WO2009128079A1

WO2009128079A1 - Method and apparatus of performance balancing of battery cells

Info

Publication number: WO2009128079A1
Application number: PCT/IL2009/000423
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eran Ofek
Original assignee: Eran Ofek
Priority date: 2008-04-17
Filing date: 2009-04-19
Publication date: 2009-10-22
Also published as: WO2009128082A1; WO2009128081A1; WO2009128080A1

Abstract

A circuitry for optimizing performance of a battery is disclosed. The aforesaid circuitry is connectable to the battery comprising a plurality of battery cells. The circuitry is adapted for interconnecting the battery cells with each other. The circuitry is further adapted for connecting the battery to a load. The circuitry further comprises a plurality of controllable switches and a controller adapted to control the switches. The controller is adapted for detecting performance of the battery cells and optimizing the switch configuration to provide the load with predetermined voltage and/or current to the load.

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMANCE BALANCING OF

BATTERY CELLS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a battery and a circuitry for connecting a battery to a load, and, more specifically, to a circuitry for optimizing performance of a battery.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In today's world, devices are becoming more and more portable and mobile, as a result, batteries, and more specifically rechargeable batteries are becoming more and more common in electronic devices such as mobile-phones, PDA's, cameras, laptops as well as other appliances.

Rechargeable batteries require repeated recharging in order to support the energy consumption of the devices or appliances in which they are installed. Portable devices usually require a plurality of rechargeable battery cells to operate and the number of batteries required is dictated by the required operation voltage and electrical current consumption.

Each general battery cell can generate around 1.2 to 3.7Volts, depending on the battery technology and chemistry, while its capacitance is a factor of the cell volume and chemical density. Charging a battery requires passing electrical current through the battery from a suitable direct-current (DC) electrical power supply. The rate of charging depends upon the magnitude of the charging current, the battery technology and chemistry and the effective cells volumes that are enclosed in the battery pack. In theory, one could reduce charging time by using a higher charging current. In practice, however, there is a limit to the charging current that can be used, due to the chemistry and technology, on which the battery cells are based.

All batteries have some internal resistance. Power dissipated as the charging current passes through this internal resistance heats the battery. The heat that is generated as a battery is recharged interferes with the battery's ability to acquire a full charge and in extreme cases, can also damage the battery.

Fast charge for NiCd and Ni-MH is usually defined as a 1 hour recharge time, which corresponds to a charge rate of about 1.2c. The vast majority of applications where NiCd and Ni-MH are used do not exceed this rate of charge. It is important to note that fast charging can only be done safely if the cell temperature is within 10-40°C, and 25°C is typically considered optimal for charging. Fast charging at lower temperatures (10-20°C) must be done very carefully, as the pressure within a cold cell will rise more quickly during charging, which can cause the cell to release gas through the cell's internal pressure vent and this shortens the life of the battery.

The chemical reactions occurring within the NiCd and Ni-MH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) batteries during charging are quite different: The NiCd charge reaction is endothermic (meaning it makes the cell get cooler), while the Ni-MH charge reaction is exothermic (it makes the cell heat up). The importance of this difference is that it is possible to safely force very high rates of charging current into a NiCd cell, as long as it is not overcharged. The factor which limits the maximum safe charging current for NiCd is the internal Impedance of the cell, as this causes power to be dissipated by P = I²R. The internal impedance is usually quite low for NiCd; hence high charge rates are possible. There are some high-rate NiCd cells which are optimized for very fast charging, and can tolerate charge rates of up to 5c (allowing a fast-charge time of about 15 minutes). The products that presently use these ultra-fast charge schemes axe cordless tools, where a 1 hour recharge time is too long to be practical.

Because the maximum charging rate is limited it can take a long time to charge a battery to its capacity. In some cases, battery charging times as long as 16 hours are standard. The time to charge a particular battery pack depends upon the internal cells total capacity that dictates the size of the battery pack and the internal architecture of the battery. Another problem with the current battery chargers is that they are not always designed in a way that optimizes the service lives of the batteries being charged. Some chargers achieve reduced charging times be providing excessive charging currents in a way which can reduce the life-spans of the batteries under charge. In some cases the deterioration results in a reversible capacity loss or "memory". With "memory", the battery regresses with each recharging to the point where it can hold less than half of its original capacity. This interferes with the proper operation of devices powered by the battery. Furthermore, when a battery cannot be fully charged, the battery has a poor ratio of weight to capacity. This is especially significant in electric vehicles.

As a rechargeable battery is used, recharged, and used again, it loses a small amount of its overall capacity. This loss is to be expected in all secondary batteries as the active components become irreversibly consumed. NiCd batteries, however, suffer an additional problem, called the memory effect. If a NiCd battery is only partially discharged before recharging it, and this happens several times in a row, the amount of energy available for the next cycle will only be slightly greater than the amount of energy discharged in the cell's most-recent cycle. This characteristic makes it appear as if the battery is "remembering" how much energy is needed for a repeated application. The physical process that causes the memory effect is the formation of potassium- hydroxide crystals inside the cells. This build up of crystals interferes with the chemical process of generating electrons during the next battery use cycle. These crystals can form as a result of repeated partial discharge or as a result of overcharging the NiCd battery. Most commercial, off-the-shelf cellular phones contain a battery when purchased. Charging units may be supplied with the phone or may be purchased separately. Typical usage for cellular telephones will vary significantly with user, but, the estimate for mobile radio usage (10% of the duty cycle is spent in transmit mode, 10% in receive mode, and 80% in standby mode) is also a reasonable estimate for cellular phone usage. At the end of each usage cycle, the user places the battery (phone) on a recharging unit that will charge the battery for the next usage cycle. This usage pattern is appropriate for NiCd or Ni-MH batteries. NiCd batteries should be completely discharged between uses to prevent memory effects created by a recurring duty cycle.

When a replacement or spare battery is needed, only replacements, recommended by the phone manufacturer should be used.

Batteries and battery systems from other manufacturers may be used if the batteries are certified to work with that particular brand and model of phone. Damage to the phone may result if non-certified batteries are used.

Several battery manufacturers make replacement battery packs that are designed to work with a wide variety of cellular phones.

Because of the variety of phones available, battery manufacturers must design and sell several dozen different types of batteries to fit the hundreds of models of cellular phones. Most commercial, off-the-shelf laptop computers have a built-in battery system. In addition to the battery provided, most laptops will have a battery adapter that also serves as a battery charger.

