Battery self-warming mechanism using the inverter and the battery main disconnect circuitry
First Claim
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1. An apparatus connected to an energy storage device for powering an electric motor and providing a warming function for the energy storage device, said apparatus comprising:
- a circuit connected to the electric motor and the energy storage device for generating an alternating current; and
switching means operably associated with the circuit for selectively directing the alternating current to one of the electric motor and the energy storage device.
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Abstract
An apparatus connected to an energy storage device for powering an electric motor and optionally providing a warming function for the energy storage device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a circuit connected to the electric motor and the energy storage device for generating a current. The apparatus also includes a switching device operably associated with the circuit for selectively directing the current to one of the electric motor and the energy storage device.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus connected to an energy storage device for powering an electric motor and providing a warming function for the energy storage device, said apparatus comprising:
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a circuit connected to the electric motor and the energy storage device for generating an alternating current; and
switching means operably associated with the circuit for selectively directing the alternating current to one of the electric motor and the energy storage device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3)
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4. A circuit for powering an electric motor and warming an energy storage device, the energy storage device including at least first and second cells having positive and negative terminals and a centertap formed between the first and second cells, the circuit comprising:
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an inverter circuit connected to the energy storage device for generating an alternating current; and
a switching device connected to the positive and negative terminals and to the centertap of the energy storage device, the switching device operably associated with the inverter circuit for selectively controlling the alternating current flow to one of the electrical motor and the energy storage device;
the switching device providing a first electrical connection between the centertap of the energy storage device and the inverter circuit for directing the alternating current through the energy storage device for generating heat; and
the switching device providing a second electrical connection between the inverter circuit and the electrical motor for directing the alternating current to the electric motor. - View Dependent Claims (5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A circuit for powering an electric motor and warming an energy storage device, the energy storage device including first and second cells having a centertap formed therebetween and positive and negative terminals at each end of the energy storage device, the circuit comprising:
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an inverter circuit connected to the electric motor and the positive and negative terminals of the energy storage device, the inverter having a plurality of current switching branches for generating an alternating current, each current switching branch having upper and lower nodes for connecting each current switching branch to the energy storage device, and a common node for connecting each current switching branch to the electric motor; and
a disconnect circuit connected to the inverter circuit and the energy storage device operable for switching between a first mode and a second mode;
the first mode directing the alternating current from the energy storage device to the current switching branches of the inverter circuit for powering the electric motor; and
the second mode isolating a first branch of the inverter circuit from the remaining branches of the inverter circuit and the electric motor, wherein the first isolated branch can be switched for circulating the alternating current through the energy storage device. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification