WO2001095454A1

WO2001095454A1 - Electrical storage battery charger/analyser

Info

Publication number: WO2001095454A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2001/000107
Authority: WO
Inventors: Brian Patrick Farrell
Original assignee: Two Way Radio Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2000-06-09
Filing date: 2001-06-08
Publication date: 2001-12-13
Also published as: AU2001267944A1

Abstract

An electrical storage battery charger/analyser which utilises an adapter to house the battery to be processed. A program is stored in a memory device installed in the adapter and the program has a set of instructions which are followed by the charger/analyser to process the battery. The charger/analyser can also continuously measure the temperature of the battery and can adjust the processing to obtain the optimum processing time and rate. The charge/analyser has means to monitor the voltage of the power source to the charger/analyser and to initiate a signal if the voltage of the power source is outside a predetermined range.

Description

TITLE

Electrical storage battery charger/analyser.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Electrical storage batteries require periodic conditioning, testing and re-charging and there are various means already known for effecting this.

A well known method of testing storage batteries consists in applying a load test to the battery. Depending upon the performance of the battery under the test load, it is possible to provide a simple pass/fail indication. Such a basic test is not in itself always sufficient since other factors should be taken into account in determining whether a battery can provide satisfactory performance. Some of these factors include the voltage and current rating of the battery, the impedance of the battery, the state of charge of the battery, the temperature of the battery during the test and so forth.

Various devices have been proposed to provide a more thorough indication of the condition of the battery. For instance it is known that a more accurate test can be obtained by sampling small current measurements and then extrapolating those results to provide a indication of the state of the battery without the disadvantages of a conventional load test. Other devices are known which apply a series of small fixed loads and then analyse the results such as the bounce back voltage to provide an indication of the condition of the battery.

In addition to analysing the state of the battery it is also necessary to provide apparatus that can condition a battery. Certain batteries, in particular batteries known as Ni-Cad and NiMH batteries exhibit a charge memory and require periodic conditioning to enable the battery to accept and deliver a full charge. Such conditioning usually consists in a controlled series of discharges and charges to rejuvenate the battery. While that can be done manually by applying a load to fully discharge the battery the required number of times, it is also known to provide apparatus that will effect this rejuvenation automatically. Apart from conditioning electrical storage batteries, it is also necessary to re-charge the battery to its full capacity and the amount and rate of charge that can be applied to any specific battery is dependent not only upon the rated capacity of the battery but also on the type of battery, its internal construction and outside factors

Another requirement for batteries is that dependent upon the type of battery, it is often necessary to cycle the battery through repeated charge/discharge phases before the battery can assume its designed peak capacity.

Different battery models have different chemistries and or different sizes and arrangements of cells and consequently each battery model needs to be processed differently.

Charger/analyser apparatus is known which is capable of servicing one battery or of simultaneously servicing more than one battery of the same model or more than one battery of different models. A charger/analyser can be pre-configured to service a single battery model or to simultaneously service a predetermined combination of battery models. Alternatively it can be designed to be reconfigured by the user to service various batteries or combinations of batteries. To effect this it is known to provide a removable matching adapter for each battery. An adapter serves as the physical and electrical interface between a battery and the charger/analyser.

An adapter generally includes a receptacle shaped to physically hold the battery and has electrical contacts to match and connect to the battery pins. Each adapter in turn has a connector to connect the electrical contacts to the charger/analyser.

One known form of adapter includes a receptacle which is capable of plugging directly into a charger/analyser outlet socket. In another form the electrical connection between the receptacle and the chafer/analyser can comprise a lead which may terminate in a connector which plugs into a charger/analyser socket. In another form, the adapter can comprise a lead with a battery connector plug on one end and a charger connector plug on the other.

Generally each battery model has a unique physical shape and or unique physical arrangements of electrical contacts and each such battery model will each require its own corresponding model of adapter. However, in some cases, two or more battery models can be physically the same and will, therefore, be capable of being fitted into the same model of adapter.

