Method and apparatus for ameliorating electrolyte stratification during rapid charging
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for charging a rechargeable lead-acid battery, said apparatus comprising:
- generator means for generating a charging current for charging the battery, and an overcharge current increment to be added to the charging current to yield an overcharge current; and
, controller means for controlling said generator means, said controller means including (a) feedback means for determining at least one of a charge acceptance ability and a state of charge of the rechargeable lead-acid battery during recharging;
(b) overcharge instruction means for determining the overcharge current, the overcharge current exceeding the charge acceptance ability of the battery; and
, (c) current control means for controlling the generator to supply the charging current and the overcharge current increment, the current control means being operable to deliver the overcharge current to the battery during charging.
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for recharging a rechargeable lead acid battery. The apparatus supplies an overcharge current to the battery during and before completion of recharging of the battery to ameliorate stratification of the battery.
26 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An apparatus for charging a rechargeable lead-acid battery, said apparatus comprising:
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generator means for generating a charging current for charging the battery, and an overcharge current increment to be added to the charging current to yield an overcharge current; and
,controller means for controlling said generator means, said controller means including (a) feedback means for determining at least one of a charge acceptance ability and a state of charge of the rechargeable lead-acid battery during recharging;
(b) overcharge instruction means for determining the overcharge current, the overcharge current exceeding the charge acceptance ability of the battery; and
,(c) current control means for controlling the generator to supply the charging current and the overcharge current increment, the current control means being operable to deliver the overcharge current to the battery during charging. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method for recharging a rechargeable lead-acid battery, the method comprising:
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(a) generating a charging current for charging the battery;
(b) supplying the charging current to the battery;
(c) determining at least one of a charge acceptance ability and a state of charge of the rechargeable lead-acid battery;
(d) determining the overcharge current, the overcharge current exceeding the charge acceptance ability of the battery;
(e) determining an overcharge current increment to be added to the charging current to yield the overcharge current; and
(f) during step (b), supplying the overcharge current increment to the battery, the current control means being operable to deliver the overcharge current to the battery during charging. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification