2730194A1 (en) * | 2008-07-08 | 2010-01-14 | Powermat Ltd. | Display device |
CN102265480A (en) * | 2008-09-23 | 2011-11-30 | 鲍尔马特有限公司 | combined antenna and inductive power receiver |
US8482160B2 (en) * | 2009-09-16 | 2013-07-09 | L & P Property Management Company | Inductively coupled power module and circuit |
EP2486622B1 (en) | 2009-10-08 | 2014-07-23 | Fluidic, Inc. | Rechargeable metal-air cell with flow management system |
US20140232326A1 (en) * | 2010-04-07 | 2014-08-21 | Black & Decker Inc. | Battery pack and charger platform for power tool systems including battery pack identification scheme |
US9722334B2 (en) | 2010-04-07 | 2017-08-01 | Black & Decker Inc. | Power tool with light unit |
US20110302078A1 (en) | 2010-06-02 | 2011-12-08 | Bryan Marc Failing | Managing an energy transfer between a vehicle and an energy transfer system |
EP2393181B1 (en) * | 2010-06-02 | 2019-09-04 | FRIWO Gerätebau GmbH | Circuit for a system for a contactless, inductive energy transfer |
US20130015805A1 (en) * | 2010-06-04 | 2013-01-17 | Triune Ip Llc | Energy storage element link and monitor |
US8890470B2 (en) | 2010-06-11 | 2014-11-18 | Mojo Mobility, Inc. | System for wireless power transfer that supports interoperability, and multi-pole magnets for use therewith |
EP2586092B1 (en) | 2010-06-24 | 2017-01-04 | Fluidic, Inc. | Electrochemical cell with stepped scaffold fuel anode |
CN102403525B (en) | 2010-09-16 | 2016-02-03 | 流体公司 | There is progressive electrochemical cell system of analysing oxygen electrode/fuel electrode |
DE102010041034A1 (en) * | 2010-09-20 | 2012-03-22 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Method for transferring energy between at least two energy storage cells in a controllable energy store |
DK2966722T3 (en) | 2010-10-20 | 2018-10-08 | Fluidic Inc | BATTERY RETURN PROCEDURE FOR SCAFFOLD FUEL ELECTRODE |
JP5908251B2 (en) | 2010-11-17 | 2016-04-26 | フルイディック,インク.Fluidic,Inc. | Multi-mode charging of hierarchical anode |
US10115520B2 (en) | 2011-01-18 | 2018-10-30 | Mojo Mobility, Inc. | Systems and method for wireless power transfer |
US9178369B2 (en) | 2011-01-18 | 2015-11-03 | Mojo Mobility, Inc. | Systems and methods for providing positioning freedom, and support of different voltages, protocols, and power levels in a wireless power system |
US11342777B2 (en) | 2011-01-18 | 2022-05-24 | Mojo Mobility, Inc. | Powering and/or charging with more than one protocol |
US9496732B2 (en) | 2011-01-18 | 2016-11-15 | Mojo Mobility, Inc. | Systems and methods for wireless power transfer |
KR101229441B1 (en) * | 2011-03-18 | 2013-02-06 | 주식회사 만도 | Apparatus for charging battery |
US9347997B2 (en) | 2011-03-28 | 2016-05-24 | Changs Ascending Enterprise Co., Ltd. | State of charge determination systems and methods |
US9184605B2 (en) | 2011-03-28 | 2015-11-10 | Changs Ascending Enterprise Co., Ltd. | High voltage battery system for vehicle applications |
KR101263463B1 (en) * | 2011-09-02 | 2013-05-10 | 주식회사 만도 | Apparatus for charging battery |
US9722447B2 (en) | 2012-03-21 | 2017-08-01 | Mojo Mobility, Inc. | System and method for charging or powering devices, such as robots, electric vehicles, or other mobile devices or equipment |
US20130271069A1 (en) | 2012-03-21 | 2013-10-17 | Mojo Mobility, Inc. | Systems and methods for wireless power transfer |
WO2014032728A1 (en) * | 2012-08-31 | 2014-03-06 | Siemens Aktiengesellschaft | Battery charging system and a method for charging a battery cable-free |
US9837846B2 (en) | 2013-04-12 | 2017-12-05 | Mojo Mobility, Inc. | System and method for powering or charging receivers or devices having small surface areas or volumes |
US9673658B2 (en) * | 2014-03-06 | 2017-06-06 | Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd. | Non-contact capacitive coupling type power charging apparatus and non-contact capacitive coupling type battery apparatus |
US9806551B2 (en) | 2014-08-25 | 2017-10-31 | Master Lock Company Llc | Circuits and methods for using parallel separate battery cells |
WO2016068943A1 (en) | 2014-10-30 | 2016-05-06 | Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development Lp | Parallel backup power supply |
US10141776B2 (en) | 2016-06-20 | 2018-11-27 | General Electric Company | Distribution of power commands in an energy storage system |
EP3491690B1 (en) | 2016-07-22 | 2020-07-15 | NantEnergy, Inc. | Moisture and carbon dioxide management system in electrochemical cells |