Batteries are known which incorporate temperature dependent resistors and charger/analysers are known which can monitor the temperature dependent resistors in such batteries. This enables the charger/analyser to avoid overheating and damaging the batteries. However, not all batteries are fitted with such devices.

PRIOR ART

US Patent specification 3909708 discloses a device which employs small signal dynamic measurement to determine whether the battery is capable of delivering a specified amount of electrical power,

US Patent specification 6037778 discloses a device which applies a small fixed load for a specific period to the battery and measures the voltage at the end of that phase. The device then applies a second fixed load for a predetermined period and again measures the voltage of the battery at the end of the second phase. The data obtained from such tests is analysed. The device is also able to evaluate the recovery voltage wave form of the battery.

US Patent specification 5751217 discloses an apparatus which is capable of assessing the available life of a battery. This device applies a load to the battery to enable voltage measurements to be taken in both a loaded and unloaded condition. The internal impedance of the battery is measured and compared with a predetermined threshold and this enables the device to indicate the available life of the battery.

US Patent specification 5572136 discloses a device which is capable of passing a small time-varying current through a battery and then analysing the voltage response of the battery. The device is also able to compare the response level with a reference value to enable an assessment of the battery to be obtained.

US patent specification 5182509 discloses a conditioning and discharging circuit which will initially connect a battery to a discharge resistor to discharge the battery. The battery voltage is monitored during the discharge and when the voltage falls to a predetermined level the charging is initiated. Charging is terminated after a predetermined period.

It is known that some adapters are fitted with resistors. When the adapter is connected to the charger/analyser, the value of the resistor is measured by the charger/analyser and this value is converted into a time value representing the charge time to be used in the processing. This method does not provide full identification of the battery model because two different adapters could have the same resistor value if the charge times for their respective batteries are the same and/or two different batteries could fit into the same adapter. The method provides for some degree of automation of the processing but does not allow foil automation.

In addition, the method does not provide a basis for automatically applying a range of other processing parameters specific to a particular battery. Such parameters include but are not limited to, charge current, specific charge/discharge regimes, temperature limits, temperature dependent regulation of the processing etc.

A charger/analyser is also known which can communicate with a memory chip in the battery adapter. This chip stores a battery configuration code which comprises a set of basic battery parameters and optional additional battery processing parameters. It also stores the settings that were manually applied by the operator to the charger/analyser on the last occasion when the adapter was used. A program stored in the charger/analyser reads information stored in the memory chip located in the adapter as well as information entered by the operator and converts that to a recipe for processing the battery. The configuration code stored in the adapter is capable of being interpreted by the program in the charger/analyser on the basis that a given element of information is always stored in a predetermined location within the configuration code.

When the adapter is connected to the charger/analyser, the operator manually initiates the charger/analyser which then reads the configuration code stored in the adapter and presents certain information on a display. The operator then checks the display to confirm the connected battery model and proposed processing mode and then manually reinitiates the charger/analyser to commence processing the battery.

This method has various limitations including -

(i) The operator has to manually initiate the charger/analyser.

(ii) the operator has to verify the battery parameters manually because two or more different battery models could fit into the same adapter. A certain level of operator skill is therefore required.

(iii) The processing parameters and hence the actual processing including the sequence of processing are not infinitely variable because each data element in a given configuration code is limited to a predetermined number of digits and/or is multiplied in the charger/analyser by a minimum base increment.

(iv) The program and data stored in the charger/analyser is relatively large and complex to enable the charger/analyser to perform the conversions from configuration codes to processing recipes.

There are limitations on the ability of the prior art charger/analyser to automatically process new batteries which may enter service. For example, new batteries with new or modified battery chemistries will generally require the issue of new configuration codes to represent the new chemistries and new conversion methods to generate the required new processing recipes. To service new battery models, new adapters will generally need to be obtained from the manufacturer or agent. However, in addition, the charger/analyser may need to be reprogrammed. This may require certain actions to be taken. For example a new or revised charger/analyser program may need to be obtained from the manufacturer or agent and loaded into the unit or the unit may need to be sent back to the manuf cturer or agent for reprogramming.