The expected usage of a laptop computer is that the operator will use it several times a week, for periods of several hours at a time. The computer will drain the battery at a moderate rate when the computer is running and at the self-discharge rate when the computer is shut off. Quite often, the user will use the computer until the "low battery" alarm sounds. At this point, the battery will be drained of 90% of its charge before the user recharges it. The computer will also register regular periods of non-use, during which the battery can be recharged. Secondary NiCd batteries are most appropriate for this usage pattern.

When a laptop-computer battery reaches the end of its life cycle, it should be replaced with a battery designed specifically for that laptop computer. Using other types of batteries may damage the computer. The user's manual for the laptop computer will list one or more battery types and brands that may be used. If in doubt, the user is advised to contact the manufacturer of the laptop computer and ask for a battery-replacement recommendation. Almost all commercial, off-the-shelf camcorders come with a battery and a recharging unit when purchased. The camcorder is typically operated continuously for several minutes or hours (to produce a video recording of some event). This use will require that the battery provide approximately 2 hours of non-stop recording time. The electric motor driving the recording tape through the camcorder requires a moderately high amount of power throughout the entire recording period. Rechargeable NiCd or Ni-MH batteries or primary lithium batteries are usually the only choice for camcorder use. Several battery manufacturers produce NiCd, Ni-MH and Li- Ion batteries that are specially designed for use in camcorders. Due to the lack of sufficient standardization for these kinds of batteries, the battery manufacturers must design and cell approximately 20 different camcorder batteries to fit at least 100 models of camcorders from over a dozen manufacturers.

Camcorder batteries are usually designed to provide 2 hours of service, but larger batteries are available that can provide up to 4 hours of service. Lithium camcorder batteries can provide three to five times the energy of a single cycle of secondary NiCd batteries. These lithium batteries, however, are primary batteries and must be properly disposed of at the end of their life cycle. Secondary lithium-ion camcorder batteries are being developed.

Secondary (rechargeable) batteries require a battery charger to bring them back to full power. The charger will provide electricity to the electrodes (opposite to the direction of electron discharge), which will reverse the chemical process within the battery, converting the applied electrical energy into chemical potential energy. Batteries should only be recharged with chargers that are recommended, by the manufacturer, for that particular type of battery. In general, however, battery-industry standards ensure that any off-the-shelf battery charger, specified for one brand, size, and type of battery, will be able to charge correctly any brand of battery of that same size and type- Do not, however, use a charger designed for one type of battery to charge a different type of battery, even if the sizes are the same. For example, do not use a charger designed for charging "D"-sized NiCd batteries to charge "D"-sized rechargeable alkaline batteries. If in doubt, use only the exact charger recommended by the battery manufacturer. Recharging a battery without a recommended charger is dangerous. If too much current is supplied, the battery may overheat, leak, or explode. If not enough current is applied, the battery may never become fully charged, since the self-discharge rate of the battery will nullify the charging effort.

It is not recommended that battery users design and build their own charging units. Many low-cost chargers are available off-the-shelf that do a good job of recharging batteries. Specific, off-the-shelf chargers are identified and recommended, by each of the major battery manufacturers, for each type of secondary battery they produce. The current that a charger supplies to the battery is normally expressed as a fraction of the theoretical current (for a given battery) needed to charge the battery completely in 1 hour. This theoretical current is called the nominal battery capacity rating and is represented as "C." For example, a current of 0.1 C is that current which, in 10 hours, theoretically, would recharge the battery fully.

In general, lower charge rates will extend the overall life of the battery. A battery can be damaged or degraded if too much current is applied during the charging process. Also, when a battery is in the final stages of charging, the current must be reduced to prevent damage to the battery. Many chargers offer current-limiting devices that will shut off or reduce the applied current when the battery reaches a certain percent of its charged potential.

Slow charge rates (between 0.05 C and 0.1 C) are the most-often recommended charge rate, since a battery can be recharged in less than a day, without significant probability of damaging or degrading the battery. Slow charge rates can be applied to a battery for an indefinite period of time, meaning that the battery can be connected to the charger for days or weeks with no need for special shutoff or current-limiting equipment on the charger.

Trickle chargers (charge rates lower than 0.05 C) are generally insufficient to charge a battery. They are usually only applied after a battery is fully charged (using a greater charge rate) to help offset the self-discharge rate of the battery. Batteries on a trickle charger will maintain their full charge for months at a time.

It is usually recommended that batteries on a trickle charger to be fully discharged and recharged once every 6 to 12 months. Quick and fast charging rates (over 0.2 C) can be used to charge many kinds of secondary batteries. In such cases, however, damage or deterioration can occur in the battery if these high charge rates are applied after the battery has approximately 85% of its charge restored.

Many quick and fast chargers will have current limiters built into them that will slowly reduce the current as the battery is charged, thereby preventing most of this deterioration. For some applications, the charger may be provided, by the battery manufacturer, as an integral part of the battery itself. This design has the obvious advantage of ensuring that the correct charger is used to charge the battery, but this battery-charger combination may result in size, weight and cost penalties for the battery.

For all the above, the market is eager to speed up the process of charging of the battery. It should be emphasized that batteries available in the market can only be charged as a whole entity. Some batteries, comprise a number of battery cells, however the aforesaid cells are in different states relative to each other. Defectiveness of only one battery cell renders the entire battery non operational. Thus, it is a long-felt and unmet need to provide a circuitry and a method adapted for balancing the battery performance and customizing interconnection of the battery cell such that a predetermined voltage and current is applied to the load.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is hence one object of the invention to disclose a circuitry for optimizing performance of a battery. The aforesaid circuitry is connectable to the battery which comprises a plurality of battery cells. The circuitry is adapted for interconnecting said battery cells with each other. The circuitry is further adapted for connecting the battery to a load. It is a core purpose of the invention to provide the circuitry further comprising a plurality of controllable switches and a controller adapted to control said switches. The controller is adapted for detecting performance of the battery cells and optimizing the switch configuration to provide the load with predetermined voltage and/or current.

It is another object of the invention to disclose the circuitry comprising at least one component characterized by diode functionality. The diode component is adapted to protect said battery cells from back currents.

It is a further object of the invention to disclose the diode components connected only when battery cells are interconnected to each other or to a load.

It is further object of the invention to disclose the controller adapted to estimate performance of said battery cells and provide a user with recommendations concerning cell usage according to detection of at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of a charge/discharge rate, a capacity, a peak charge voltage, a peak discharge current and any combination thereof.

It is further object of the invention to disclose the controller adapted to configure the switches for connecting the battery cells to the load in a parallel manner and/or a serially grouped manner.

It is further object of the invention to disclose the controller adapted to limit a peak current through each battery cell and a peak current through the load.

It is further object of the invention to disclose the circuitry adapted for hot-swapping of battery cells in the battery pack.

