Apparatus and method for automatic recovery of sulfated lead acid batteries
US6242886A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 25, 1999 |
| Grant date | Jun 5, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 25, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02E60/10
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Apparatus and method for automatic recovery of sulfated lead acid batteries rely on monitoring battery voltage, current and internal resistance during battery charging. The lead acid battery is recovered for usage by measuring the internal resistance to see if it is so high such that the battery is unrecoverable, or so low such that the normal charging methods can be used. If the internal resistance is between the two limits, the battery receives a first constant charge current. As the lead acid battery is being charged slowly by a constant charge current, the battery voltage is measured. The decrease in the internal resistance (IR) of the battery causes the battery voltage to decrease during charging, while the charging causes the battery voltage to increase. According to the present invention, if it is detected that the battery voltage has reached the minimum voltage and begun to increase in a predetermined period of time, the charge current is substantially increased (e.g., doubled) because the capability of the lead acid battery to accept a higher charge current has increased. As the charge current is increased, the recovery and charging of the lead acid battery arc advantageou…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.