Apparatus and method for charging batteries
US4388582A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 5, 1982 |
| Grant date | Jun 14, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 5, 2002 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02J7/00718
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus are presented for charging batteries at a high rate without damaging or reducing the life of the battery. The method comprises monitoring the level of energy stored in the battery, preferably by monitoring a particular battery characteristic. The variation of the characteristic with time is analyzed, preferably by measuring successive values of the characteristic, computing the slope and comparing successive slope values so as to identify inflection points and other significant events in the variation of the characteristic. Apparatus for performing these methods and for controlling the supply of energy is disclosed which comprises suitable power supply and a programed microcomputer for measuring successive values of the characteristic, performing the required computations, and controlling the supply of energy applied to the battery by the power supply.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.