49results about "Battery charging means" patented technology

A hybrid battery power source for implantable medical use provides a generally constant low internal resistance during discharge and avoids voltage delays of the type that develop as a result of run down-induced resistance increase in Li / SVO cells. The hybrid battery power source utilizes two batteries or cells, one being a primary cell of relatively high energy density and the other being a secondary cell of relatively low internal resistance that is rechargeable. The primary and secondary cells are connected in a parallel arrangement via a voltage boost / charge control circuit that is powered by the primary cell and adapted to charge the secondary cell while limiting charge / discharge excursions thereof in a manner that optimizes its output for high energy medical device use. The energy storage capacitors of the medical device in which the hybrid battery power source is situated are driven by the secondary cell. The primary cell is used to as an energy source for recharging the secondary cell.

A system and method for improving the performance of a hybrid power supply apparatus comprising a power generating device, such as a fuel cell, and a primary energy storage device, such as a battery. The purpose of the invention is to provide an equalization charge to the battery from a source other than the fuel cell when the battery achieves a predetermined state of charge condition, thereby avoiding the need to operate the fuel cell in a low power output mode. When the predetermined state of charge condition is detected by a controller, the fuel cell is shut-down. In one aspect of the invention the equalization charge is provided to the battery by a secondary energy storage device, such as a plurality of capacitors or secondary batteries. The predetermined state of charge condition may be satisfied, for example, when the state of charge of the battery exceeds a predetermined threshold, such as 80% of the battery's storage capacity, for a predetermined period of time. In some aspects of the invention, the secondary energy storage device may also be connectable to the load. Preferably the system also includes a DC / DC converter for regulating current flow between the fuel cell and the storage devices.

Charging apparatus 10 includes secondary battery 13 used for buffering, rectifier 11 that supplies direct current power to secondary battery 13 used for buffering, DC-DC converter 14 connected to driving battery 3 in electric vehicle 2 via charging cable 4, switching control circuit 12, and isothermal wind generator 16 that adjusts the temperature of secondary battery 13 used for buffering from outside of secondary battery 13 used for buffering. Switching control circuit 12 switches charging apparatus 10 between a first mode in which power supplied by rectifier 11 is accumulated in secondary battery 13 used for buffering and a second mode in which driving battery 3 is charged with the power supplied by secondary battery 13 used for buffering. Secondary battery 13 used for buffering includes at least one cell in which a battery element with a positive electrode plate and a negative electrode plate that are laminated therein is sealed with an outer cover film.

A hybrid battery system is provided for extending the shelf-life of rechargeable batteries. The hybrid battery system may contain sets of non-rechargeable and rechargeable batteries respectively. As the rechargeable batteries are discharged (e.g., from self-discharge), the hybrid battery system may utilize the non-rechargeable batteries to maintain the rechargeable batteries at a preferred state of charge. A preferred state of charge may be selected to extend the shelf-life of the rechargeable batteries. Alternatively, a signal may change the preferred state of charge to prepare the rechargeable batteries for use or for other reasons. The hybrid battery system may contain modular components, thereby allowing for easy replacement of defective or otherwise unsuitable non-rechargeable batteries, rechargeable batteries, or supporting electronics.