It is further object of the invention to disclose the controller adapted to configure said switch configuration according to a peak current through said load to be connected.

It is further object of the invention to disclose the battery with optimizable performance.

The aforesaid battery comprises a plurality of battery cells and an interconnecting circuitry. The circuitry is adapted for interconnecting the battery cells with each other.

The circuitry is further adapted for connecting the battery to a charging device and a load.

The circuitry further comprises a plurality of controllable switches and a controller adapted to control the switches. The controller is adapted for detecting performance of the battery cells and optimizing the switch configuration to provide the load with predetermined voltage and/or current.

A further object of the invention is to disclose a rechargeable battery system. The aforesaid system comprises: (a) a plurality of battery cells further comprising a first group and a second group; (b) a charging unit adapted to charge the plurality of battery cells; (c) a circuitry adapted to individually connect the battery cells of the first group to the charging unit. The circuitry is adapted to connect the second group of the plurality of battery cells in series for energizing a load when the first group of the plurality of battery cells is charged.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the circuitry adapted to interconnect of battery cells in order to form a predetermined cell groups and further interconnect said formed groups into predetermined configurations.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the circuitry adapted to manually and/or automatically select which battery cell is to be included in which battery cell group according to the battery cell parameters.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the circuitry adapted to change said battery cell group configurations and said interconnections between groups of battery cells in real time, under load and/or offline, while not connected to a load.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the circuitry adapted to change said battery cell group configurations and said interconnections between said groups in response to changes in the charger input power drop.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the circuitry adapted to change the battery cell group configurations and the interconnections between^" the groups in response to changes in the load.

A further object of the invention is to disclose the circuitry adapted to change the battery cell group configurations and the interconnections between groups of battery cells in response to user's commands which may be communicated by a user or a loading device.

A further object of the invention is to disclose a method of charging a battery. The aforesaid battery has a plurality of battery cells and a switching unit for interconnecting one or more of said plurality of battery cells. The method comprises the steps of: (a) maintaining charged battery cells as spare battery cells inside or outside the battery pack;

(b) interconnecting a first plurality of battery cells to form a first battery cell group having a predetermine output voltage; (c) monitoring each battery cell and /or each of the plurality of battery cells in the first battery cell group to determine whether a battery cell of the first battery cell group is defective; (d) identifying a spare battery cell for use in place of the first battery cell if it is determined that the first battery cell is defective; (e) swapping the connections between the spare battery cell and the defective battery cell to replace the defective battery position with the spare battery; (f) optionally reporting about defective cell, number of left spare cells; and (g) energizing a load using the first battery cell group.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the battery and charger configuration;

FIG. 2 shows a battery pack according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 shows a configuration of the preferred embodiment in a scenario for fast charging of a battery;

FIG. 4 shows the configuration for using a preferred embodiment for using the current stored in the batteries interconnected in series;

FIG. 5 shows the configuration for using a preferred embodiment for using the current stored in the batteries interconnected in parallel;

FIG. 6 shows an optional configuration of a group of plurality of battery cells in parallel;

FIG. 7 shows an optional configuration of a group of plurality of battery cells in series;

FIG. 8 shows an optional configuration which enables the communication between the loading device and the battery pack, through the charger; and

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the charging/discharging process;

FIG. 10 shows an optional configuration which enables the selective connection of each battery cell into a group of parallel or sequentially connected cells, with the options to be connected to a monitoring module or to be excluded from the battery pack;

FIG. 11 shows a multi contact switch, as an example to a switch that may be used as a selector for selecting the battery cell connections; and

FIG. 12 shows an optional switching board grid, to enable the inclusion of each battery cell into any type of group, at any position and orientation. The witches may be electronically controlled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Throughout the following description, specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, the invention may be practiced without these particulars. In other instances, well known elements have not been shown or described in detail to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive, sense.

An electrochemical rechargeable battery cell is a device used for generating an electromotive force (voltage) and current from chemical reactions, or the reverse, inducing a chemical reaction by a flow of current. The current is caused by the reactions releasing and accepting electrons at the different ends of a conductor. A common example of a rechargeable electrochemical battery cell is a standard Ni-Mh 1.2-volt battery. The chemical reaction in rechargeable battery cells is almost totally reversible by reversing the voltage and current to the cell for a while with a compatible charger. An electrochemical cell consists of two half-cells. Each half-cell consists of an electrode, and an electrolyte. The two half-cells may use the same electrolyte, or they may use different electrolytes. The chemical reactions in the cell may involve the electrolyte, the electrodes or an external substance (as in fuel cells which may use hydrogen gas as a reactant). In a full electrochemical cell, ions, atoms, or molecules from one half-cell lose electrons (oxidation) to their electrode while ions, atoms, or molecules from the other half-cell gain electrons (reduction) from their electrode. A salt bridge is often employed to provide electrical contact between two half-cells with very different electrolytes — to prevent the solutions from mixing. This can simply be a strip of filter paper soaked in saturated potassium nitrate (V) solution. Other devices for achieving separation of solutions are porous pots and gelled solutions.

The cell potential can be predicted through the use of electrode potentials (the voltages of each half-cell). The difference in voltage between electrode potentials gives a prediction for the potential measured.

Cell potentials have a possible range of about zero to 6 volts. Cells using water-based electrolytes are usually limited to cell potentials less than about 2.5 volts, because the very powerful oxidizing and reducing agents which would be required to produce a higher cell potential tend to react with the water.

A rechargeable battery cell, also known as a storage battery cell, is technically a group of two or more secondary cells, such as laptop batteries containing six individual cells. However, they are often used to refer to a single cell, such as a NiMh AA battery. These batteries can be restored to full charge by the application of electrical energy, such as through a battery charger. In other words, they are batteries in which the electrochemical reaction that releases energy is readily rechargeable. They come in many different designs using different chemicals. Commonly used secondary cell ("rechargeable battery") chemistries are lead acid, nickel cadmium (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMh), lithium ion (Li-ion), and lithium ion polymer (Li-ion polymer).

Rechargeable batteries can offer economic and environmental benefits compared to disposable batteries. Some rechargeable battery types are available in the same sizes as disposable types (e.g. AA, AAA, D, CRl 23 A etc). While the rechargeable cells have a higher initial cost, rechargeable batteries can be recharged many times. Proper selection of a rechargeable battery system can reduce toxic materials sent to landfills compared to an equivalent series of disposable batteries. For example, some manufacturers of NiMh rechargeable batteries claim a service life of 100-1000 charge cycles for their batteries. In primary cells the positive and negative electrodes are known as the cathode and anode, respectively. Although this convention is sometimes carried through to rechargeable systems especially with lithium-ion cells, because of their origins in primary lithium cells, this practice can lead to confusion. In rechargeable cells the positive electrode is the cathode on discharge and the anode on charge, and vice versa for the negative electrode.

The active components in a secondary cell are the chemicals that make up the positive and negative active materials, and the electrolyte. The positive and negative are made up of different materials, with the positive exhibiting a reduction potential and the negative having an oxidation potential. The sum of these potentials is the standard cell potential or voltage.

Among available rechargeable battery technologies are the Lead-acid, VRLA, Alkaline, Ni-iron, NiCd , NIH2, NiMh, Ni-zinc, Li ion, Li polymer, LiFePCH, Li sulfur, Nano Titanate, Thin film Li, ZnBr, V redox, NaS, Molten salt, Super iron, Silver zinc and more.

Charging Schemes

The charger has three key functions: (a.) getting the charge into the battery (Charging),

(b.) optimizing the charging rate (Stabilizing) and (c.) knowing when to stop

(Terminating)

The charging scheme is a combination of the charging and termination methods. Charge Termination

Once a battery is fully charged, the charging current has to be dissipated somehow. The result is the generation of heat and gasses both of which are bad for batteries. The essence of good charging is to be able to detect when the reconstitution of the active chemicals is complete and to stop the charging process before any damage is done while at all times maintaining the cell temperature within its safe limits. Detecting this cut off point and terminating the charge is critical in preserving battery life. In the simplest of chargers this is when a predetermined upper voltage limit, often called the termination voltage has been reached. This is particularly important with fast chargers where the danger of overcharging is greater.

Safe Charging

If for any reason there is a risk of overcharging the battery, either from errors in determining the cutoff point or from abuse this will normally be accompanied by a rise in temperature. Internal fault conditions within the battery or high ambient temperatures can also take a battery beyond its safe operating temperature limits. Elevated temperatures hasten the death of batteries and monitoring the cell temperature is a good way of detecting signs of trouble from a variety of causes. The temperature signal, or a resettable fuse, can be used to turn off or disconnect the charger when danger signs appear to avoid damaging the battery. This simple additional safety precaution is particularly important for high power batteries where the consequences of failure can be both serious and expensive.

Reverse Charging

Reverse charging, which damages batteries, is when a rechargeable battery is recharged with its polarity reversed. Reverse charging can occur under a number of circumstances, the two most important being: When a battery is incorrectly inserted into a charger, or when multiple batteries are used in series in a device. When one battery completely discharges ahead of the rest, the other batteries in series may force the discharged battery to discharge to below zero voltage.

To prevent this from happening while batteries are interconnected in parallel, it is possible to employ rectifying diodes or CMOS modules while the battery cell is not recharged. Depth of Charging

The depth of discharge (DOD) is normally stated as a percentage of the nominal ampere- hour capacity; 0% DOD means no discharge. Since the usable capacity of a battery system depends on the rate of discharge and the allowable voltage at the end of discharge, the depth of discharge must be qualified to show the way it is to be measured. Due to variations during manufacture and aging, the DOD for complete discharge can change over time / discharge cycles. Generally a rechargeable battery system will tolerate more charge/discharge cycles if the DOD is lower on each cycle.

Charging Times

During fast charging it is possible to pump electrical energy into the battery faster than the chemical process can react to it, with damaging results.

The chemical action cannot take place instantaneously and there will be a reaction gradient in the bulk of the electrolyte between the electrodes with the electrolyte nearest to the electrodes being converted or "charged" before the electrolyte further away. This is particularly noticeable in high capacity cells which contain a large volume of electrolyte.

There are in fact at least three key processes involved in the cell chemical conversions.

(a.) The "charge transfer", which is the actual chemical reaction taking place at the interface of the electrode with the electrolyte and this proceeds relatively quickly.

(b.) The "mass transport" or "diffusion" process in which the materials transformed in the charge transfer process are moved on from the electrode surface, making way for further materials to reach the electrode to take part in the transformation process. This is a relatively slow process which continues until all the materials have been transformed.

(c.) The "charging process" which may also be subject to other significant effects whose reaction time should also be taken into account such as the "intercalation process" by which Lithium cells are charged in which Lithium ions are inserted into the crystal lattice of the host electrode.

All of these processes are also temperature dependent.

In addition there may be other parasitic or side effects such as passivation of the electrodes, crystal formation and gas build up, which all affect charging times and efficiencies, but these may be relatively minor or infrequent, or may occur only during conditions of abuse. They are therefore not considered here. Another parasitic side effect is the hysteresis, which reduces the cell's efficiency a bit every recharging process. The battery charging process thus has at least three characteristic time constants associated with achieving complete conversion of the active chemicals which depend on both the chemicals employed and on the cell construction. The time constant associated with the charge transfer could be one minute or less, whereas the mass transport time constant can be as high as several hours or more in a large high capacity cell. This is one of the reasons why cells can deliver or accept very high pulse currents, but much lower continuous currents. (Another major factor is the heat dissipation involved). These phenomena are non linear and apply to the discharging process as well as to charging. There is thus a limit to the charge acceptance rate of the cell. Continuing to pump energy into the cell faster than the chemicals can react to the charge can cause local overcharge conditions including polarization, overheating as well as unwanted chemical reactions, near to the electrodes thus damaging the cell. Fast charging forces up the rate of chemical reaction in the cell (as does fast discharging) and it may be necessary to allow "rest periods" during the charging process for the chemical actions to propagate throughout the bulk of the chemical mass in the cell and to stabilize at progressive levels of charge. A memorable though not quite equivalent phenomenon is the pouring of beer into a glass. Pouring very quickly results in a lot of froth and a small amount of beer at the bottom of the glass. Pouring slowly down the side of the glass or alternatively letting the beer settle till the froth disperses and then topping up allows the glass to be filled completely. The commonly available fast charging process also causes increased Joule heating of the cell because of the higher currents involved and the higher temperature in turn causes an increase in the rate of the chemical conversion processes. This phenomenon is emphasized as battery cell volume is larger, since the charging current is forced to flow through a longer resistive path.

Rechargeable batteries currently are used for applications such as automobile starters, portable consumer devices, light vehicles (such as motorized wheelchairs, golf carts, electric bicycles, and electric forklifts), tools, and uninterruptible power supplies. Emerging applications in hybrid electric vehicles and electric vehicles are driving the technology to improve cost, reduce weight, and increase lifetime.

Unlike non-rechargeable batteries (primary cells), rechargeable batteries had to be charged before use. The need to charge rechargeable batteries before use deterred potential buyers who needed to use the batteries immediately. However, new low self discharge batteries allow users to purchase rechargeable battery that already hold about 70% of the rated capacity, allowing consumers to use the batteries immediately and recharge later.

Grid energy storage applications use industrial rechargeable batteries for load leveling, where they store electric energy for use during peak load periods, and for renewable energy uses, such as storing power generated from photovoltaic arrays during the day to be used at night. By charging batteries during periods of low demand and returning energy to the grid during periods of high electrical demand, load-leveling helps eliminate the need for expensive peaking power plants and helps amortize the cost of generators over more hours of operation.

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association has estimated that U.S. demand for rechargeable batteries is growing twice as fast as demand for non-rechargeable batteries.

Reference is now made to FIG 1, which shows the configuration of the battery pack (1), comprising of a plurality of rechargeable battery cells (2). The battery pack (1) is connected (3) via a switching module (4) to a controller (5). The controller (5) is managing the interconnections (3) of the battery cells (2) according to predetermined rule sets which may be influenced by inputs from a monitoring module (6) which can test each cell that is connected to it by the controller's (5) command. The charging module

(8) is managing the interconnections between the battery cells (2) in a way that allows the charging of a plurality of battery cells in an electronically floating way.

The energy (10) to the system is fed into the charging module (8) through a suitable

AC/DC managing module (9) which converts the inlet power profile into the required form of voltage and current as required by the charging module (8) and the Load connector (7).

The load (11) is connected to the charging load connector module (7) in a way that allows the normal and transparent operation of the loading device while the battery pack (1) is transparently managed by the controller (5).

The controller (5) may be mechanically, manually controlled and/or electronically managed.

While the switches are configured to recharge the battery cells, the load connector (22) is feeding the load (7) directly from the AC/DC Voltage/Current Managing Module (9), to allow the fluent energy provisioning to the load.

Reference is now made to FIG 2, which shows a battery pack (1) which is comprised of a plurality of sequentially connected battery cells (14) where each battery cell may be divided into groups of smaller cells (2) which are configured for loading mode. A switch (not shown) controls the interconnections between the battery cell groups (14) in such a way that it can switch between recharging mode where the battery pack (1) is being recharged and operational mode. The battery (1) can be switched in such a way that individual sub-cells (14) or single cells within a sub-cell (2) can be disconnected from the battery pack (1) or bypassed. This is done when a specific sub-cell (2) provides poorer performance and as a result hinders the performance of the entire battery pack (1). Reference is now made to FIG 3, which shows a battery pack (1) which is comprised of a plurality of battery cells (2) where each battery cell is connected through its switching module (4) to its charging module (8). FIG 3 describes the basic configuration required for the charging mode.

Each charging module (8) may be an electronically separated charging module in the system's charging module (15)

The charging module (8) is connected to the power supply (9 and 10) to enable the recharging process. A power source inlet (10) may be any connection to an external power source such as the electric socket, USB plug and of other battery. Reference is now made to FIG 4, which shows an apparatus, according to a preferred embodiment of the application implemented as a circuit for charging a plurality of battery cells (2). Each battery cell (2) has connectors for each of its poles going outside. Any device controlling the circuit (4) controls the interconnections between the batteries (2) by switches (4), where in the case of recharging, switches (4) in the circuit are closed (4a) as shown, while switches connections (4b) to the load (7 and 11) are open. The recharging is accomplished by charging each of the batteries (2) separately while they are connected in to their charging components, using a low voltage (for example 1.5 V). In the operation mode, the batteries (2) are interconnected in series.

Reference is now made to FIG 5, which shows an alternative embodiment of the apparatus which provides charging a plurality of battery cells (2). Each battery cell (2) has connectors for each of its poles going outside. Any device controlling the circuit (4) controls the interconnections between the batteries (2) by switches (4), where in the case of recharging, switches (4) in the circuit are closed (4a) as shown, while switches connections (4b) to the load (7 and 11) are open. The recharging is accomplished by charging each of the batteries (2) separately while they are connected in to their charging components, using a low voltage (for example 1.5V). In the operation mode, the batteries

(2) are interconnected in parallel.

Reference is now made to FIG. 6, which shows an example of group of plurality of said cells, in a configuration where said battery cells are interconnected in parallel.

While in operation mode, the load (7) is connected to the batteries (2) by switching the interconnections (4) from state (4a) to state (4b), allowing the interconnections between the cells and the loading component (7) which connects to the load (11)

The following formula allows for the calculation of the required total battery voltage while battery cells are interconnected in parallel:

For the said configuration of battery cells in a group:

E = [maximum cell voltage] (while including the diode components) (Volt)

E = [Average cell voltage] (while excluding the diode components) (Volt)

Where E is the total battery voltage (measured between 16a and 16b), and n is the . number of cells (in this example n=3).

C = [average cell capacity] * n (Amp)

Where C is the total battery capacity (current), and n is the number of cells (in this example n=3).

The diodes (12) are optional and are provided to protect the battery cells (2) from back current which may damage them or affect the battery pack performances.

Reference is now made to FIG. 7, which shows an example of group of plurality of said cells, in a configuration, where said battery cells are interconnected in sequential.

The following formula allows for the calculation of the required total battery voltage while battery cells are interconnected in sequential:

E = Σ [cell voltage] (Volt) (in this example, assuming each cell provides 1.2 V, then E =

3.6V)

Where E is the total battery voltage (measured between 16a and 16b), and n is the number of cells (in this example n=3).

C = [average cell capacity] (Amp)

Assuming all cells are has similar capacity, then C ~ [cell capacity] * n (Amp)

Where C is the total battery capacity (current), and ^Λ is the number of cells (in this example n=3). The diodes (12) are optional and are provided to protect the battery cells (2) from back current which may damage them or affect the battery pack performances. It should be clear to someone skilled in the art, that switches 4 can be mechanic switches, microelectronic switches or any other switching mechanism as is known in the art. Additionally, the switch (4) may be divided into at least two separate switches, one for charging and at least one for usage or be combined into a single connector for both operations.

The switches (4) may be parts and modules of a larger switch or controller, and may be connected together or managed separately.

Reference is now made to FIG. 8, which shows an example of a circuitry which enables the communication between said battery charger (21) and the loading device (20). The said battery pack (1) switches (4) are controlled by the controller (5) to configure the battery pack (1) battery cells (2) for charging or for load. This is controllable by communication with the loading device (20) through communication of the charger (21) communication module (17) and the device (21) communication module (18). The purpose of the said circuitry is to enable the communication between the loading device and the charger, to determine the required voltage and current profile, as well as to communicate the device's (20) requests for change in the said power profile. Reference, is now made to FIG 9, which shows a flowchart of a charging/discharging process 100. After providing a battery to be charged; an electrical power supply adapted for charging said battery a load to be energized by said battery and a circuitry for rapidly charging a battery at the step 110, each battery cell is connected to a corresponding charging module in an individual manner at the step 120. Charging the battery cells is performed by the charging device up to a predetermined maximum voltage at the step 130. After completing charging the battery, battery cells are interconnected to provide at an output thereof a predetermined voltage at the step 140. The load is energized by the battery down to a predetermined minimum voltage at the step 150. The steps 130-150 can be repeated as required

Reference is now made to FIG 10, which shows an optional circuitry to allow the selective inclusion of each individual battery cell (2) in a parallel or sequential group. This circuitry allows the switching (4) between the modes of operation, where by switching (4) to (4a) position allows the recharging of the battery cell. Switching (4) to (4b) position allows the inclusion of the battery cell in the battery pack and switching (4) to (4c) excludes this battery cell from the battery pack.

While switch (4) is set to (4b) position, switch (24) is capable to select whether the battery cell is participating in a serial group (24b), or participating in a parallel group

(24c). Switch (24) can also be switched to its (24a) position and by that bypass this battery cell to exclude it from the battery packs. It is suggested that while switch (24) is in (24a) position, switch (4) will not be set to its (4b) position to avoid shortcutting the battery cell poles over switch (24).

This configuration utilizes rectifying diodes (12) to allow safer and more efficient operation while cell is configured to participate in a group of battery cells connected in parallel.

In this example, the connection of the battery cell is possible only to two neighbor cells.

This means that each battery cell connection options may be pre-determined by the circuitry and cannot be changed during run-time. In order to bypass a neighbor cell and get connected to the following battery cell, the switch (24) of the neighbor battery cell should be positioned in a way that bypasses it.

In order to obtain more flexibility, it is possible to use a different multi-port switch, or relay, with at least 2 lines and at least 3 outputs (24a, 24b and 24c) in order to provide this functionality.

It is also possible to use additional ports (in addition to 24a, 24b and 24c) in order to allow more flexibility by connecting the battery cell to a different or far away groups.

These switches (4) and (24) may be components of a manual, automatic, analog or digital controller, relay switches etc.

Reference is now made to FIG 11 , which shows an optional dual line, 3 positions switch which can be used for selecting between the exclusion of a battery cell, connecting it to a parallel group or connecting it to a sequential group. Both lines are controlled simultaneously in a way that the lines are always connected to the same positions. For example: when line 1 (marked with '+") is in (24a) position, line 2 (marked with "-") will be in (24a) position as well.

Reference is made to FIG 12, which shows an optional circuitry, to allow more flexibility while interconnecting battery cells (2). It can connect a plurality of battery cells (2) into a plurality of battery cell groups, where each group is comprised of either battery cells which are connected in parallel or battery cells which are connected in sequential. In addition, this circuitry can interconnect any group to any other group in parallel or sequential and form any configuration as needed. The switching components (25), by connecting nodes of the grid (26), can form any battery pack configuration. The switches (25) may be manually controlled, electronically controlled, optically controlled, temperature controlled etc. The switches (25) may be components in an analog or digital controller.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the current invention a battery pack, consisting of 50 Ni-Mh battery cells of 1.2V, 1.8Ah each is provided. Each cell is individually connected by means of the circuitry to a fast charging device. After the batteries are fully recharged, the circuitry is automatically reconfigured, and the battery cells are interconnected in the following manner: groups consisting of 10 cells are connected in series. The resulting 5 groups are connected in parallel. This structure includes diodes to avoid reverse currents and back feeds. This configuration forms a battery pack with a configuration of 12VDC and 9Ah and can recharge in less than 15 minutes.

This battery pack is customizable to include more battery cells and can easily reconfigure the interconnections between its battery cells to generate various output voltages and currents.

This battery pack and charger is capable of fast charging a larger number of battery cells in parallel, and then reconfigure the interconnections between said battery cells to load configuration.

In order to improve efficiency and speed of recharging, the cells are characteristically thin and long such that the electrodes are connected to a CMOS component (or a diode component), to prevent back current while connected in parallel to a plurality of battery cells in the group. The CMOS detects when in charging mode and flips the diode component to enable the charging.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a CMOS component that can detect when said battery cell is interconnected to other battery cells or to a charging module, and in some cases the battery cell is connected to a monitoring component to verify its charge status. This CMOS component is protecting the cell from back currents, while not preventing the cell charging process and the cell monitoring process.

Another embodiment of the present invention is envisaged which would employ CMOS

(or other components with functionality of Diodes) only at each sequential group end and only while under load so that there will be no need for the CMOS/Diodes to prevent the back current while charging).

Another embodiment of the present invention is envisaged which would not employ CMOS (or other components with functionality of Diodes) at all.

It should be emphasized that each battery cell is separately recharged and the protocol for recharging the cells in the battery is determined by the individual cell's performance and profile and not by a predetermined unchangeable order. Hence, such a charging protocol is referred to herein as a floating charging protocol. After charging, the battery pack is reconfigured to provide the required output.

According to the prior art, any battery pack comprising more than one cell is sealed. The aforesaid battery pack is always recharged as a whole entity. A defective or weak cell in the battery pack imposes the battery overall performances. Each cell is a member in a group, and one weaker cell might delay or even interfere with the recharging process. A plurality of any rechargeable batteries such as Ni-Mh, Li-Ion, NiCd or any others is connectable to the disclosed circuitry. The core innovation is to provide splitting a standard cell into many smaller cells. In accordance with another embodiment of the current invention, the battery pack comprises A, AA, AAA, D size batteries in any combinations, as well as creating whole new battery packs for electric vehicles etc. It was demonstrated, that if a simple rechargeable battery cell is taken and divided into many (tested as 40) battery fibers, a speed of charging increases by about 20 times, due to the allowed increase in charging current etc. To optimize other parameters such as back- flow and micro non-homogeneity in battery chemistry and formation, the diodes components (CMOS) were added. It was further demonstrated that load balancing by means of CMOS and excluding defective cells improve process of charging, extend battery throughput and extend battery life time. In addition, due to the new form factor of the cells, the heat and transfer parameters are improved (per current and time units). In accordance with the current invention, the mandatory components are: battery cells, charger [slot] for each battery cell, 2 switchovers per each battery cell. The controller should be able to request the monitoring system about the battery cell status and then decide how to connect it in the group or to the charger, as well as to decide when to recharge and which cells. The cell monitoring is also an "off-shelf component and technology. The aforesaid module reports to the controller for action. The power units, charger components and the transformers (AC/DC voltage, current regulators) are all off- shelf and common.

Example 1

In order to provide the required energy for an electric vehicle, an electric vehicle battery pack in most cases comprises a large number of rechargeable battery packs which are able to provide the energy to the electric vehicle with the intention to provide sufficient energy for driving about 2 hours at the velocity of 100km/h. Nowadays, the recharging process of such a battery takes a few hours and is done by connecting the battery poles to a compatible charger.

In accordance with the current invention, the electric vehicle battery pack containing the same amount of energy, be divided into a few thousand's of smaller battery cells, connected to a switch board with at least two states. In one state of switching, each battery cell is connected to its respective recharging component, to allow the recharging process for all the cells concurrently but separately. The other state of switching is connecting each battery into a group, to form the battery pack cell configuration, to allow the provisioning of the required voltage and current.

Since each battery cell is able to recharge in 4-12 minutes due to its small form factor, this battery pack can be recharged in a time equal to the maximum time required for a single cell to recharge, between about 4 and 12 minutes, instead of a few hours if battery is recharged as the whole entity.

For the purposes of the current application, the term 'form factor of the battery cell' refers to a ratio of a transverse dimension to and a longitudinal dimension thereof. This approach can be applied to any battery pack, where batteries may be disconnected from the battery pack circuitry and recharged separately concurrently without the mutual interference between other member cells in the pack. Furthermore, if the battery pack comprises only one battery cell, such as a rechargeable Ni-Mh battery of 1.2V, or a rechargeable Li-Ion battery of 3.7V, the aforesaid battery is suggested to be divided into many smaller battery cells, with an accumulative capacity equal to the original battery pack. It should be emphasized that the charging process of the battery pack is faster and more efficient due to dividing thereof. Example 2

A power tool which can be used for wirelessly drilling, welding or construction, is usually packaged with two battery pack. When one battery pack is totally drained and the tool cannot operate anymore, the other pre-recharged battery pack is inserted to the power tool and the drained one is connected to the charger for a recharge process. Since most power tools are massive power consumers, their battery packs are comprised of many battery cells, to form the required high voltage and current output to provide the energy required to perform the work for at least 15 minutes. Unfortunately, the time taken to recharging the power tool battery pack is much longer than a draining period. Therefore, it is not practical to use power tools for a work which requires higher energy capacity, without the need to wait for the other battery set to recharge.

In accordance with the disclosed invention, with power tool battery packs and their compatible chargers would provide the required faster charging process and allow the power tools to be provided with electrical energy without the need for waiting for recharging the battery pack.

The disclosed invention should become the new standard in recharging any rechargeable battery cell or pack. The commonly accepted paradigm which claims that there are no differences in performances and efficiency while charging methods of charging battery cells in parallel groups and or sequential groups against the method disclosed in this invention, should not be acceptable anymore.

In accordance with the current invention, the battery is adapted to identify connected device to be energized and "electronically handshake" therewith. The aforesaid device requests specific configuration or input power profile provided by the battery. The battery is adapted to dynamically readjust the provided power profile according to the device request. Energizing a number of power-consuming devices in a concurrent manner is in the scope of the current invention. Device may concurrently request a few different profiles in different connectors (such as -5 V, 0, 5 V, 12V etc).

Additionally, the battery may request from the device to reduce energy consumption, for example, to be toggled into a standby mode.

In accordance with one embodiment of the current invention, a circuitry for optimizing performance of a battery is disclosed. The aforesaid circuitry is connectable to the battery which comprises a plurality of battery cells. The circuitry is adapted for interconnecting said battery cells with each other. The circuitry is further adapted for connecting the battery to a load.

It is a core innovation to provide the circuitry further comprising a plurality of controllable switches and a controller adapted to control said switches. The controller is adapted for detecting performance of the battery cells and optimizing the switch configuration to provide the load with predetermined voltage and/or current.

In accordance with another embodiment of the current invention, the circuitry comprises at least one component characterized by diode functionality. The diode component is adapted to protect said battery cells from back currents.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the current invention, the diode components are connected only when battery cells are interconnected to each other or to a load.

In accordance with a further ne embodiment of the current invention, the controller is adapted to estimate performance of said battery cells and provide a user with recommendations concerning cell usage according to detection of at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of a charge/discharge rate, a capacity, a peak charge voltage, a peak discharge current and any combination thereof.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the current invention, the controller is adapted to configure the switches for connecting the battery cells to the load in a parallel manner and/or a serially grouped manner.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the current invention, the controller is adapted to limit a peak current through each battery cell and a peak current through the load.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the current invention, the circuitry adapted for hot-swapping of battery cells in the battery pack.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the current invention, the controller is adapted to configure said switch configuration according to a peak current through said load to be connected.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the current invention, the battery with optimizable performance is disclosed. The aforesaid battery comprises a plurality of battery cells and an interconnecting circuitry. The circuitry is adapted for interconnecting the battery cells with each other. The circuitry is further adapted for connecting the battery to a charging device and a load. The circuitry further comprises a plurality of controllable switches and a controller adapted to control the switches. The controller is adapted for detecting performance of the battery cells and optimizing the switch configuration to provide the load with predetermined voltage and/or current.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the current invention, a method of rapidly charging a battery is disclosed. The aforesaid method comprises the steps of: (a) actuating a switching unit to interconnect a plurality of battery cells concurrently to a charging unit;

(b) charging each of the plurality of battery cells; (c) monitoring the voltage level of each battery cell and or other parameters, to determine when each cell charging process is complete; (d) actuating the switching unit to interconnect the plurality of battery cells in series and or parallel; and (e) energizing a load by connecting a plurality of battery cells to the load.

It is a core innovation to provide the step of charging said battery comprising individual connection of each battery cells to the charging device by means of the circuitry which is configured for charging. The step of energizing the load comprises connection the battery cells to the load in a predetermined manner such that a predetermined voltage is applied to the load.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the current invention, the method comprises a step of providing an operating voltage to the load when the circuitry is configured for charging.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the current invention, a rechargeable battery system is disclosed. The aforesaid system comprises: (a) a plurality of battery cells further comprising a first group and a second group; (b) a charging unit adapted to charge the plurality of battery cells; (c) a circuitry adapted to individually connect the battery cells of the first group to the charging unit.