US10259336B2 (en) | 2016-10-18 | 2019-04-16 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Charging a battery using interpack switch |
EP3339084B1 (en) * | 2016-12-23 | 2021-08-18 | ABB Schweiz AG | Electric vehicle charging station with transformer comprising multiple secondary windings |
US10778013B2 (en) | 2018-01-10 | 2020-09-15 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Distributed battery architecture |
US11038364B2 (en) | 2018-01-10 | 2021-06-15 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Parallel charging and discharging of batteries with disparate characteristics |
CN110768313A (en) * | 2018-07-25 | 2020-02-07 | 南京奥视威电子科技股份有限公司 | Battery and external part |
US11444485B2 (en) | 2019-02-05 | 2022-09-13 | Mojo Mobility, Inc. | Inductive charging system with charging electronics physically separated from charging coil |
US11251476B2 (en) | 2019-05-10 | 2022-02-15 | Form Energy, Inc. | Nested annular metal-air cell and systems containing same |
US11101680B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2021-08-24 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Parallel battery charge management |
US11165265B2 (en) | 2019-06-28 | 2021-11-02 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Parallel battery discharge management |
US11594892B2 (en) | 2020-06-02 | 2023-02-28 | Inventus Power, Inc. | Battery pack with series or parallel identification signal |
US11588334B2 (en) | 2020-06-02 | 2023-02-21 | Inventus Power, Inc. | Broadcast of discharge current based on state-of-health imbalance between battery packs |
US11489343B2 (en) | 2020-06-02 | 2022-11-01 | Inventus Power, Inc. | Hardware short circuit protection in a large battery pack |
US11476677B2 (en) | 2020-06-02 | 2022-10-18 | Inventus Power, Inc. | Battery pack charge cell balancing |
EP4158718A4 (en) | 2020-06-02 | 2024-03-13 | Inventus Power Inc | Large-format battery management system |
US11552479B2 (en) | 2020-06-02 | 2023-01-10 | Inventus Power, Inc. | Battery charge balancing circuit for series connections |
US11509144B2 (en) | 2020-06-02 | 2022-11-22 | Inventus Power, Inc. | Large-format battery management system with in-rush current protection for master-slave battery packs |
US11245268B1 (en) | 2020-07-24 | 2022-02-08 | Inventus Power, Inc. | Mode-based disabling of communiction bus of a battery management system |
US11901749B2 (en) | 2020-09-09 | 2024-02-13 | Microsoft Technology Licensing, Llc | Balanced discharge in multi-battery system |
US11404885B1 (en) | 2021-02-24 | 2022-08-02 | Inventus Power, Inc. | Large-format battery management systems with gateway PCBA |
US11411407B1 (en) | 2021-02-24 | 2022-08-09 | Inventus Power, Inc. | Large-format battery management systems with gateway PCBA |
Family Cites Families (22)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3694729A (en) | 1971-12-28 | 1972-09-26 | Nat Can Retinning Co | Portable electric power apparatus |
GB1438290A (en) | 1972-10-14 | 1976-06-03 | ||
US3936718A (en) | 1973-09-24 | 1976-02-03 | Westinghouse Brake & Signal Company Limited | Battery charging control circuits |
US4237409A (en) | 1978-05-04 | 1980-12-02 | General Electric Company | Multiple-battery battery charger |
US4322685A (en) | 1980-02-29 | 1982-03-30 | Globe-Union Inc. | Automatic battery analyzer including apparatus for determining presence of single bad cell |
US5010399A (en) | 1989-07-14 | 1991-04-23 | Inline Connection Corporation | Video transmission and control system utilizing internal telephone lines |
IL100903A (en) | 1992-02-10 | 1995-06-29 | Pecherer Eugeny | Zinc anode for batteries with improved performance |
US5360680A (en) | 1990-07-19 | 1994-11-01 | Electric Fuel Limited | Mechanically rechargeable electric batteries and anodes for use therein |
US5190833A (en) | 1990-12-31 | 1993-03-02 | Luz Electric Fuel Israel Ltd. | Electrodes for metal/air batteries and fuel cells and bipolar metal/air batteries incorporating the same |
US5341083A (en) | 1991-09-27 | 1994-08-23 | Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. | Contactless battery charging system |
AT399425B (en) | 1991-12-18 | 1995-05-26 | Elin Energieanwendung | METHOD FOR TARGETED ELECTROCHEMICAL IMPLEMENTATION IN RECHARGEABLE BATTERIES |
US5306579A (en) | 1992-10-30 | 1994-04-26 | Aer Energy Resources, Inc. | Bifunctional metal-air electrode |
US5554918A (en) | 1994-03-08 | 1996-09-10 | Electric Fuel (E.F.L.) Ltd. | Mechanically-rehargeable battery |
