CA1222792A - Method for recharging a rechargeable battery - Google Patents
Method for recharging a rechargeable batteryInfo
- Publication number
- CA1222792A CA1222792A CA000445547A CA445547A CA1222792A CA 1222792 A CA1222792 A CA 1222792A CA 000445547 A CA000445547 A CA 000445547A CA 445547 A CA445547 A CA 445547A CA 1222792 A CA1222792 A CA 1222792A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- voltage
- charging
- battery
- generator
- during
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Landscapes
- Control Of Charge By Means Of Generators (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
This invention relates to a method for recharging a chargeable battery for a motor vehicle, a machine, a motor boat or the like. As the charging voltage there is used the output voltage from a charging generator which is connected to the battery, the output voltage being varied by controlling the field of the generator. The charging takes place by means of repeated charging cycles each of which consists of a charging period and a test period when the battery is loaded and the charging from the generator to the battery is disconnected. The value of the charging voltage during a charging period is determined on the basis of the test result during the immediately preceding test period. According to the invention the battery voltage is compared to a pre-determined voltage during each test period.
If the comparison shows that the battery voltage is less than the pre-determined voltage or drops below this voltage during the test period, the charging of the battery during the following charging period takes place at a charging voltage which is sufficiently high that, by controlling the output voltage of the generator, there is rapid charging of the battery. If the comparison shows that the battery voltage is higher than the pre-determined voltage the charging during the following charging period takes place at a charging voltage which provides a compensating charging of the battery. During the later part of the charging period, just before the test period, the charging always takes place at a charging voltage corresponding to the compensating charge.
This invention relates to a method for recharging a chargeable battery for a motor vehicle, a machine, a motor boat or the like. As the charging voltage there is used the output voltage from a charging generator which is connected to the battery, the output voltage being varied by controlling the field of the generator. The charging takes place by means of repeated charging cycles each of which consists of a charging period and a test period when the battery is loaded and the charging from the generator to the battery is disconnected. The value of the charging voltage during a charging period is determined on the basis of the test result during the immediately preceding test period. According to the invention the battery voltage is compared to a pre-determined voltage during each test period.
If the comparison shows that the battery voltage is less than the pre-determined voltage or drops below this voltage during the test period, the charging of the battery during the following charging period takes place at a charging voltage which is sufficiently high that, by controlling the output voltage of the generator, there is rapid charging of the battery. If the comparison shows that the battery voltage is higher than the pre-determined voltage the charging during the following charging period takes place at a charging voltage which provides a compensating charging of the battery. During the later part of the charging period, just before the test period, the charging always takes place at a charging voltage corresponding to the compensating charge.
Description
Method for Recharging a Rechargeable Battery This invention relates to a method for recharging a chargeable battery for a vehicle, a machine, a motor boat or the like, whereby the output voltage from a ba-ttery charging generator connected to the battery is used as a charging voltage the magnitude of which can be varied by controlling the field of the generator and whereby the recharging is performed by means of repeated charging cycles each of which consists of a charging period and a test period during which the battery is loaded and the charging from the generator to the battery is disconnected.
The magnitude of the charging voltage during a charging period is determined with regard to the test result achieved during the immediately preceding tes-t period. The invention also relates to a charging regulator for recharging of a rechargeable battery for a motor vehicle, a machine, a motor boat or the like, said regulator being connected to a line between the battery and a ba-ttery recharging generator of a type in which the output voltage thereof can be varied by varying the magnetizing current of the generator. During repeated charging cycles each of which consists of a test period and a charging period, -the regulator interrupts the charging during each test period while the battery is loaded in order to measure -the charging condition of the battery and to control the output voltage of the generator during the next following charging period, depending on the detected charging condition.
In recent years battery run electrical equipment such as, for example, refrigerators, heaters and radio equipment has become more and more common in, for example, long distance trucks and motor boats. ~s such equipment consumes a sub-stantial current compared with the equipment that was previously conventional, the new equipment produces a bigger load on the battery, especially as the generator and its regulator are designed to provide current only when the
The magnitude of the charging voltage during a charging period is determined with regard to the test result achieved during the immediately preceding tes-t period. The invention also relates to a charging regulator for recharging of a rechargeable battery for a motor vehicle, a machine, a motor boat or the like, said regulator being connected to a line between the battery and a ba-ttery recharging generator of a type in which the output voltage thereof can be varied by varying the magnetizing current of the generator. During repeated charging cycles each of which consists of a test period and a charging period, -the regulator interrupts the charging during each test period while the battery is loaded in order to measure -the charging condition of the battery and to control the output voltage of the generator during the next following charging period, depending on the detected charging condition.
In recent years battery run electrical equipment such as, for example, refrigerators, heaters and radio equipment has become more and more common in, for example, long distance trucks and motor boats. ~s such equipment consumes a sub-stantial current compared with the equipment that was previously conventional, the new equipment produces a bigger load on the battery, especially as the generator and its regulator are designed to provide current only when the
- 2 - ~ 2 ~ ~ ~ g2 engine that drives the generator, as well as the vehicle or boat, is running. If the engine has not been running for a couple of hours while one or more of the above items of eauipment has been connected, the battery is normally more or less discharged.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for recharging during operation a chargeable battery connected to an electrical system of a motor vehicle, a machine, a motor boat or the like wherein the output voltage from a generator connected to the battery is used as a charging voltage the amplitude of which can be varied by controlling the field of the generator, and wherein the recharging is performed by one or repeated charging cycles during which the charging is performed at a raised charging voltage which, by controlling the output voltage of the generator, is just below the upper limit of the range of operating voltage of the electrical system.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a voltage regulator for recharging during operation a rechargeable battery which is connected to an electrical system of a motor vehicle, a machine, a motor boat or the like, said regulator being connected to a line between the battery and a generator having an output which can be varied by varying the magnetizing current of the generator, wherein the regulator comprises a control device arranged to define cyclic charging periods of equal time during which, by controlling the magnetizing current of the generator, there is applied to the battery an increased voltage which is just below the upper limit voltage value of the electrical system.
Other features and characteristics of the present invention will be obvious from the following specification in conjun-ction with the enclosed drawings in whicho _ 3 - ~z~2~92 Fig. 1 i5 a block diagram showing a conventional charging regulator system;
Fig. 2 which corresponds to Fig. 1 illustrates a charging regulator system according to the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a flow chart which shows how a charging regulator according to the invention functions;
Figs. 4 - 6 show by a dotted and a con-tinuous line, respec-tively, how charging current, charging voltage and charging quantity varies with time when using a conventional charging voltage regulator and a regulator according to the invention, ~espectively, and Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the principal design of a charging regulator according to the invention.
Fig. 1 shows schema-tically in the form of a block diagram how a battery 1, a generator 2 and a charging regulator 3 are internally electrically connected in a conventional charqing regulator system having a negative earth to be used, for example, in a motor vehicle. The positive pole of the battery 1 is connected to the charging output 5 of the generator 2 and is also connected, via an ignition key switch 6, to one terminal of a charging light 7, the other terminal of which is connected to the regulator voltage output 8 of the generator 2. This other terminal of the light 7 is also connected to the supply- and measuring input 9 of the regulator 3. A line 10 connects the regulator output 11 of the regulator 3 with the Eield winding input 12 of the generator 2.
When the ignition key switch 6 is closed as the engine is started, the battery is connected to the regulator 3 and hence to the field winding of the generator 2. Before the charging commences, current flows from the battery 1 to the regulator 3. This current passes through the charging lamp 7, which is thus lit. When the generator 2 is recharging the battery 1, the voltage of the output 8 is equal to -the battery voltage. At this time there is no 27~
current flow through the charging light 7, which consequently is not lit. The regulator 3 operates in such a manner that by detecting the voltage at the output 8 it controls the generator field so that the output voltage of the generator 2, i.e. its charging voltage, has a pre-determined value. When the input voltage oE the regulator is less than this voltage value, the battery is completely recharged. The charging ceases when the input voltage reaches said value.
It will be appreciated that recharging of the battery 1 with the above--described conventional charging regulator system is not achieved in the expected manner if the generator runs at a low speed, if the connections between the generator 2 and the battery 1 are in poor condition, or if the charging ability of the battery 1 is reduced. At low speed of the generator 2 no more charging is achieved than that which is needed for the charging light 7 to go off, and one is misled into believing that the charging is working perfectly when in reality perhaps only a few amperehours have been added to the battery lalthough the engine has been working for a consider-able time. It is very common for the conductors, theconnections between the conductors and the poles of the battery 1 and battery master switch to be in poor condition which causes a potential drop. Since the regulator 3 detects the voltage at the generator 2, and not at the battery, the charging voltage may be as much as lV less than the pre-determined charging voltage at low charging amperages. This causes minimal or no charging of the battery 1. The conven-tional regulator 3 also controls the output voltage of the generator 2 so that this has a constant value which is independent of the charging ability of the battery. This also results in the effective charging being very poor with an extremely discharged battery.
The object of the present invention is to provide a method of, and a charging regulator for, recharging a rechargeable battery in which the method and regulator do not have above 5- ~22~7~2 disadvantages. This object is achieved by the invention having the characteristics recited in the appended claims.
In Fig. ~ in which the same reference numbers as in Fig 1 are used where applicable, 13 denotes a charging regulator according to the present invention. Apart from the output 11, which is identical to that of the regulator 3, the regulator 13 has four inputs 14, 15, 16 and 17. The input 14 is connected to the regulator voltage output 8 of the generator and is arranged to receive a starting signal from the gener-ator 2 showing that the generator is working and is generatinga charging voltage. The input 15 which is connected to the charging output 5 of the generator and to the positive pole 4 of the battery 1 can be compared with the input 9 of the regulator 3 which is a feed- and test signal input. The input 16 is directly connected to the positive pole 4 of the battery 1 and is therefore the test signal input for the battery voltage, and the input 17 which is connected to the positive pole 4 of the battery 1 via the ignition key switch 6 and the charging light 7 can also be considered as a starting signal input the function of which can likewise be compared to that of the input 9 of the regulator 3.
The regulator 13 according to the invention differs from the conventional regulator 3 in the following respects: By way of the charging liaht 7 or any other acoustic or optic alarm means, a warning is provided when -the generator 2 does not reach its working voltage as a result of operating at too low a speed. It also provides a warning if the potential drop between the generator 2 and the battery 1 is unaccept-ably high. The charging voltage and therefore also the charging current to the battery 1 is regulated with respect to the condition of the battery~ The charging is carried out by means of repeated charging cycles each of which consists of a charging period, and a test period with the battery loaded. The charging voltage is determined on the basis of the test result. An extremely discharged battery cannot ~:Z2~92 assimilate maximum charging for an unlimited time, which is why there is also a time limit in order to protect the battery against this type of overcharging.
It will now be explained in more detail how charging according to the invention takes place with reference to the flow chart in Fig. 3. A refers to the starting condition.
The regulator commences to be fed with current, via the input 15 and the charging programme is set at ~ero. Stage represents a charging period during which a charging voltage which provides a compensating charge to the battery is applied to the battery for a certain period of time (5 minutes).
If a 12V battery is used (which will be assumed to be the case in the following description) typical value for a compensating charge voltage is 14V and the period of time is 5 minutes. To achieve this, the batterv voltage is compared to a reference voltage and the regulator controls the field current of the generator so that said voltages are equalised. To check the condition of the lead between the generator and the battery, the battery voltage is compared to another reference voltage (9V), which is considerably smaller than the first said reference voltage. If the battery voltage happens to be lower than the second reference voltage the voltage detection of the regulator 13 is changed from the battery pole 4 to the charging output 5 of the generator 2. After the above mentioned time (5 minutes) has lapsed the regulator programme switches over to C.
Stage C is a measuring phase. The battery voltage is measured for a certain period of time (1 minute) but is cut off if the battery voltage drops below a certain voltage (13.2V) before the time is ended. While measuring, all alarms are blocked, and the charging of the battery is cut off by cutting the field current of the generator 2. It is presumed that the battery is loaded while measuring. This is automatically the case with cars where the head lights or other equipment of the type hereinbefore referred to is _ 7 _ ~ 2 2 ~ 7~2 switched on. The measuring of the ba-ttery voltage takes place by comparing it to the said reference voltage. If the battery voltage is equal to or less than the reference voltage, the programme continues to D. If the battery voltage is higher than the reference voltage the programme continues to F.
At D the battery is charged with a charging voltage (14.6V) for a certain period of time (8 minutes) which is equal to quick charging of the battery. The said tim~, however, is counted from the moment the voltage exceeds a certain value (14.4V), whereby a charging time which takes into considera-tion the capacity of the battery is achieved. In other words D comprises the charging phase which also applies to E.
During stage E charging takes place with a voltage (14V) related to the compensating charge for a time (2 minutes) which is shorter than the time of stage D. Thereafter the charging programme switches to C.
If the battery voltage is higher than the first reference voltage the charging programme of the regulator switches to F.
Stage F is a compensating charging phase which takes place for a comparatively long time (1-3 hrs). After this the programme switches to B.
It can be observed that the sequence consisting of C, D and E
provides quick charging of the battery, while the sequence including C, F and s provides a compensating charging of the battery.
Stage G represents the different test measurements or com-parisons which are carried out according to the invention and which have previously been partly explained. In this stage the battery voltage and the generator voltage are continuously compared to the reference voltages to determine - 8 - ~ ~ ~27~Z
overvoltage, undervoltage or unacceptable potential drops in the lead between the generator and the battery.
In Flg. 4 the programme stages A, B, C, D and E are again shown. In relation to charging current as well as charging voltage and amount of charging, the graphs (continuous) showing charging according to the invention are all above those (dotted) which represent a conventional system of charging.
Although it is obvious that a man skilled in the art, having knowledge of how a charging regulator according to the invention functions, can make this invention in a number of ways, one example of the invention will be explained in the following, referring to the block diagram shown in Fig. 7.
While for simplicity the invention is described with reference to Fig. 7 in a rather general manner, in practice the whole regulator is preferably constructed on one so-called IC circuit with which further test and control functions outside the scope of the present invention can be achieved, if so desired.
In Fig. 7 the battery 1, the generator 2 and, within a dotted outline, the regulator 3 are again ~hQwn Numeral 18 denotes a control unit the inputs of which are connected to a comparator 19, a clock 20 consisting of an oscillator, and a binary counter, arranged to generate control pulses to control all time lapses in the control unit 18, and a counter 21~ The outputs of the control unit 18 are connected to a reference voltage source 22 arranged to generate the previously described said reference voltages to the generator 2, to the clock 20, to the co~mter 21 and to the load 23.
The inputs of the comparator are connected to the reference voltage source 22, the generator 2 and the battery 1. Apart from said connection to one of the inputs of the control unit the output of the comparator 19 is connected to an alarm device 24 arranged to provide an optic and/or acoustic alarm.
- 9 - ~22279~
A temperature detector 25 thermally connect:ed to the battery l is arranged to generate a signal related to the temperature of the battery and to control the reference voltage source 22 with this signal, so that all reference voltages and thereby also the battery charging voltage are increased with a decreasing battery temperature. The opposite takes place with an increasing battery temperature.
The comparator 19 includes a number of comparing circuits arranged to compare the reference voltages from the reference voltage source 22 with the generator- and battery voltages as described previously. As a result of these comparisons control signals are generated to the control unit 18 and alarm signals are generated to the alarm device 24. This is arranged to provide warnings with different characteris-tics for different errors so that these can be easilyidentified.
The control unit 18 is arranged to control the generator voltage, in the manner that is characteristic of the invention, governed by inputs from the comparator l9, the clock 20 and the counter 21. If the battery 1 is not sufficiently loaded during the measuring phase, which is often the case with diesel engine driven motor boats, the load 23 is automatically switched on. The number of charging cycles when charging takes place at a voltage related to quick charging is counted by the counter 21, which is arranged to provide a switch off signal to the control unit when a pre-decided number of ~uick charging cycles (e.g. 8) has taken place.
In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for recharging during operation a chargeable battery connected to an electrical system of a motor vehicle, a machine, a motor boat or the like wherein the output voltage from a generator connected to the battery is used as a charging voltage the amplitude of which can be varied by controlling the field of the generator, and wherein the recharging is performed by one or repeated charging cycles during which the charging is performed at a raised charging voltage which, by controlling the output voltage of the generator, is just below the upper limit of the range of operating voltage of the electrical system.
In accordance with a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a voltage regulator for recharging during operation a rechargeable battery which is connected to an electrical system of a motor vehicle, a machine, a motor boat or the like, said regulator being connected to a line between the battery and a generator having an output which can be varied by varying the magnetizing current of the generator, wherein the regulator comprises a control device arranged to define cyclic charging periods of equal time during which, by controlling the magnetizing current of the generator, there is applied to the battery an increased voltage which is just below the upper limit voltage value of the electrical system.
Other features and characteristics of the present invention will be obvious from the following specification in conjun-ction with the enclosed drawings in whicho _ 3 - ~z~2~92 Fig. 1 i5 a block diagram showing a conventional charging regulator system;
Fig. 2 which corresponds to Fig. 1 illustrates a charging regulator system according to the present invention;
Fig. 3 is a flow chart which shows how a charging regulator according to the invention functions;
Figs. 4 - 6 show by a dotted and a con-tinuous line, respec-tively, how charging current, charging voltage and charging quantity varies with time when using a conventional charging voltage regulator and a regulator according to the invention, ~espectively, and Fig. 7 is a block diagram showing the principal design of a charging regulator according to the invention.
Fig. 1 shows schema-tically in the form of a block diagram how a battery 1, a generator 2 and a charging regulator 3 are internally electrically connected in a conventional charqing regulator system having a negative earth to be used, for example, in a motor vehicle. The positive pole of the battery 1 is connected to the charging output 5 of the generator 2 and is also connected, via an ignition key switch 6, to one terminal of a charging light 7, the other terminal of which is connected to the regulator voltage output 8 of the generator 2. This other terminal of the light 7 is also connected to the supply- and measuring input 9 of the regulator 3. A line 10 connects the regulator output 11 of the regulator 3 with the Eield winding input 12 of the generator 2.
