System and method for monitoring electrolyte levels in a battery
First Claim
1. A system for monitoring the electrolyte level in a battery, comprising:
- a measuring device for sensing whether the electrolyte level in the battery is above or below the measuring device; and
a controller, in electrical communication with the measuring device, operable in one of a selectable test mode and non-test mode, wherein when the test mode is selected the controller enables the measuring device to be energized for sensing whether the electrolyte level in the battery is above or below the measuring device, and wherein when the non-test mode is selected the controller enables the measuring device to be de-energized.
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Abstract
A measuring device is used in conjunction with a programmable controller for monitoring electrolyte levels in the battery. According to one implementation, the measuring device is located in a battery and is configured to detect when the electrolyte level in the battery falls below a particular level. The controller is in electrical communication with the electrolyte detection device. The controller is configured to: (i) receive a signal from the electrolyte level detection device indicating when the electrolyte level in the battery has fallen below the particular level; (ii) introduce a wait-period after the signal is received; and (iii) enable an indicator to indicate that the electrolyte level in the battery should be refilled when the wait-period expires.
19 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A system for monitoring the electrolyte level in a battery, comprising:
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a measuring device for sensing whether the electrolyte level in the battery is above or below the measuring device; and a controller, in electrical communication with the measuring device, operable in one of a selectable test mode and non-test mode, wherein when the test mode is selected the controller enables the measuring device to be energized for sensing whether the electrolyte level in the battery is above or below the measuring device, and wherein when the non-test mode is selected the controller enables the measuring device to be de-energized. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A power management system for managing current usage of a probe, the
probe used for sensing the electrolyte level in a battery, comprising: -
means for enabling the probe to be energized; means for receiving a signal from the probe indicating whether the electrolyte level in the battery is above or below the probe when the probe is energized; means for enabling the probe to be de-energized; and means for enabling the probe to be repetitively energized and de-energized over time. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10)
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11. A battery, comprising:
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a system for monitoring the electrolyte level in the battery, the system comprising; a probe for sensing the electrolyte level in the battery; and a controller, in electrical communication with the probe, operable in one of a selectable test mode and non-test mode, wherein when the test mode is selected the controller enables the probe to be energized for sensing whether the electrolyte level in the battery is above or below the probe, and wherein when the non-test mode is selected the controller enables the probe to be de-energized.
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Specification