If the new program is loaded by the owner, this will require a degree of technical knowledge and cost. If the unit is sent away for programming it will be unavailable for service.

It is therefore apparent that while there is a large range of charger/analysers available, none of them are capable of full automatic operation with a range of batteries and of providing a full and determinative analysis of the condition of a range of batteries and at the same time having the facility to condition and recharge a full range of batteries.

h addition, none is capable of monitoring the input power supply or of triggering external alarms or initiating a change over to an alternative supply in the event of supply failure.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION It is accordingly an object of this invention to provide a battery charger/analyser which is capable of overcoming or at least minimising the above recited disadvantages. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly the invention comprises an electrical storage battery charger/analyser including:

an adapter which is electrically connectable to the charger/analyser, said adapter being formed to receive the battery to be conditioned by the charger/analyser,

at least one memory device installed in the adapter,

a program stored in the memory device which can be run in H e charger/analyser, said program being written in a programming language and comprising a set of instructions to be followed by the charger/analyser to enable it to process the battery,

means to download the program from the adapter to the charger/analyser and to run the program and thereby conduct the processing of the battery.

Preferably the electrical storage battery charger/analyser includes means to monitor the temperature of the battery.

Preferably the electrical storage battery charger/analyser includes means to utilise the measured temperature of the battery to regulate the processing current to process the battery in the optimum time consistent with maintaining the temperature of the battery within predetermined limits.

Preferably the electrical storage battery charger/analyser includes means to utilise the rate of change of the measured temperature of the battery with respect to time to adjust the processing.

Preferably the electrical storage battery charger/analyser includes means to connect the charger/analyser to an electrical power source and means to monitor the voltage of the power source and to initiate a signal if the voltage of the power source is outside a predetermined range.

Preferably the signal initiates an alarm.

Preferably the signal initiates an adjustment of the processing.

Preferably the signal initiates a changeover to an alternative power supply.

The invention also comprises a method of processing an electrical storage battery with a charger/analyser including the steps of : providing an adapter to receive the battery to be processed, electrically connecting the adapter to the charger/analyser inserting the battery to be processed into the adapter, reading information from a memory device associated with the adapter and measuring electrical properties of the connected battery to obtain two sets of data, and utilising both sets of data to identify an appropriate processing recipe for processing the battery.

Preferably the method includes the step of automatically initiating processing of the battery according to the recipe.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED FORM OF THE INVENTION

The invention can also be regarded as having the following aspects:

1. The storage of one or more processing programs in each adapter for reading and downloading by the charger/analyser to enable it to process any battery including any battery of a new model provided only that the appropriate adapter is connected to the charger/analyser and to minimise the need to store large numbers of programs in the charger/analyser. 2. The arrangement of the charger/analyser to monitor the incoming power supply voltage and, in the event the supply is unsatisfactory, to adjust the operation of the charger/analyser and to initiate alarm signals and/or control commands, including commands to manage a change-over to an alternative supply and a subsequent restoration of the original supply.

3. The incorporation into the charger/analyser of means to monitor the temperature of the battery and to use this information to optimize the charge times while avoiding overheating and damaging the battery or to use the information to determine the rate of change of temperature of the battery with respect to time and to use this to adjust the processing.

4. The arrangement of the charger/analyser to enable it to read information from a connected adapter, to measure various electrical parameters of a connected battery and to combine these two sets of data to identify the model of the connected battery, to select or confirm a recipe for processing the battery and to automatically initiate the processmg of the battery.