US5418080A (en) | 1994-07-01 | 1995-05-23 | Electric Fuel (E.F.L.) Ltd. | Mechanically rechargeable, electrochemical metal-air battery |
US5569555A (en) | 1994-10-12 | 1996-10-29 | Electric Fuel (E.F.L.) Ltd. | Recharging of zinc batteries |
US5568353A (en) | 1995-04-03 | 1996-10-22 | Motorola, Inc. | Electrochemical capacitor and method of making same |
US5569551A (en) | 1995-04-24 | 1996-10-29 | Aer Energy Resources Inc. | Dual air elecrtrode cell |
CA2179577C (en) | 1995-06-22 | 2000-08-01 | Iain Wallace Waugh | Vehicle dual battery controller utilizing motion sensor |
US5757163A (en) | 1995-09-29 | 1998-05-26 | Black & Decker Inc. | Battery Charger and method for simultaneously charging multiple batteries from a single power supply |
US5639568A (en) | 1995-10-16 | 1997-06-17 | Aer Energy Resources, Inc. | Split anode for a dual air electrode cell |
US5920179A (en) | 1997-05-05 | 1999-07-06 | Aer Energy Resources, Inc. | System and method for balancing charge cycles for batteries or multiple-cell battery packs |
US5891589A (en) | 1997-05-19 | 1999-04-06 | Aer Energy Resources, Inc. | Method and apparatus for joining metal-air cells |
-
2001
- 2001-12-21 US US10/028,464 patent/US6586909B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (32)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20100052616A1 (en) * | 2002-05-30 | 2010-03-04 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Secondary cell replacing method |
US20030224241A1 (en) * | 2002-05-30 | 2003-12-04 | Masahiro Takada | Secondary cell replacing method |
US7998609B2 (en) * | 2002-05-30 | 2011-08-16 | Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha | Secondary cell replacing method |
WO2005124965A2 (en) * | 2004-06-09 | 2005-12-29 | International Components Corporation | Multiple cell battery charger configured with a parallel topology |
WO2005124965A3 (en) * | 2004-06-09 | 2006-03-16 | Internat Components Corp | Multiple cell battery charger configured with a parallel topology |
US8860372B2 (en) | 2004-06-09 | 2014-10-14 | Icc-Nexergy, Inc. | Multiple cell battery charger configured with a parallel topology |
US20100213898A1 (en) * | 2005-11-01 | 2010-08-26 | Aerovironment, Inc. | Motive power dual battery pack |
US20070139012A1 (en) * | 2005-11-01 | 2007-06-21 | Aerovironment, Inc. | Motive power dual battery pack |
US7576513B1 (en) * | 2006-04-26 | 2009-08-18 | Nierescher David S | Battery charger configuration reducing thermal conduction |
US20110135972A1 (en) * | 2006-10-16 | 2011-06-09 | Lg Chem, Ltd. | High power secondary battery system comprising asymmetric charged cells |
WO2008048028A1 (en) * | 2006-10-16 | 2008-04-24 | Lg Chem, Ltd. | High power secondary battery system comprising asymmetric charged cells |
US8846224B2 (en) | 2006-10-16 | 2014-09-30 | Lg Chem, Ltd. | High power secondary battery system comprising asymmetric charged cells |
US7952328B2 (en) * | 2007-04-12 | 2011-05-31 | Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. | Multi-battery charging system and method |
US20080252256A1 (en) * | 2007-04-12 | 2008-10-16 | Parker Jeffrey C | Multi-battery charging system and method |
GB2461218B (en) * | 2007-04-12 | 2012-03-21 | Hewlett Packard Development Co | Multi-battery charging system and method |
DE112008000909B4 (en) * | 2007-04-12 | 2012-10-31 | Hewlett-Packard Development Co., L.P. | Multi-battery charging system and method |
US20170203659A1 (en) * | 2008-02-19 | 2017-07-20 | Bloom Enegy Corporation | Fuel cell system for charging an electric vehicle |
FR2955000A1 (en) * | 2010-01-05 | 2011-07-08 | Claude Meunier | Regeneration device for batteries i.e. lead-acid batteries, has derivation case with analysis unit for analyzing state of batteries and controlling qualitatively and quantitatively current directed from main line towards secondary line |
US20140015496A1 (en) * | 2012-07-02 | 2014-01-16 | Omron Automotive Electronics Co., Ltd. | Charging device |
WO2014031028A1 (en) * | 2012-08-20 | 2014-02-27 | Akkuratov Alexander Vladimirovich | Electric power supply method and device for carrying out said method |
EP2874270B1 (en) * | 2012-09-18 | 2019-03-20 | Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba | Battery pack and electric vehicle |
US20140342193A1 (en) * | 2013-05-17 | 2014-11-20 | Tenergy Corporation | Smart battery system |
US9419448B1 (en) * | 2013-06-18 | 2016-08-16 | Cree Fayetteville, Inc. | Multi-module, scalable, high power density, radiation-hardened power converter interface system |
US20180260092A1 (en) * | 2016-02-17 | 2018-09-13 | Christopher Alsante | Consumer electronic entertainment and display system |
US10838613B2 (en) * | 2016-02-17 | 2020-11-17 | Trufan Llc | Consumer electronic entertainment and display system |
WO2018054926A1 (en) * | 2016-09-21 | 2018-03-29 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V. | Device and method for supplying energy to a plurality of energy storage components and/or for providing energy stored in the energy storage components |
US10862315B2 (en) | 2016-09-21 | 2020-12-08 | Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft Zur Foerderung Der Angewandten Forschung E.V. | Device and method for supplying energy to a plurality of energy storage components and/or for providing energy stored within the energy storage components |
US11407319B2 (en) * | 2017-10-17 | 2022-08-09 | Dr. Ing. H. C. F. Porsche Ag | Method and apparatus for charging an energy store |
EP3705337A4 (en) * | 2017-11-02 | 2021-08-11 | NIO (Anhui) Holding Co., Ltd. | Charging connector, charging device, kit, and method |
TWI763862B (en) * | 2017-11-02 | 2022-05-11 | 大陸商蔚來(安徽)控股有限公司 | Charging connector, charging device and kit and charging method |
WO2019172964A1 (en) * | 2018-03-05 | 2019-09-12 | Trufan Llc | Consumer electronic entertainment and display system |
WO2022081554A1 (en) * | 2020-10-13 | 2022-04-21 | Primex Wireless, Inc. | Series-connected battery cell charger with cell balancing |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US6586909B1 (en) | 2003-07-01 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6586909B1 (en) | Parallel battery charging device | |
JP3869585B2 (en) | Discharge method of multiple secondary batteries and assembled battery | |
US6511764B1 (en) | Voltaic pile with charge equalizing system | |
US8993140B2 (en) | Rechargeable battery cell and battery | |
CN103069682A (en) | Balancing system for power battery and corresponding load balancing method | |
WO2009128081A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for battery-pack performance optimization | |
KR20100020477A (en) | Battery pack and battery system | |
JPH09121461A (en) | Self-charging battery and electric apparatus employing it | |
US6377023B1 (en) | Charging control system for a battery of electric storage cells and in particular a battery of lithium cells | |
US6265877B1 (en) | Method for determining an end of discharge voltage for a secondary battery | |
JP2002078229A (en) | Charging/discharging device for secondary battery | |
US10833352B2 (en) | Vehicle having a lithium-ion battery | |
JP2001008373A (en) | Battery unit and charging method of battery | |
CA2360361A1 (en) | Energy monitoring and charging system | |
US20230261487A1 (en) | Charging method, charging apparatus, and charging system for traction battery | |
US20200139834A1 (en) | Battery-backed dc fast charging system | |
JP3583303B2 (en) | Charge / discharge control method and device for multi-stage connected secondary battery | |
WO2024069759A1 (en) | Electric discharge control device and storage battery system | |
US20230261504A1 (en) | Charging method, charging apparatus, and charging system for traction battery | |
US20230133126A1 (en) | Battery system and method for controlling a battery system | |
CN216374333U (en) | Charging system of mobile electricity supplementing vehicle | |
AU2004203624B2 (en) | Energy monitoring and charging system | |
WO2021091821A1 (en) | Battery-backed dc fast charging system | |
KR20220075004A (en) | Charging device and system capable of charging multiple batteries | |
JPH06295746A (en) | Charging method for storage battery group |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: ZINC AIR POWER CORPORATION, OHIO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:TREPKA, RON;REEL/FRAME:012404/0243 Effective date: 20011212 |
|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: RON TREPKA, OHIO Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:ZINC AIR POWER CORPORATION;REEL/FRAME:014069/0174 Effective date: 20030509 |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 4 |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 8 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: PATENT HOLDER CLAIMS MICRO ENTITY STATUS, ENTITY STATUS SET TO MICRO (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: STOM); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: MICROENTITY |
|
FPAY | Fee payment |
Year of fee payment: 12 |