CA2119304C - Method and device for regenerating voltage supply elements in the form of primary elements - Google Patents
Method and device for regenerating voltage supply elements in the form of primary elementsInfo
- Publication number
- CA2119304C CA2119304C CA002119304A CA2119304A CA2119304C CA 2119304 C CA2119304 C CA 2119304C CA 002119304 A CA002119304 A CA 002119304A CA 2119304 A CA2119304 A CA 2119304A CA 2119304 C CA2119304 C CA 2119304C
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- Prior art keywords
- voltage
- primary element
- electric energy
- regenerated
- switching device
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
- H02J7/007—Regulation of charging or discharging current or voltage
- H02J7/00711—Regulation of charging or discharging current or voltage with introduction of pulses during the charging process
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M6/00—Primary cells; Manufacture thereof
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
- H02J7/02—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from ac mains by converters
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J2207/00—Indexing scheme relating to details of circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
- H02J2207/20—Charging or discharging characterised by the power electronics converter
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- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Dc-Dc Converters (AREA)
- Generation Of Surge Voltage And Current (AREA)
- Primary Cells (AREA)
- Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
- Emergency Protection Circuit Devices (AREA)
- Apparatus Associated With Microorganisms And Enzymes (AREA)
- Immobilizing And Processing Of Enzymes And Microorganisms (AREA)
- Secondary Cells (AREA)
- Micro-Organisms Or Cultivation Processes Thereof (AREA)
- Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)
- Measurement Of Current Or Voltage (AREA)
- Electrolytic Production Of Non-Metals, Compounds, Apparatuses Therefor (AREA)
- Design And Manufacture Of Integrated Circuits (AREA)
- Control Of Eletrric Generators (AREA)
- Semiconductor Integrated Circuits (AREA)
- Electromechanical Clocks (AREA)
- Electrotherapy Devices (AREA)
- Oscillators With Electromechanical Resonators (AREA)
- Coloring Foods And Improving Nutritive Qualities (AREA)
Abstract
A method of regenerating a voltage supply element in the form of a primary element includes the step of charging the primary element with electric energy for a predetermined time period.
The step of charging the primary element with electric energy includes the step of supplying periodically voltage impulses of a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined impulse duration.
The voltage impulses should preferably have a short ascending and/or descending time. The device for regenerating a voltage supply in the form of a primary element by charging the primary element with electric energy has a low resistance dc voltage source and a switching device having an input and an output for connecting the switching device to a pole of the primary element to be regenerated. The output delivers a sequence of voltage impulses. The low resistance dc voltage source is connected to the input. A timing generator is connected to the switching device for timing the switching device. The switching device has an adjusting member for adjusting the amplitude of the voltage impulses.
The step of charging the primary element with electric energy includes the step of supplying periodically voltage impulses of a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined impulse duration.
The voltage impulses should preferably have a short ascending and/or descending time. The device for regenerating a voltage supply in the form of a primary element by charging the primary element with electric energy has a low resistance dc voltage source and a switching device having an input and an output for connecting the switching device to a pole of the primary element to be regenerated. The output delivers a sequence of voltage impulses. The low resistance dc voltage source is connected to the input. A timing generator is connected to the switching device for timing the switching device. The switching device has an adjusting member for adjusting the amplitude of the voltage impulses.
Description
2119~0~ ~
Background of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for regenerating voltage supply elements in the form of primary elements with electrical energy supplied thereto as well as a device for performing the described method.
Primary elements, respectively, primary voltage sources, have become indispensible in daily life and are used with different devices, apparatus and appliances in order to supply such devices, apparatus or appliances with electric energy. Primary voltage sources of the aforementioned kind are, for example, manganese, alkali, zinc-carbon or other elements which all have in common that after a certain amount of operating time only such a low voltage is present at their poles that the desired operation of the consuming device connected thereto is no longer possible.
Due to the electro-chemical changes in the interior of such primary elements, the initial voltage is reduced and a change of the inner resistance of the elements takes place so that the output power of such elements is reduced parallel to the nominal voltage. Typically, a primary 211330~
element in its initial unloaded state has a voltage of 1.5 V. An element of this kind is considered spent when the voltage sinks to approximately 1 to 1.2 V.
In general, such spent elements are without second thoughts disposed in domestic or industrial waste which, in view of the material and the chemical composition of the components of such primary elements, is highly objectionable, respectively, even dangerous with respect to environmental considerations. In the recent past efforts have been made to collect such spent elements at special collection locations in order to sub~ect them to a controlled recycllng process;
however, an element of the aforementioned kind is often considered spent, as mentioned above, when the voltage drops below 1 to 1.2 V even though the components of the elements are still intact.
In this context it should be noted that the voltage of the primary element which changes over time of use and the accompanying reduction of current supply is essentially only determined by the reactions taking place in the interior of the element during the tlme of use.
Various attempts have been undertaken and various methods have been suggested for recycling the primary voltage supply elements, that are spent in the aforementioned sense, with the goal that these elements should be able to supply power for a further period of time. However, all methods known to date have the disadvantage that a truly effective regeneration is not possible or possible only to a limited extent.
It is thus an ob;ect of the present invention to provide a method and a device of the aforementioned kind for the regeneration of primary elements with which a regeneration is possible such that the power output of essentially unused primary voltage supply elements can be reached, whereby the method and the device should be simple and inexpensive to perform, respectively, to manufacture so that they can be mass-produced at low cost and find wide-spread use.
Brief Description of the Drawings This object, and other objects and advantages of the present invention, will appear more clearly from the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 shows a device for 211930~
performing the method for regenerating voltage supply elements in a block diagram;
Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a device shown in Fig. 1 with details of the circuitry;
Fig. 3 shows the current as a function of time for the primary voltage supply element upon a load of 6 ohm corresponding to 250 mA, whereby curve A shows a new voltage source, curve B
shows the current after a first regeneration process, and curve C shows the current after a second regeneration process: and Fig. 4 shows a plan view of a housing of the device for receiving a plurality of voltage supply elements to be regenerated.
Summary of the Invention The method of regenerating a voltage supply 21193~4 element in the form of a primary element according to the present invention is primarily characterized by the steps of:
Charging the primary element with electric energy for a predetermined time period; and The step of charging the primary element with electric energy including the step of supplying periodically voltage impulses of a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined impulse duration.
Preferably, the step of supplying periodically voltage impulses includes the step of generating the voltage impulses with a short ascending time and/or a short descending time.
Advantageously, the step of supplying periodically voltage impulses includes the step of producing the impulse duration in a range of 10-3 seconds to 2 x 10-3 seconds.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the step of supplying periodically voltage impulses includes the step of producing the voltage impulses in a frequency range of 2 Hz to 200 Hz.
Advantageously, the step of charging the primary element with electric energy includes the step of producing the electric energy with a - 211930~
current of 5 x 10-2 A to 15 A. Advantageously, the step of producing the electric energy includes the step of adjusting and/or controlling the current as a function of an inner resistance of the primary element to be regenerated.
According to the inventive method the primary element to be regenerated is charged for a predetermined time period with substantially periodically supplied voltage impulses of a predetermined amplitude and predetermined impulse duration.
The advantage of the inventive method lies in the fact that the primary element can be regenerated such that, as desired, a power output is achievable that is in fact almost identical to the power output of a new primary element that has never been used.
The inventive method has furthermore the advantage that it is also possible to regenerate multiple times the primary element after multiple discharges whereby after each regeneration process the initial power output can be reached approximately. With the inventive method it is furthermore advantageously possible that, in addition to saving raw materlals, the disposal 211~304 problem is also reduced, and the primary element must be disposed of only after multiple regeneration processes when in fact the inner, irreparable destruction has been observed.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the voltage impulses are designed such that they have a short ascending time, respectively, a short descending time, i.e., the voltage impulses have very steep flanks that contribute substantially to the increase of the regenerating effect.
The impulse duration preferably lles between 10-3 seconds to 2 x 10-3 seconds, whereby the impulse duration is variably adjustable as a function of the element to be regenerated, also as a function of other parameters, if necessary.
Advantageously, the frequency of the voltage impulses is also variable and may be selected, for example, to be within a preferred range of 2 to 200 Hz.
The regenerating current should be adjustable preferably within a range of 5 x 10-2 A to 15 A.
It is also possible to, for example, adjust the range of the regenerating current at a fixed rate, i.e., to perform the regeneration process with a constantly pulsed current and with changing 211930~
voltage impulse amplitudes that are adjusted as a function of the regenerating state of the primary element. However, it is also advantageously possible to allow for an automatic adjustment of the regenerating current as a function of the inner resistance of the voltage source to be regenerated whereby the voltage impulses are preset to have a constant amplitude.
The present invention also relates to a device for regenerating a voltage supply in the form of a primary element by charging the primary element with electric energy, the inventive device being primarily characterized by:
A low resistance dc voltage source;
A switching device having an input and an output for connecting the switching device to a pole of the primary element to be regenerated, the output delivering a sequence of voltage impulses;
The low resistance dc voltage source connected to the input; and A timing generator connected to the switching device for timing the switching device.
Advantageously, the switching device comprises an adjusting member for adjusting an amplitude of the voltage impulses.
- 211930~
Expediently, the switching device comprises a control device for controlling the current of the electric energy. Advantageously, the control device controls the current as a function of the changing inner resistance of the primary element to be regenerated.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the device further comprises a timing member for adjusting a charging time period for the primary element to be regenerated.
The inventive device for regenerating voltage sources in the form of primary elements with electric energy in the form of dc current is characterized by a low-resistance dc voltage source the dc voltage signal of which is supplied to a switching device timed by a timing generator, whereby the output of the switching device that delivers a sequence of voltage impulses is connected to a pole of the voltage source to be regenerated.
The advantage of the inventive device is essentially that it can be assembled in a simple manner from substantially inexpensively producible components so that the device has low manufacturing costs and can thus also be mass-21193~4 produced and can be widely used in the private and industrial sector. Such a device will be commonly supplied via electric networks, present everywhere, with the required primary energy so that no expensive technical measures are required for a respective adaptation, i.e., commercial voltage transformers and/or adapters can be used.
Advantageously, the switching device has an adjusting member for setting the amplitude of the voltage impulses and advantageously also comprises a control device for controlling the regenerating current if desired to maintain the current at a constant level while the amplitude of the voltage impulses is adjusted as a function of the degree of regeneration of the primary elements to be regenerated.
The characteristics (parameters) of the control of the control device can advantageously be selected as a function of the degree of regeneration of the voltage supply element and the resulting changing inner resistance. However, it is also possible to select a different control characteristic, if needed, as a function of the voltage supply element to be regenerated, respectively, if so desired, and when special - 211930~
regenerating characteristics are desired or necessary.
It is also advantageous that the time period for regenerating the voltage supply element to be regenerated can be predetermined, respectively, set to a certain time period that is adjustable with a timing member so that after completion of a regenerating process in a quasi automatic manner the regeneration is terminated, i.e., the primary 10voltage source (electric energy source) is switched off.
Description of Preferred Embodiments The present invention will now be described in detail with the aid of several specific embodiments utilizing Figures l through 4.
The device 10 for performing the method of the present invention will first be described with the aid of Fig. l representing a block diagram.
A low resistance dc primary voltage source 23 may 20be in the form of a suitably dimensioned adapter that can be connected with its input to a suitable ac network in a suitable manner. The dc voltage source 23 supplies in a known manner a dc signal 13 to the input 17 of a switching device 14. The switching device 14 is directly controlled by a - 2119~04 timing generator 15 which functions such that the dc signal 13 is changed into a sequence of voltage impulses 18 at the output 16 which is adjustable with respect to the impulse duration via an adjusting member 21 that also cooperates with the timed switching device 14. The impulse duration of a semi-period of the impulse sequence 18 is for example between 10-3 to 2 x 10-3 seconds long.
The adJusting member 21 may also be provided with adjusting elements, respectively, control members with which the regenerating current is adjustable within a range of 5 x 10-2 A to 15 A.
The timing generator 15 is also adjustable, respectively, controllable such that with it the frequency of the voltage impulses of the sequence 18 is adjustable, for example, in the range of 2 to 200 Hz.
The timing member 22 is connected to a switch 24 such that the voltage impulse sequence 18 from the output 16 of the timed switching device 14 is connected to a pole 19 of the voltage supply element 11 to be regenerated. The other pole 20 of the voltage source 11 to be regenerated is connected in a conventional manner to the other pole of the dc voltage source 23, in the shown ` ~ 21193~4 example to its mass. The timing member 22 may be embodied in an adjustable form so that in a predetermined manner the regenerating process, i.e., the charging of the voltage supply element 11 to be regenerated with the sequence 18 of voltage impulses can be performed at a predetermined time period. When the end of the predetermined time period is reached, the electrical switch 24 which was closed due to the pressure of the time interval key, is open so that automatically an interruption of the supply of the voltage impulse sequence 18 to the voltage supply element 11 to be regenerated takes place.
It should be noted that the device 10 may also be embodied such that it is possible to adjust the regenerating current at a constant level as a function of the inner resistance of the voltage supply element 11 to be regenerated (constant current charging mode, respectively, constant current regenerating mode). However, the current may also be adjustable, if needed, or automatically adjustable corresponding to the changing inner resistance of the voltage supply element 11 to be regenerated during the regenerating process.
- 21~304 Fig. 2 shows the device according to Fig. 1 in a detailed circuit diagram embodiment.
Voltage is supplied to the device via a conventional supply network to which a transformer 25 is connected. With one pole of the secondary side of the transformer 25 two capacitors 25 are connected and with the other pole two diodes 30 are connected. Together the elements 25, 30 form in a known manner a rectifier-voltage doubler.
Accordingly, as known per se, a low resistance dc voltage source for supplying voltage to the following functional elements of the device 10 is provided.
The generation and the formation of the steep-flanked impulses for the highly effective regeneration effect is carried out with the timing generator, respectively, impulse generator 15.
The generator 15 works as an asymmetric multi vibrator together with the transistors 27 and 28 and generates and forms the required impulses with an impulse seguence frequency of 2 to 5 Hz. Via further impulse forming circuits these are subsequently guided to the electronic switch 14 and amplified. Subsequently, these voltage impulses are then guided into the part of the -21~ 93~
device into which the primary elements to be regenerated are inserted. In order to protect the device 10 and the primary elements to be regenerated (the voltage supply elements 11), the circuit of the device 10 may be provided with a so-called automatic turn-off device 29 that llmits the regenerating, respectively, guick-loading process to a predetermined time period, for example, a maximum of 25 minutes. If need be, by pressing the timing key 31 one more time, the regenerating, respectively, quick-charging process may be activated again for the predetermined time period.
Fig. 3 shows the course of the initial voltage of a voltage supply element as a function of time for a discharging process over a load resistance of 6 ohm corresponding to approximately 250 mA. After approximately 12 hours the voltage of the voltage supply element 11 has been reduced from 1.5 V to 1.2 V. 250 mA correspond approximately to the current consumption of an incandescent lightbulb that is typically used in flashlights. The first discharge curve of the voltage source 11 is represented by curve A in Fig. 3. Curve A represents a new voltage supply - 211930~
element 11 that has never been used.
After a first regeneration process over a time period of approximately 20 minutes, the regenerated voltage supply element that has been regenerated with the inventive method and the inventive device provides a nominal voltage of approximately 1.5 V. A subsequent discharge of the regenerated voltage source 11 with the same load parameters for a time period of 12 hours is represented in curve B. Curve B is almost identical to the first load curve A. A subsequent second regenerating process with the inventive method and device 10 over a time period of 20 minutes again results in a nominal voltage of approximately 1.5 V whereby with the same load parameters a curve C results that only slightly deviates from the previous curves A and B.
Experiments have shown that commercially available primary elements of good quality can be regenerated at least 10 times in the aforedescribed manner without exhibiting a significant power output decrease.
With the inventive method it is thus possible to reverse the chemical, respectively, electro-chemical reactions taking place in the interior of - 2119~04 the primary elements 11. The normal electro-chemical reactions occurring with an electrical consuming device connected to primary elements is the formation of deposits on electrodes which deposits have an insulating effect. With the inventive method and the inventive device 10 the electrodes are freed of the insulating deposits so that an almost complete regeneration of its initial power output, respectively, capacity is obtainable.
Fig. 4 shows a housing for the device 10 for recelving a plurality of voltage supply elements 11. The housing may receive different voltage supply elements 11 which may be regenerated individually or simultaneously.
It should be noted that the inventive method and the inventive device 10 are not only suitable for regenerating primary elements 11, but are also suitable for a quick-charging of secondary voltage supply elements, i.e., different types of accumulators, without deviating from the inventive principle of regeneration, respectively, recharging with voltage impulses over a certain period of time at a predetermined impulse duration, amplitude, and frequency etc. The - 21193û~
inventive device and the inventive method have been very effective and are therefore suitable for charging or recharging secondary voltage supply elements.
The present invention is, of course, in no way restricted to the specific disclosure of the specification and drawings, but also encompasses any modifications within the scope of the appended claims.
Background of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for regenerating voltage supply elements in the form of primary elements with electrical energy supplied thereto as well as a device for performing the described method.
Primary elements, respectively, primary voltage sources, have become indispensible in daily life and are used with different devices, apparatus and appliances in order to supply such devices, apparatus or appliances with electric energy. Primary voltage sources of the aforementioned kind are, for example, manganese, alkali, zinc-carbon or other elements which all have in common that after a certain amount of operating time only such a low voltage is present at their poles that the desired operation of the consuming device connected thereto is no longer possible.
Due to the electro-chemical changes in the interior of such primary elements, the initial voltage is reduced and a change of the inner resistance of the elements takes place so that the output power of such elements is reduced parallel to the nominal voltage. Typically, a primary 211330~
element in its initial unloaded state has a voltage of 1.5 V. An element of this kind is considered spent when the voltage sinks to approximately 1 to 1.2 V.
In general, such spent elements are without second thoughts disposed in domestic or industrial waste which, in view of the material and the chemical composition of the components of such primary elements, is highly objectionable, respectively, even dangerous with respect to environmental considerations. In the recent past efforts have been made to collect such spent elements at special collection locations in order to sub~ect them to a controlled recycllng process;
however, an element of the aforementioned kind is often considered spent, as mentioned above, when the voltage drops below 1 to 1.2 V even though the components of the elements are still intact.
In this context it should be noted that the voltage of the primary element which changes over time of use and the accompanying reduction of current supply is essentially only determined by the reactions taking place in the interior of the element during the tlme of use.
Various attempts have been undertaken and various methods have been suggested for recycling the primary voltage supply elements, that are spent in the aforementioned sense, with the goal that these elements should be able to supply power for a further period of time. However, all methods known to date have the disadvantage that a truly effective regeneration is not possible or possible only to a limited extent.
It is thus an ob;ect of the present invention to provide a method and a device of the aforementioned kind for the regeneration of primary elements with which a regeneration is possible such that the power output of essentially unused primary voltage supply elements can be reached, whereby the method and the device should be simple and inexpensive to perform, respectively, to manufacture so that they can be mass-produced at low cost and find wide-spread use.
Brief Description of the Drawings This object, and other objects and advantages of the present invention, will appear more clearly from the following specification in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 shows a device for 211930~
performing the method for regenerating voltage supply elements in a block diagram;
Fig. 2 shows an embodiment of a device shown in Fig. 1 with details of the circuitry;
Fig. 3 shows the current as a function of time for the primary voltage supply element upon a load of 6 ohm corresponding to 250 mA, whereby curve A shows a new voltage source, curve B
shows the current after a first regeneration process, and curve C shows the current after a second regeneration process: and Fig. 4 shows a plan view of a housing of the device for receiving a plurality of voltage supply elements to be regenerated.
Summary of the Invention The method of regenerating a voltage supply 21193~4 element in the form of a primary element according to the present invention is primarily characterized by the steps of:
Charging the primary element with electric energy for a predetermined time period; and The step of charging the primary element with electric energy including the step of supplying periodically voltage impulses of a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined impulse duration.
Preferably, the step of supplying periodically voltage impulses includes the step of generating the voltage impulses with a short ascending time and/or a short descending time.
Advantageously, the step of supplying periodically voltage impulses includes the step of producing the impulse duration in a range of 10-3 seconds to 2 x 10-3 seconds.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the step of supplying periodically voltage impulses includes the step of producing the voltage impulses in a frequency range of 2 Hz to 200 Hz.
Advantageously, the step of charging the primary element with electric energy includes the step of producing the electric energy with a - 211930~
current of 5 x 10-2 A to 15 A. Advantageously, the step of producing the electric energy includes the step of adjusting and/or controlling the current as a function of an inner resistance of the primary element to be regenerated.
According to the inventive method the primary element to be regenerated is charged for a predetermined time period with substantially periodically supplied voltage impulses of a predetermined amplitude and predetermined impulse duration.
The advantage of the inventive method lies in the fact that the primary element can be regenerated such that, as desired, a power output is achievable that is in fact almost identical to the power output of a new primary element that has never been used.
The inventive method has furthermore the advantage that it is also possible to regenerate multiple times the primary element after multiple discharges whereby after each regeneration process the initial power output can be reached approximately. With the inventive method it is furthermore advantageously possible that, in addition to saving raw materlals, the disposal 211~304 problem is also reduced, and the primary element must be disposed of only after multiple regeneration processes when in fact the inner, irreparable destruction has been observed.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention the voltage impulses are designed such that they have a short ascending time, respectively, a short descending time, i.e., the voltage impulses have very steep flanks that contribute substantially to the increase of the regenerating effect.
The impulse duration preferably lles between 10-3 seconds to 2 x 10-3 seconds, whereby the impulse duration is variably adjustable as a function of the element to be regenerated, also as a function of other parameters, if necessary.
Advantageously, the frequency of the voltage impulses is also variable and may be selected, for example, to be within a preferred range of 2 to 200 Hz.
The regenerating current should be adjustable preferably within a range of 5 x 10-2 A to 15 A.
It is also possible to, for example, adjust the range of the regenerating current at a fixed rate, i.e., to perform the regeneration process with a constantly pulsed current and with changing 211930~
voltage impulse amplitudes that are adjusted as a function of the regenerating state of the primary element. However, it is also advantageously possible to allow for an automatic adjustment of the regenerating current as a function of the inner resistance of the voltage source to be regenerated whereby the voltage impulses are preset to have a constant amplitude.
The present invention also relates to a device for regenerating a voltage supply in the form of a primary element by charging the primary element with electric energy, the inventive device being primarily characterized by:
A low resistance dc voltage source;
A switching device having an input and an output for connecting the switching device to a pole of the primary element to be regenerated, the output delivering a sequence of voltage impulses;
The low resistance dc voltage source connected to the input; and A timing generator connected to the switching device for timing the switching device.
Advantageously, the switching device comprises an adjusting member for adjusting an amplitude of the voltage impulses.
- 211930~
Expediently, the switching device comprises a control device for controlling the current of the electric energy. Advantageously, the control device controls the current as a function of the changing inner resistance of the primary element to be regenerated.
In a further embodiment of the present invention, the device further comprises a timing member for adjusting a charging time period for the primary element to be regenerated.
The inventive device for regenerating voltage sources in the form of primary elements with electric energy in the form of dc current is characterized by a low-resistance dc voltage source the dc voltage signal of which is supplied to a switching device timed by a timing generator, whereby the output of the switching device that delivers a sequence of voltage impulses is connected to a pole of the voltage source to be regenerated.
The advantage of the inventive device is essentially that it can be assembled in a simple manner from substantially inexpensively producible components so that the device has low manufacturing costs and can thus also be mass-21193~4 produced and can be widely used in the private and industrial sector. Such a device will be commonly supplied via electric networks, present everywhere, with the required primary energy so that no expensive technical measures are required for a respective adaptation, i.e., commercial voltage transformers and/or adapters can be used.
Advantageously, the switching device has an adjusting member for setting the amplitude of the voltage impulses and advantageously also comprises a control device for controlling the regenerating current if desired to maintain the current at a constant level while the amplitude of the voltage impulses is adjusted as a function of the degree of regeneration of the primary elements to be regenerated.
The characteristics (parameters) of the control of the control device can advantageously be selected as a function of the degree of regeneration of the voltage supply element and the resulting changing inner resistance. However, it is also possible to select a different control characteristic, if needed, as a function of the voltage supply element to be regenerated, respectively, if so desired, and when special - 211930~
regenerating characteristics are desired or necessary.
It is also advantageous that the time period for regenerating the voltage supply element to be regenerated can be predetermined, respectively, set to a certain time period that is adjustable with a timing member so that after completion of a regenerating process in a quasi automatic manner the regeneration is terminated, i.e., the primary 10voltage source (electric energy source) is switched off.
Description of Preferred Embodiments The present invention will now be described in detail with the aid of several specific embodiments utilizing Figures l through 4.
The device 10 for performing the method of the present invention will first be described with the aid of Fig. l representing a block diagram.
A low resistance dc primary voltage source 23 may 20be in the form of a suitably dimensioned adapter that can be connected with its input to a suitable ac network in a suitable manner. The dc voltage source 23 supplies in a known manner a dc signal 13 to the input 17 of a switching device 14. The switching device 14 is directly controlled by a - 2119~04 timing generator 15 which functions such that the dc signal 13 is changed into a sequence of voltage impulses 18 at the output 16 which is adjustable with respect to the impulse duration via an adjusting member 21 that also cooperates with the timed switching device 14. The impulse duration of a semi-period of the impulse sequence 18 is for example between 10-3 to 2 x 10-3 seconds long.
The adJusting member 21 may also be provided with adjusting elements, respectively, control members with which the regenerating current is adjustable within a range of 5 x 10-2 A to 15 A.
The timing generator 15 is also adjustable, respectively, controllable such that with it the frequency of the voltage impulses of the sequence 18 is adjustable, for example, in the range of 2 to 200 Hz.
The timing member 22 is connected to a switch 24 such that the voltage impulse sequence 18 from the output 16 of the timed switching device 14 is connected to a pole 19 of the voltage supply element 11 to be regenerated. The other pole 20 of the voltage source 11 to be regenerated is connected in a conventional manner to the other pole of the dc voltage source 23, in the shown ` ~ 21193~4 example to its mass. The timing member 22 may be embodied in an adjustable form so that in a predetermined manner the regenerating process, i.e., the charging of the voltage supply element 11 to be regenerated with the sequence 18 of voltage impulses can be performed at a predetermined time period. When the end of the predetermined time period is reached, the electrical switch 24 which was closed due to the pressure of the time interval key, is open so that automatically an interruption of the supply of the voltage impulse sequence 18 to the voltage supply element 11 to be regenerated takes place.
It should be noted that the device 10 may also be embodied such that it is possible to adjust the regenerating current at a constant level as a function of the inner resistance of the voltage supply element 11 to be regenerated (constant current charging mode, respectively, constant current regenerating mode). However, the current may also be adjustable, if needed, or automatically adjustable corresponding to the changing inner resistance of the voltage supply element 11 to be regenerated during the regenerating process.
- 21~304 Fig. 2 shows the device according to Fig. 1 in a detailed circuit diagram embodiment.
Voltage is supplied to the device via a conventional supply network to which a transformer 25 is connected. With one pole of the secondary side of the transformer 25 two capacitors 25 are connected and with the other pole two diodes 30 are connected. Together the elements 25, 30 form in a known manner a rectifier-voltage doubler.
Accordingly, as known per se, a low resistance dc voltage source for supplying voltage to the following functional elements of the device 10 is provided.
The generation and the formation of the steep-flanked impulses for the highly effective regeneration effect is carried out with the timing generator, respectively, impulse generator 15.
The generator 15 works as an asymmetric multi vibrator together with the transistors 27 and 28 and generates and forms the required impulses with an impulse seguence frequency of 2 to 5 Hz. Via further impulse forming circuits these are subsequently guided to the electronic switch 14 and amplified. Subsequently, these voltage impulses are then guided into the part of the -21~ 93~
device into which the primary elements to be regenerated are inserted. In order to protect the device 10 and the primary elements to be regenerated (the voltage supply elements 11), the circuit of the device 10 may be provided with a so-called automatic turn-off device 29 that llmits the regenerating, respectively, guick-loading process to a predetermined time period, for example, a maximum of 25 minutes. If need be, by pressing the timing key 31 one more time, the regenerating, respectively, quick-charging process may be activated again for the predetermined time period.
Fig. 3 shows the course of the initial voltage of a voltage supply element as a function of time for a discharging process over a load resistance of 6 ohm corresponding to approximately 250 mA. After approximately 12 hours the voltage of the voltage supply element 11 has been reduced from 1.5 V to 1.2 V. 250 mA correspond approximately to the current consumption of an incandescent lightbulb that is typically used in flashlights. The first discharge curve of the voltage source 11 is represented by curve A in Fig. 3. Curve A represents a new voltage supply - 211930~
element 11 that has never been used.
After a first regeneration process over a time period of approximately 20 minutes, the regenerated voltage supply element that has been regenerated with the inventive method and the inventive device provides a nominal voltage of approximately 1.5 V. A subsequent discharge of the regenerated voltage source 11 with the same load parameters for a time period of 12 hours is represented in curve B. Curve B is almost identical to the first load curve A. A subsequent second regenerating process with the inventive method and device 10 over a time period of 20 minutes again results in a nominal voltage of approximately 1.5 V whereby with the same load parameters a curve C results that only slightly deviates from the previous curves A and B.
Experiments have shown that commercially available primary elements of good quality can be regenerated at least 10 times in the aforedescribed manner without exhibiting a significant power output decrease.
With the inventive method it is thus possible to reverse the chemical, respectively, electro-chemical reactions taking place in the interior of - 2119~04 the primary elements 11. The normal electro-chemical reactions occurring with an electrical consuming device connected to primary elements is the formation of deposits on electrodes which deposits have an insulating effect. With the inventive method and the inventive device 10 the electrodes are freed of the insulating deposits so that an almost complete regeneration of its initial power output, respectively, capacity is obtainable.
Fig. 4 shows a housing for the device 10 for recelving a plurality of voltage supply elements 11. The housing may receive different voltage supply elements 11 which may be regenerated individually or simultaneously.
It should be noted that the inventive method and the inventive device 10 are not only suitable for regenerating primary elements 11, but are also suitable for a quick-charging of secondary voltage supply elements, i.e., different types of accumulators, without deviating from the inventive principle of regeneration, respectively, recharging with voltage impulses over a certain period of time at a predetermined impulse duration, amplitude, and frequency etc. The - 21193û~
inventive device and the inventive method have been very effective and are therefore suitable for charging or recharging secondary voltage supply elements.
The present invention is, of course, in no way restricted to the specific disclosure of the specification and drawings, but also encompasses any modifications within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (15)
EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS
CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:
1. A method of regenerating a voltage supply in the form of a primary element, comprising the steps of:
charging the primary element with electric energy for a predetermined time period;
and said step of charging the primary element with electric energy including the step of supplying periodically voltage impulses of a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined impulse duration.
charging the primary element with electric energy for a predetermined time period;
and said step of charging the primary element with electric energy including the step of supplying periodically voltage impulses of a predetermined amplitude and a predetermined impulse duration.
2. A method according to claim 1, wherein said step of supplying periodically voltage impulses includes the step of generating said voltage impulses with a short ascending time.
3. A method according to claim 1, wherein said step of supplying periodically voltage impulses includes the step of generating said voltage impulses with a short descending time.
4. A method according to claim 1, wherein said step of supplying periodically voltage impulses includes the step of generating said voltage impulses with a short ascending time and a short descending time.
5. A method according to claim 1, wherein said step of supplying periodically voltage impulses includes the step of producing said impulse duration in a range of 10-3 s to 2 x 10-3 s.
6. A method according to claim 1, wherein said step of supplying periodically voltage impulses includes the step of producing said voltage impulses in a frequency range of 2 Hz to 200 Hz.
7. A method according to claim 1, wherein said step of charging the primary element with electric energy includes the step of producing said electric energy with a current of 5 x 10-2 A
to 15 A.
to 15 A.
8. A method according to claim 7, wherein said step of producing said electric energy includes the step of adjusting said current as a function of an inner resistance of the primary element to be regenerated.
9. A method according to claim 7, wherein said step of producing said electric energy includes the step of controlling said current as a function of an inner resistance of the primary element to be regenerated.
10. A method according to claim 7, wherein said step of producing said electric energy includes the step of adjusting and controlling said current as a function of an inner resistance of the primary element to be regenerated.
11. A device for regenerating a voltage supply in the form of a primary element by charging the primary element with electric energy, said device comprising:
a low resistance dc voltage source, a switching device having an input and an output for connecting said switching device to a pole of the primary element to be regenerated, said output delivering a sequence of voltage impulses;
said low resistance dc voltage source connected to said input; and a timing generator connected to said switching device for timing said switching device.
a low resistance dc voltage source, a switching device having an input and an output for connecting said switching device to a pole of the primary element to be regenerated, said output delivering a sequence of voltage impulses;
said low resistance dc voltage source connected to said input; and a timing generator connected to said switching device for timing said switching device.
12. A device according to claim 11, wherein said switching device comprises an adjusting member for adjusting an amplitude of the voltage impulses.
13. A device according to claim 11, wherein said switching device comprises a control device for controlling the current of the electric energy.
14. A device according to claim 13, wherein said control device controls the current as a function of the changing inner resistance of the primary element to be regenerated.
