Automatic battery charger with voltage controlled charging and ripple voltage test
US6586913B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 26, 2001 |
| Grant date | Jul 1, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 12, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02T10/92
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method and apparatus for charging a battery. A voltage controlled charger applies an initial charging signal and measures the battery terminal voltage. If the measured terminal voltage exceeds an upper threshold, the charger reduces the charging signal. If the measured terminal voltage falls below a lower threshold, the charger increases the charging signal. If the measured terminal voltage falls between the upper and the lower thresholds, the charger maintains the charging signal. Thereby, the charger substantially prevents the charging signal from exceeding the battery gassing potential during the charging process. The method and apparatus also desulfate deeply discharged batteries. The method and apparatus monitor a ripple voltage associated with the battery terminals to assess battery charge acceptance and battery quality. The amount of tolerable ripple voltage preferably decreases as the charging process proceeds.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.