Charge rate modulation of metal-air cells as a function of ambient oxygen concentration
First Claim
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1. A method of charging a metal-air battery pack mounted within an electric vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:
- coupling said metal-air battery pack to an external charging power source via a battery charging system;
determining an oxygen concentration level within a first region corresponding to said metal-air battery pack of said electric vehicle;
comparing said oxygen concentration level to a first preset oxygen concentration level;
initiating charging of said metal-air battery pack if said oxygen concentration level is less than said first preset oxygen concentration level, and if said oxygen concentration level is greater than said first preset oxygen concentration level, performing the steps of;
suspending charging of said metal-air battery pack;
comparing said oxygen concentration level to a second preset oxygen concentration level; and
resuming charging of said metal-air battery pack when said oxygen concentration level falls below said second preset oxygen concentration level.
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Abstract
A method for charging a metal-air battery pack at the maximum possible rate while maintaining an ambient oxygen concentration below a preset concentration is provided, thereby minimizing the risks associated with generating oxygen during the charging cycle.
26 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A method of charging a metal-air battery pack mounted within an electric vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:
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coupling said metal-air battery pack to an external charging power source via a battery charging system; determining an oxygen concentration level within a first region corresponding to said metal-air battery pack of said electric vehicle; comparing said oxygen concentration level to a first preset oxygen concentration level; initiating charging of said metal-air battery pack if said oxygen concentration level is less than said first preset oxygen concentration level, and if said oxygen concentration level is greater than said first preset oxygen concentration level, performing the steps of; suspending charging of said metal-air battery pack; comparing said oxygen concentration level to a second preset oxygen concentration level; and resuming charging of said metal-air battery pack when said oxygen concentration level falls below said second preset oxygen concentration level. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification