Energy management system for automotive vehicle

• US 6,331,762 B1
• Filed: 05/04/2000
• Issued: 12/18/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 11/03/1997
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Midtronics Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Midtronics Incorporated
• Inventors: Bertness, Kevin I.
• Primary Examiner(s): TOATLEY, GREGORY J
• Application Number:
  US09/564,740
• Time in Patent Office: 593 Days
• Field of Search: 320/134, 320/139, 324/426, 324/430
• US Class Current: 320/134
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/007 using microprocessors or computers
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/3647 for determining the ability of a battery to perform a critical function, e.g. cranking
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/3648 comprising digital calculation means, e.g. for performing an algorithm
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/374 with means for correcting the measurement for temperature or ageing
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/385 Arrangements for measuring battery or accumulator variables for monitoring G01R31/382
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 31/389 Measuring internal impedance, internal conductance or related variables
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00036 Charger exchanging data with battery
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00041 in response to measured battery parameters, e.g. voltage, current or temperature profile
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00047 with provisions for charging different types of batteries
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/00712 the cycle being controlled or terminated in response to electric parameters
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/163 with special means for initiating or limiting the excitation current

Abstract

A battery monitor is provided for use with a battery of an automotive vehicle. The battery monitor can provide real time battery condition measurements and can selectively control the charging of the battery through an alternator of the vehicle based upon the measured battery condition.

Claims

1. A method of charging a battery in a vehicle having an internal combustion engine configured to drive an alternator electrically coupled to the battery and adapted to charge the battery with a charge signal applied to the battery, the method comprising:

coupling to the battery through a four point Kelvin connection;

measuring a dynamic parameter of the battery using the Kelvin connection, the dynamic parameter measurement a function of a time varying signal;

determining a condition of the battery as a function of the measured dynamic parameter; and

controlling the charge signal in response to the determined condition of the battery.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein determining a condition of the battery includes determining a state of charge of the battery and wherein the charge signal is controlled according to the determined state of charge.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein controlling the charge signal comprises regulating a charging voltage applied to the battery according to the determined condition of the battery.

4. The method of claim 2 wherein controlling the charge signal comprises regulating a charging voltage applied to the battery according to the determined state of charge.

26. The method of claim 1 including sensing electrical current through the battery and wherein controlling the charge signal is further in response to the sensed electrical current.

27. The method of claim 1 wherein controlling the charge signal comprises controlling an alternator of the vehicle.

28. The method of claim 1 including responsively controlling a vehicle performance parameter based upon the determined condition of the battery.

29. The method of claim 1 including determining a likelihood that the engine of the vehicle will start.

30. The method claim 29 wherein determining the likelihood that the vehicle will start is a function of a determined state of health and determined state of charge of the battery and stored starting performance data.

31. The method of claim 30 wherein the stored starting performance data includes a previous starting performance of the vehicle under similar conditions.

32. The method of claim 1 including determining whether the battery has been replaced.

33. The method of claim 1 including coupling to an internal databus of the vehicle.

34. The method of claim 1 including applying a forcing function to the battery and wherein measuring a dynamic parameter of the battery is a function of the applied forcing function.

35. The method of claim 1 including providing a user input/output.

36. The method of claim 1 including measuring a voltage drop across a current shunt placed in series with the battery.

37. The method of claim 1 wherein the dynamic parameter is selected from the group of dynamic parameter consisting of dynamic resistance, dynamic conductance, dynamic admittance, dynamic impedance and their combinations.

38. The method of claim 1 wherein determining a condition of the battery is based upon a characterization curve which provides a functional relationship between the dynamic parameter and battery condition.

39. The method of claim 1 wherein determining a condition of the battery is adjusted based upon a parameter of the battery.

40. The method of claim 1 wherein the measured dynamic parameter is a function of synchronized voltage and current measurements.

41. The method of claim 1 including detecting a failure of a voltage regulator of the vehicle based upon a measured voltage.

42. The method of claim 1 including detecting a failure of an alternator of the vehicle based upon a measured voltage.

43. The method of claim 1 including measuring battery temperature and wherein determining a condition of the battery is a function of measured battery temperature.

44. The method of claim 1 wherein determining a condition of the battery is a function of Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) capacity of the battery.

45. The method of claim 1 wherein determining a condition of the battery is a function of averaged dynamic measurements from the battery.

46. The method of claim 45 wherein data samples are obtained through an analog to digital converter having a dynamic range substantially equal to a range of the samples.

47. The method of claim 46 including providing an output if battery capacity is less than a threshold level.

48. The method of claim 1 including determining state of charge based upon a parameter selected from the group of parameters consisting of battery state of health, of battery temperature, of battery charge balance, battery charging efficiency and initial battery conditions.

49. The method of claim 1 wherein determining a condition of the battery is based upon artificial intelligence techniques.

50. The method of claim 1 wherein the time varying signal comprises a forcing function applied by selectively coupling a resistive load to the battery.

51. The method of claim 1 wherein the dynamic parameter of the battery is a function of voltage change.

52. The method of claim 1 wherein the dynamic parameter of the battery is a function of change in total current flowing through the battery.

53. The method of claim 1 including providing a “

service battery soon”

output based upon battery condition.

54. The method of claim 1 including diagnosing battery condition.

55. The method of claim 54 wherein diagnosing battery condition is a function of if-then rules.

56. The method of claim 54 wherein diagnosing battery condition is a function of comparison to a threshold.

57. The method of claim 1 wherein determining a battery condition includes applying the dynamic parameter to a neural network.

58. The method of claim 57 including training the neural network.

59. The method of claim 50 wherein the forcing function comprises a square wave.

60. The method of claim 1 wherein determining a condition of the battery comprises determining battery state of charge as a function of battery state of health and battery temperature.

61. The method of claim 60 wherein the state of charge is a function of current flowing into or out of the battery.

62. The method of claim 1 including predicting an ability of the battery to start the engine of the vehicle.

63. The method of claim 62 including monitoring starting performance of the battery and wherein the predicting is based upon the monitored starter performance.

64. The method of claim 63 including removing vehicle electrical loads during starting of the engine.

65. The method of claim 1 including controlling the charge signal based upon idle speed of the engine.

66. The method of claim 1 including controlling the charge signal based upon shift points of a transmission coupled to the engine.

67. The method of claim 1 including controlling the charge signal based upon electrical loads of the vehicle applied to the battery.

68. The method of claim 1 including adjusting an idle speed of the vehicle based upon the determined condition.

69. The method of claim 1 including adjusting shift points of a transmission coupled to the engine based upon the determined condition of the battery.

70. The method of claim 1 wherein controlling the charge signal is further based upon identification of a vehicle operator.

71. The method of claim 1 including controlling the charge signal based upon identification of a driving pattern.

72. The method of claim 1 including reducing the charge signal when the determined condition indicates that the battery is fully charged.

73. The method of claim 1 including monitoring multiple phases produced by the alternator and responsively diagnosing alternator condition.

74. The method of claim 1 including outputting diagnostic information on a databus of the vehicle.

75. The method of claim 1 including outputting diagnostic information on a cellular phone of the vehicle.

76. The method of claim 1 including outputting diagnostic information over a non-physical connection.

77. The method of claim 1 including outputting diagnostic information in the form of a web page.

78. The method of claim 1 wherein the vehicle includes a internet protocol address.

79. The method of claim 1 including diagnosing a condition of a starter motor as a function of the measured dynamic parameter.

80. The method of claim 1 including providing a warranty code output.

81. The method of claim 1 including automatically calibrating the measured dynamic parameter.

82. The method of claim 1 including entering a sleep mode during periods of engine inactivity.

83. The method of claim 1 including identifying a loose or corroded connection to the battery.

84. The method of claim 1 including performing diagnostics on an electrical system of the vehicle when the engine is not operating.

85. The method of claim 1 wherein a Kelvin connection is “

split”

.

86. Computer software configured to implement the method of claim 1.

87. A battery charger in a vehicle which operates in accordance with the method of claim 1.

186. The method of claim 1 wherein determining a battery state of charge is based upon artificial intelligence techniques.

253. The method of claim 1 wherein the standby power system 16 includes a internet protocol address.

5. An apparatus for monitoring the condition of a storage battery while the storage battery is coupled in parallel to an electrical system of an operating vehicle, comprising:

a first electrical connection directly coupled to a positive terminal of the battery;

a second electrical connection directly coupled to a negative terminal of the battery, the first and second electrical connections coupled to a voltmeter to measure a time varying voltage across the battery;

a third electrical connection directly coupled to the positive terminal of the battery;

a fourth electrical connection directly coupled to a negative terminal of the battery the third and fourth electrical connections coupled to a forcing function having a time varying component;

a current sensor electrically in series with the battery; and

a microprocessor configured to determine the condition of the battery as a function of a dynamic parameter of the battery based upon the measured voltage, the forcing function and the current sensed by the current sensor.

6. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising an alternator electrically coupled to the battery and adapted to charge the battery with a charge signal applied to the battery in response to an alternator control signal, wherein the alternator control signal is produced by the microprocessor as a function of the dynamic parameter.

7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the charge signal comprises a charging voltage.

8. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the microprocessor is configured to determine a state of charge of the battery as a function of a dynamic parameter of the battery based upon the measured voltage, the forcing function and the current sensed by the current sensor.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 further comprising an alternator electrically coupled to the battery and adapted to charge the battery with a charge signal applied to the battery in response to an alternator control signal, wherein the alternator control signal is produced by the microprocessor as a function of the determined state of charge.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the charge signal comprises a charging voltage.

11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the microprocessor is further configured to produce a vehicle-performance-parameter control signal based upon the determined state of charge, wherein the vehicle-performance-parameter control signal controls a vehicle performance parameter that affects the magnitude of the charge signal applied to the battery.

12. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the microprocessor is further configured to determine a state of health of the battery as a function of a dynamic parameter of the battery based upon the measured voltage, the forcing function and the current sensed by the current sensor, wherein the apparatus further comprises a computer memory device configured to store data regarding the starting performance of the battery as a function of state of health and state of charge, and wherein the microprocessor is further configured to determine a likelihood that the vehicle will start based upon the determined state of health, the determined state of charge and the stored starting performance data.

88. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the microprocessor is further configured to determine a likelihood that the battery will start an engine of the vehicle.

89. The apparatus claim 88 wherein the determination of likelihood that an engine of the vehicle will start is a function of a determined state of health and determined state of charge of the battery and stored starting performance data.

90. The apparatus of claim 89 wherein the stored starting performance data includes a previous starting performance of the vehicle under similar conditions.

91. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the microprocessor is further configured to determine whether the battery has been replaced.

92. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the microprocessor couples to an internal databus of the vehicle.

93. The apparatus of claim 5 including a forcing function applied to the battery and wherein the dynamic parameter of the battery is a function of the applied forcing function.

94. The apparatus of claim 5 including a user input/output.

95. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the current sensor comprises a voltmeter configured to measure voltage across a current shunt placed in series with the battery.

96. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the dynamic parameter is selected from the group of dynamic parameter consisting of dynamic resistance, dynamic conductance, dynamic admittance, dynamic impedance and their combinations.

97. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the condition of the battery is determined based upon a characterization curve which provides a functional relationship between the dynamic parameter an d battery condition.

98. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the condition of the battery is adjusted based upon a parameter of the battery.

99. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the measured dynamic parameter is a function of synchronized voltage and current measurements.

100. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the microprocessor detects a failure of a voltage regulator of a charge system of the vehicle based upon a measured voltage.

101. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the microprocessor detects a failure of an alternator of the vehicle based upon a measured voltage.

102. The apparatus of claim 5 including a battery temperature sensor and wherein the condition of the battery is a function of measured battery temperature.

103. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the condition of the battery is a function of Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) capacity of the battery.

104. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the condition of the battery is a function of averaged dynamic measurements from the battery.

105. The apparatus of claim 104 including an analog to digital converter configured to provide samples signals, the converter having a dynamic range substantially equal to a range of the samples.

106. The apparatus of claim 5 including an output indicative of a battery capacity less than a threshold level.

107. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the microprocessor determines a state of charge of the battery based upon a parameter selected from the group of parameters consisting of battery state of health, of battery temperature, of battery charge balance, battery charging efficiency and initial battery conditions.

108. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the microprocessor determines a condition of the battery based upon artificial intelligence techniques.

109. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the dynamic parameter of the battery is a function of a voltage change.

110. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the dynamic parameter of the battery is a function of a change in total current flowing through the battery.

111. The apparatus of claim 5 including providing a “

service battery soon”

output based upon battery condition.

112. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the microprocessor diagnoses battery condition is a function of if-then rules.

113. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein battery condition is a function of comparison to a threshold.

114. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the microprocessor determines a battery condition by application of the dynamic parameter to a neural network.

115. The apparatus of claim 114 wherein the microprocessor is configured to implement training of the neural network.

116. The apparatus of claim 93 wherein the forcing function comprises a square wave.

117. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the condition of the battery comprises battery state of charge which is determined as a function of battery state of health and battery temperature.

118. The apparatus of claim 117 wherein the state of charge is a function of current flowing into and/or out of the battery.

119. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the microprocessor predicts an ability of the battery to start an engine of the vehicle.

120. The apparatus of claim 119 wherein the microprocessor monitors starting performance of the battery and wherein the prediction of the ability to start the engine is based upon the monitored starter performance.

121. The apparatus of claim 120 wherein vehicle electrical loads are removed by the microprocessor during starting of the engine.

122. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the microprocessor controls the charge signal based upon idle speed of the engine.

123. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the microprocessor controls the charge signal based upon shift points of a transmission coupled to the engine.

124. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the microprocessor controls the charge signal based upon electrical loads of the vehicle applied to the battery.

125. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the microprocessor adjusts an idle speed of the vehicle based upon the determined battery condition.

126. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the microprocessor adjusts shift points of a transmission coupled to the engine based upon the determined condition of the battery.

127. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the microprocessor controls the charge signal based upon an identification of a vehicle operator.

128. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the microprocessor controls the charge signal based upon identification of a driving pattern.

129. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the microprocessor reduces the charge signal when the determined condition of the battery indicates that the battery is fully charged.

130. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the microprocessor monitors multiple phases produced by an alternator of the vehicle and responsively diagnoses alternator condition.

131. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the microprocessor outputs battery diagnostic information on a databus of the vehicle.

132. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the microprocessor outputs battery diagnostic information on a cellular phone of the vehicle.

133. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the microprocessor outputs battery diagnostic information over a non-physical connection.

134. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the microprocessor outputs battery diagnostic information in the form of a web page.

135. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the vehicle includes a internet protocol address.

136. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the microprocessor diagnoses a condition of a starter motor of the vehicle as a function of a measured voltage.

137. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the microprocessor provides a warranty code output.

138. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the microprocessor automatically calibrates the measured dynamic parameter.

139. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the microprocessor enters a sleep mode during periods of engine inactivity.

140. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the microprocessor identifies a loose or corroded connection to the battery.

141. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the microprocessor performs diagnostics on an electrical system of the vehicle when an engine of the vehicle is not operating.

142. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein a Kelvin connection formed by the electrical connections is “

split”

.

285. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the forcing function comprises a square wave.

286. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the condition of the battery is a function of battery state of charge which is determined as a function of battery state of health and battery temperature.

287. The apparatus of claim 286 wherein the state of charge is a function of current flowing into or out of the battery.

13. A method of determining the starting capability of a vehicle, comprising:

determining a state of charge of a vehicle battery;

determining a state of health of the vehicle battery;

determining a previous starting performance of the vehicle under similar conditions to the determined state of charge and state of health; and

determining a likelihood that the vehicle will start based upon the previous starting performance.

143. The method of claim 13 wherein the stored previous starting performance data includes a previous starting performance of the vehicle under similar conditions.

144. The method of claim 13 wherein the state of charge is a function of a dynamic parameter of the battery.

145. The method of claim 144 wherein the dynamic parameter is a function of a forcing function applied to the battery.

146. The method of claim 144 wherein the dynamic parameter is measured using Kelvin connections electrically coupled to the battery.

147. The method of claim 144 wherein the dynamic parameter is a function of synchronized voltage and current measurements.

148. The method of claim 13 including detecting a failure of a voltage regulator of the vehicle based upon a measured voltage.

