초록 ▼

The present invention relates to battery power system configurations, particularly systems using VRLA batteries in uncontrolled environments wherein the batteries are isolated from the rectifier when the batteries are in the float mode but on line during charge and discharge. The battery power syste

The present invention relates to battery power system configurations, particularly systems using VRLA batteries in uncontrolled environments wherein the batteries are isolated from the rectifier when the batteries are in the float mode but on line during charge and discharge. The battery power system configuration of the present invention eliminates thermal runaway because the current drawn by each battery is limited to the value determined by a constant current source. A shorted battery cell may be easily detected by observing if the voltage of the battery is lower than a specified and expected value. In addition, battery capacity is maintained by the boost provided periodically from the current source. Finally, batteries are protected against receiving excessive current and since the currents sent through the batteries match the needs of these particular batteries, the life of the batteries is increased. Moreover, in the event of AC power failure, transfer to the battery power system is immediate, in other words, the transfer time is zero.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [12.] A method of maintaining a battery power system comprising, said power system comprising:at least one rectifier for receiving AC power and converting said AC power to DC power;at least one distribution means connected to said rectifier, said distribution means receiving s

[ What is claimed is:] [12.] A method of maintaining a battery power system comprising, said power system comprising:at least one rectifier for receiving AC power and converting said AC power to DC power;at least one distribution means connected to said rectifier, said distribution means receiving said DC power and distributing said DC power;a battery array connected to said rectifier and to said distribution means, said battery array providing DC power to said distribution means in the event of a failure of the source for said AC power;a diode connected between said battery array and said distribution means, said diode allowing current to flow from said battery array to said distribution means;a contactor associated with said diode, said contactor allowing the flow of current from said rectifier to said battery array when in a closed position, and isolating said battery array from said rectifier when in an open position;a control means connected between said contactor and said battery array, said control means controlling said contactor in either a closed or open position; anda current source connected to said battery array, said current source providing a current to said battery array to maintain said battery array at a predetermined charge; d method comprising:initially charging said battery array by closing said contactor and allowing charging current to flow from said rectifier to said battery array;opening said contactor upon receiving a predetermined signal from said control means;maintaining the charge of said battery array by providing a maintenance charging current from said current source to said battery array.