It is a core innovation to provide the circuitry is adapted to connect the second group of the plurality of battery cells in series for energizing a load when the first group of the plurality of battery cells is charged.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the current invention, circuitry is adapted to interconnect of battery cells in order to form a predetermined cell groups and further interconnect said formed groups into predetermined configurations.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the current invention, the circuitry is adapted to manually and/or automatically select which battery cell is to be included in which battery cell group according to the battery cell parameters. In accordance with a further embodiment of the current invention, the circuitry is adapted to change said battery cell group configurations and said interconnections between groups of battery cells in real time, under load and/or offline, while not connected to a load. In accordance with a further embodiment of the current invention, the circuitry is adapted to change said battery cell group configurations and said interconnections between said groups in response to changes in the charger input power drop.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the current invention, the circuitry is adapted to change the battery cell group configurations and the interconnections between the groups in response to changes in the load.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the current invention, the circuitry is adapted to change the battery cell group configurations and the interconnections between groups of battery cells in response to user's commands which may be communicated by a user or a loading device.

In accordance with a further embodiment of the current invention, a method of charging a battery is disclosed. The aforesaid battery has a plurality of battery cells and a switching unit for interconnecting one or more of said plurality of battery cells. The method comprises the steps of: (a) maintaining charged battery cells as spare battery cells inside or outside the battery pack; (b) interconnecting a first plurality of battery cells to form a first battery cell group having a predetermine output voltage; (c) monitoring each battery cell and /or each of the plurality of battery cells in the first battery cell group to determine whether a battery cell of the first battery cell group is defective; (d) identifying a spare battery cell for use in place of the first battery cell if it is determined that the first battery cell is defective; (e) swapping the connections between the spare battery cell and the defective battery cell to replace the defective battery position with the spare battery; (f) optionally reporting about defective cell, number of left spare cells; and (g) energizing a load using the first battery cell group.

Claims

1. A circuitry for optimizing performance of a battery; said circuitry connectable to said battery which comprises a plurality of battery cells; said circuitry adapted for interconnecting said battery cells with each other; said circuitry further adapted for connecting said battery to a load, wherein said circuitry further comprises a plurality of controllable switches and a controller adapted to control said switches; said controller is adapted for detecting performance of said battery cells and optimizing said switch configuration to provide said load with predetermined voltage and/or current.

2. The circuitry according to claim 1 comprising at least one component, characterized by diode functionality, said component is adapted to protect said battery cells from back currents.

3. The circuitry according to claim 1 where said diode components are connected only when battery cells are interconnected to each other or to a load.

4. The circuitry according to claim 1, wherein said controller is adapted to estimate performance of said battery cells and provide a user with recommendations concerning cell usage according to detection of at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of a charge/discharge rate, a capacity, a peak charge voltage, a peak discharge current and any combination thereof.

5. The circuitry according to claim 1, wherein said controller is adapted to configure said switches for connecting said battery cells to said load in a parallel manner and/or a serially grouped manner.

6. The circuitry according to claim 1, wherein said controller is adapted to limit a peak current through each battery cell and a peak current through said load.

7. The circuitry according to claim 1, wherein said circuitry is adapted for the hot-swapping battery cells in said battery pack.

8. The circuitry according to claim 1, wherein said controller is adapted to configure said switch configuration according to a peak current through said load to be connected.

9. A battery with optimizable performance; said battery comprising a plurality of battery cells and an interconnecting circuitry; said circuitry adapted for interconnecting said battery cells with each other; said circuitry further adapted for connecting said battery to a charging device and a load, wherein said circuitry further comprises a plurality of controllable switches and a controller adapted to control said switches; said controller is adapted for detecting performance of said battery cells and optimizing said switch configuration to provide said load with predetermined voltage and/or current.

10. The battery according to claim 9 comprising diode components adapted to prevent said battery cells from back currents.

11. The battery according to claim 9, wherein said controller is adapted to estimate said battery cells and provide a user with recommendations concerning cell usage according to detection of at least one parameter selected from the group consisting of a charge/discharge rate, a capacity, a peak charge voltage, a peak discharge current and any combination thereof.

12. The battery according to claim 9, wherein said controller is adapted to configure said switches for interconnecting said battery cells to said load in a parallel manner and/or a serially grouped manner.

13. The battery according to claim 9, wherein said controller is adapted to limit a peak current through each battery cell and a peak current through said load.

14. The battery according to claim 9, wherein said controller is adapted to configure said switch configuration according to a peak current through said load to be connected.

15. A method of rapidly charging a battery; said method comprising the steps of:

(a) Actuating a switching unit to interconnect a plurality of battery cells concurrently to a charging unit;

(b) charging each of the plurality of battery cells;

(c) monitoring the voltage level of each battery cell and or other parameters, to determine when each cell charging process is complete;

(d) actuating the switching unit to interconnect the plurality of battery cells in series and or parallel; and

(e) Energizing a load by connecting a plurality of battery cells to the load.

16. The method according to claim 15 comprising preventing said battery from back currents by means of component characterized by diode functionality.

17. A rechargeable battery system, comprising: (a) a plurality of battery cells further comprising a first group and a second group;

(b) a charging unit adapted to charge said plurality of battery cells;

(c) a circuitry adapted to individually connect said battery cells of said first group to the charging unit;

Wherein said circuitry is adapted to connect the second group of the plurality of battery cells in series for energizing a load when the first group of the plurality of battery cells is charged.

18. A system according to claim 17, wherein said circuitry is adapted to interconnect said battery cells in order to form a predetermined cell groups and further interconnect said formed groups into predetermined configurations.

19. A system according to claim 17, wherein the circuitry is adapted to manually and/or automatically select which battery cell is to be included in which battery cell group according to the battery cell parameters.

20. The system according to claim 17, wherein the circuitry is adapted to change said battery cell group configurations and said interconnections between groups of battery cells in real time, under load and/or offline, while not connected to a load.

21. The system according to claim 17, wherein the circuitry is adapted to change said battery cell group configurations and said interconnections between said groups in response to changes in the charger input power drop.

22. The system according to claim 17, wherein the circuitry is adapted to change said battery cell group configurations and said interconnections between said groups in response to changes in the load.

23. The system according to claim 17, wherein the circuitry is adapted to change said battery cell group configurations and said interconnections between groups of battery cells in response to user commands which may be communicated by a user or a loading device.

24. A method of charging a battery; said battery having a plurality of battery cells and a switching unit for interconnecting one or more of said plurality of battery cells, the method comprising: (a) maintaining charged battery cells as spare battery cells inside or outside the battery pack;

(b) interconnecting a first plurality of battery cells to form a first battery cell group having a predetermine output voltage;

(c) monitoring each battery cell and /or each of the plurality of battery cells in the first battery cell group to determine whether a battery cell of the first battery cell group is defective;

(d) identifying a spare battery cell for use in place of the first battery cell if it is determined that the first battery cell is defective;

(e) Swapping the connections between the spare battery cell and the defective battery cell to replace the defective battery position with the spare battery.

(f) Optionally reporting about defective cell, number of left spare cells etc.

(g) Energizing a load using the first battery cell group.