149. The method of claim 13 including detecting a failure of an alternator of the vehicle based upon a measured voltage.

150. The method of claim 13 including measuring battery temperature and wherein determining likelihood that the vehicle will start a function of measured battery temperature.

151. The method of claim 13 wherein determining a state of charge of the battery is a function of averaged dynamic measurements from the battery from a plurality of data samples.

152. The method of claim 151 wherein the samples are provided to an analog to digital converter having a dynamic range substantially equal to a range of the samples.

153. The method of claim 13 wherein determining state of charge is based upon a parameter selected from the group of parameters consisting of battery state of health, of battery temperature, of battery charge balance, battery charging efficiency and initial battery condition.

154. The method of claim 144 wherein the dynamic parameter of the battery is a function of change in total current flowing through the battery.

155. The method of claim 144 wherein determining battery state of charge includes applying the dynamic parameter to a neural network.

156. The method of claim 13 wherein the battery state of charge is a function of battery temperature.

157. The method of claim 13 including removing vehicle loads during starting of the engine.

158. The method of claim 13 including outputting information related to the likelihood that the vehicle will start on a databus of the vehicle.

159. The method of claim 13 including outputting diagnostic information on a cellular phone of the vehicle.

160. The method of claim 13 including diagnosing a condition of a starter motor as a function of a measured voltage.

161. The method of claim 13 including providing a warranty code output.

162. The method of claim 13 including entering a sleep mode during periods of engine inactivity.

163. The method of claim 13 wherein determining a state of health of the vehicle battery comprises measuring a dynamic parameter of the battery.

164. The method of claim 13 including providing a “

service battery soon”

output based upon the likelihood that the vehicle will start.

165. The method of claim 13 including measuring a temperature and wherein determining previous starting performance is further a function of the measured temperature.

166. The method of claim 165 wherein the measured temperature comprises battery temperature.

167. Software configured to implement the method of claim 13.

168. An apparatus for determining the likelihood that the battery will start the vehicle which operates in accordance with the method of claim 13.

14. A method of controlling the charging rate of a vehicle storage battery during operation of the vehicle, comprising:

determining the state of charge of the battery;

charging the battery with a charge signal generated by an alternator; and

controlling a vehicle performance parameter based upon the determined state of charge, wherein the vehicle performance parameter is a parameter that affects the magnitude of the charge signal generated by the alternator.

169. The method of claim 14 wherein determining the state of charge comprises measuring a dynamic parameter of the battery.

170. The method of claim 169 wherein the dynamic parameter is measured through a Kelvin a connection electrically coupled to the battery.

171. The method of claim 169 including applying a time varying signal to the battery and wherein the dynamic parameter is a function of the time varying signal.

172. The method of claim 14 including sensing electrical current through the battery and wherein state of charge is a function of the sensed electrical current.

173. The method of claim 14 including determining a likelihood that the vehicle will start.

174. The method claim 173 wherein determining the likelihood that the vehicle will start is a function of a determined state of health and determined state of charge of the battery and stored starting performance data.

175. The method of claim 14 including determining whether the battery has been replaced.

176. The method of claim 14 including coupling to an internal databus of the vehicle.

177. The method of claim 169 wherein the dynamic parameter is selected from the group of dynamic parameter consisting of dynamic resistance, dynamic conductance, dynamic admittance, dynamic impedance and their combinations.

178. The method of claim 169 wherein determining state of charge of the battery is based upon a characterization curve which provides a functional relationship between the dynamic parameter and battery state of charge.

179. The method of claim 169 wherein the dynamic parameter is a function of synchronized voltage and current measurements.

180. The method of claim 14 including detecting a failure of a voltage regulator of the vehicle based upon a measured voltage.

181. The method of claim 14 including detecting a failure of an alternator of the vehicle based upon a measured voltage.

182. The method of claim 14 including measuring battery temperature and wherein battery state of charge is a function of measured battery temperature.

183. The method of claim 169 wherein determining a condition of the battery is a function of averaged dynamic measurements from the battery.

184. The method of claim 183 wherein the dynamic measurements are obtained through an analog to digital converter having a dynamic range substantially equal to a range of the signals being sampled.

185. The method of claim 14 wherein determining state of charge is based upon a parameter selected from the group of parameters consisting of battery state of health, battery temperature, battery charge balance, battery charging efficiency and initial battery conditions.

187. The method of claim 171 wherein the time varying signal comprises a forcing function applied by selectively coupling a resistive load to the battery.

188. The method of claim 169 wherein the dynamic parameter of the battery is a function of a voltage change.

189. The method of claim 169 wherein the dynamic parameter of the battery is a function of change in total current flowing through the battery.

190. The method of claim 14 including providing a “

service battery soon”

output based upon battery condition.

191. The method of claim 14 including diagnosing battery condition.

192. The method of claim 169 wherein determining battery state of charge includes applying the dynamic parameter to a neural network.

193. The method of claim 171 wherein the forcing function comprises a square wave.

194. The method of claim 14 wherein determining a condition of the battery comprises determining battery state of charge as a function of battery state of health and battery temperature.

195. The method of claim 194 wherein the state of charge is a function of current flowing into or out of the battery.

196. The method of claim 14 including predicting an ability of the battery to start an engine of the vehicle.

197. The method of claim 196 including monitoring starting performance of the battery and wherein the predicting is based upon the monitored starter performance.

198. The method of claim 14 wherein controlling a performance parameter comprises controlling an idle speed of an engine of the vehicle which is coupled to the alternator.

199. The method of claim 14 wherein controlling a performance parameter comprises controlling shift points of a transmission coupled to an engine.

200. The method of claim 14 wherein controlling electrical loads of the vehicle applied to the battery.

201. The method of claim 14 wherein controlling the vehicle performance parameter is further based upon identification of a vehicle operator.

202. The method of claim 14 wherein controlling the vehicle performance parameter is further based upon identification of a driving pattern.

203. The method of claim 14 including reducing the charge signal when the determined state of charge indicates that the battery is fully charged.

204. The method of claim 14 including monitoring multiple phases produced by an alternator and responsively diagnosing alternator condition.

205. The method of claim 14 including outputting diagnostic information on a databus of the vehicle.

206. The method of claim 14 including providing a warranty code output.

207. Computer software configured to implement the method of claim 14.

208. A battery charging controller which operates in accordance with the method of claim 14.

298. The method of claim 14 including providing a user input/output.

299. The method of claim 14 including measuring a voltage drop across a current shunt placed in series with the battery and wherein the state of charge is a function of the voltage drop.

15. A method of detecting that an initially installed vehicle battery has been replaced with a second vehicle battery, comprising:

measuring a value of a battery performance parameter;

calculating the difference between the measured value of the performance parameter and a predetermined value of the performance parameter; and

determining whether the initially installed vehicle battery has been replaced by a second battery based upon the difference between the measured value of the performance parameter and the predetermined value of the performance parameter.

209. The method of claim 15 wherein the battery performance parameter comprises voltage.

210. The method of claim 15 wherein the battery performance parameter is a function of a dynamic parameter.

211. The method of claim 15 wherein the battery performance parameter is measured through Kelvin connections electrically coupled to the battery.

212. The method of claim 15 wherein the battery performance parameter comprises state of charge.

213. The method of claim 15 wherein the battery performance parameter comprises state of health.

214. The method of claim 15 including transmitting data on a databus of the vehicle which indicates the installed battery has been replaced.

215. The method of claim 15 including generating a warranty code related to replacement of the installed battery.

216. Computer software configured to implement the method of claim 15.

217. A battery monitor configured to implement the method of claim 15.

16. A method of charging a battery in a standby power system having a charger electrically coupled to the battery and adapted to charge the battery with a charge signal applied to the battery, the method, comprising:

coupling to the battery through a four point Kelvin connection;

measuring a dynamic parameter of the battery using the Kelvin connection, the dynamic parameter measurement a function of a time varying signal;

determining a condition of the battery as a function of the measured dynamic parameter; and

controlling the charge signal in response to the determined condition of the battery.

17. The method of claim 16 wherein determining a condition of the battery includes determining a state of charge of the battery and wherein the charge signal is controlled according to the determined state of charge.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein controlling the charge signal comprises regulating a charging voltage applied to the battery according to the determined condition of the battery.

19. The method of claim 17 wherein controlling the charge signal comprises regulating a charging voltage applied to the battery according to the determined state of charge.

