Electric battery having autonomous watering and acid mixing systems
First Claim
1. An electric battery having a plurality of aqueous electrolyte cells, said battery being connectable to a fluid source for replenishing fluid in said cells, said battery comprising:
- a fluid conduit fixed to said battery and capable of being connected in fluid communication with said fluid source, said fluid conduit being in fluid communication with said cells;
a valve system operatively associated with said fluid conduit for controlling fluid flow from said fluid source, through said fluid conduit and to said cells;
an electrolyte level sensor capable of generating signals indicative of an amount of electrolyte in at least one of said cells; and
a controller attached to said battery and in communication with said electrolyte level sensor and said valve system, said controller controlling said valve system to allow fluid to flow to said cells in response to signals from said level sensor indicative of a deficient amount of electrolyte in said cells, and preventing fluid flow to said cells in response to signals from said level sensor indicative of a sufficient amount of electrolyte in said cells.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A liquid electrolyte battery is disclosed having autonomous watering and electrolyte mixing systems. Watering is effected through a fluid conduit and a valve system mounted on the battery providing fluid communication and flow control between a fluid source and the battery cells. Mixing of the electrolyte is effected by pumping air into the battery cells to prevent acid stratification during charging using an air conduit and air pump mounted on the battery. The fluid conduit provides fluid communication between the air pump and the cells. A controller mounted on the battery receives input signals from various sensors indicative of electrolyte level and charging status and controls the valve system and the air pump to effect watering and electrolyte mixing. A protective cover is mounted on the battery to restrict access to the controller and the air pump.
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Citations
33 Claims
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1. An electric battery having a plurality of aqueous electrolyte cells, said battery being connectable to a fluid source for replenishing fluid in said cells, said battery comprising:
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a fluid conduit fixed to said battery and capable of being connected in fluid communication with said fluid source, said fluid conduit being in fluid communication with said cells;
a valve system operatively associated with said fluid conduit for controlling fluid flow from said fluid source, through said fluid conduit and to said cells;
an electrolyte level sensor capable of generating signals indicative of an amount of electrolyte in at least one of said cells; and
a controller attached to said battery and in communication with said electrolyte level sensor and said valve system, said controller controlling said valve system to allow fluid to flow to said cells in response to signals from said level sensor indicative of a deficient amount of electrolyte in said cells, and preventing fluid flow to said cells in response to signals from said level sensor indicative of a sufficient amount of electrolyte in said cells. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. An electric battery having a plurality of aqueous electrolyte cells, said battery comprising:
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an air pump fixed to said battery;
an air conduit fixed to said battery and in fluid communication with said air pump, said air conduit extending to each of said cells and providing fluid communication between said air pump and said cells;
a charging sensor attached to said battery and capable of generating signals indicating when said battery is being charged; and
a controller in communication with said charging sensor and said air pump, said controller activating said air pump in response to said signals from said charging sensor indicating that said battery is being charged, said air pump pumping air into said cells to promote mixing of said electrolyte and thereby prevent acid stratification during charging. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. An electric battery having an aqueous electrolyte, said battery comprising:
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a plurality of first cells holding said electrolyte;
a first air pump;
a first air conduit in fluid communication with said first air pump and extending to said first cells to provide fluid communication between said first air conduit and each of said first cells;
a plurality of second cells holding said electrolyte;
a second air pump;
a second air conduit in fluid communication with said second air pump and extending to said second cells to provide fluid communication between said second air conduit and each of said second cells;
a sensor capable of generating signals indicating when said battery is being charged; and
a controller in communication with said sensor and said first and second air pumps, said controller activating said air pumps in response to said signals from said sensor indicating that said battery is being charged, said air pump pumping air into said first and second cells to promote mixing of said electrolyte and thereby prevent acid stratification during charging. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26)
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27. A method of mixing electrolyte in cells of an electric battery having a liquid electrolyte to prevent stratification, said method comprising the steps of:
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sensing when said battery is being charged; and
pumping air into said electrolyte within said cells during charging using an air pump mounted on said battery in fluid communication with said cells through a conduit fixed to said battery. - View Dependent Claims (28, 29, 30, 31)
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32. A method of replenishing fluid to cells of an electric battery having a liquid electrolyte, said method comprising the steps of:
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connecting said battery to a fluid source;
sensing when said electrolyte in said battery is low; and
allowing fluid to flow from said fluid source to said cells through a conduit fixed to said battery. - View Dependent Claims (33)
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Specification