Battery equalizer using total string current
First Claim
1. A method for charging a plurality of batteries in a battery string to a desired voltage, comprising the steps of:
- drawing an equal string current from each of the plurality of batteries; and
redistributing the string current by providing a plurality of secondary charging currents to each of the plurality of batteries, wherein the size of the secondary current applied to a particular battery is inverse to the size of the voltage of the particular battery.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system for equalizing the voltage of batteries in a battery string to a desired voltage. An equal string current is drawn from the batteries of the battery string and redistributed as a plurality of secondary currents to each battery depending upon the comparative voltage of the individual batteries. A larger secondary current is provided to batteries having a low voltage and a smaller secondary current is provided to batteries having a high voltage. A transformer is provided electrically connected to the battery string having an input winding connected to the battery string such that it receives an equal string current from each battery. The transformer has a plurality of output windings having an equal turn ratio, each output winding in parallel with a battery of the battery string, to provide a secondary charging current to a battery in the battery string.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for charging a plurality of batteries in a battery string to a desired voltage, comprising the steps of:
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drawing an equal string current from each of the plurality of batteries; and
redistributing the string current by providing a plurality of secondary charging currents to each of the plurality of batteries, wherein the size of the secondary current applied to a particular battery is inverse to the size of the voltage of the particular battery. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A method for equalizing the voltage of batteries in a battery string to a desired voltage, comprising the steps of:
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providing a transformer electrically connected to the battery string;
drawing an equal string current from the battery string;
providing the string current to the transformer; and
utilizing the transformer to provide a secondary current to each of the plurality of batteries, wherein the size of the secondary current provided to a particular battery is inverse to the size of the voltage of the particular battery. - View Dependent Claims (6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for equalizing the voltage of a plurality of batteries of a battery string, comprising the steps of:
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drawing an equal string current from each of the plurality of batteries;
providing the string current to an input winding of a transformer;
inducing a voltage in the input winding of the transformer;
inducing an output voltage in a plurality of output windings of the transformer, wherein the output windings are connected in parallel with each of the plurality of batteries; and
providing a secondary current from the output winding in each output circuit to each of the plurality of batteries, wherein the size of the secondary current provided to each battery is inverse to the size of the voltage of the battery. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12)
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13. A battery equalizer for equalizing the charge of a plurality of batteries in a battery string, comprising:
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an input winding of a transformer in connection with the battery string so as to receive an equal string current from each of the plurality of batteries of the battery string;
a plurality of output windings, each of the output windings in parallel connection in an output circuit with each of the batteries, wherein a turn ratio of each of the output windings is equivalent. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A system for charging a plurality of batteries, to a desired voltage comprising:
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a plurality of batteries connected in a battery string;
an input winding of a flyback transformer connected to the battery string, such that a string current flows through the input winding; and
a plurality of output windings of the transformer, each of the output windings connected in parallel to one of the plurality of batteries in an output circuit, wherein the turn ratios of the output windings are equal; and
a charger for regulating a charging current to the battery string such that the battery string is at a target voltage. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification