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An apparatus and method for initiating an intelligent battery discharge in an electrical system thereby allowing battery diagnostic testing to be performed more efficiently and more accurately. Specifically, the discharge is initiated by reducing the voltage being supplied to the electrical system b

An apparatus and method for initiating an intelligent battery discharge in an electrical system thereby allowing battery diagnostic testing to be performed more efficiently and more accurately. Specifically, the discharge is initiated by reducing the voltage being supplied to the electrical system by a main power supply such that the battery power supply begins supplying the system voltage. The output of the main power supply is only reduced to a predetermined non-zero level, such that the battery power supply will begin discharging while the main power supply continues to maintain a floor voltage. This floor voltage ensures that the system voltage will not fall below the floor voltage even if the battery power supply fails completely. Once the battery power supply begins discharging, the system voltage is monitored to determine whether the battery power supply is capable of supplying sufficient electrical power to maintain the system voltage above the floor voltage. If after a certain time the system voltage supplied by the battery power supply remains above the floor voltage, the voltage supplied by the main power supply is further reduced to allow for a deeper discharge of the battery power supply. The battery discharge is terminated either when the system voltage reaches a certain voltage level or once enough time has passed to obtain sufficient battery parameters in order to determine the condition of the battery power supply. The battery discharge is terminated by increasing the voltage supplied by the main power supply back to a normal voltage level for the electrical system, thus removing the need for the battery power supply to continue supplying the system voltage.

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[ What is claimed is:] [15.] A method of monitoring the health and condition of a battery in an electrical system, comprising the steps of:a) providing an electrical system wherein the system voltage is primarily supplied by a main power supply and secondarily supplied by a battery power supply;b) i

[ What is claimed is:] [15.] A method of monitoring the health and condition of a battery in an electrical system, comprising the steps of:a) providing an electrical system wherein the system voltage is primarily supplied by a main power supply and secondarily supplied by a battery power supply;b) initiating a battery discharge by reducing the voltage supplied by the main power supply from a normal voltage level to a predetermined first voltage level;c) sensing a system voltage level as supplied by the battery power supply greater than said first voltage level;d) further reducing the voltage supplied by the main power supply to a predetermined second voltage level;e) monitoring battery parameters indicative of battery performance during the battery discharge;f) sensing the system voltage supplied by the battery power supply less than or equal to a third predetermined voltage level;g) terminating the battery discharge by increasing the voltage level supplied by the main power supply to said normal voltage level; andh) using said battery parameters to determine the condition of the battery power supply.