In a highly preferred form of the invention, the charger/analyser includes means to enable it to be connected to a power source and to the battery to be analysed, conditioned and charged. The analyser includes circuitry which is programmed or programmable to provide a range of functions within pre-set voltage and current restrictions. Preferably the functions include the ability to:

a. Automatically identify the processing recipe appropriate to each connected battery.

b. Automatically initiate and execute testing, conditioning and charging of each connected battery. c. Include a variable rate of charge and discharge.

d. Be capable of being regulated as to voltage, current and/or temperature.

e. Monitor the battery temperature and to use this information to optimize the charge times while avoiding overheating and damaging the battery or to use the information to determine the rate of change of temperature of the battery with respect to time and to use this to adjust the processing

f. Have means to enable the analyser to be connected to a data processor.

g. Monitor the voltage of the power supply to the analyser.

h. Initiate a signal when the voltage moves outside a predetermined range and to provide an audible and/or visual alarm and to adjust processing to reduce the electrical load and to initiate a changeover to an alternative power supply.

i. Store, for later retrieval, the calculated results from the battery under surveillance.

j. Allow the analyser to be linked to multiple units to charge and/or condition a range of batteries;

The software program is stored in a memory device in the battery adapter. The charger/analyser is configured to suit a particular battery simply by connecting the appropriate battery adapter and the battery. In one form the software employed utilises a specific customised language to enable an "open architecture" platform, that is the analyser can be programmed to do the various battery charging and analysis tasks.

The software may be written in standard programming language which is compiled and the information stored in a memory chip. The information can be stored as executed interpreted script or precompiled script that is executed.

A scripted language can be used to control all charging activity which will allows all aspects of the battery processing operation to be tailored to suit each model of battery.

Each script can contain a number of different processing methods, which will typical ly include fast charge, slow charge, maintenance charge, etc as required. The script controls all aspects of operation, including beeper control, LED indication, battery detection, temperature control, voltage & current control, timing, and so forth.

Some possible examples follow: These examples illustrate some portions of one program only using one possible language. It is to be understood that the language and the program set out below is provided only as an example of one form only and it will be apparent that other programming languages and programs can be utilised to obtain the desired result.

The battery name is defined together with one method.

BATTERYNAME = "NOKIA BMS-2S" METHOD! = "FAST CYCLE"

{method 1 body}

METHOD = "SLOW CYCLE"

{ method 2 body} METHOD3 = "TEST CHARGE

{ method 3 body}

METHOD4 = "TOP-UP CHARGE"

{ method 4 body} and so forth.

Method 1 will normally be the default method selected when the battery adapter is connected to the charger, or the charger is switched on.

If a charger does not have a display module or PC interface then Method 1 will be the only method used, as there will be no means available to select an alternate method.

Certain basic restrictions must be taken into account when designing a Script. For instance, the charge and discharge circuitry ramps up to the target value. When switching to charge or discharge, a period should be allowed for the charger to get to the desired target value.

The current measurement circuitry preferably performs an auto-zero whenever the charger is in the idle state for one second or more. Preferably when switching from discharge to charge, or changing from a charge current to a trickle charge current, the charger is switched to the idle state for a period in between. This will compensate for any thermal drift and keeps the values at their best resolution.

An example of general command keywords are:

BATTERYNAME

Sets the battery name. This can be to 16 characters long. For example:

BATTERYNAME = NOKIA BMS-2S" METHOD 1, METHOD2, METHOD3, METHOD4

Sets the method name. This can be up to 16 characters long. For example: METHOD 1 = "FAST CHARGE"

CVOLTAGE

Sets the charge voltage setting. This value is preferably in millivolts. For example:

CVOLTAGE = 12000 ;set the charge voltage limit to 12, 000 volts

CCURRENT Sets the charge current setting. This value is preferably in milliamps. For example: CCURRENT = 5000 ;set the discharge current limit to 5.000 amps

DCURRENT

Sets the discharge current setting. This value is preferably in milliamps. E.g. DCURRENT = 5000 :set the discharge current limited to 5.000 amps

