Safety device for managing batteries
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A safety device for balancing a plurality of cells or groups of cells connected in series, or in parallel and in series, comprising:
- a. a controller assembly comprising an analog controller and a digital controller with the plurality of cells or groups of cells connected in series;
b. a disconnect circuit, comprising a charge switch and a discharge switch connected in series, engaging the controller assembly and the plurality of cells or groups of cells connected in series;
c. a pack sensing circuit comprising a member selected from the group consisting of a means for measuring temperature, a means for measuring current, and a means for measuring cell voltages; and
wherein the pack sensing circuit connects to the controller assembly and the plurality of cells or groups of cells connected in series;
d. a balancing circuit comprising a shunt resistor connected to a by-pass switch, wherein the balancing circuit connects between the plurality of cells or groups of cells connected in series and engages the controller assembly; and
e. computer instructions for instructing the controller assembly within the safety device to control the disconnect circuit and the balancing circuit; and
wherein the plurality of cells or groups of cells connected in series are balanced when operating in a charging phase, a discharging phase, a quiescent phase, and a storage phase.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A safety device for lithium ion cells or groups of lithium ion cells connected in parallel and in series by providing a continuously balanced state of charge while in a discharge phase, a charge phase, a quiescent phase, a storage phase, or combinations of these phases.
22 Citations
16 Claims
-
1. A safety device for balancing a plurality of cells or groups of cells connected in series, or in parallel and in series, comprising:
-
a. a controller assembly comprising an analog controller and a digital controller with the plurality of cells or groups of cells connected in series; b. a disconnect circuit, comprising a charge switch and a discharge switch connected in series, engaging the controller assembly and the plurality of cells or groups of cells connected in series; c. a pack sensing circuit comprising a member selected from the group consisting of a means for measuring temperature, a means for measuring current, and a means for measuring cell voltages; and
wherein the pack sensing circuit connects to the controller assembly and the plurality of cells or groups of cells connected in series;d. a balancing circuit comprising a shunt resistor connected to a by-pass switch, wherein the balancing circuit connects between the plurality of cells or groups of cells connected in series and engages the controller assembly; and e. computer instructions for instructing the controller assembly within the safety device to control the disconnect circuit and the balancing circuit; and
wherein the plurality of cells or groups of cells connected in series are balanced when operating in a charging phase, a discharging phase, a quiescent phase, and a storage phase. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
-
Specification