Method and apparatus for processing batteries
First Claim
1. Apparatus for processing a rechargeable battery, comprising processor means for monitoring the rate of change of voltage of the battery when it is being discharged in the course of a discharge procedure in which its charge is substantially depleted and for terminating the discharge procedure after detecting that the voltage has passed through a termination pattern determined by the processor means with reference to said rate of change.
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Abstract
A method and apparatus for processing rechargeable batteries include using a processor arranged to monitor the voltage of a battery when it is being discharged and to terminate the discharge after detecting that the rate of change of the voltage has passed through a termination pattern indicative of exhaustion of a cell of the battery. The determination is made by monitoring the voltage during discharge and detecting when the voltage curve thereof exhibits first convexity followed by concavity. The degree of convexity and concavity, and the time interval within which they must occur, are determined by the processor. The discharge is also terminated if the voltage reaches a predetermined voltage or if, after the termination pattern is detected, and before the voltage has reached a predetermined voltage, a predetermined amount of charge is removed from the battery. The invention also envisages recharging the battery first at high rate until the amount of charge returned to the battery is no more than the charge removed from the battery before the discharge was terminated. The charge may then be continued at a lower rate until the battery is overcharged to a predetermined extent.
34 Citations
32 Claims
- 1. Apparatus for processing a rechargeable battery, comprising processor means for monitoring the rate of change of voltage of the battery when it is being discharged in the course of a discharge procedure in which its charge is substantially depleted and for terminating the discharge procedure after detecting that the voltage has passed through a termination pattern determined by the processor means with reference to said rate of change.
- 10. A method of processing a rechargeable battery comprising the steps of providing processor means which are arranged to monitor the rate of change of voltage of the battery when it is being discharged in the course of a discharge procedure in which its charge is substantially depleted and to terminate the discharge procedure after detecting that the voltage has passed through a termination pattern determined by the processor means with reference to said rate of change.
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20. Apparatus for processing a rechargeable battery, comprising processor means for monitoring the rate of change of voltage of the battery when it is being discharged in the course of a discharge procedure in which its charge is substantially depleted and for terminating the discharge after detecting that the voltage has passed through a termination pattern determined by the processor means with reference to said rate of change,
said termination pattern corresponding to a pattern indicative of exhaustion of a cell of the battery, and said processor means terminating the discharge if, before said termination pattern is detected, the voltage reaches a value substantially corresponding to a predetermined discharge termination voltage of the battery.
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26. A method of processing a rechargeable battery comprising the steps of providing processor means which are arranged to monitor the rate of change of voltage of the battery when it is being discharged in the course of a discharge procedure in which its charge is substantially depleted and to terminate the discharge procedure after detecting that the voltage has passed through a termination pattern determined by the processor means with reference to said rate of change,
said termination pattern corresponding to a pattern indicative of exhaustion of a cell of the battery, and the processor means being arranged to terminate the discharge procedure if, before said termination pattern is detected, the voltage reaches a value substantially corresponding to a predetermined discharge termination voltage of the battery.
Specification