218. The method of claim 16 including sensing electrical current through the battery and wherein controlling the charge signal is further in response to the sensed electrical current.

219. The method of claim 16 including determining whether the battery has been replaced.

220. The method of claim 16 including applying a forcing function to the battery and wherein measuring a dynamic parameter of the battery is a function of the applied forcing function.

221. The method of claim 16 including providing a user input/output.

222. The method of claim 16 including measuring a voltage drop across a current shunt placed in series with the battery.

223. The method of claim 16 wherein the dynamic parameter is selected from the group of dynamic parameter consisting of dynamic resistance, dynamic conductance, dynamic admittance, dynamic impedance and their combinations.

224. The method of claim 16 wherein determining a condition of the battery is based upon a characterization curve which provides a functional relationship between the dynamic parameter and battery condition.

225. The method of claim 16 wherein determining a condition of the battery is adjusted based upon a parameter of the battery.

226. The method of claim 16 wherein the measured dynamic parameter is a function of synchronized voltage and current measurements.

227. The method of claim 16 including detecting a failure of a voltage regulator.

228. The method of claim 16 including measuring battery temperature and determining a condition of the battery is a function of measured battery temperature.

229. The method of claim 16 wherein determining a condition of the battery is a function of Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) capacity of the battery.

230. The method of claim 16 wherein determining a condition of the battery is a function of averaged dynamic measurements from the battery.

231. The method of claim 230 wherein data samples are obtained through an analog to digital converter having a dynamic range substantially equal to a dynamic range of the samples.

232. The method of claim 16 including providing an output if battery capacity is less than a threshold level.

233. The method of claim 16 including determining state of charge based upon a parameter selected from the group of parameters consisting of battery state of health, of battery temperature, of battery charge balance, battery charging efficiency and initial battery conditions.

234. The method of claim 16 wherein determining a condition of the battery is based upon artificial intelligence techniques.

235. The method of claim 16 wherein the time varying signal comprises a forcing function applied by selectively coupling a resistive load to the battery.

236. The method of claim 16 wherein the dynamic parameter of the battery is a function of voltage change.

237. The method of claim 16 wherein the dynamic parameter of the battery is a function of change in total current flowing through the battery.

238. The method of claim 16 including providing a “

service battery soon”

output based upon battery condition.

239. The method of claim 16 including diagnosing battery condition.

240. The method of claim 239 wherein diagnosing battery condition is a function of if-then rules.

241. The method of claim 239 wherein diagnosing battery condition is a function of comparison to a threshold.

242. The method of claim 16 wherein determining a battery condition includes applying the dynamic parameter to a neural network.

243. The method of claim 242 including training the neural network.

244. The method of claim 235 wherein the forcing function comprises a square wave.

245. The method of claim 16 wherein determining a condition of the battery comprises determining battery state of charge as a function of battery state of health and battery temperature.

246. The method of claim 245 wherein the state of charge is a function of current flowing into or out of the battery.

247. The method of claim 16 including controlling the charge signal based upon electrical loads applied to the battery.

248. The method of claim 16 including reducing the charge signal when the determined condition indicates that the battery is fully charged.

249. The method of claim 16 including monitoring multiple phases of the charge signal and responsively diagnosing a charge signal condition.

250. The method of claim 16 including outputting diagnostic information on a databus.

251. The method of claim 16 including outputting diagnostic information over a non-physical connection.

252. The method of claim 16 including outputting diagnostic information in the form of a web page.

254. The method of claim 16 including providing a warranty code output.

255. The method of claim 16 including automatically calibrating the measured dynamic parameter.

256. The method of claim 16 including entering a sleep mode during periods of inactivity.

257. The method of claim 16 including identifying a loose or corroded connection to the battery.

258. The method of claim 16 wherein a Kelvin connection is “

split”

.

