초록 ▼

Rapid determination of the condition or charge parameters of a battery, such as the present charge of the battery and the maximum charge capacity of the battery. A plurality of discharge pulses (210) and a plurality of rest periods (220) are applied to the battery. The battery voltage is then measur

Rapid determination of the condition or charge parameters of a battery, such as the present charge of the battery and the maximum charge capacity of the battery. A plurality of discharge pulses (210) and a plurality of rest periods (220) are applied to the battery. The battery voltage is then measured to provide voltages (225) during the rest periods, and/or voltages (230) during the discharge pulses. The voltage difference among selected one of the voltages are used to provide a difference voltage DELTA-L. The difference voltage DELTA-L is then used to determine a charge parameter of the battery, such as the maximum charge capacity or condition of the battery and the present charge in the battery. This information is then displayed to a user so that the user will know the present capacity and the present charge of the battery and can make an informed decision as to whether the battery is adequate for the project that the user has in mind, or to a subsequent process, such as a charging process.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.]1. A method for determining a charge parameter of a battery, comprising:applying a rest period to said battery;applying a discharge pulse to said battery;measuring a first loaded circuit voltage of said battery at a first point during said discharge pulse;measuring a second loaded c

[ We claim:] [1.]1. A method for determining a charge parameter of a battery, comprising:applying a rest period to said battery;applying a discharge pulse to said battery;measuring a first loaded circuit voltage of said battery at a first point during said discharge pulse;measuring a second loaded circuit voltage of said battery at a second point during said discharge pulse;determining a difference voltage by subtracting said second loaded circuit voltage from said first loaded circuit voltage;using said difference voltage to determine at least one of the following charge parameters: the present charge capacity of said battery, an operating curve for said battery, and an operating point of an operating curve of said battery; andoutputting said charge parameter.