OA16622A - Bipolar overvoltage battery pulser and method. - Google Patents

Abstract

A bipolar overvoltage battery pulser and method are provided that apply a positive pulse voltage and a negative pulse voltage alternately across the terminals of a battery. The object of the bipolar overvoltage battery pulser and method is to increase the cycle lifetime and capacity of storage batteries, such as lead acid batteries. The rise times for the leading edges of the positive pulses and for the trailing edges of the negative pulses are short compared to ionic relaxation time in the electrochemical solution. Alternating between the positive and negative pulses gives each new pulse an equal starting conditions without realizing any memory effect that otherwise may result if the last applied pulse was of the same polarity, which reduces the extent of overvoltage that may be applied to the battery and decrease the highest useable pulse cycling frequencies that could be achieved without experiencing pulse overlapping. The shape, type and timing of the pulses may be adjusted to create overvoltage pulses having high duration and amplitude.

Description

The présent invention relates to a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser and method for increasing the cycle lifetime and capacity of a battery.

BACKGROUND

A rechargeable battery is an electrochemical cell that stores energy, delivering that energy upon discharge of current based upon the deniand of the electrical device. A rechargeable battery may be recharged by forcing an electrical current through the battery in a direction opposite to that of discharge.

A commonly encountered problem with rechargeable batteries is a loss in the energy capacity of the battery over subséquent recharging cycles resulting in a reduced amount of time of battery usage until the next recharging cycle. For example, a loss in the abilîty to retain fuil energy capacity of a battery may resuit after a charging cycle follows a period of use when the battery does not become fully discharged. The loss in the ability to retain full energy capacity may become exasperated when there are repeated cycles of shallow discharging followed by a charging cycle. To reduce the extent of loss to retain substantially full energy capacity of a battery further preventing a rapid détérioration in available energy capacity after a charge cycle, manufacturers recommend subjecting a rechargeable battery to a deep discharge prior to recharging the battery.

While there are many phenomena that can contribute to this loss in ability of the battery to retain full charge capacity, it is known that a détérioration in the ability of an active constituent to become regenerated at any one or both of the anode and cathode may be a contributing factor. For example, it has been reported that the

- I 16622 décliné in capacity of lead acid batteries is associated with a progressive change in the nature of the active materials of the cathode and the anode, which also contributes to a réduction in life of the battery as well as a loss in the ability of the battery to retain capacity. The initial state of the surface structure of the cathode and anode is porous allowing a greater amount of the active material to become exposed to the surrounding electrolyte of the battery. As the battery undergoes multiple discharge and recharge cycles, the surface structure of the cathode and anode progressively becomes increasingly deftned by aggregate crystalline structures that reduce the overall surface contact of the active material with the electrolyte solution of the battery.

Attempts in the prior art to reduce these effects in a battery hâve been directed to improved battery charge cycles that include insuring the battery becomes deeply discharged prior to recharging the battery to a recommended operating level. Other battery chargers in the prior art control the pattern of charge and, in some cases, may include a slight discharge sequence over the period of charging the battery. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,633,574 to Sage discloses a charging sequence for a battery that includes repeatably applying a sequence that includes 1000 milliseconds of charging, 2 milliseconds of no charging, 5 milliseconds of discharging, and 10 milliseconds of no charging may rcducc the extent of loss in ability for the battery to retain füll charge capacity. U.S. Pat. No. 5,998,968 to Pittman et al. discloses applying a discharge, charge, and rest period to a battery in a predetermined charging sequence until the battery becomes fully charged. U.S. Pat. No. 5,777,453 to Imanaga represents even another charge sequencing strategy whereby voltage puises are periodically applied to a battery followed by a rest period when no voltage is applied during the charging sequence.

Repeated losses in the ability of the battery to retain full charge capacity over multiple charging cycles may also contribute to an overall réduction in the life of the battery. I.e., it is known that a loss in the ability of the battery to retain capacity is not fully irréversible and may be cumulative over the life ofthe battery resulting in an overall réduction in the life of the battery.

During a charge cycle, the électrodes or plates attract ions—négative ions to the positive plate and positive ions to the negate plate—which impedes the further transfer of ions to the plates. As the battery becomes charged, an increased impédance develops resulting m an increased résistance of the battery to become charged. Eventually, upon completion of charging and removal of any overvoltage, an

-216622 equilibrium will develop at the anode and cathode such that the rate of transfer of ions to the électrodes equals the rate of transfer of the same types of ions away from the électrodes.

The équations of Boltzmann, represented by équation l, and Nemst, represented by équation 2, describe the thermodynamic equilibrium (the stable state) that develops in an electrochemical system in ternis of the ratio of the dcnsity of ions in the bulk electrochemical solution, D_sc, relative to the density of the same types of ions présent in the surface layer of the electrode, D_nrc, in relation to the potential différence, (V_se-V_me), that exîsts between the electrochemical solution and the electrode and its mutual dependence on said ratio D_se/D_mc. See, e.g., Christian Gerthsen and Helmut Vogel: Gerthsen Physics, 19 ed., Springer Verlag, Berlin and New York.

q = charge of an électron, Coulomb k = Boltzmann constant, Joule/Kelvin

T = absolute température, Kelvin

D_se/D_me = ratio of the ionic density of the electrochemical solution to the ionic density of the surface layer at the electrode at equilibrium (V_M- V_mc) = potential différence between electrochemical solution and electrode at equilibrium, volts

At equilibrium conditions, the system is stable, i.e., the formation, growth or dissolution or phase transitions do not occur. At equilibrium, the flux of any ionic species into the surface layer at the electrode will be compensated for by the flux of an equal number of the same ionic species from the surface layer at the electrode into the electrochemical solution.

-316622

In ail chemical Systems there is a tendency to change to the equilibrium state. See, e.g., James E. Brady: General Chemistry—Principles and Structure, John Wiley & Sons, New York. If an existing equilibrium is disturbed, for example, by imposing a change in the potential at the electrode, then the ratio of the ionic density of the electrochemical solution to ionic density of the surface layer at the electrode will change until a new equilibrium condition is achieved. The relaxation lime is defined as the amount of time needed for the system to arrive at a new equilibrium condition. The relaxation time constant, which characterizes the change in ratio of ionic densities versus lime, is defined by the spécifie dielectric constant dîvided by the spécifie electrica) conductivîty, both of which are properties of the electrolytic solution.

Favorable conditions for phase transitions, i.e., for ions from the electrolyte solution discharging on the surface of the electrode, occur when the solution is supersaturated and the system départs from its equilibrium condition. For example, supersaturation occurs when the potential V_s of the ions in the electrochemical solution is greater than the equilibrium potential V,_nc on the electrode, as represented by équation (3).

(V_s-V_mc)>0 (3)

There are two possibilities for addressing this supersaturation condition. One possibility is to impose a potential on the electrode V_ni that is more négative or less than the potential of the electrode at equilibrium V_mc while the potential ofthe electrochemical solution is maintained at its equilibrium potential as represented by équation (4).

(V„-V_m)>0 (4)

The différence between the potential of the electrode at equilibrium and the potential of the electrode under the circumstances as described above is known as electrochemical over-potentîal or the electrochemical ovcrvoltage as represented by équation (5).

(V_n,e-V_m)>0 (5)

Another possibility for addressing the supersaturation condition is by imposing on the electrochemical solution a potential V₅ that is higher than the potential of the electrochemical solution at equilibrium V_se by keeping the potential on the electrode V_m at its equilibrium potential V_me. Thus, the circumstances of the overvoltage condition as represented in équation (3). q>/

-416622

The two quantitîes, the condition of supersaturation and the overvoltage, can be considered as measures for the déviation from the state of stable thermodynamic equilibrium. However, the mere fact that the system is supersaturated and the overvoltage exists does not necessarily create a phase transition. Rather, these conditions increase the probability that a phase transition may occur. See, e.g., Alexander Milchev: Electrocrystallization—Fundamentals of Nucléation and Growth, Kluwer Academie Publishers, New York.

There remains a need in the art for an apparatus and method that opérâtes to reduce the loss of the capability of the battery to store energy over time and increase the ovcrall life of the battery during the entîre operational cycle of the battery, i.e., even outside the period when the battery is being charged.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The présent invention relates to devices and methods for increasing the cycle lifetime and capacity of a battery. Without intending to be bound by theory, a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser and the techniques of the invention maintain the capacity of a battery and extends the operating life of the battery.

In one aspect, the invention provides a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser that includes a puise generator that produccs a positive pulsed voltage and a négative pulsed voltage, a positive pulsed voltage driver that converts the positive pulsed voltage into a positive pulsed voltage waveform, a négative pulsed voltage driver that converts the négative pulsed voltage into a négative pulsed voltage waveform, and a pulsed voltage distributor that merges the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage waveform into a pulsed voltage waveform that is applied across the terminais of a battery.

In an embodiment of the invention, the puise generator of the bipolar overvoltage battery puiser is configurcd in a inicrocontroller. In another embodiment of the invention, the puise generator of the bipolar overvoltage battery puiser has a positive puise generator that generales the positive pulsed voltage and a négative puise generator that générâtes the négative pulsed voltage. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the puise generator has an altemating inverter switch wherein the puise generator generates a pulsed voltage, the altemating inverting switch alternately processes the pulsed voltage into a pass-through pulsed voltage and an inverted pulsed voltage, and the pass-through pulsed voltage is any one of the positive pulsed voltage <

-516622 and the négative pulsed voltage while the inverted pulsed voltage is the other one of the positive pulsed voltage and the négative pulsed voltage.

In an embodiment of the invention, the positive pulsed voltage driver and the négative pulsed voltage driver of the bipolar overvoltage battery puiser each has a puise shaper and a timing generator wherein the puise shaper and the timing generator are configured to convert a pulsed voltage to a pulsed voltage waveform.

Pursuant to certain embodiments of the invention, a positive voltage amplifier and a négative voltage amplifier amplifies the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage waveform, respectively. In certain other embodiments of the invention, a voltage amplifier amplifies the pulsed voltage waveform.

In an embodiment of the invention, the pulsed voltage waveform of the bipolar overvoltage battery puiser has at least one positive voltage puise defined by a leading edge and a positive puise amplitude followed by at least one négative voltage puise defined by a trailing edge and a négative or inverted puise amplitude. Pursuant to this embodiment of the invention, the rise time of the leading edge of the at least one positive voltage puise and the rise time of the trailing edge of the at least one négative voltage puise are each less than a relaxation time of an electrolytic solution of the battery. Specifically, the rise time of the leading edge and the rise time of thc trailing edge may be about one-third of the relaxation time.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the positive puise amplitude of the at least one positive voltage puise and the négative puise amplitude of the ai least one négative voltage puise are greater than a voltage of thc battery, for instance, al least about twice the voltage of the battery.

In an embodiment of the invention, a puise cycle Irequency of the pulsed voltage waveform is such that a puise width of the at least one positive voltage puise and a puise width of the at least one négative voltage puise do not overlap. In another embodiment of the invention, both the puise width of the at least one positive voltage puise and the puise width of the at least one négative voltage puise excecd the relaxation time.

In another embodiment of the invention, the bipolar overvoltage battery puiser additionally comprises a control 1er and a measurement device that measures the voltage of the battery. Pursuant to this embodiment of the invention, the control 1er identifies a state ofithe battery using the voltage of the battery and activâtes the bipolar overvoltage battery puiser based upon the state of the battery.

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In an embodiment of the invention, the bipolar overvoltage battery is for treating a lead acid battery. In another embodiment of the invention, the bipolar overvoltage battery puiser may treat other types of batteries (i.e., non-lead acid batteries).

In certain embodiments of the invention, the bipolar overvoltage battery puiser of the invention is directly integrated within the battery.

Another aspect of the invention provides methods for treating a battery. In an embodiment of the invention, the method for treating a battery includes the step of using a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser of the invention to increase a cycle lifetime of the battery and an ability of the battery to retain capacity.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a method for treating a plurality of batteries with each battery of the plurality of batteries having a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser of the invention, includes the step of controlling each of the bipolar overvoltage battery pulsers such that not more than one of the bipolar overvoltage battery puises is applying an overvoltage at any one time.

In an embodiment of the invention, a method for treating a battery comprises the steps of providing a positive pulsed voltage waveform having a single positive puise and a négative pulsed voltage waveform having a single négative or înverted puise, and applying the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage waveform altemately across the terminais of a battery. Pursuanl to this embodiment of the invention, the method for.treating the battery may further comprise the step of merging the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage waveform before applying the waveforms across the terminais of the battery.

In another embodiment of the invention, the single positive puise is defined by a leading edge and a positive puise amplitude and the négative or inverted puise is defined by a trailing edge and a négative puise amplitude. In certain embodiments of the invention, a rise time of the leading edge and a rise time of the trailing edge are each less than a relaxation time of an electrolytic solution of the battery.

In an embodiment of the invention, a method comprises the steps of producing a positive pulsed voltage and a négative pulsed voltage, converting the positive pulsed voltage to a positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage to a négative pulsed voltage waveform, merging the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsedwoltage waveform into a pulsed voltage waveform, and applying the pulsed voltage waveform across terminais of a battery.

-Ί16622

In another embodiment of the invention, the method may additionally include the step of amplifying the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage waveform, or, in another embodiment of the invention, amplifying the pulsed voltage waveform that includes the mcrged positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage waveform.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the producing step of the method comprises the steps of generating a pulsed voltage and processing the pulsed voltage, altemately, into a pass-through pulsed voltage and an inverted pulsed voltage, wherein the pass-through pulsed voltage is any one of the positive pulsed voltage and the négative pulsed voltage, and the inverted pulsed voltage is the other one of the positive pulsed voltage and the négative pulsed voltage.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the converting step of the method comprises the steps of shaping the positive pulsed voltage and the négative pulsed voltage respectively into a positive pulsed voltage shape and a négative pulsed voltage shape and timing a distribution of the positive pulsed voltage shape and a distribution of the négative pulsed voltage shape respectively into the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage waveform.

Other aspects and embodiments will become apparent upon review of the following description taken in conjunction the accompanying drawings. The invention, though, is pointed oui with particularity by the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Having thus described the invention in general ternis, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. lis a graphical représentation comparing an exemplary overvoltage pulsing cycle imposed across the terminais of a battery in accordance with the présent invention to the ratio of ionic densities in an electrochemical cell;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram i11ustrating an embodiment of the bipolar overvoltage battery puiser of the présent invention;

FIG. 3A illustrâtes an electrical circuit diagram representing an embodiment of a microconlroller of a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser of the présent invention;

FIG. 3B illustrâtes an electrical circuit diagram representing an embodiment of a voltage driver of a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser of the présent invention;

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FIG. 3C illustrâtes an electrical circuit diagram representing an embodiment of a voltage amplifier and a pulsed voltage distributor of a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser of the présent invention;

FIG. 3D illustrâtes an electrical circuit diagram representing an embodiment of a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser of the présent invention comprising a microcontroller, a voltage driver, and a voltage amplifier;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment showing a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser of the présent invention întegrated with a battery;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of the invention having a plurality of bipolar overvoltage battery pulsers integrated with a corresponding number of batteries;

FIG. 6 is a graphical représentation showing the lime to discharge for a battery that has been processed according to an embodiment of the invention versus the lime to discharge for a battery that has not been so processed; and

FIG. 7 is a graphical représentation of the discharge times versus the number of charge/discharge cycles for a battery that has been processed according to an embodiment of the invention compared to the discharge times versus the number of charge/discharge cycles for a battery that has not been so processed,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The présent invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not ail embodiments of the inventions are shown. Preferred embodiments of the invention may be described, but this invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complété, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The embodiments of the invention are nol to be interpreted in any way as limiting the invention. Like numbers refer to like éléments throughout.

As used in the spécification and in the appended daims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, reference to “a battery” includes a plurality of such batteries.

It will be understood that relative terms, such as “preceding” or “followed by” or the like, may be used herein to describe one element’s relationship to another

-916622 element as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the éléments in addition to the orientation of éléments as illustrated in the Figures. It will be understood that such terms can be used to describe the relative positions of the element or éléments of the invention and are not intended, unless the context clearly indicates olherwîse, to be limiting. _}

Embodiments ofthe présent invention are described herein with reference to various perspectives, including perspective views that are schematic représentations of idealized embodiments of the présent invention. As a person having ordinary sk.ilI in the art to which this invention belongs would appreciate, variations from or modifications to the shapes as illustrated in the Figures are to be expected in practicing the invention. Such variations and/or modifications can be the resuit of manufacturing techniques, design considérations, and the like, and such variations are intended to be included herein within the scopc of the présent invention and as further set forth in the daims that follow. The articles of the présent invention and their respective components illustrated in the Figures are not intended to illustrate the précisé shape of the component of an article and are not intended to limit the scopc of the présent invention.

Although spécifie terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Ail terms, including technical and scientific terms, as used herein, hâve the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs unless a tenu has been otherwîse defined. h will bc further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be înterpreted as having a meaning as commonly understood by a person having ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be înterpreted as having a meaning that îs consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and the présent disclosure. Such commonly used terms will not be înterpreted in an idealized or overly formai sense unless the disclosure herein expressly so defines otherwîse.

The invention described herein relates to a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser. The bipolar overvoltage battery puiser is generally comprised of a puise generator that produces a positive pulsed voltage and a négative pulsed voltage, a pulsed voltage driver that converts the positive pulsed voltage and négative pulsed voltage into a

- 1016622 positive pulsed voltage waveform and a négative pulsed voltage waveform, a pulsed voltage distributor that nierges the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage waveform into a pulsed voltage waveform that is applied across the terminais of a battery, and, optionally, an amplifier, which may amplify the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage waveform or the pulsed voltage waveform.

In an embodiment of the invention, the puise generator may be configured in a microcontroller. In another embodiment of the invention, the puise generator comprises a positive puise generator and a négative puise generator. In other embodiments of the invention, the puise generator may comprise an altemating inverter switch that altemately processes a pulsed voltage into the positive pulsed voltage and the négative pulsed voilage. Wilhout intending to be Iimiting, the inventive device is particularly useful for încreasîng a cycle lifetime of the battery and improving the ability of the battery to retain capacity.

If voltage puises are imposed across the électrodes of a battery cell, a change in potential between the electrochemical solution and the électrodes will be experienced. In al) chemical Systems, for example, without intending to be limiting, a lead acid battery, there is a tendency to change to the equilibrium state.

If an existing equilibrium is disturbed, for example, by imposing a change in the potential at the electrode, then the ratio of lhe ionic density of the electrochemical solution to ionic density of the surface layer at the electrode will change until a new equilibrium condition is achieved. The relaxation time is defined as the amount of time needed for the system to arrive at a new equilibrium condition. The relaxation time constant, which characterizes the change in ratio of ionic densities versus time, is defined by the spécifie dielectric constant dividcd by the spécifie elcctrical conductivity, both of which are properties of the electrolytic solution.

A positive voltage puise thaï is imposed across an electrochemical system, a pulsetype A, is defined by the rise time of the puise, which refers to the amount of time needed for the starting edge of the voltage puise to make a transition from about the time when the puise begins to rise to about the time when the maximum peak of the puise is reached.

If the rise lime of pulsetype A is less than the relaxation time of the electrochemical system, then an overvoltage condition is imposed on the electrochemical system, then the ion density ratio will change to a new value over the X course of the relaxation time based on the newly imposed potential différence according to the Boltzmann distribution law of équation (l). A positive voltage puise causing an overvoltage in an electrochemical system wi11 cause the ratio of the ionic density of the electrochemical solution to ionic density of the surface layer at the électrode to incrcase until such positive voltage puise is removed, which wiIJ allow the electrochemical system to retum or relax back to its original cquilibrium statc.

Conversely, an overvoltage condition may also bc imposed by using a négative voltage puise, or a pulsetype B, which has an inverse polarity of that of the positive voltage puise pulsetype A. During the time whîle pulsetype B is applied, the ratio of ionic ionic densities will decrease, but afier the puslelype B is terminated, the ratio of ionic densities will relax back to the value fulfilling the Boltzmann distribution according to équation ( I ). The rise time for a négative voltage puise refers to the amount of time needed for the trailing edge of the voltage puise to make a transition from about the time when the trailing edge of the puise begins to change to about the time when the puise is no longer being applied. If the rise time of the trailing edge of the négative voltage puise is less than the relaxation time of the system, then an overvoltage condition is imposed on the electrochemical system.

It has been dîscovered that if similar positive voltage puises, or pulsetypes A, at a high frequency are imposed on an ejectrochemical system, one following the other, then less overvoltage is achieved from the second puise as a resull of the inabilily of the ratio of the ionic density of the electrochemical solution to the ionic density of the surface layer to retum to its equilibrium state. Il has been further dîscovered that this “meinory effect” may be avoided by including a négative voltage puise, pulsetype B, between the two positive voltage puises, pulsetypes A, ail of which are allernately applied across the électrodes of a battery.

Without intending to be bound by theory, application of the pulsetype B functions to “reset” the effect caused by the pulsetype A, and vice versa, preventing this “memory effect” from being realized. It has also been dîscovered that through the “waiting time” or relaxation time after a puise is terminated, the frequency of pulsetype A and pulsetype B, except without overlap in the puises, may be increased also having a favorable affect by lengthening the time the electrochemical System is in a non-equilibrtum state.

Faster rise times of the leading edge of the positive voltage puise and the trailing edge of the négative voltage puise will increase the exlent of overvoltage that ¢/ . 19 16622 may be applied to the battery. Overvoltage applied to the battery will also allow for higher frequency puises resulting in even more time the electrochemical system expériences a non-equilibrium state.

Under equilibrium conditions nothing happens—i.e., there is no net effect of change to the electrochemical system. Changes can be invoked on the electrochemical system to intcrrupt equilibrium by imposing overvoltage puises between an électrode and the “cloud” of ions surrounding the electrode. This results in an overvoltage period with an increascd electrical field force acting upon the cloud of ions, which, at an increased number and energy, will be drawn to the électrodes. At the same time, the diffusions force, or the resulting drawing ions away from the electrode is weaker than the electrical force.

Through higher velocity and energy, ions with attached ions having opposite polarity will lose these attached ions resulting in an increase to their own velocity and energy. High energy ions, for example, a positive hydrogen ion H₂ ⁺ from a divided water molécule may penetrate through any crystalline structures which may have developed at the négative electrode. In a non-limiting example, in a lead acid battery, the positive hydrogen ion may penetrate any lead sulfate PbSO₄ crystalline layer that may have formed at the négative electrode, and dissolute the crystalline layer by forming sulfuric acid H₂SO₄ thereby replenishing the electrochemical solution while leaving pure lead at the electrode.

In another non-lîmiting example, a négative oxide ion from a divided water molécule will contribute to rebuilding lead dioxide PbO₂ crystals on the positive electrode. Without intending to be limitcd by the theory, less energy is required to build large existing crystals even larger; therefore, a more homogenous, with a greater number of lead dioxide crystals, will be experienced at the positive electrode. Hence, under the circumstances imposed by the invention, the “birth rate” of new crystals proportionately increases more relative to the value of overvoltage imposed.

FIG. I is a graphical représentation comparing an overvoltage pulsing cycle imposed across the terminais of a battery to the ratio of ionic densities in an electrochemical cell. The solid line 10 represents the voltage of the battery, the curve 12 represents the ratio of ionic densities, and the overvoltage states 14,16, 18 imposed on the electrochemical cell. The rise times of the positive voltage puise and négative voltage puise are represented by T_r, while the relaxation time constant is represented >>y t_c.

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In a lead acid battery, for example, the growth of lead sulfate crystals on the négative electrode and the reduced number of lead dioxide crystals on the positive electrode may resuit in a réduction in the overall life of the battery. Also, it has been further discovered, that a réduction in the memory effect increases the opportunity for overvoltage and the application of amplitude of an overvoltage puise will also resuit in increasing the overall life of a battery. By repetitively applying a positive voltage puise across the électrodes of a battery, which imposes an overvoltage condition on the battery, followed by applying a négative voltage puise across the électrodes of a battery, which imposes a similar overvoltage condition to counteract the effects of the prior overvoltage condition, the memory effcct experienced by the battery is reduced and an increase in cycle lifetime of the battery and an abilîty of the battery to retain capacity is reaiized. In certain embodiments of the invention, the lifetime of a battery may be increased by a factor between l .7 and 2.2 as shown by the increase in cycle lifetimes in FIG. 7. For cxample, in an embodiment of the invention, the method of the présent invention such as that implemented through a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser of the présent invention increases the cycle lifetime of the battery by as much as * about 10% in comparison to a similar battery where the présent invention has not been applicd. In a further embodiment, a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser of the présent invention increases the life of a battery by as much as about 50%. In a further embodiment, a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser of the présent invention increases the life of a battery by as much as about 70%. In a further embodiment, a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser of the présent invention increases the life of a battery by as much as about 120%. In a further embodiment, a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser of the présent invention increases the life of a battery by as much as about 200%. In a further embodiment, a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser of the présent invention increases the life of a battery by as much as about 250%.

in other embodiments of the invention, the method of the présent invention such as that implemented through a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser of the présent invention retains capacity of a battery by at least about 10% greater than the retained capacity of a similar battery where the invention has not been applied. In a further embodiment, a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser of the présent invention retains capacity of a battery by at least about 50% greater than the retained capacity of a similar battery where the invention has not been applied. In a further embodiment, a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser of the présent invention retains capacity of a battery zZ

- 14 16622 by at least about 100% greater than the retained capacity ofa similar battery where the invention has not been applied. In a further embodiment, a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser of the présent invention retains capacity of a battery by at least about 150% greater than the retained capacity of a similar battery where the invention has not been 5 applied.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the pulsing cycle for increasing the cycle lifetime of the battery and/or allowing the battery to retain capacity may be invoked by a device or apparatus known herein as a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a bipolar overvoltage battery 10 puiser 1. In this illustrative embodiment of the invention, the bipolar overvoltage battery puiser 1 comprises a puise generator 20 for producing a positive pulsed voltage and a négative pulsed voltage. In this exemplary embodiment represented by FIG. 2, the puise generator 20 is configured in a microcontroller 22, the mîcrocontroller additionally comprising an analog-to-digital (AD) converter 24, voltage monitoring 26, 15 and on/off conlrol logic 28. Optionally, a status LED 30 may indicate the status of the microcontroller 22 and/or the puise generator 20.

FIG. 3A illustrâtes an electrical circuit diagram representing an embodiment of a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser 1 having a microcontroller 22 that implements the puise generator 20. The microcontroller 22, in this exemplary embodiment, is an 8-bit 20 microcontroller based on the RISC architecture. The microcontroller 22 may include any number of features needed to support the ability to configure and implemcnt the puise generator 20 including, without limitation, CPU; working registers; non-volatile memory segments that may include, but not necessarily be limited to, flash program memory, EEPROM, and input/output bulTers; timer/counters; oscillator; ADC channels; serial interface; ADC conversion; and interrupts. The digital supply voltage VCC to the microcontroller 22 is provided by a 5-voll supply source 100 and supply inductor 102. The analog-to-digital converter 24 supply voltage to the analog converter ADCC is provided by a 5-volt supply source 104, which may be the same supply source as the 5-volt supply source 100 or a different 5-volt supply source, and secondary inductor 106. Reset input 108 is provided at Port C PC6. The positive pulsed voltage 110 is oulput at PB1 of the microcontroller 22 whiie the négative pulsed voltage 112 is output at PB2 of the microcontroller 22.

In another embodiment of the invention, the puise generator 20 may produce a positive pulsed voltage and a négative pulsed voltage through an electrical circuit

- 15 16622 arrangement. Any electronic circuit arrangement known in the art for producing a pulsed voltage may be used to generate a positive pulsed voltage and a négative pulsed voltage.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, a puise generator generates a pulsed voltage and an altemating inverter switch allemately processes the pulsed voltage into a pass-through pulsed voltage and an inverted pulsed voltage. The passthrough pulsed voltage is either one of the positive pulsed voltage and the négative pulsed voltage, while the inverted pulsed voltage is the other of the positive pulsed voltage and the négative pulsed voltage.

As also shown in FIG. 2, a positive pulsed voltage driver 32 converts the positive pulsed voltage to a positive pulsed voltage waveform 34. Similarly, a négative pulsed voltage driver 36 converts the négative pulsed voltage lo a négative pulsed voltage waveform 38. The positive pulsed voltage waveform 34 and the négative pulsed voltage waveform 38 arc generally defined by a puise cycle frequency, a puise width, a puise amplitude, a rise time of the positive puise starting edge, and a rise time of the négative puise traîling edge, respectively.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the positive pulsed voltage driver 32 and the négative pulsed voltage driver 36 cach shape and provide the necessary timing for the positive pulsed voltage waveform 34 and négative pulsed voltage waveform 38, 20 respectively. In an embodiment of the invention, either or both of the positive pulsed voltage driver 32 and négative pulsed voltage driver 36 comprise a puise shaper and a timing generator (not shown). The puise shaper and timing generator are configured to converl a pulsed voltage to a pulsed voltage wavefomi.

FIG. 3B illustrâtes an electrical circuit diagram representing an embodiment of 25 a pulsed voltage driver 120 of a bîpolar overvoltage battery puiser 1, wherein the positive pulsed voltage driver 32 and the négative pulsed voltage driver 36 are embodied in an integrated circuit 122. The positive voltage puise 110 and the négative voltage puise 112 are respectively input lo the High Driver Logic Input HIN and Lower Driver Logic Input LIN of the integrated circuit 122. The integrated circuit 30 122 is supplied by a I2-volt supply source 124 whose current is restricted by resistor

126. A bootstrap circuit comprising a diode 128 and bootstrap capacilor 130 is used to supply the high voltage section of the integrated circuit 122. A floating voltage reference 132 is provided by the integrated circuit 122 at output pin OUT. The positive pulsed voltage waveform 134 and négative pulsed voltage waveform 136 are

- 1616622 output from the integrated circuit 22 at the high side driver output HVG and low side driver output LVG, respectively. The rise times of the high and low side driver outputs may be controlled by the load capacitance.

According to other embodiments ofthe invention, the positive pulsed voltage driver and the négative pulsed voltage driver may be embodied in separate configurations, such as, for example, through separate integrated circuits.

As further shown in FIG. 2, the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage waveform may be amplified using a positive voltage amplifier 40 and a négative voltage amplifier 42, which are supplied by a power supply 44. For example, the voltage of the power supply must be sufficient to enable the amplitude voltages of the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the inverted négative pulsed voltage waveform to exceed the voltage of the battery.

The positive pulsed voltage waveform 46 and the négative pulsed voltage waveform 48, whose signais hâve been amplified, are merged into a pulsed voltage waveform 52 via a pulsed voltage distributor 50 or a pulsed voltage distributor circuit. The pulsed voltage distributor 50 applies the pulsed voltage waveform 52, representing a combination of the positive pulsed voltage waveform 46 and the négative pulsed voltage waveform 48, across the terminais of a battery 54.

FIG. 3C illustrâtes an electrical circuit diagram representing an embodiment of the positive voltage amplifier 40, négative voltage amplifier 42, and pulsed voltage distributor 50 of a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser representing an output stage 140 of an exemplary bipolar overvoltage battery puiser.

In another embodiment of the invention, instead of amplifytng the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage waveform, the pulsed voltage waveform 52 may itself be amplified (not shown). In yet another embodiment of the invention, the positive pulsed voltage driver 32 and the négative pulsed voltage driver 36 are configured to provide the necessary voltage amplification of the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage waveform, and additional amplification is not necessary.

FIG. 3D illustrâtes an electrical circuit diagram representing an embodiment of a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser of the présent invention comprising a microcontroller 22 than provides a positive pulsed voltage and a négative pulsed voltage to a pulsed-voltage driver 120. The pulsed voltage driver 120 then provides a positive pulsed voltage waveform and négative pulsed voltage waveform to an output

- 1716622 stage 140 of the bipolar overvoltage battery puiser. The amplified and combined pulsed voltage waveforms from the output stage 140 are applied across the terminais of a battery.

According to FIG, l, the rise times of the positive voltage puise and négative voltage puise as applied across the terminais of a battery are represented by T_r. The relaxation time constant, which defines the time needed for the ratio of ionic densities to relax back to an equilibrium state, is represented by T_c. The puise width of the puises of the positive voltage puise waveform and négative voltage puise waveform is represented by T_w. The time between the startîng edge of the positive puise and the starting edge of the négative puise is defined as T₀.b. The period, the reciprocal of puise cycle frequency, is represented by T_a._a. The positive pulsed voltage driver 32 and the négative pulsed voltage driver 36 are configured to produce a positive pulsed voltage waveform 34 and a négative pulsed voltage waveform 38 wherein lhe rise time of the positive puise starting edge and the rise time of the négative puise trailing edge are shorter than the relaxation time constant of the electrochemical cell. In certain embodiments of the invention, the rise time of lhe starting edge ofthe positive voltage puise and the trailing edge of the négative voltage puise are configured to be at most 3/4 of the relaxation time constant. In another embodiment of the invention, the rise time of the starting edge of the positive voltage puise and the trailing edge of the négative voltage puise are configured to be at most l /2 of the relaxation time constant. In a further embodiment of the invention, the rise time of the starting edge of the positive voltage puise and the trailing edge of the négative voltage puise are configured to be at most l/3 of the relaxation time constant. In certain embodiments of the invention, lhe rise time of the starting edge of the positive voltage puise and the trailing edge of lhe négative voltage puise are configured to be at most l/4 of the relaxation time constant. In certain embodiments of the invention, the rise time of the starting edge of the positive voltage puise and the trailing edge of the négative voltage puise are configured to be al most l/8 of the relaxation time constant. In certain embodiments of the invention, the rise time of the starting edge ofthe positive voltage puise and the trailing edge of the négative voltage puise are configured to be al most l/ΊΟ ofthe relaxation time constant. In other embodiments of the invention, lhe rise time of the starting edge of the positive voltage puise and the trailing edge of lhe négative voltage puise are different but each are configured to be less than the relaxation time constant. c<

- 1816622

In other embodiments of the invention, the rise time of the positive puise starting edge and the rise time of the négative puise trailing edge are shorter than the relaxation time of the electrochemical cell. In certain embodiments of the invention, the rise lime of the starting edge of the positive voltage puise and the trailing edge of the négative voltage puise are configured to be at most l/2 of the relaxation time. In anotherembodimcnt of the invention, the rise time of the starting edge of the positive voltage puise and the trailing edge of the négative voltage puise are configured to be at most l/3 of the relaxation time. In further embodiments of the invention, the rise time of the starting edge of the positive voltage puise and the trailing edge of the négative voltage puise are configured to be at most l/4 of the relaxation time. In certain other embodiments of the invention, thc rise time of the starting edge of the positive voltage puise and the trailing edge of the négative voltage puise are configured to be at most l/8 of the relaxation time. in still other embodiments of the invention, the rise time of the starting edge of the positive voltage puise and thc trailing edge of the négative voltage puise are configured to be at most I /10 of the relaxation time. In other embodiments ofthe invention, the rise time of the starting edge of the positive voltage puise and the trailing edge of the négative voltage puise are different but each are configured to be less than the relaxation time.

In an embodiment of the invention, the puise cycle frequency is maximized and yet should not bc so high as lo allow overlapping ol'the puises of the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage waveform. In certain embodiments of the invention, the puise cycle frequency ranges from about 30 kHz to about 100 kHz, giving a period from about 10 microseconds to about 35 microseconds.

In an embodiment of the invention, the puise duration exceeds the relaxation time. According to an embodiment of the invention, the puise duration is at least 5 times the relaxation time. In another embodiment of the invention, the puise duration is at least 10 times the relaxation time. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the puise duration is at least 20 times the relaxation time. In still yet another embodiment of the invention, thc puise duration is at least 30 times the relaxation time. In a further embodiment of the invention, the puise duration is at least 40 times the relaxation time. In a further embodiment of thc invention, the puise duration is at least 50 times the relaxation time. In a further embodiment of the invention, the puise duration is at least about 100 times the relaxation time. pZ

- 1916622

The time between the starting edge of the positive puise and the starting edge of the négative puise is some fraction of the period. ïn an embodiment of the invention, the amount of time between the starting edge of the positive puise and the starting edge of the négative puise is selected such that there is no overiap between the puises of the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage waveform. According to an embodiment of the invention, the time between the starting edge of the positive puise and the starting edge of the négative puise is al least l/4 of lhe period. In another embodiment of the invention, the time between the starting edge of the positive puise and the starting edge of the négative puise is at least l/3 of the period. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the time between the starting edge of the positive puise and the starting edge of the négative puise is at least l/2 of the period. In still yet another embodiment of the invention, the time between the starting edge of the positive puise and the starting edge of the négative puise is at least 3/4 of the period.

In order to achieve an overvoltage, the puise amplitudes of the puises of the positive voltage puise waveform and the négative voltage puise waveform should exceed the voltage of the battery. In an embodiment of the invention, the puise amplitude of the puises of the positive voltage puise waveform and the négative voltage puise waveform is at least about 10% greater than the voltage of the battery. In another embodiment of the invention, the puise amplitude of the puises of the positive voltage puise waveform and the négative voltage puise waveform is at least about 20% greater. In another embodiment of the invention, the puise amplitude of the puises of the positive voltage puise waveform and lhe négative voltage puise waveform is at least about 50% greater. In another embodiment of lhe invention, the puise amplitude of the puises of the positive voltage puise waveform and the négative voltage puise waveform is at least about 100% greater. ln another embodiment of the invention, the puise amplitude of the puises of the positive voltage puise waveform and the négative voltage puise waveform is at least about 150% greater. In another embodiment of the invention, the puise amplitude of the puises of the positive voltage puise waveform and the négative voltage puise waveform is at least about 200% greater.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the puise amplitude of the puises of the positive voltage puise waveform and the négative voltage puise waveform is in a range from about 75% to about 125% greater than the voltage of the battery. In ί?ζ

-2016622 another embodiment of the invention, the puise amplitude of the puises of the positive voltage puise waveform and the négative voltage puise waveform is in a range from about 80% to about 120% greater than the voltage of the battery. In another embodiment of the invention, the puise amplitude of the puises of the positive voltage puise waveform and the négative voltage puise waveform is in a range from about 90% to about 110% greater than the voltage of the battery. In yet other embodiments of the invention, the puise amplitude of the puises of the positive voltage puise waveform and the négative voltage puise waveform is about twice that of the voltage ofthe battery.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the puise amplitudes of the puises of the positive voltage puise waveform and the négative voltage puise waveform are not the same. In yet other embodiments of the invention, the puise durations and puise amplitudes of the positive voltage puise waveform and the négative voltage puise waveform are each adjusted allowing for the greatest possible extent of overvoltage to be applied to the battery and/or the greatest increase in the cycle lifetime of the battery.

In an embodiment of the invention, a measurement device provides the voltage of the battery and provides the measurement feedback to a controller that is configured to reset the puise amplitudes of the puises of the positive voltage puise waveform and the négative voltage puise waveform provided by lhe bipolar overvoltage battery puiser to achieve a desired amount of overvoltage or a desired range of overvoltage.

In certain embodiments of the invention, the bipolar overvoltage battery puiser may also include a controller and a measurement device, which provides a measurement of the battery’s voltage. The measurement of the battery’s voltage may be used by the controller to identify and détermine a state of the battery. For example, when the voltage of the battery is below a certain value, the controller may be logically configured to identify the battery is in a charging state. If the voltage of the battery exceeds a certain value, the controller may be logically configured to identify the battery is in a full state. Other state identifications may be configured based not only on the voltage of the battery but also the direction and/or rate of change of the voltage of the battery. Other measurements may also be incorporated in the state détermination, such as, for example, a température of the battery. The controller may be configured to activate or deactivate the bipolar overvoltage battery puiser based on the state of the battery, as identified by the controller based upon lhe voltage of the battery and/or other measurements. c/

-21 16622

The bipolar overvoltage battery puiser may be a standalone device that is not directly integrated with a spécifie battery. In other embodiments of the invention, the bipolar overvoltage battery puiser may be integrated into a battery. FIG. 4 illustrâtes a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention showing the bipolar overvoltage battery puiser integrated with a battery. This exemplary embodiment of the invention illustrâtes a bipolar battery overvoltage puiser 1 that is designed to fit within the structure of a lead acid battery 200. The bipolar overvoltage battery puiser l is isolated from the electrolyte of the lead acid battery 200, for example, with the use of a barrier such as a plastic alloy. In this exemplary embodiment, the bipolar overvoltage battery puiser connects, intemally, with the positive battery terminal 202 and the négative battery terminal 204.

