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Method for monitoring automotive battery status

  • US 4,937,528 A
  • Filed: 10/14/1988
  • Issued: 06/26/1990
  • Est. Priority Date: 10/14/1988
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method for monitoring a vehicle storage battery, which comprises the steps of:

  • (a) measuring continuously the ambient temperature, the battery voltage, the alternator/regulator output voltage, and the current to and from said battery;

    (b) analyzing said current-voltage (I-V) data to determine the internal resistance and polarization of said battery said, internal resistance of said battery being determined from the instantaneous change in voltage at the beginning or at the end of a current input to or output from the battery which instantaneous change in voltage is caused by switching on or switching off charge pulse current to or discharge pulse current from said battery and said polarization of said battery being determined from a change in voltage during a predetermined time interval immediately following said instantaneous change;

    (c) determining the state of charge, and fault conditions, including fault conditions produced by corroded terminals, and low electrolyte level;

    (d) determining the low temperature starting limit by comparing the battery'"'"'s power output capability with starting power requirements of said vehicle; and

    (e) indicating data produced by said comparison.

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