CHARGE%

Sets the charge percentage value. This value is preferably in 1/1 OOths of percent. For example: CHARGE% = 10000 ;set the charge value to 100.00%

DISCBARGEVo

Sets the discharge percentage value. This value is preferably in FI OOths of percent. For example DISCHARGE% = 10000 ;set the discharge % value to 100.00%

LASTCHARGE%

Sets the previous results charge percentage value. This value is preferably in l/100ths of percent. For example:

LAST CHARGEVo = 0 ;set the lastcharge% value to 100.00%

LASTDISCHARGE%

Sets the previous results discharge percentage value. This value is preferably in l/100ths of percent. For example:

LASTDISCHARGE% = 10000 ;setthe lastdischarge% value to 100.00

CHARGEVaΛDD

Adds a fixed amount to the charge percentage value. This value is preferably in 1/1 OOths of percent. For example :

CHARGE%ADD = 12.345 ;add 0.12345% to the charge% value

DISCHΛRGEVoADD

Adds a fixed amount to the discharge percentage value. This value is preferably in l/100ths of percent. For example:

D1SCHARGE%ADD = 12.345 :add ft 12345% to the discharge% value

BEEP

The charger beeps for the selected amount of time. This value is preferably in milliseconds. The internal timer has a resolution of milliseconds, and the value will be 25 rounded to the nearest millisecond value. For example BEEP = 1000 ;beepfor one second TIME

The time value sets the internal wait timer period. This value is preferably in milliseconds. The internal timer is of the auto-reload type, and sets an internal flag every time period. For instance, the internal flag will be set every second if the time value is set to 1000 milliseconds.

Should the internal timer has a have a short resolution time care must be exercised when selecting a time value to ensure timing errors are not introduced by selecting values that will be rounded. As an example, the default is one second. For instance: TIME = 1000 set the time value to 1,000 seconds

WAIT ensure the timing is synchronised

WAIT

This command waits for the internal timer to set the time completed flag. This occurs at the rate set by the time value. See the time command for details.

The internal timer will preferably set the flag at the completion of every time period. If the wait command is not used every time period, then the next time the wait command is used, the flag will already be set, resulting in the wait command not waiting.

Preferably include the wait command in all program loops to ensure timing is kept synchronous. For example:

WAIT ;waitfor the time period to be completed

IDLE

This command switches off the charge and discharge circuitry . For example: IDLE ; switch off the charger and discharge CHARGE

This command switches on the charge circuitry .The voltage and current are regulated to the c voltage and ccurrent value levels. For example: CHARGE iswitch on the charger

DISCHARGE

This command switches on the discharge circuitry .The current is regulated to the dcurrent value level. For example DISCHARGE ; witch on the discharger

PAUSE

This command temporarily pauses turns off charge or discharge until the resume command is issued. This does not alter the mode setting. For example: PA USE ;turn off charger and discharger

RESUME

This command resumes charge or discharge after a pause command has issued. This does not alter the mode setting. For example:

RESUME ;enable charger & discharger as required

LEDS

This command sets the status of the indication Light Emitting Diodes. There are preferably three, One each for idle, busy, and finished. Any or all of these can be on or flashing at any time.

There are seven parameter values that determine their state. NONE, IDLE, BUSY, FINISHED, BLINKIDLE, BLINKBUSY, BLINKFINISHED

Up to three of these as parameters can be used to set the Led status. ACTIVE, INACTIVE, BATTERY, NOBATTERY

These commands Set and Reset the Charger Active and Battery Present flags. These flags are used by the display accessory module for indication purposes. It is the responsibility of the programmer to ensure that these flags are set to the correct state throughout the method sequence and to determine the presence of a battery or the removal of a battery, etc. For example

ACTIVE ;the charger is busy processing the battery INACTIVE ;the charger is not busy processing a battery

BATTERY ;a battery is connected to the charger NOBATTERY ;there is no battery connected to the charger

CLEARSTATUS

This command resets all of the battery status flags that are used by the Display Accessory Module for indication purposes. This does not alter the state of the Charger Active or Battery Present flags For example:

CLEARSTATUS ;clear the battetγ status flags

SETHOT, SETHIGHZ, SETLOW, SETHIGHV, SETGOOD, SETBAD

These commands are used to set the battery status flags for the Display Accessory Module. These flags allow the success or failure of the charging process to be indicated. For instance:

SETHOT ; battery fault - too hot

SETHIGHZ ; battery fault— high impedance

SETLOWV ; battery fault - low voltage SETHIGHV ; battery fault -high voltage

SETBAD ;battery bad - battery faulty

SETGOOD ;battery good- successfully charged SAVERESULTS

This command copies the Charge%, Discharge%, and Battery status flags to the Lastcharge%., Lastdischarge%, and previous battery status. This is to be used when a battery has been removed from the charger to preserve the results. For instance: SA VERESULTS ;save statistics for later

Mathematical Command Keywords

Preferably there are eight user variables that can be used to store values and perform simple mathematics. These are typically named VARl, VAR2, VAR3, VAR4, VAR5, VAR6, VAR 7, & VAR8. They are preferably 16 bit unsigned integers allowing values in the range 0 to 65535:

INC

This command adds one to the selected variable. If the result is greater than 65535, then the value is set to 65535. For example

INC VARl ;addl to varl

DEC

This command subtracts one to the selected variable. If the result is less than zero, then the value is set to zero. For example:

DEC VARl subtract lfrom VARl

VARx = Value

This command a value to be assigned to the selected variable. For example VAR3 = 8500 ;set VAR3 to 8500 VARx= VOLTAGE

This command allows the measured voltage value to be stored to the selected variable. For example:

VAR2 = VOLTAGE ;set VAR2 equal to the voltage

VARx = CURRENT

This command allows the measured current value to be stored to the selected variable. For example:

VARl = CURRENT ;set VARl equal to the current

VARx = TEMPERATURE

This command allows the measured temperature value to be stored to the selected variable. This value is a voltage value, in millivolts, returned by the temperature sensor, if fitted. This may have either a positive or negative temperature coefficient, depending on the specific application. The temperature sensor may be able to be used for more than just temperature monitoring. It may be practical to use it to detect the presence or removal of a battery. For example:

VAR7 = TEMPERATURE ;set VAR7 equal to temperature sensor voltage value

VARx = VARy

This command allows one variable to be copied to another. For example: R3 = VAVAR1 ;set VAR3 equal to VARl

VARx = VARy + VARz

This command allows any variable to be set to the addition sum of any variables. If the result is greater than 65535, then the value is set to 65535. For example: VAR3 = VARl + VAR4 ;set VAR3 equal to VARl + VAR4

VARx = VARy- VARz

This command allows any variable to be set to the subtraction sum of any variables. If the result is less than zero, then the value is set to zero. For example: VAR3 = VARl - VAR4 ;set VAR3 equal to VARl - VAR4

Program Flow Command Keyword

To allow the method code to perform loops using conditional and unconditional jump instructions, a method of labeling locations within the script is required. For instance:

Labels

Labels can be of any practical length and may contain both numbers and letters, but not spaces. They should begin with the ampersand character. For example

&LABEL

&FINISHED icycle completed &THE BATTERY IS FAULTY &THE BATTERY IS TOO HOT &LOWCHARGE RATE

GOTO This command is used to unconditionally jump to a new location, redirecting execution. For example: GOTO &LABEL ;go to Mabel

IF condition THEN @ xxxx

There is a wide range on conditional jump commands.