While this exemplary embodiment demonstrates a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser 1 that is integrated with a lead acid battery 200, the use of the bipolar overvoltage battery puiser is not limited to only this type of battery. Rather the bipolar overvoltage battery puiser may be used with and/or may be integrated with other types of rechargeable batteries as well. In an embodiment of the invention the method and device of the invention may treat a lead acid battery.

The phenomena upon which the device and method of the invention are based would be useful in treating other types of batteries, other than lead acid batteries, where these batteries are characterized such that they would realize an improvement in the extent of battery capacity they were capable of retaining and an improvement in the overall life of the battery by the application of the device and method of the invention. Of course, the puise spécifications as well as other parameters associated with the device and method of the invention for these other types of batteries could be adapted to the properties of the materials that are spécifie to these other types of batteries. Therefore, in another embodiment of the invention, the method and device of the invention may treat other types of batteries (i.e., a non-lead acid battery). Nonlimiting examples of the types of non-lead acid batteries in which the method and device of the invention may be used include a lithium ion battery, a lithium polymer battery, a lithium sulfate battery, a lithium titanate battery, a lithium iron phosphate battery, a thin film rechargeable lithium battery, a nickel inetal hydride battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel zinc battery, a nickel iron battery, a nickel hydrogen battery, a rechargeable alkaline battery, a silver oxide battery, a sodium sulfur battery,^

-2216622 a vanadium redox battery, and any other type of rechargeable battery that is now know or later invented for which the invention applies.

FIG. 5 is an embodiment of the invention, as illustrated through a block diagram, showing how a plurality of bipolar overvoltage battery pulsers may be integrated with a corresponding number of batteries in a single power supply or battery pack. Each of the batteries 320,322, 324,326 in the battery pack 310 has a corresponding bipolar overvoltage battery puiser 310, 312, 314, 316, The batteries 320, 322,324,326 in the battery pack 310 are rechargcd by a charger 330. The bipolar overvoltage battery pulsers 310,312,314,316 are equipped with a controller 340. The controller 340 cycles through activating and then deactivating each of the bipolar overvoltage battery pulsers 310, 312,314,316 over their operating period of the batteries 320,322,324, 326 to ensure that a hîgh terminal voltage is not experienced by having more than one bipolar overvoltage battery puiser 310, 312, 314, 316 in operation at any one time.

Another aspect of the invention includes a method for increasing a cycle lifetime of a battery and/or allowing the battery to rctain capacity! An embodiment of the invention includes a method of treating a battery with the use of the bipolar overvoltage battery puiser of the invention.

Another embodiment of the invention provides a method for treating a plurality of batteries in a battery pack, each battery having a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser of the invention, comprising controlling the bipolar overvoltage battery pulsers such that not more than one of the bipolar overvoltage battery pulsers is applying an overvoltage at any one time.

An embodiment of the invention involves a method that includes providing a positive pulsed voltage waveform and négative pulsed voltage waveform, and applying the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage waveform allemately across terminais of a battery. Pursuant to this embodiment, the method additionally includes merging the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage waveform into a pulsed voltage waveform prior to applying the merged waveforms across the terminais of a battery. In certain embodiments of the invention, the positive pulsed voltage waveform has a single positive pulsed voltage and the négative pulsed voltage waveform has a single négative pulsed voltage.

In another embodiment of the invention, the method additionally comprises amplifying the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage cZ

-23 16622 waveform. In still another embodiment of the invention, the method comprises amplifying the pulsed voltage waveform in addition or as an alternative to amplifying the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage waveform.

In another embodiment of the invention, the method additionally comprises producing a pulsed voltage. Further pursuant to this embodiment of the invention, a pulsed voltage may comprise any one or a combination of a positive pulsed voltage and a négative pulsed voltage.

In another embodiment of the invention, producing a pulsed voltage comprises generating a pulsed voltage and processing the pulsed voltage, alternately, into a passthrough pulsed voltage and an inverled pulsed voltage, wherein the pass-through pulsed voltage is any one of the positive pulsed voltage and the négative pulsed voltage, and the inverted pulsed voltage is the other of the positive pulsed voltage and the négative pulsed voltage.

In another embodiment of the invention, producing a pulsed voltage comprises shaping the positive pulsed voltage and the négative pulsed voltage, respectively, into a positive pulsed voltage shape and a négative pulsed voltage shape and timing a distribution of the positive pulsed voltage shape and a distribution of the négative pulsed voltage shape respectively into the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage waveform.

FIG. 6 provides a graphical représentation showing the time to discharge for a lead acid battery thaï has been processed according to the methods and/or device of the invention 400 versus the time to discharge for a lead acid battery that has not been so processed 410. As the graph illustrâtes, the amount of lime for discharging a lead acid battery has been extended by more than about 150% by using the method and/or device of the invention, effectively resulting in increased battery capacity.

FIG. 7 provides a graphical représentation of the discharge times versus the number of charge/discharge cycles for a lead acid battery that has been processed according to the method and/or device of the invention 420 cotnpared to the discharge times versus the number of charge/dischargc cycles for a lead acid battery that has not been so processed 430. The graph shows that the overall life of the lead acid battery treated according to the method and/or device of the invention has been extended by a factor between about 1.7 and about 2.2 in comparison to the lead acid battery that has not been so treated.·

- 24 16622

While these tests show that a device and method of the invention are effective at increasing the cycle lifetime and improving the rétention of capacity of a lcad acid battery, the theory surrounding the fundamentals of the invention is also applicable to other non-lead acid batteries, non-limiting examples of which hâve been provided herein.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will corne to mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the descriptions herein and the associated drawings. It will be appreciatcd by those skilled in the art that changes could be made 10 to the embodiments described herein without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. Therefore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to covcr modifications within the spirit and scope of the présent invention as defined by the appended claims. ¢/

Claims (20)