When the ignition key switch 6 is closed as the engine is started, the battery is connected to the regulator 3 and hence to the field winding of the generator 2. Before the charging commences, current flows from the battery 1 to the regulator 3. This current passes through the charging lamp 7, which is thus lit. When the generator 2 is recharging the battery 1, the voltage of the output 8 is equal to -the battery voltage. At this time there is no 27~
current flow through the charging light 7, which consequently is not lit. The regulator 3 operates in such a manner that by detecting the voltage at the output 8 it controls the generator field so that the output voltage of the generator 2, i.e. its charging voltage, has a pre-determined value. When the input voltage oE the regulator is less than this voltage value, the battery is completely recharged. The charging ceases when the input voltage reaches said value.
It will be appreciated that recharging of the battery 1 with the above--described conventional charging regulator system is not achieved in the expected manner if the generator runs at a low speed, if the connections between the generator 2 and the battery 1 are in poor condition, or if the charging ability of the battery 1 is reduced. At low speed of the generator 2 no more charging is achieved than that which is needed for the charging light 7 to go off, and one is misled into believing that the charging is working perfectly when in reality perhaps only a few amperehours have been added to the battery lalthough the engine has been working for a consider-able time. It is very common for the conductors, theconnections between the conductors and the poles of the battery 1 and battery master switch to be in poor condition which causes a potential drop. Since the regulator 3 detects the voltage at the generator 2, and not at the battery, the charging voltage may be as much as lV less than the pre-determined charging voltage at low charging amperages. This causes minimal or no charging of the battery 1. The conven-tional regulator 3 also controls the output voltage of the generator 2 so that this has a constant value which is independent of the charging ability of the battery. This also results in the effective charging being very poor with an extremely discharged battery.
The object of the present invention is to provide a method of, and a charging regulator for, recharging a rechargeable battery in which the method and regulator do not have above 5- ~22~7~2 disadvantages. This object is achieved by the invention having the characteristics recited in the appended claims.
In Fig. ~ in which the same reference numbers as in Fig 1 are used where applicable, 13 denotes a charging regulator according to the present invention. Apart from the output 11, which is identical to that of the regulator 3, the regulator 13 has four inputs 14, 15, 16 and 17. The input 14 is connected to the regulator voltage output 8 of the generator and is arranged to receive a starting signal from the gener-ator 2 showing that the generator is working and is generatinga charging voltage. The input 15 which is connected to the charging output 5 of the generator and to the positive pole 4 of the battery 1 can be compared with the input 9 of the regulator 3 which is a feed- and test signal input. The input 16 is directly connected to the positive pole 4 of the battery 1 and is therefore the test signal input for the battery voltage, and the input 17 which is connected to the positive pole 4 of the battery 1 via the ignition key switch 6 and the charging light 7 can also be considered as a starting signal input the function of which can likewise be compared to that of the input 9 of the regulator 3.
The regulator 13 according to the invention differs from the conventional regulator 3 in the following respects: By way of the charging liaht 7 or any other acoustic or optic alarm means, a warning is provided when -the generator 2 does not reach its working voltage as a result of operating at too low a speed. It also provides a warning if the potential drop between the generator 2 and the battery 1 is unaccept-ably high. The charging voltage and therefore also the charging current to the battery 1 is regulated with respect to the condition of the battery~ The charging is carried out by means of repeated charging cycles each of which consists of a charging period, and a test period with the battery loaded. The charging voltage is determined on the basis of the test result. An extremely discharged battery cannot ~:Z2~92 assimilate maximum charging for an unlimited time, which is why there is also a time limit in order to protect the battery against this type of overcharging.
It will now be explained in more detail how charging according to the invention takes place with reference to the flow chart in Fig. 3. A refers to the starting condition.
The regulator commences to be fed with current, via the input 15 and the charging programme is set at ~ero. Stage represents a charging period during which a charging voltage which provides a compensating charge to the battery is applied to the battery for a certain period of time (5 minutes).
If a 12V battery is used (which will be assumed to be the case in the following description) typical value for a compensating charge voltage is 14V and the period of time is 5 minutes. To achieve this, the batterv voltage is compared to a reference voltage and the regulator controls the field current of the generator so that said voltages are equalised. To check the condition of the lead between the generator and the battery, the battery voltage is compared to another reference voltage (9V), which is considerably smaller than the first said reference voltage. If the battery voltage happens to be lower than the second reference voltage the voltage detection of the regulator 13 is changed from the battery pole 4 to the charging output 5 of the generator 2. After the above mentioned time (5 minutes) has lapsed the regulator programme switches over to C.