IF VOLTAGE {condition} VARx THEN @xxx:x

IF CURRENT {condition} VARx THEN @xxx:x

IF TEMPERATURE {condition} VARx THEN @xxx:x

IF CHARGE% {condition} VARx THEN @xxx:x IF DISCHARGE⁰/* {condition} VARx THEN @xxx:x

IF VARx {condition} VARx THEN @xxx:x

There is also a wide range of conditions that can be tested. These conditions are as follows

^~ Equal < Less Than

> Greater Than <= Less than Or Equal

>= Greater Than Or Equal o Not Equal

To perform a conditional test, the values of any variables used must be set first. For instance:

VARl = 12000

IF VOLTAGE < varl then @toolow ;test if voltage <12.000

VAR8 = 7500

IF CHARGE% > VAR8 THEN @GREATERTHAN75% ;test ifcharge% > 75.00%

IF VARl <> VAR2 THEN @NOTSAME ;test if variables are the same As a result of the improved technology described above it is possible for the model of battery connected to each charger/analyser port or channel to be identified by identifying the connected adapter and measuring the battery electrical characteristics such as the output voltage or the presence and values of temperature dependent resistors or specific identification connections, resistors or other devices. This provides the basis for improved fully automatic flexible control of each port of the charger/analyser.

Because the charger/analyser can be fully automatic, it can be arranged either with or without an advanced operator interface such as switches or other operator input devices and alphanumeric display. A model with a limited operator interface, for example a single light emitting diode (LED) or no interface at all, can have advantages in situations of limited operator skill, multiple operators, night operation, time pressure and operator information overload or in a difficult or unclean physical environment. An example of this could be a military application.

The automatic identification of the specific battery imparts, in principle, an ability to maximise the degree of automation and minimise the degree of operator skill required.

A further advantage provided by the charger/analyser herein described arises from the fact that the programs or program components are stored in the adapter. The program in the adapter is downloaded automatically into the charger/analyser. Once the adapters have been received for the new batteries, the new program will be downloaded into the charger/analyser in the normal way. The charger/analyser is therefore completely flexible in its ability to process any battery for which an adapter is held, even new batteries with new chemistries which the charger/analyser has not previously encountered or been programmed for. Operator action and skills and downtime are minimised.

A further advantage of storing the program in the adapter is that it allows fully flexible control of processing parameters including time sequences. These do not have to fit into any predeteraiined pattern. Charge and discharge voltages and currents can be infinitely variable or could be time varying. Processing sequences can be of any desired length or complexity.

The processing is also unrestricted in its ability to introduce decision points into the processing sequence. Decision points represent conditional branching based on battery measurements taken during the processing.

The program or program components stored in an adapter can include a program or programs for each different battery capable of fitting into that adapter and a suite of programs representing different charger/analyser modes for each different battery capable of fitting into that adapter.

Where more than one battery is capable of fitting into the adapter, the charger/analyser uses the measured battery information to select the appropriate program for the connected battery. The battery identification can be stored in the program and automatically displayed on the charger/analyser.

Where, for a given battery, a suite of programs representing different charger/analyser modes is provided, one program is designated as a default mode and run automatically or the operator can override the default mode selection by manually selecting another mode.

Examples of suitable modes are: -

• normal mode (often designated as the default mode), _.

• fast mode (to minimise the processing time at some cost in battery longevity),

• slow mode,

• test mode,

• discharge mode (in preparation for extended storage of some battery types), • conditioning mode (alternating charge-discharge cycles), • topping-up mode,

• standby mode

• and many others.

A program stored in the adapter could take a range of forms including the following forms and any intermediate form -

1. It could be in machine code (that is assembly language) ready for execution. 2. It could be in a higher level language requiring interpretation or compiling before execution. 3. It could also comprise strings of data packets requiring a higher level of interpretation before execution.

h the case where the program takes the form of strings of data packets, packets representing specific elements of information need not occupy predetermined positions in the program. This differentiates this method from the existing known configuration code technology. Instead, the packet contents would be identified by other means such as prefixes, suffices or protocols that allow the charger/analyser to interpret the program and generate the required machine code for execution.

Examples of features which can be contained in a packet are: packet identification prefix, sequence step identification, repetition numbers, data types, data elements, decision tests, branching instructions, operator display instructions, panel indicator commands, operator input requests and so forth.

The charger or adapter can have a built in temperature measuring device or devices, including but not limited to temperature dependent resistors, diodes, transistors, integrated circuits or infra-red temperature sensors, to measure the ambient temperature, the battery temperature, the adapter temperature and/or the charger/analyser temperature. This temperature information can be used to start, adjust or terminate processing.

For instance the charger/analyser can measure the temperature of the battery and so regulate the processing current to process the battery in the optimum time consistent with maintaining the temperature of the battery within predetermined limits. In addition the rate of change of temperature can be measured and this can be utilised to adjust the processing.

Consequently the program can allow for adjustment of the processing based on temperature guidelines and measured ambient and/or battery temperatures and trends.

In a highly preferred form, the charger/analyser, as well as reading the program in the adapter, can also read the information contained in any connected batteries which have been manufactured containing memory devices and can use this information to enhance the processing of the battery.

The program can utilise both continuous or pulse charging and discharging or any combination of these and can utilise sequences of fast or slow charge/discharge cycling within an overall charge, condition or discharge plan.

The program can also utilise impedance testing or any other battery test method at any point in the process.

The charger/analyser can run a single program downloaded from a single battery or can simultaneously run multiple programs downloaded from multiple batteries.

In addition to the above features, the charger/analyser of the present invention can monitor the incoming power supply and respond by taking actions and issuing commands and other signals depending on the status of the power supply. Such actions include but are not limited to - • moderating charge rates or other processing parameters,

• starting or terminating processing in part or in whole,

• other responses within the charger/analyser,

• issuing alarm or other warning signals to local or remote locations, • commanding the provision of an alternative power supply such as starting up or stopping a generator.

Such interactivity can have advantages including —

1. avoiding the discharge of vehicle or other power supply batteries,

2. avoiding the premature termination of all processing,

3. restoration of power from an alternative supply,

4. alerting support services to attend,

5. improved reliability generally.

This can be a major advantage in field situations such as military or emergency services operations and where charger/analysers are mounted in mobile vehicles.

Having described a preferred form of the invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and amendments can be made and yet still come within the basic concept of this invention. All such modifications and amendments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electrical storage battery charger/analyser including:

at least one memory device installed in the adapter,

a program stored in the memory device which can be run in the charger/analyser, said program being written in a programming language and comprising a set of instructions to be followed by the charger/analyser to enable it to process the battery,

2. An electrical storage battery charger/analyser as claimed in claim 1 including means to monitor the temperature of the battery.

3. An electrical storage battery charger/analyser as claimed in claim 2 including means to utilise the measured temperature of the battery to regulate the processing current to process the battery in the optimum time consistent with maintaining the temperature of the battery within predetermined limits.

4. An electrical storage battery charger/analyser as claimed in claim 2 including means to utilise the rate of change of the measured temperature of the battery with respect to time to adjust the processing.

5. An electrical storage battery charger/analyser as claimed in claim 1 including means to connect the charger/analyser to an electrical power source and means to monitor the voltage of the power source and to initiate a signal if the voltage of the power source is outside a predetermined range.

6 An electrical storage battery charger/analyser as claimed in claim 5 wherein the signal initiates an alarm.

7. An electrical storage battery charger/analyser as claimed in claim 5 wherein the signal initiates an adjustment of the processing.

8. An electrical storage battery charger/analyser as claimed in claim 5 wherein the signal initiates a changeover to an alternative power supply.

9. A method of processing an electrical storage battery with a charger/analyser comprising the steps of : providing an adapter to receive the battery to be processed, electrically connecting the adapter to the charger/analyser inserting the battery to be processed into the adapter, reading information from a memory device associated with the adapter and measuring electrical properties of the connected battery to obtain two sets of data, and utilising both sets of data to identify an appropriate processing recipe for processing the battery.

10. The method of claim 9 including the step of automatically initiating processing of the battery according to the recipe.