Controlling re-charge of a nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) or nickel cadmuim (NiCd) battery
US7129676B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 2003 |
| Grant date | Oct 31, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 13, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH02J9/062
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A method of charging a NiMH or NiCd battery such that charging does not occupy a substantial amount of time and such that the operating temperature of the battery is reduced during the lifetime of the battery, thereby extending the life of the battery. This invention is a method of charging that is accomplished using a temperature differential method to continuously regulate the rate of charge injected into the battery. An amplifier is used to amplify the difference in temperature between one or more cases in which the battery is contained and ambient temperature. In this method, the greater the difference in temperature, the lower the charging current is injected into the battery. The method of charging may be incorporated into uninterruptible power supply equipment.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.