15. A device according to claim 11, further comprising a timing member for adjusting a charging time period for the primary element to be regenerated.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE4308538A DE4308538A1 (en) | 1993-03-17 | 1993-03-17 | Method and device for regenerating voltage sources in the form of galvanic elements, in particular primary elements |
| DEP4308538.5 | 1993-03-17 |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2119304A1 CA2119304A1 (en) | 1994-09-18 |
| CA2119304C true CA2119304C (en) | 1996-09-24 |
Family
ID=6483062
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002119304A Expired - Fee Related CA2119304C (en) | 1993-03-17 | 1994-03-17 | Method and device for regenerating voltage supply elements in the form of primary elements |
Country Status (25)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0616410B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2787541B2 (en) |
| KR (1) | KR0144287B1 (en) |
| CN (1) | CN1050944C (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE164267T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU671891B2 (en) |
| BR (1) | BR9401186A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2119304C (en) |
| CZ (1) | CZ283865B6 (en) |
| DE (2) | DE4308538A1 (en) |
| DK (1) | DK0616410T3 (en) |
| EE (1) | EE03245B1 (en) |
| ES (1) | ES2113562T3 (en) |
| FI (1) | FI941246A (en) |
| HU (1) | HU215682B (en) |
| IL (1) | IL108903A (en) |
| LT (1) | LT3461B (en) |
| LV (1) | LV11392B (en) |
| MY (1) | MY112389A (en) |
| NO (1) | NO309833B1 (en) |
| PL (1) | PL177114B1 (en) |
| RU (1) | RU2153741C2 (en) |
| SK (1) | SK280687B6 (en) |
| TW (1) | TW452214U (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA941778B (en) |
Families Citing this family (11)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US5491399A (en) * | 1993-05-28 | 1996-02-13 | William E. Gregory | Lead acid battery rejuvenator |
| CN1117409C (en) * | 1996-04-24 | 2003-08-06 | 三洋电机株式会社 | Method for reducing internal resisance of rechargeable batteries |
| JP3561524B2 (en) * | 1996-04-24 | 2004-09-02 | 三洋電機株式会社 | Method for reducing internal resistance of rechargeable storage battery |
| WO1998008265A1 (en) * | 1996-08-19 | 1998-02-26 | Siemens Ag Österreich | Method and circuit for depassivation of a battery |
| DE19638062A1 (en) * | 1996-09-18 | 1998-03-19 | Unomat Gmbh & Co Kg | Alkaline-manganese dry battery charging method |
| DE19913627A1 (en) * | 1999-03-25 | 2000-10-26 | Siemens Ag | Electric battery charging method |
| DE10147386A1 (en) * | 2001-09-26 | 2003-04-24 | Alwin Kaiser | Charging device and process for recharging dead rechargeable batteries especially lithium batteries, delivers a voltage pulse to the battery before charging |
| SE525604E5 (en) * | 2003-04-30 | 2013-10-22 | Ctek Sweden Ab | Method of charging a battery, computer-readable medium and battery charger |
| TW200810318A (en) * | 2006-08-15 | 2008-02-16 | Chen zheng sheng | Voltage-recovering method for primary battery and apparatus of same |
| RU2437190C2 (en) | 2009-08-07 | 2011-12-20 | Геннадий Дмитриевич Платонов | Storage battery restoration method and device for its implementation |
| JP6885688B2 (en) * | 2016-08-01 | 2021-06-16 | トヨタ自動車株式会社 | How to regenerate nickel metal hydride batteries |
Family Cites Families (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS50139335A (en) * | 1974-04-24 | 1975-11-07 | ||
| EP0047183A1 (en) * | 1980-09-03 | 1982-03-10 | Reactomatic Limited | A dry cell battery re-activator |
| GB8319187D0 (en) * | 1983-07-15 | 1983-08-17 | Morris N | Dry cell battery re-activator |
| CA1239985A (en) * | 1985-12-09 | 1988-08-02 | Levitt-Safety Limited | Nicad battery charger |
| JPS63103631A (en) * | 1986-10-16 | 1988-05-09 | シャープ株式会社 | Regenerating circuit of battery |
| US5256957A (en) * | 1988-03-11 | 1993-10-26 | Gerhard Wiesspeiner | Process and circuit versions for charging accumulators |
| DE3811371A1 (en) * | 1988-04-05 | 1989-10-19 | Habra Elektronik | METHOD FOR CHARGING AND SIMULTANEOUSLY CHECKING THE CONDITION OF A NICKELCADMIUM BATTERY |
| DE3829720A1 (en) * | 1988-09-01 | 1990-03-15 | Gbm Electronic Import Export G | BATTERY CHARGER |
| CA2038160C (en) * | 1991-03-13 | 1996-10-22 | Jiri K. Nor | Charging circuits for rechargeable batteries and cells |
-
1993
- 1993-03-17 DE DE4308538A patent/DE4308538A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1994
- 1994-02-02 DE DE59405445T patent/DE59405445D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1994-02-02 EP EP94101499A patent/EP0616410B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1994-02-02 DK DK94101499T patent/DK0616410T3/en active
- 1994-02-02 ES ES94101499T patent/ES2113562T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1994-02-02 AT AT94101499T patent/ATE164267T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1994-03-03 AU AU57558/94A patent/AU671891B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1994-03-07 TW TW085209284U patent/TW452214U/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1994-03-09 IL IL108903A patent/IL108903A/en active IP Right Grant
- 1994-03-10 SK SK296-94A patent/SK280687B6/en unknown
- 1994-03-10 JP JP6066686A patent/JP2787541B2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1994-03-11 PL PL94302560A patent/PL177114B1/en unknown
- 1994-03-14 ZA ZA941778A patent/ZA941778B/en unknown
- 1994-03-16 HU HU9400771A patent/HU215682B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1994-03-16 FI FI941246A patent/FI941246A/en unknown
- 1994-03-16 LT LTIP1897A patent/LT3461B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1994-03-16 CN CN94103304A patent/CN1050944C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1994-03-16 LV LVP-94-53A patent/LV11392B/en unknown
- 1994-03-16 RU RU94008854/09A patent/RU2153741C2/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1994-03-16 KR KR1019940005176A patent/KR0144287B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1994-03-16 NO NO940957A patent/NO309833B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1994-03-16 BR BR9401186A patent/BR9401186A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1994-03-17 CA CA002119304A patent/CA2119304C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1994-03-17 MY MYPI94000620A patent/MY112389A/en unknown
- 1994-03-17 CZ CZ94619A patent/CZ283865B6/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1994-06-08 EE EE9400009A patent/EE03245B1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
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