1. THAT WHICH IS CLAIMED:

   1. A bipolar overvoltage battery puiser comprising;

   a puise generator (20) configurée! to produce a positive pulsed voltage and a négative pulsed voltage;

   a positive pulsed voltage driver (32) configured to convert the positive pulsed voltage to a positive pulsed voltage waveform (34);

   a négative pulsed voltage driver (36) configured to convert the négative pulsed voltage to a négative pulsed voltage waveform (38); and a pulsed voltage distributor (50) configured to merge the positive pulsed voltage waveform (34) and the négative pulsed voltage waveform (38) into a pulsed voltage waveform (52) and to apply the pulsed voltage waveform across terminais of a battery, wherein the pulsed voltage waveform (52) comprises at least one positive voltage puise having a leading edge and a positive puise amplitude followed by at least one négative voltage puise having a trailing edge and a négative puise amplitude, wherein a rise time of the leading edge and a rise time of the trailing edge are each less than a relaxation time of an electrolytic solution of the battery.
2. 2. The bipolar overvoltage battery puiser according to claim l, additionally comprising a microcontroller (22), wherein the puise generator (20) is configured in the microcontroller (22).
3. 3. The bipolar overvoltage battery puiser according to claim I, wherein the puise generator (20) comprises a positive puise generator configured to generate the positive pulsed voltage and a négative puise generator configured to generate the négative pulsed voltage.
4. 4. The bipolar overvoltage battery puiser according to claim I, wherein the puise generator (20) comprises an altemating inverter switch, wherein the altemating inverter switch altemately processes the pulsed voltage into a pass-through pulsed voltage and an inverted pulsed voltage, wherein the pass-through pulsed voltage is any one ofthe positive pulsed voltage and the négative pulsed voltage and the inverted pulsed voltage is the other one of the positive pulsed voltage and the négative pulsed voltage. ni
5. 5. The bipolar overvoltage battery puiser according to claim l, wherein the positive pulsed voltage driver and the négative pulsed voltage driver each comprises:

   a puise shaper; and a timing generator, wherein the puise shaper and the timing generator are configured to convert a pulsed voltage to a pulsed voltage waveform.
6. 6. The bipolar overvoltage battery puiser according to claim l, further comprising:

   a positive voltage amplifier (40) configured to amplify the positive pulsed voltage waveform (34); and a négative voltage amplifier (48) configured to amplify the négative pulsed voltage waveform (38).
7. 7. The bipolar overvoltage battery puiser according to claim l, wherein the rise time of the leading edge and the rise time of the settling edge are about onethird of the relaxation time.
8. 8. The bipolar overvoltage battery puiser according to claim l, wherein the positive puise amplitude and the négative puise amplitude are each greater than any one of a voltage of the battery or twice the voltage of the battery.
9. 9. The bipolar overvoltage battery puiser according to claim 8, the pulsed voltage waveform (52) having a puise cycle frequency such that a puise width of the at least one positive voltage puise and a puise width of the at least one négative voltage puise do not overlap.
10. 10. The bipolar overvoltage battery puiser according to claim l, wherein a puise width of the at least one positive voltage puise and a puise width ofthe at least one négative voltage puise each exceed the relaxation time.
11. 11. The bipolar overvoltage battery puiser according to claim l, additionally comprising:

    a controllerf and a measurement device configured to measure a voltage of the battery, wherein:

    the controller is configured to identify a state of the battery using the voltage of the battery; and the controller is configured to activate the bipolar overvoltage battery puiser based upon the state of the battery.
12. 12. The bipolar overvoltage battery puiser according to claim l, wherein the battery is any one of a lead acid battery and a non-lead acid battery.
13. 13. The bipolar overvoltage battery puiser according to claim l, further comprising a voltage amplifier configured to amplify the pulsed voltage waveform and, optionally, the bipolar overvoltage battery puiser is integrated with the battery.
14. 14. A method for treating a plurality of batteries of a battery pack, each battery having a bipolar overvoltage battery puiser, comprising controlling the bipolar overvoltage battery pulsers such that not more than one of the bipolar overvoltage battery pulsers is applying an overvoltage at any one time, wherein the bipolar overvoltage battery puiser comprises:

    a puise generator configured to produce a positive pulsed voltage and a négative pulsed voltage;

    a positive pulsed voltage driver configured to convert the positive pulsed voltage to a positive pulsed voltage waveform;

    a négative pulsed voltage driver configured to convert the négative pulsed voltage to a négative pulsed voltage waveform;

    a pulsed voltage distributor configured to merge the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage waveform into a pulsed voltage waveform and to apply the pulsed voltage waveform across terminais of a battery;

    a positive voltage amplifier configured to amplify the positive pulsed voltage waveform; and a négative voltage amplifier configured to amplify the négative pulsed voltage waveform, wherein the positive pulsed voltage wavefonn comprises a leading edge and a positive puise amplitude and the négative pulsed voltage wavefonn having a trailing edge and a négative puise amplitude, wherein a rise time of the leading edge and a rise o<

    time of the trailing edge are each less than a relaxation time of an electrolytic solution of the plurality of batteries.
15. 15. A method comprising:

    providing a positive pulsed voltage waveform having a single positive puise and négative pulsed voltage waveform having a single négative puise; and applying the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage waveform altemately across terminais of a battery, wherein the positive pulsed voltage waveform comprises a leading edge and a positive puise amplitude and the négative pulsed voltage waveform having a trailing edge and a négative puise amplitude, wherein a rise time ofthe leading edge and a rise time of the trailing edge are each less than a relaxation time of an electrolytic solution of the battery.
16. 16. The method according to claim 15, additionally comprising merging the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage waveform into a pulsed voltage waveform prior to applying across the terminais of the battery.
17. 17. A method comprising:

    producing a positive pulsed voltage and a négative pulsed voltage;

    converting the positive pulsed voltage to a positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage to a négative pulsed voltage waveform;

    merging the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage waveform into a pulsed voltage waveform; and applying the pulsed voltage waveform across terminais of a battery, wherein the pulsed voltage waveform comprises at least one positive voltage puise having a leading edge and a positive puise amplitude followed by at least one négative voltage puise having a trailing edge and a négative puise amplitude, wherein a rise time of the leading edge and a rise time ofthe trailing edge are each less than a relaxation time of an electrolytic solution of the battery.
18. 18. The method according to claim 17, additionally comprising amplifying at least one ofthe positive pulsed voltage waveform, the négative pulsed voltage waveform, and the pulsed voltage waveform. oi
19. 19. The method according to claim 17, wherein producing a positive pulsed voltage and a négative pulsed voltage comprises:

    generating a pulsed voltage; and processing the pulsed voltage, altemately, into a pass-through pulsed voltage

    5 and an inverted pulsed voltage, wherein the pass-through pulsed voltage is any one of the positive pulsed voltage and the négative pulsed voltage, and the inverted pulsed voltage is the other one ofthe positive pulsed voltage and the négative pulsed voltage.
20. 20. The method according to claim 17, wherein converting the positive

    10 pulsed voltage to a positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage to a négative pulsed voltage waveform comprises:

    shaping the positive pulsed voltage and the négative pulsed voltage respect)vely into a positive pulsed voltage shape and a négative pulsed voltage shape; and

    15 timing a distribution of the positive pulsed voltage shape and a distribution of the négative pulsed voltage shape respectively into the positive pulsed voltage waveform and the négative pulsed voltage waveform.

    A.