Battery management system and apparatus

• US 20050143955A1
• Filed: 12/29/2004
• Published: 06/30/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/30/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Askality, LLC
• Original Assignee: BatteryCorp, Inc.
• Inventors: Quint, Jonathan B., Dworkin, Steven H.
• Granted Patent: US 7,206,704 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 702/183
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/3648 comprising digital calculation means, e.g. for performing an algorithm
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/385 Arrangements for measuring battery or accumulator variables for monitoring G01R31/382
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/48 Accumulators combined with arrangements for measuring, testing or indicating the condition of cells, e.g. the level or density of the electrolyte constructional details of current conducting connections for detecting conditions inside cells or batteries, e.g. details of voltage sensing terminals, H01M50/569
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

The invention relates to the management of large stationary batteries. The invention is a comprehensive process for the management of stationary batteries that are used for backup power and are deployed in widely dispersed locations. The OMS™ (Optimization Management System) solution is comprised of Mega-Tags (preferably serialized bar-coded identification labels), a battery testing and data acquisition device, and web-based software. The OMS™ system employs algorithmic testing to determine whether a particular battery unit needs to be replaced or whether it can be advantageously redeployed. These components work together to provide a platform for managing a large number of perishable, expensive, and geographically dispersed assets.

Claims

1. A battery testing and replacement notification method comprising the steps of:

identifying batteries and a site for each identified battery;

creating a unique identifier for each identified battery;

testing each identified battery to acquire test results and loading the test results in a computer;

generating a set of business rules;

the set of business rules having a plurality of values;

applying the set of business rules to the test results;

generating a status notification signal based on a comparison of the test results to a value.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of examining each battery for physical indicia of damage.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of values comprises an age value, an impedance value, and a conductance value.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the age value is within a range of about 24 to about 48 months.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the impedance value is about 2.87 milliohms.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the conductance value is about a number 25% lower than an average of a battery string.

7. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of compiling the test results for each battery and calculating a percentage of batteries that generate a replacement notification signal.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising the step of generating a string replacement signal if the percentage of batteries that generate a replacement notification signal is greater than 40%.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the business rules further comprise an automated test signal to schedule battery testing at the end of a period.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the period is 12 months.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein a replacement notification signal comprises instructions for battery replacement keyed to a battery unit to be replaced.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the instructions for battery replacement further comprise recycling instructions.

13. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of replacing a battery if the battery is damaged.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of generating a replacement notification signal if other batteries are to be replaced at a same location.

15. A battery testing and replacement notification method comprising the steps of:

identifying batteries and a site for each identified battery;

creating a unique identifier for each identified battery;

testing each identified battery to acquire test results and loading the test results in a computer;

generating a set of business rules;

the set of business rules having a plurality of values;

the plurality of values comprising an age value and an impedance value;

applying the set of business rules to the test results;

generating a replacement notification signal based on a comparison of the test results to a value.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the plurality of values further comprises a conductance value.