Stage C is a measuring phase. The battery voltage is measured for a certain period of time (1 minute) but is cut off if the battery voltage drops below a certain voltage (13.2V) before the time is ended. While measuring, all alarms are blocked, and the charging of the battery is cut off by cutting the field current of the generator 2. It is presumed that the battery is loaded while measuring. This is automatically the case with cars where the head lights or other equipment of the type hereinbefore referred to is _ 7 _ ~ 2 2 ~ 7~2 switched on. The measuring of the ba-ttery voltage takes place by comparing it to the said reference voltage. If the battery voltage is equal to or less than the reference voltage, the programme continues to D. If the battery voltage is higher than the reference voltage the programme continues to F.
At D the battery is charged with a charging voltage (14.6V) for a certain period of time (8 minutes) which is equal to quick charging of the battery. The said tim~, however, is counted from the moment the voltage exceeds a certain value (14.4V), whereby a charging time which takes into considera-tion the capacity of the battery is achieved. In other words D comprises the charging phase which also applies to E.
During stage E charging takes place with a voltage (14V) related to the compensating charge for a time (2 minutes) which is shorter than the time of stage D. Thereafter the charging programme switches to C.
If the battery voltage is higher than the first reference voltage the charging programme of the regulator switches to F.
Stage F is a compensating charging phase which takes place for a comparatively long time (1-3 hrs). After this the programme switches to B.
It can be observed that the sequence consisting of C, D and E
provides quick charging of the battery, while the sequence including C, F and s provides a compensating charging of the battery.
Stage G represents the different test measurements or com-parisons which are carried out according to the invention and which have previously been partly explained. In this stage the battery voltage and the generator voltage are continuously compared to the reference voltages to determine - 8 - ~ ~ ~27~Z
overvoltage, undervoltage or unacceptable potential drops in the lead between the generator and the battery.
In Flg. 4 the programme stages A, B, C, D and E are again shown. In relation to charging current as well as charging voltage and amount of charging, the graphs (continuous) showing charging according to the invention are all above those (dotted) which represent a conventional system of charging.
Although it is obvious that a man skilled in the art, having knowledge of how a charging regulator according to the invention functions, can make this invention in a number of ways, one example of the invention will be explained in the following, referring to the block diagram shown in Fig. 7.
While for simplicity the invention is described with reference to Fig. 7 in a rather general manner, in practice the whole regulator is preferably constructed on one so-called IC circuit with which further test and control functions outside the scope of the present invention can be achieved, if so desired.
In Fig. 7 the battery 1, the generator 2 and, within a dotted outline, the regulator 3 are again ~hQwn Numeral 18 denotes a control unit the inputs of which are connected to a comparator 19, a clock 20 consisting of an oscillator, and a binary counter, arranged to generate control pulses to control all time lapses in the control unit 18, and a counter 21~ The outputs of the control unit 18 are connected to a reference voltage source 22 arranged to generate the previously described said reference voltages to the generator 2, to the clock 20, to the co~mter 21 and to the load 23.
The inputs of the comparator are connected to the reference voltage source 22, the generator 2 and the battery 1. Apart from said connection to one of the inputs of the control unit the output of the comparator 19 is connected to an alarm device 24 arranged to provide an optic and/or acoustic alarm.
- 9 - ~22279~
A temperature detector 25 thermally connect:ed to the battery l is arranged to generate a signal related to the temperature of the battery and to control the reference voltage source 22 with this signal, so that all reference voltages and thereby also the battery charging voltage are increased with a decreasing battery temperature. The opposite takes place with an increasing battery temperature.
The comparator 19 includes a number of comparing circuits arranged to compare the reference voltages from the reference voltage source 22 with the generator- and battery voltages as described previously. As a result of these comparisons control signals are generated to the control unit 18 and alarm signals are generated to the alarm device 24. This is arranged to provide warnings with different characteris-tics for different errors so that these can be easilyidentified.
The control unit 18 is arranged to control the generator voltage, in the manner that is characteristic of the invention, governed by inputs from the comparator l9, the clock 20 and the counter 21. If the battery 1 is not sufficiently loaded during the measuring phase, which is often the case with diesel engine driven motor boats, the load 23 is automatically switched on. The number of charging cycles when charging takes place at a voltage related to quick charging is counted by the counter 21, which is arranged to provide a switch off signal to the control unit when a pre-decided number of ~uick charging cycles (e.g. 8) has taken place.