259. Computer software configured to implement the method of claim 17.

260. A battery charger in a standby power system configured to which operates in accordance with claim 16.

20. An apparatus for monitoring the condition of a storage battery in a standby power system while the storage battery is coupled to an electrical system, comprising:

a first electrical connection directly coupled to a positive terminal of the battery;

a second electrical connection directly coupled to a negative terminal of the battery, the first and second electrical connections coupled to a voltmeter to measure a time varying voltage across the battery;

a third electrical connection directly coupled to the positive terminal of the battery;

a fourth electrical connection directly coupled to a negative terminal of the battery, the third and fourth electrical connections coupled to a forcing function having a time varying component;

a current sensor electrically in series with the battery; and

a microprocessor configured to determine the condition of the battery as a function of a dynamic parameter of the battery based upon the measured voltage, the forcing function and the current sensed by the current sensor.

21. The apparatus of claim 20 further comprising a charger electrically coupled to the battery and adapted to charge the battery with a charge signal applied to the battery in response to a charge control signal, wherein the charge control signal is produced by the microprocessor as a function of the dynamic parameter.

22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the charge signal comprises a charging voltage.

23. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the microprocessor is configured to determine a state of charge of the battery as a function of a dynamic parameter of the battery based upon the measured voltage, the forcing function and the current sensed by the current sensor.

24. The apparatus of claim 23 further comprising a charger electrically coupled to the battery and adapted to charge the battery with a charge signal applied to the battery in response to a charge control signal, wherein the charge control signal is produced by the microprocessor as a function of the determined state of charge.

25. The apparatus of claim 24 wherein the charge signal comprises a charging voltage.

261. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the microprocessor is further configured to determine whether the battery has been replaced.

262. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the microprocessor couples to an internal databus of the vehicle.

263. The apparatus of claim 20 including a forcing function applying to the battery and wherein the dynamic parameter of the battery is a function of the applied forcing function.

264. The apparatus of claim 20 including a user input/output.

265. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the current sensor comprises a voltmeter configured to measure voltage across a current shunt placed in series with the battery.

266. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the dynamic parameter is selected from the group of dynamic parameter consisting of dynamic resistance, dynamic conductance, dynamic admittance, dynamic impedance and their combinations.

267. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the condition of the battery is based upon a characterization curve which provides a functional relationship between the dynamic parameter and battery condition.

268. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the condition of the battery is adjusted based upon a parameter of the battery.

269. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the measured dynamic parameter is a function of synchronized voltage and current measurements.

270. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the microprocessor detects a failure of a voltage regulator based upon a measured voltage.

271. The apparatus of claim 20 including a battery temperature sensor and wherein the condition of the battery is a function of measured battery temperature.

272. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein determining a condition of the battery is a function of Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) capacity of the battery.

273. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein determining a condition of the battery is a function of averaged dynamic measurements from the battery.

274. The apparatus of claim 20 including an analog to digital converter configured to provide data samples which has a dynamic range substantially equal to a range of the samples.

275. The apparatus of claim 20 including an output indicative of a battery capacity less than a threshold level.

276. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the microprocessor determines a state of charge based upon a parameter selected from the group of parameters consisting of battery state of health, of battery temperature, of battery charge balance, battery charging efficiency and initial battery conditions.

277. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the microprocessor determines a condition of the battery based upon artificial intelligence techniques.

278. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the dynamic parameter of the battery is a function Of voltage change.

279. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the dynamic parameter of the battery is a function of change in total current flowing through the battery.

280. The apparatus of claim 20 including providing a “

service battery soon”

output based upon battery condition.

281. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein diagnosing battery condition is a function of if-then rules.

282. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein battery condition is a function of comparison to a threshold.

283. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the microprocessor determines a battery condition by application of the dynamic parameter to a neural network.

284. The apparatus of claim 283 wherein the microprocessor is configured to implement training of the neural network.

288. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the microprocessor controls the charge signal based upon electrical loads applied to the battery.

289. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the microprocessor controls the charge signal based upon identification of a driving pattern.

290. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the microprocessor outputs diagnostic information on a databus of the vehicle.

291. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the microprocessor outputs diagnostic information over a non-physical connection.

292. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the microprocessor outputs diagnostic information in the form of a web page.

293. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the standby power system 20 includes a internet protocol address.

294. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the microprocessor provides a warranty code output.

295. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the microprocessor automatically calibrates the measured dynamic parameter.

296. The apparatus of claim 20 wherein the microprocessor identifies a loose or corroded connection to the battery.

297. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein a Kelvin connection formed by the electrical connections is “

split”

.