Claims (19)
PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. Method for recharging a chargeable battery for a motor vehicle, a machine, a motor boat or the like in which the output voltage from a battery charging generator which is connected to the battery is used as a charging voltage, the magnitude of which can be varied by controlling the field of the generator, the recharging is performed by repeated charging cycles each of which consists of a charging period, and a test period during which the battery is loaded and the charging from the generator to the battery is dis-connected, and the magnitude of the charging voltage during a charging period is determined on the basis of the test result during the immediately preceding test period, wherein, during a test period the magnitude of the battery voltage is compared to a pre-determined voltage, with the recharging, if the comparison shows that the battery voltage is lower than the pre-determined voltage or decreases to below this voltage during the test period, taking place at a charging voltage sufficient for rapid recharging of the battery during the next following charging period by controlling the output voltage of the generator, and the recharging during the next following charging period, if the comparison shows that the battery voltage is higher than the pre-determined voltage, taking place at a charging voltage which provides a compen-sating charge of the battery, the charging, during the later part of the charging period immediately before the test period, taking place at a charging voltage corresponding to the compensating charge.
2. Charging regulator for recharging of a rechargeable battery for a motor vehicle, a machine, a motor boat or the like, said regulator being connected to a line between the battery and a battery recharging generator the output voltage of which can be varied by varying the magnetizing current of the generator, and being arranged to interrupt the charging during test periods of repeated charging cycles, each consisting of a test period and a charging period and while the battery is loaded, and to measure the charging condition of the battery and control the output voltage of the generator during the next following charging period depending on the detected charging condition, wherein the regulator includes a control device arranged to define the cyclic charging periods which are of equal time and the test periods between the charging periods, the magnetizing current of the generator being partly disconnected during the test periods thus to interrupt the charging of the battery, the battery and a reference voltage source being partly electri-cally connected with a comparator arranged to compare the battery voltage with a pre-determined voltage value, and during the next following charging period a charging voltage being applied to the battery by controlling the magnetizing current of the generator with the charging voltage being sufficient to provide rapid recharging of the battery provided that the comparator during the test period has detected the battery voltage to be lower than the predetermined voltage or during the test period the battery voltage has dropped below said voltage, and there being applied to the battery a charging voltage which is sufficient to provide a compensating charge to the battery if the battery voltage is higher than the pre-determined voltage.
3. Method for recharging during operation a chargeable battery connected to an electrical system of a motor vehicle, a machine, a motor boat or the like wherein the output voltage from a generator connected to the battery is used as a charging voltage the amplitude of which can be varied by controlling the field of the generator, and wherein, the recharging is performed by one or repeated charging cycles during which the charging is performed at a raised charging voltage which, by controlling the output voltage of the generator, is just below the upper limit of the range of operating voltage of the electrical system.
4. Method according to claim 3, wherein each charging cycle comprises a charging period and a test period during which the battery is loaded and the charging from the generator to the battery is disconnected.
5. Method according to claim 4, wherein during the test period the magnitude of the battery voltage is compared to a pre-determined voltage whereby if the battery voltage is lower than the pre-determined voltage or decreases to below this voltage during the test period, the recharging takes place during the next following charging period at a raised charging voltage, and if the battery voltage is higher than the pre-determined voltage, the recharging during the next following charging period takes place at a charging voltage which gives a compensating charge of the battery, the charging, during the later part of the charging period and immediately before the test period, being at a charging voltage corresponding to the compensating charge.
6. Method according to either one of claims 1 and 3, wherein the battery voltage is compared with a reference voltage which is considerably lower than normal battery voltage, an alarm signal being provided or the comparison being automatically switched from a comparison with the voltage at the battery to a comparison with the voltage at the generator if the battery voltage is lower than the reference voltage.
7. Method according to either one of claims 1 and 3, wherein the voltage drop in the connection between the battery and the generator is measured and an alarm is activated if the voltage drop exceeds a pre-determined voltage related to a maximum acceptable voltage drop.
8. Method according to either one of claims 1 and 3, wherein the output voltage of the generator at the battery is compared with the reference voltage and an alarm is activated when the generator voltage is less than said voltage, with current being drawn from the battery.
9. Method according to either one of claims 1 and 3, wherein the temperature of the battery is detected with the reference voltages being increased in proportion to a decreasing battery temperature and being decreased in proportion to an increasing battery temperature.
10. Method according to either one of claims 1 and 3, wherein recharging of the battery is interrupted by disconnecting the current to the field winding of the generator.
11. Method according to either one of claims 1 and 3, wherein recharging with a rapid charging voltage is carried out for a pre-determined number of charging periods, with the rechar-ging thereafter being at a compensating charge voltage.
12. Method according to claim 3, wherein during the charging at the raised voltage value, the duration of the charging period is based on the effective charging time, so that the charging period is calculated only on the basis of the time that the charging voltage exceeds a pre-determined value.
13. Voltage regulator for recharging during operation a rechargeable battery which is connected to an electrical system of a motor vehicle, a machine, a motor boat or the like, said regulator being connected to a line between the battery and a generator having an output which can be varied by varying the magnetizing current of the generator, wherein the regulator comprises a control device arranged to define cyclic charging periods of equal time during which by controlling the magnetizing current of the generator, there is applied to the battery an increased voltage which is just below the upper limit voltage value of the electrical system.
14. Voltage regulator according to claim 13, wherein the control device is arranged to provide test periods between the charging periods, the magnetizing current of the generator being partly disconnected during the test periods thereby to interrupt the charging of the battery which is partly loaded.
15. Voltage regulator according to claim 13, wherein at a loaded battery the control device connects the battery and a reference voltage source with a comparator which is arranged to compare the battery voltage with a pre-determined voltage value, increased voltage being applied to the battery during the following charging period if during the test period the comparator detects that the battery voltage is lower than said pre-determined voltage value or has dropped to a value below said pre-determined voltage value, and a charging voltage which is sufficient to be a compensating charge to the battery being applied to the battery if the battery voltage is higher than the pre-determined voltage value.
16. Regulator according to any one of claims 2, 13 or 14, wherein the regulator includes a temperature detector on the battery, the reference voltage source being arranged to increase the value of the reference voltage in proportion to a decreasing battery temperature and to decrease the value of the reference voltage in proportion to an increasing battery temperature, depending on the output from the temperature detector.
17. Regulator according to either one of claims 2 and 15, wherein the regulator includes an optic or acoustic alarm device, a switch device being connected to the battery and the generator, and the comparator being arranged to compare the battery voltage with a reference voltage, whereby if the voltage drop is greater than the reference voltage the alarm device is activated to alarm or automatically actuate said switching device so that the test point of the regulator is switched from the battery to the generator.
18. Regulator according to any one of claims 2, 13 or 14, wherein the comparator is arranged to compare said voltage drop with a voltage relating to a maximum acceptable voltage drop, the regulator being arranged to operate the alarm device if the voltage drop is equal to or exceeds said voltage.
19. Regulator according to any one of claims 2, 13 or 14, wherein the regulator includes a counting device for counting the number of consecutive charging periods where charging takes place at a charging voltage for rapid charging and to control the charging regulator to add the compensating recharging voltage to the battery for a comparatively long time when said number exceeds a pre-determined number of charging periods.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000445547A CA1222792A (en) | 1984-01-18 | 1984-01-18 | Method for recharging a rechargeable battery |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000445547A CA1222792A (en) | 1984-01-18 | 1984-01-18 | Method for recharging a rechargeable battery |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1222792A true CA1222792A (en) | 1987-06-09 |
Family
ID=4126975
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000445547A Expired CA1222792A (en) | 1984-01-18 | 1984-01-18 | Method for recharging a rechargeable battery |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1222792A (en) |
-
1984
- 1984-01-18 CA CA000445547A patent/CA1222792A/en not_active Expired
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4673862A (en) | Method of recharging a rechargeable battery | |
| JP3296385B2 (en) | Battery voltage detection circuit | |
| US6624614B2 (en) | Charge and discharge controller | |
| US5525891A (en) | Power-supply-apparatus in a vehicle | |
| US5994875A (en) | Battery charging apparatus and method with charging mode convertible function | |
| US4021718A (en) | Battery monitoring apparatus | |
| EP0926799B1 (en) | Power supply apparatus | |
| CA2089006C (en) | Cell monitor and control unit for multicell battery | |
| CA2035425C (en) | Overdischarge and overvoltage protection circuit for a battery in a portable and mobile communication system | |
| US5017856A (en) | Battery charging system | |
| US4207511A (en) | Circuit for constant voltage power source | |
| US4207514A (en) | System and apparatus for monitoring or controlling secondary battery operation | |
| US5416402A (en) | State of charge indicator for deep-cycle application | |
| KR20040007628A (en) | Circuit for monitoring cells of a multi-cell battery during charge | |
| US4386308A (en) | Hysteresis type battery charger having output short circuit protection | |
| CN109638918B (en) | Charging circuit and electronic equipment | |
| US5089766A (en) | Vehicle ac generator control device with overvoltage limiter and dummy load unit | |
| US5321347A (en) | Battery charger device and method | |
| US5563495A (en) | Charging circuit with battery charge monitor circuit | |
| US5994874A (en) | Battery charging system with battery pack of different charging voltages using common a battery charger | |
| KR19990071504A (en) | Battery protection circuit | |
| US5280230A (en) | Automatic nickel cadmium battery cycler | |
| JPH08308115A (en) | Charge/discharge control circuit | |
| CA1222792A (en) | Method for recharging a rechargeable battery | |
| CA2083813A1 (en) | Battery charging |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |