CA2087322A1 - Battery management system - Google Patents
Battery management systemInfo
- Publication number
- CA2087322A1 CA2087322A1 CA002087322A CA2087322A CA2087322A1 CA 2087322 A1 CA2087322 A1 CA 2087322A1 CA 002087322 A CA002087322 A CA 002087322A CA 2087322 A CA2087322 A CA 2087322A CA 2087322 A1 CA2087322 A1 CA 2087322A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- main battery
- battery
- auxiliary
- charging
- charging system
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
- H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
- H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
- H02J7/14—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from dynamo-electric generators driven at varying speed, e.g. on vehicle
- H02J7/1423—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from dynamo-electric generators driven at varying speed, e.g. on vehicle with multiple batteries
Abstract
BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A battery management system maintains a charge on at least one auxiliary battery by switching the auxiliary battery automatically into parallel with the main battery charging circuit or with the auxiliary load. The system uses the AC component of the charging signal of a vehicle or boat charging system to trigger switching circuits coupled to operate relays or similar switching means which couple the auxiliary battery to the main charging circuit. When no charging signal is present i.e., when the vehicle or boat engine is turned off, the auxiliary battery is switched automatically out of the charging system and is charged and in condition for use. A
delay circuit can be provided for providing non-shorting operation, especially for use with more than one auxiliary battery which batteries are charged in parallel and loaded in series, whereby the combined series voltage of the auxiliary batteries would exceed the vehicle or boat supply voltage. The timing circuits open the circuit from the auxiliary batteries to the vehicle or boat charging system prior to switching the batteries into a series configuration for use with a load requiring a voltage higher than the rated voltage of the charging system. The timing circuits thereby prevent momentary large currents upon changes of state.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A battery management system maintains a charge on at least one auxiliary battery by switching the auxiliary battery automatically into parallel with the main battery charging circuit or with the auxiliary load. The system uses the AC component of the charging signal of a vehicle or boat charging system to trigger switching circuits coupled to operate relays or similar switching means which couple the auxiliary battery to the main charging circuit. When no charging signal is present i.e., when the vehicle or boat engine is turned off, the auxiliary battery is switched automatically out of the charging system and is charged and in condition for use. A
delay circuit can be provided for providing non-shorting operation, especially for use with more than one auxiliary battery which batteries are charged in parallel and loaded in series, whereby the combined series voltage of the auxiliary batteries would exceed the vehicle or boat supply voltage. The timing circuits open the circuit from the auxiliary batteries to the vehicle or boat charging system prior to switching the batteries into a series configuration for use with a load requiring a voltage higher than the rated voltage of the charging system. The timing circuits thereby prevent momentary large currents upon changes of state.
Description
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BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Backqround of the Invention 1. Field of the Inventlon This invention relates to a battery management system for maintaining a charge on auxiliary batteries. The invention .... . . ...... .. . .. . _ specifically relates to a sy~tem for automatically coupling auxiliary batteri~s to the charging system of a vehicle or boat, enabling the auxiliary batteries to be charged from the vehicle or boa~ charging system when power is available due to operation of the vehicle or boat.
BATTERY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
Backqround of the Invention 1. Field of the Inventlon This invention relates to a battery management system for maintaining a charge on auxiliary batteries. The invention .... . . ...... .. . .. . _ specifically relates to a sy~tem for automatically coupling auxiliary batteri~s to the charging system of a vehicle or boat, enabling the auxiliary batteries to be charged from the vehicle or boa~ charging system when power is available due to operation of the vehicle or boat.
2. Prior Art Electrical motors are known to run quietly and smoothly. For this reason, relatlvely small electric trolling motors are popular among anglers for positioning boats while fishing. E]ectric trolling motors typically are powered from auxiliary storàge batteries. Serious fisherman are at disadvantage, however, due to the limited ener~y storage capabilities of typical storage batteries. For instance, modarn electrical storage batteries used with electric trolling motors may provide only approximately three to four hours of usable power. Although it may be possible to use more batteries or larger ones, this can be impractical for reasons of space, weight and expense.
The short battery life of typical storage batteries often adversely affects ~he fishing ~njoyment of serious fishermen. It may take hours to find a spot where the fish are biting or the fish may begin biting at a particular spot at a certain time of day. If the trolling motor batteries discharge completely shortly after the 2 ~ ~3~ 2 2 fisherman finds a fishing "hot-spot", one can appreciate the substantial frustration involved.
Serious ~isherman may choo~e to ~arry spare batteries aboard for a day oP - fi~hing. While this may sol~ ~h~ pro~lem of a ~hortened fishing day, the fisherman is substantially burdened by the need to ¢harge, transport and st~w the spare batteries on the ~oat. Typ~aal lead-acid batterie~ us~d to provide electric power ~o trolling ~otors are very heavy. Furthermore, they are relatively large thereby taking up valuable space on a fishing boat. A leaking lead-acid battery poses additional problems in the form of potential acid burns to u~ers and damage to the structure of the boat.
Whether or not a number of batteries are provided, the auxiliary batteries must be recharged after use. The batterie~re normally removed from the boat, carried to the vicinity of a battery charger coupled to the AC ~ains, and attached to the aharger for an extended period of timQ. The charger requires attention at least periodi~ally, for example, to avoid overcharging. In the ca~e o~ a plurality of auxiliary batteries, the user mu~t be pre~ent to disconnect the c~arger when the charge i8 complete and to connect it to an additional battery or set of batteries.
Prior art battery management and charging systems have been devised, but known systems are unable to ~liminate each of the 5 above-listed problems with battery usage. For example, U.S. Patent -- 2 ~
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No. 3,~56,044 - Xing discloses a self-contained battery charging apparatus for charging dead batteries. The apparatus comprises an internal combustion engine coupled to an alternator. The charger i8 transported t'o the dead hàttery and ~connected to the dead battery for applying aharging current. Switching mea~s are provided Por connecting battery to the alternator to initiate charging of a completely dead ba~tery.
U.S. Patent No. 4,081,738 - Roller discloses a battery control apparatus for controlling trolling motor batteries. Roller discloses ~a~ually operated switches for coupling one or more batter~es into a circuit and switching a pair of batteries into a parallel or series configuration across a load. The batteries are switchable Por application of a remote charging deviae or for higher voltage (series) or lower voltage (parallel) use. ~
U.S. Pat~nt No. 4,090,12~ - Hoinski discloses a device for ~eleatively charging one of two battQries provided in an automobila. One battery is the main automobile battery, which powers the ignition and the like; the other 1~ an auxiliary battery for use in providing electric power to auxiliary devices.
Switching priority i6 established such tha~ when the automobile main battery is lese than fully charged, the charging system applies charging current to the automobile main battery. After sensing that the automobile main battery is fully chargedl the system applies charging current to the auxiliary battery. When 5 both batteries are fully charged, the device disables the charging ; ~ ~ 3 i~J~ ~ 2 .
system as to both batteries. Charging initiation is a function of battery voltage.
U.S. Patent No. 4,282,475 - Milton discloses a DC current ~'' " ' su-pp'ly which''''conv'erts AC power from domestic mai~s to a dire~t-~~ ' 5 curren~ for char~ing automotive battQries. Th6 disclosure includes a tensio~ relea~ablQ power source connector for automatically disconnecting the charger from the source of houee current when the ~' vehicle i8 dxiven o~.
`~ U.S. Patent No. 4,297,629 - Godard, et al. discloses an automatic switching arrangement for switching a pair oP batteries between parallel and serieR conPigurations. The batteries are switched into a parall~l configuration while being charged. The batterie~ are switched into a series configuration for discharge.
Charging means are not disclosed. ~o U.S. Patent No. 4,348,628 - Loucks discloses ~ system for ~; charging one of a pair of batteries while the companion battery iB
powering a vehicle electric motor. When the baktery in use ; substantially weaken , the chaxged battery i8 switched into the circuit and the weakened battery i~ xecharged, thus cycling between the two batteries. ~ -U.S. Patent No. 4,564,797 - Binkley discloses a three battery system for use on a vehicle. The system includes one main battery and two alternate batteries. Typically, the main ~attery is used to provide star~ing energy and the alternate batteries are connected in parallel for charging. When the main battery is ~ : ;., . ~ ~
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di6charged to a point that it lacks adequate charge to provide starting energy, the alternate batteries are switched into a series arrangement for charging the main battery.
Although the5e-a~d other-kno~ vi~Q~-~r~vi~-switching means 5 for switahing b~tterie~ into various configurations, a~d for applying charging current to batteries, the art does not disclose or sugge~t a system for automatically switching a pair o~ auxiliary batteries into parallel configuration with both a main battery and : a main battery charging system upon sen~ed activation of the charging system, and for automatically decoupling the auxiliary batteries from the charging system and coupling them in a series configuration to power a load when the charging system is not activated. The present invention entails a charging system which i~ particularly apt for maintaining the charge of auxilia~y batteries such as trolling motor batteries in this manner, providing a completely automated chargin~ system ~or constantly maintaining a charge on the auxiliary batteries Prom a main battery charging sy6tem arranged to charge the batteries to a ~tandard J~ .
charging voltage (e.g., 12V), and for automatically switching the batteries into an optimum configuration for ~owering a load. The invention thus automatically enables charging or topping off the charge of auxiliary batteries such as trolling motor batteries while operating the primary boat engine on the txip to the fishing site, and loading of the auxiliary ~atte~ies for positioning the boat at the site, all at optimum voltages and without the need for operator intervention.
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,' ~ 5537-1 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a general object of this invention to provide an automatic battery charging system ~or-automatic~ly-maintaining a charge on auxiliary batterie~. ~
A ~urther ob~eat o~ this invention i8 to couple charging ~urrent ~o auxiliary battQrias from a ~ain battery charging system when charging of th~ main battery is sensed, and to couple the auxilia~y batteries to a load when the main battery i8 not baing ¢harged.
Thes~ and other ob~ects are accomplished by a battery management syskem for automatically maintaining a charge on at least one auxiliary battery by automatically switching the battery into the charging circuit used to charge the main engine battery ~n board a motor vehicle or boat. The ~y6tem will automatically switch the battery out of thQ charging oircuit for immediate u8e as a power source wh~n the vehicle or boat charging sy~tem beco~e~
inactive. Two or more auxiliary battQri~s can be provided and $he .~
coupling and decoupling o~ the auxil~ary batteries to the charging system and to the load can be arranged fiuch ~hat the batteries are charged in parallel and loaded in ~erie6, thus providing optimum voltages for charging and loading, respectively. In addition to the automatic switching functions discussed, the system can also enable the user to select loading in parallel, for longer term operation at lower power.
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The ~nvention is arranged such that charging of the main battery is detected by sensing operation of the main vehicle engine, which is mechanically coupled to the driving means and also -- ~to an alternator. With the occurrence of ignition at the main (internal combustion) engine o a vehiale or boat, the vehicle or boat charginy sy~tem begins delivQring half-sinusoidal charging pulses to the o~-board battery, developed by half wave r~cti~lcation of the alternator output. A tran~former has a primary winding in ~erios with the charging aircuit and a secondary wi~ding coupled to a switching circuit. The current through the primary transformer winding induces a voltage in the secondary winding and operates the switching circuit. One or more relays or 601id state ~witches are operated by the switching circuit to couple the at least one auxiliary battery in parallel with ~he vehicle or boat main on-board battery. In thi~ manner, the auxiliary battery i5 charged automatically by the vehicle or boat charging ~y~tem whenever the charging system i~ operated by operatinq the main engine.
When the vehicle or boat main engine is switched off, the o~-board battery charging ~ystem ceases operati~n due to the lack of rectified pulses from the alternator to the on-board battery. No induced voltage signal is provided to the switching circuit, whereby the switchiny relays or the like change state, decoupling the auxiliary battery from the charging system circuit~ The switching circuit is arranged to switch the auxiliary battery or . ;: , : ~ . .: .: . :.. : . :
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~ 2 ~ /J~ 5537-1 batteries into parallel with the main battery for charging, and when dQcoupled from the main battery via the relays changing state, the auxiliary battery `or batteries are coupled to a load circuit and are available for use.
In a preferred embodiment, the invention charges a p~air of twRlve volt (12V) batteries in parallel with a main vehicle 12V
battery, and provides electric power to a twenty-four volt trolling motor power circu~t. The auxiliary batteries are automatically series coupled to provide the necessary 24 volts to the trolling motor power circuit. The inv~ntion accomplishe~ the nece~sary switching without operator intervention; however it is also possible to enable operator selections, for example to select a low voltage operation of the trolling motor. Similarly, the trolling motor typically is provided with a variable voltage power supply for speed control, derived from the voltage of the auxiliary batteries. Preferably, the invention i8 also provided with a delay featurQ for delaying relay actuation or other mean~ to prevent momentary high current conditions as may occur, for example, by applying the 24 volts of the series connected auxiliary batteries to the 12 volt rated charging system and mai~ battery.
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Brief Descri~tion of the Drawings ~ here are shown in the drawings the embodiments of the invention which are presently preferred. It should be understood ~that ~he invention i~''not'limited to thQ precise arrangements ~hown and di~cu~sed, which are exemplary rather than limiting. In the drawings~
Fig. 1 i~ a schQmatic circuit diagram illustrating a preferred emkodiment o~ the invention.
Fig. 2 18 a ~chematia diagram of thQ invention a~ embodied ln wlth a singlQ auxiliary battery.
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DETAI~ED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS.
The invention comprises a battery management system which automatically switches auxiliary batteries into a main battery charging system concurrently with ini~iation of-op~ration of the main battery charging system a~d automatically switches the batteria~ to power an auxiliary load when the main charging system i~ not operating.
Charging of the main battery can be detected by the occurrence of rectifiad pul~es from the alternator or other electromechanical means for generating electrical power from operation of the engine.
Typically, charging of the main battery in a vehicle or boat commences immediately upon ignition, and accordingly, the occurrence of ignition pulsQs on the primary winding of the ignition coil can al80 be usQd to sense operation of the m~in charging system. Preferably the output o~ thQ aharging system i8 used to trigger ~witching. When aharging of the main battery a~ases, the invention automatically deaouple~ the a~xiliary batteries from the charging system, making the auxiliary batteries available for use in powering a load, without producing a drain on the main battery.
As shown in Fig. 1, the invention essentially consists of rectifier/filter circuit A, switching circuit B and battery wiring harness C. Fig. 1 depicts a state wherein no charging pulses are being delivered to the main battery BT1, i.e. the vehicle or boat motor is off. BTl is, for example, a 12 volt car battery, ~:
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2 ~ } i"; ~
motorboat battery, recreational vehicle (RV) battery, etc. Battery BT1 is the main battery of the boat or vehicle, i.e., the battery which is used for starting, for powering the ignition system and for powering other DC circuits (e.g., lights, horn, power windows, etc.) which may be provi~ed on the vehicle or boat. Batt~ry ~Tl has a suffiaient capaaity to drive the~e loads, whiah typiaally are aativated when the engine i8 running. Battery BTl can also power auxiliary loads temporarily, but it would be dangerous to use the main battery for powering auxiliary loads which are operated over an extended time when the main engine i~ not operating to supplement the aurrent drain (via an alternator) and/or to maintain main battery charge. Loads such as a trolling motor thus cannot be powered praatically from the main battery ~T1, due to the possibility thak battery BTl aould di aharga to the point khat~he main engine could not be started.
As shown in Fig. 1, which illustrates the vehicle 'lengine o~f"
~tate, relays K2 and K3 are in the open po~ition. Auxillary batteries BT2 and BT3, preferably 12 ~olts each, are deaoupled from main ba~tery BTl and the vehicle or boat charging system. Relay Kl in the position shown couples auxiliary batteries BT~ and BT3 in series across load M1. Load Ml can be any electrically powered device which is operated when the engine is off, and in the preferred embodiment shown and described, M1 is a 24 volt electric trolling motor or 24V maximum power supply for an electric trolling 5 motor, usable on fi~hing boats and the like.
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~ 13 8 r~ 5 5 3 7 -1 After starting the main engine, the vehicle or boat altarnator begins providing current for driving loads which are coupled to the electrical system. Alternator power charges the main battery and also power~ any activated l-oads, via a voltage regulator as well known~ The alternator is a form of gepQrator which produces ~ sine wave current whi.ch is rectified ~nd applied ko the loads. A partly sinusoidal ~ignal in ~hu~ dQveloped (i.e., having ~C and AC
components), and accoxding to a preferred embodiment of the invention the AC component of ~he alternator charging ~ignal is sensQd. Th~ alternator begins delivering charging pul~es to main battery ~T1 when the engine i8 staxted and thus begins to turn the alternator.
According to the invention, the operation of the charging circuit i8 sensed and coupled to switching means which change ~
respective connections of the batteries, charging system and load depending on whether the aharging syst~m i6 active. In the embodiment ~hown~ thQ primary winding of a transformer T1 is coupled in series between the po~itive ter inal of battery ~T~ and the vehicle or boat char~ing sy~tem. A secondary winding of transformer Tl is coupled to rectifie~/filter circuit A.
Rectifier~filter circuit ~ comprises a DC bloc~ing series capacitor C1 and a parallel filter capacitor C2, parallel and series diodes Dl and D2, forming a full wave rectifier, and resistor R1, which determines the rate of discharge o~ capacitor C2, together with the basa-emitter resistance of transistor Qlo Rectifier/filter circuit J ~ r l ~
A produces a positive DC voltage at the base of transistor Q1 whenever the alternator is producing charging pulses. The collector of transistor Q1 is coupled throu~h series resistor R2 and the ba~e-emitter junc~ion of PNP Darlington transistor Q2 to the posi~ive t~rminals o~ parallel coupled auxiliary batteries BT2 and BT3 in the "engine o~ mode shown. Transistor Q1 is thus biased and when the voltage at the base o~ transistor Ql rises to 0.7 V due to ~hQ occurrenae of alternator pulsQs, tran~istor Q1 begin~ to conduct.
` 10 The emitter of transistor Q2 is coupled to the positive tarminal of battery ~T3 when the engine i8 of~, and to the po8itive terminal of battery BTl when the engine i8 on ~i.e.! via the contact of relay K2). Optimally, battery ~T3 has a voltage of around 12 volts. However, auxiliary battery BT3 may be~qme di~charged in use, and the voltage of BT3 could be much lower. It has been shown through experimentation that the voltage of auxiliary battery BT3 can fall a6 low as 6 volts without adversely affecting operation of the switching circu~t B. -~ -When transistor Ql conducts, it pulls down the voltage at the base ~f transistor Q2, and Q2 conducts as we~10 The collector of transistor Q2 is coupled to ground through biasing resistor R3.
Current flowing from the collector of transistor Q2 flows through diode D3, raising thQ voltage on the base of transistor Q3 with charging of capacitor C3, coupled between the base of transistor Q3 and ground. Transistor Q3 then turns "on". The collector of , , ~ . . , .-, .. .: - , . .. ,, -. ... . ~ . ., c~ 5537-1 transistor Q3 is coupled to the positive terminal of battery BT3 (engina off) or ~T1 (engine on), and the emitter of transistor Q3 is coupled to ground through the coil of relay Kl. Therefore, when, `; '~' transistor Q3 conducts, rélay K1 i8 energized ~nd chan~-s-state ~rom that shown in Fig. 1. Relay ~1 thus decouples batteries BT2 ;~ and BT3 from their pre-existing series configuration and couples them in parallel for charging.
:, Current from the collector of tran~istor Q2 also flows to the ;~ base of transistor Q4, thereby turning transistor Q4 "on". The base of transi~tor Q4 i8 coupled to the collector of transistor Q2 `~ through series resistor R4 and two series coupled forward biased diodes D5, D6. Transistor Q4 turns "on" when tha voltage at the ~`, anode of diode D5 exceeds about ~.lV. The coll~ator of transistor .~` , ` Q4 is coupled through bia~ing re~istor R7 to the base of ~NP
Darlington pair Q5, and the emitter of Q5 is'coupled to the .' positive supply voltage at the emitter of Q2. The collector of : tran istor Q5 is coupled to ground through the coil6 of relays K2 and X3, which are in parallel. There~ore, when tran~istors Q4 and Q5 conduct, relays K2 and K3 conduct. The contacts of relays K2 and K~ respectively couple the positive terminals of batteries BT2 and BT3 to the positive terminal of battery BT1, for charging.
When the alternator ceases providing an AC signal through transformer Tl, the voltage at the bas~ of transistor Ql falls with the discharge of filter capacitor C2 through resistor R1 and the .
base-emitter junction of transistor Q1. However, the switching .
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., .. - ~ : , . , ,-.,:~ ,. , . ;: .. , . -, -~ d ~ 5537-1 circuit does not instantaneously change state. Switching circuit B comprises RC timing components C3 and R5, in parallel between the base of transistor Q3 and ground to delay the change of state of rolay coil`Kl as''c`apacitor C3''"di~charges through resistor R5~and through khe coil of Kl via the ba~e-emitter junction o~ transistor Q3. Similarly, timing oomponents C4 and R6 delay the change of ~tat~ o~ relay coils K2 and K3 as capacitor C4 discharges through : ro~istor R6. D~ode D4 blocks tha discharge of capacitor C4 through transistor Q4, which continues to conduct until the voltage at the cathode of diode D4 ~alls b~low about 1.4V. The timing co~ponents operate in such a way that upon ~nitiation of charging current to main battery BTl and the consequent application of a DC voltage level to transi~tor Ql, Kl will ~hange state to decouple batteries ~T2 and BT3 ~rom ~heir sQries configuration. Shortly thereafter, relays K2 and K3 engage to commenc~ charging of battQries BT2 and BT3 in a parallel configuration.
The circuit there~ore provides a non-shorting contact configuration which prevents generation o~ lar~e currents upon changes o~ state. When operation of the vehicle or boat engine is termi~ated, thereby removing charging curre~t pulses, the timing components of switching circuitry B cause K2 and ~3 to open first, followed by a state change of relay K1 to switch batteries BT2 and BT3 into a series configuration across load Ml. The timing component~ operating as described above thereby prevent the potentially destructive application o~ 24 volts from, for example .. ... . ..
, ; : : : - . .
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~ ~ ~ 5537-1 a series connected BT2 and BT3 to, for example, the 12 volt rated main battery BTl and charging system without using a series diode and its attendant voltage drop and power dissipation.
~ ~ As can be seen from the àbove~da~c~iption, the -in~è~tion providas means for transforming the charging pulses from a ~ehicle o~ boat battery charging ~ystem to a DC voltage level to activate cwitching aircuitry to switch auxiliary batteries into the charging circuit for charging. The invention i8 eBpecially useul in a ~6hing boat such as a bass boat having a 24 volt trolling motor or a trolling motor ~ith a regulator having a 24V input. When the ~isherman starts the main (internal combustion) boat engine, auxiliary batteries BT2 and B~3 axe ~witched into the battery charging system used normally to charge battery BTl. The boat then can be driven under the power of its internal combustion engine ~o ` 15 a fishing site. When the internal combustion engine is ~witched o~f, the auxiliary batterie~ BT2 and BT3 are switched ~nto a series configuration across the trolling motor for providing electrical power to the trolling motor. After trolling for some time and thu5 ; discharging the auxiliary batteries, the ~isherman may wish to move to an~ther part of the lake or river to try his luck at a different f ishing spot. As the f isherman boats to the new spot under power of the internal combustion engine, the batteries are again and automatically switched into the charging circuit and are recharged and ready again for further use when the fisherman reaches the new destination.
The invention has additional installation possibilities. For example, the invention can b~ coupled to the charging system of an automobile or RV having a trailer for transporting a ~ishing boat or the lik~, via power suppl r couplings provided at the trailer hitah, ~or charging the auxiliaxy batteri~ when driving .to the launah ~ite. In a manner similar to the charging of the auxiliary batterie~ via the boat engine, aB 800n a3 the automobile or RV i8 started, thQ auxiliary batteries arQ switched into a parallel ahaxging arrangement with the car or RV charging system.
,; 10 Although the invention has been des~rihed above for USQ with a pair of auxiliary batteries, it is within the scope o~ the invention to use a single auxiliary battery or more than a pair of auxiliary batteries, provided tbe charging system of tha vehicle or boat can deliver sufficient charging currQnt to the pluralit~ ~f batteries in parallel. Use of the invention with a single auxiliary battery is depicted in Fig. 2.
To modify the invention for use with more than two batteries, it is necassary only to add additional relays as required. For example, the additional relay coil for switchi~g the batteries into a series configuration can be placed in para~lel with the existing relay coil for relay Xl. The additional batteries can be switched into the charging circuit by providing relays in addition to existing relays X2 and K3, coupled in parallel with the depicted coils for relays K2 and K3 or provided with a comparable driving circuit. For proper operation, of course, each battery should have !
2 ~ J ~'J 5537-1 .
a rated voltage at full charge equal to the rated voltage of the main battery and main battery charging system.
While specific embodiments of the invention have been ~~~~~~~~dëscribed in detail, it will be appreciated~that those skilled-in the art will now be aware of variou~ modifiaations and alternatives to the foregoing preferred embodiments in light of the overall teachings of thi6 disclosure. ~acordingly, the particular arrangement~ di~clo~ed are meant to be illuistrative only and not limiting a~ to the scope of the invention which i~ to be given the full breath of the appended claims and any and all equivalent~
thereof.
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The short battery life of typical storage batteries often adversely affects ~he fishing ~njoyment of serious fishermen. It may take hours to find a spot where the fish are biting or the fish may begin biting at a particular spot at a certain time of day. If the trolling motor batteries discharge completely shortly after the 2 ~ ~3~ 2 2 fisherman finds a fishing "hot-spot", one can appreciate the substantial frustration involved.
Serious ~isherman may choo~e to ~arry spare batteries aboard for a day oP - fi~hing. While this may sol~ ~h~ pro~lem of a ~hortened fishing day, the fisherman is substantially burdened by the need to ¢harge, transport and st~w the spare batteries on the ~oat. Typ~aal lead-acid batterie~ us~d to provide electric power ~o trolling ~otors are very heavy. Furthermore, they are relatively large thereby taking up valuable space on a fishing boat. A leaking lead-acid battery poses additional problems in the form of potential acid burns to u~ers and damage to the structure of the boat.
Whether or not a number of batteries are provided, the auxiliary batteries must be recharged after use. The batterie~re normally removed from the boat, carried to the vicinity of a battery charger coupled to the AC ~ains, and attached to the aharger for an extended period of timQ. The charger requires attention at least periodi~ally, for example, to avoid overcharging. In the ca~e o~ a plurality of auxiliary batteries, the user mu~t be pre~ent to disconnect the c~arger when the charge i8 complete and to connect it to an additional battery or set of batteries.
Prior art battery management and charging systems have been devised, but known systems are unable to ~liminate each of the 5 above-listed problems with battery usage. For example, U.S. Patent -- 2 ~
ç~ ~ ~
No. 3,~56,044 - Xing discloses a self-contained battery charging apparatus for charging dead batteries. The apparatus comprises an internal combustion engine coupled to an alternator. The charger i8 transported t'o the dead hàttery and ~connected to the dead battery for applying aharging current. Switching mea~s are provided Por connecting battery to the alternator to initiate charging of a completely dead ba~tery.
U.S. Patent No. 4,081,738 - Roller discloses a battery control apparatus for controlling trolling motor batteries. Roller discloses ~a~ually operated switches for coupling one or more batter~es into a circuit and switching a pair of batteries into a parallel or series configuration across a load. The batteries are switchable Por application of a remote charging deviae or for higher voltage (series) or lower voltage (parallel) use. ~
U.S. Pat~nt No. 4,090,12~ - Hoinski discloses a device for ~eleatively charging one of two battQries provided in an automobila. One battery is the main automobile battery, which powers the ignition and the like; the other 1~ an auxiliary battery for use in providing electric power to auxiliary devices.
Switching priority i6 established such tha~ when the automobile main battery is lese than fully charged, the charging system applies charging current to the automobile main battery. After sensing that the automobile main battery is fully chargedl the system applies charging current to the auxiliary battery. When 5 both batteries are fully charged, the device disables the charging ; ~ ~ 3 i~J~ ~ 2 .
system as to both batteries. Charging initiation is a function of battery voltage.
U.S. Patent No. 4,282,475 - Milton discloses a DC current ~'' " ' su-pp'ly which''''conv'erts AC power from domestic mai~s to a dire~t-~~ ' 5 curren~ for char~ing automotive battQries. Th6 disclosure includes a tensio~ relea~ablQ power source connector for automatically disconnecting the charger from the source of houee current when the ~' vehicle i8 dxiven o~.
`~ U.S. Patent No. 4,297,629 - Godard, et al. discloses an automatic switching arrangement for switching a pair oP batteries between parallel and serieR conPigurations. The batteries are switched into a parall~l configuration while being charged. The batterie~ are switched into a series configuration for discharge.
Charging means are not disclosed. ~o U.S. Patent No. 4,348,628 - Loucks discloses ~ system for ~; charging one of a pair of batteries while the companion battery iB
powering a vehicle electric motor. When the baktery in use ; substantially weaken , the chaxged battery i8 switched into the circuit and the weakened battery i~ xecharged, thus cycling between the two batteries. ~ -U.S. Patent No. 4,564,797 - Binkley discloses a three battery system for use on a vehicle. The system includes one main battery and two alternate batteries. Typically, the main ~attery is used to provide star~ing energy and the alternate batteries are connected in parallel for charging. When the main battery is ~ : ;., . ~ ~
2 ~
di6charged to a point that it lacks adequate charge to provide starting energy, the alternate batteries are switched into a series arrangement for charging the main battery.
Although the5e-a~d other-kno~ vi~Q~-~r~vi~-switching means 5 for switahing b~tterie~ into various configurations, a~d for applying charging current to batteries, the art does not disclose or sugge~t a system for automatically switching a pair o~ auxiliary batteries into parallel configuration with both a main battery and : a main battery charging system upon sen~ed activation of the charging system, and for automatically decoupling the auxiliary batteries from the charging system and coupling them in a series configuration to power a load when the charging system is not activated. The present invention entails a charging system which i~ particularly apt for maintaining the charge of auxilia~y batteries such as trolling motor batteries in this manner, providing a completely automated chargin~ system ~or constantly maintaining a charge on the auxiliary batteries Prom a main battery charging sy6tem arranged to charge the batteries to a ~tandard J~ .
charging voltage (e.g., 12V), and for automatically switching the batteries into an optimum configuration for ~owering a load. The invention thus automatically enables charging or topping off the charge of auxiliary batteries such as trolling motor batteries while operating the primary boat engine on the txip to the fishing site, and loading of the auxiliary ~atte~ies for positioning the boat at the site, all at optimum voltages and without the need for operator intervention.
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,' ~ 5537-1 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is a general object of this invention to provide an automatic battery charging system ~or-automatic~ly-maintaining a charge on auxiliary batterie~. ~
A ~urther ob~eat o~ this invention i8 to couple charging ~urrent ~o auxiliary battQrias from a ~ain battery charging system when charging of th~ main battery is sensed, and to couple the auxilia~y batteries to a load when the main battery i8 not baing ¢harged.
Thes~ and other ob~ects are accomplished by a battery management syskem for automatically maintaining a charge on at least one auxiliary battery by automatically switching the battery into the charging circuit used to charge the main engine battery ~n board a motor vehicle or boat. The ~y6tem will automatically switch the battery out of thQ charging oircuit for immediate u8e as a power source wh~n the vehicle or boat charging sy~tem beco~e~
inactive. Two or more auxiliary battQri~s can be provided and $he .~
coupling and decoupling o~ the auxil~ary batteries to the charging system and to the load can be arranged fiuch ~hat the batteries are charged in parallel and loaded in ~erie6, thus providing optimum voltages for charging and loading, respectively. In addition to the automatic switching functions discussed, the system can also enable the user to select loading in parallel, for longer term operation at lower power.
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The ~nvention is arranged such that charging of the main battery is detected by sensing operation of the main vehicle engine, which is mechanically coupled to the driving means and also -- ~to an alternator. With the occurrence of ignition at the main (internal combustion) engine o a vehiale or boat, the vehicle or boat charginy sy~tem begins delivQring half-sinusoidal charging pulses to the o~-board battery, developed by half wave r~cti~lcation of the alternator output. A tran~former has a primary winding in ~erios with the charging aircuit and a secondary wi~ding coupled to a switching circuit. The current through the primary transformer winding induces a voltage in the secondary winding and operates the switching circuit. One or more relays or 601id state ~witches are operated by the switching circuit to couple the at least one auxiliary battery in parallel with ~he vehicle or boat main on-board battery. In thi~ manner, the auxiliary battery i5 charged automatically by the vehicle or boat charging ~y~tem whenever the charging system i~ operated by operatinq the main engine.
When the vehicle or boat main engine is switched off, the o~-board battery charging ~ystem ceases operati~n due to the lack of rectified pulses from the alternator to the on-board battery. No induced voltage signal is provided to the switching circuit, whereby the switchiny relays or the like change state, decoupling the auxiliary battery from the charging system circuit~ The switching circuit is arranged to switch the auxiliary battery or . ;: , : ~ . .: .: . :.. : . :
.,,:: - .~ . , , ,. ~ ;:
,, : ~' . : ' :~
~ 2 ~ /J~ 5537-1 batteries into parallel with the main battery for charging, and when dQcoupled from the main battery via the relays changing state, the auxiliary battery `or batteries are coupled to a load circuit and are available for use.
In a preferred embodiment, the invention charges a p~air of twRlve volt (12V) batteries in parallel with a main vehicle 12V
battery, and provides electric power to a twenty-four volt trolling motor power circu~t. The auxiliary batteries are automatically series coupled to provide the necessary 24 volts to the trolling motor power circuit. The inv~ntion accomplishe~ the nece~sary switching without operator intervention; however it is also possible to enable operator selections, for example to select a low voltage operation of the trolling motor. Similarly, the trolling motor typically is provided with a variable voltage power supply for speed control, derived from the voltage of the auxiliary batteries. Preferably, the invention i8 also provided with a delay featurQ for delaying relay actuation or other mean~ to prevent momentary high current conditions as may occur, for example, by applying the 24 volts of the series connected auxiliary batteries to the 12 volt rated charging system and mai~ battery.
6~ "; ~
Brief Descri~tion of the Drawings ~ here are shown in the drawings the embodiments of the invention which are presently preferred. It should be understood ~that ~he invention i~''not'limited to thQ precise arrangements ~hown and di~cu~sed, which are exemplary rather than limiting. In the drawings~
Fig. 1 i~ a schQmatic circuit diagram illustrating a preferred emkodiment o~ the invention.
Fig. 2 18 a ~chematia diagram of thQ invention a~ embodied ln wlth a singlQ auxiliary battery.
O~
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73,~J
DETAI~ED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS.
The invention comprises a battery management system which automatically switches auxiliary batteries into a main battery charging system concurrently with ini~iation of-op~ration of the main battery charging system a~d automatically switches the batteria~ to power an auxiliary load when the main charging system i~ not operating.
Charging of the main battery can be detected by the occurrence of rectifiad pul~es from the alternator or other electromechanical means for generating electrical power from operation of the engine.
Typically, charging of the main battery in a vehicle or boat commences immediately upon ignition, and accordingly, the occurrence of ignition pulsQs on the primary winding of the ignition coil can al80 be usQd to sense operation of the m~in charging system. Preferably the output o~ thQ aharging system i8 used to trigger ~witching. When aharging of the main battery a~ases, the invention automatically deaouple~ the a~xiliary batteries from the charging system, making the auxiliary batteries available for use in powering a load, without producing a drain on the main battery.
As shown in Fig. 1, the invention essentially consists of rectifier/filter circuit A, switching circuit B and battery wiring harness C. Fig. 1 depicts a state wherein no charging pulses are being delivered to the main battery BT1, i.e. the vehicle or boat motor is off. BTl is, for example, a 12 volt car battery, ~:
. , , . , , - , ,, , , , . , ~ ~ .
2 ~ } i"; ~
motorboat battery, recreational vehicle (RV) battery, etc. Battery BT1 is the main battery of the boat or vehicle, i.e., the battery which is used for starting, for powering the ignition system and for powering other DC circuits (e.g., lights, horn, power windows, etc.) which may be provi~ed on the vehicle or boat. Batt~ry ~Tl has a suffiaient capaaity to drive the~e loads, whiah typiaally are aativated when the engine i8 running. Battery BTl can also power auxiliary loads temporarily, but it would be dangerous to use the main battery for powering auxiliary loads which are operated over an extended time when the main engine i~ not operating to supplement the aurrent drain (via an alternator) and/or to maintain main battery charge. Loads such as a trolling motor thus cannot be powered praatically from the main battery ~T1, due to the possibility thak battery BTl aould di aharga to the point khat~he main engine could not be started.
As shown in Fig. 1, which illustrates the vehicle 'lengine o~f"
~tate, relays K2 and K3 are in the open po~ition. Auxillary batteries BT2 and BT3, preferably 12 ~olts each, are deaoupled from main ba~tery BTl and the vehicle or boat charging system. Relay Kl in the position shown couples auxiliary batteries BT~ and BT3 in series across load M1. Load Ml can be any electrically powered device which is operated when the engine is off, and in the preferred embodiment shown and described, M1 is a 24 volt electric trolling motor or 24V maximum power supply for an electric trolling 5 motor, usable on fi~hing boats and the like.
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~ 13 8 r~ 5 5 3 7 -1 After starting the main engine, the vehicle or boat altarnator begins providing current for driving loads which are coupled to the electrical system. Alternator power charges the main battery and also power~ any activated l-oads, via a voltage regulator as well known~ The alternator is a form of gepQrator which produces ~ sine wave current whi.ch is rectified ~nd applied ko the loads. A partly sinusoidal ~ignal in ~hu~ dQveloped (i.e., having ~C and AC
components), and accoxding to a preferred embodiment of the invention the AC component of ~he alternator charging ~ignal is sensQd. Th~ alternator begins delivering charging pul~es to main battery ~T1 when the engine i8 staxted and thus begins to turn the alternator.
According to the invention, the operation of the charging circuit i8 sensed and coupled to switching means which change ~
respective connections of the batteries, charging system and load depending on whether the aharging syst~m i6 active. In the embodiment ~hown~ thQ primary winding of a transformer T1 is coupled in series between the po~itive ter inal of battery ~T~ and the vehicle or boat char~ing sy~tem. A secondary winding of transformer Tl is coupled to rectifie~/filter circuit A.
Rectifier~filter circuit ~ comprises a DC bloc~ing series capacitor C1 and a parallel filter capacitor C2, parallel and series diodes Dl and D2, forming a full wave rectifier, and resistor R1, which determines the rate of discharge o~ capacitor C2, together with the basa-emitter resistance of transistor Qlo Rectifier/filter circuit J ~ r l ~
A produces a positive DC voltage at the base of transistor Q1 whenever the alternator is producing charging pulses. The collector of transistor Q1 is coupled throu~h series resistor R2 and the ba~e-emitter junc~ion of PNP Darlington transistor Q2 to the posi~ive t~rminals o~ parallel coupled auxiliary batteries BT2 and BT3 in the "engine o~ mode shown. Transistor Q1 is thus biased and when the voltage at the base o~ transistor Ql rises to 0.7 V due to ~hQ occurrenae of alternator pulsQs, tran~istor Q1 begin~ to conduct.
` 10 The emitter of transistor Q2 is coupled to the positive tarminal of battery ~T3 when the engine i8 of~, and to the po8itive terminal of battery BTl when the engine i8 on ~i.e.! via the contact of relay K2). Optimally, battery ~T3 has a voltage of around 12 volts. However, auxiliary battery BT3 may be~qme di~charged in use, and the voltage of BT3 could be much lower. It has been shown through experimentation that the voltage of auxiliary battery BT3 can fall a6 low as 6 volts without adversely affecting operation of the switching circu~t B. -~ -When transistor Ql conducts, it pulls down the voltage at the base ~f transistor Q2, and Q2 conducts as we~10 The collector of transistor Q2 is coupled to ground through biasing resistor R3.
Current flowing from the collector of transistor Q2 flows through diode D3, raising thQ voltage on the base of transistor Q3 with charging of capacitor C3, coupled between the base of transistor Q3 and ground. Transistor Q3 then turns "on". The collector of , , ~ . . , .-, .. .: - , . .. ,, -. ... . ~ . ., c~ 5537-1 transistor Q3 is coupled to the positive terminal of battery BT3 (engina off) or ~T1 (engine on), and the emitter of transistor Q3 is coupled to ground through the coil of relay Kl. Therefore, when, `; '~' transistor Q3 conducts, rélay K1 i8 energized ~nd chan~-s-state ~rom that shown in Fig. 1. Relay ~1 thus decouples batteries BT2 ;~ and BT3 from their pre-existing series configuration and couples them in parallel for charging.
:, Current from the collector of tran~istor Q2 also flows to the ;~ base of transistor Q4, thereby turning transistor Q4 "on". The base of transi~tor Q4 i8 coupled to the collector of transistor Q2 `~ through series resistor R4 and two series coupled forward biased diodes D5, D6. Transistor Q4 turns "on" when tha voltage at the ~`, anode of diode D5 exceeds about ~.lV. The coll~ator of transistor .~` , ` Q4 is coupled through bia~ing re~istor R7 to the base of ~NP
Darlington pair Q5, and the emitter of Q5 is'coupled to the .' positive supply voltage at the emitter of Q2. The collector of : tran istor Q5 is coupled to ground through the coil6 of relays K2 and X3, which are in parallel. There~ore, when tran~istors Q4 and Q5 conduct, relays K2 and K3 conduct. The contacts of relays K2 and K~ respectively couple the positive terminals of batteries BT2 and BT3 to the positive terminal of battery BT1, for charging.
When the alternator ceases providing an AC signal through transformer Tl, the voltage at the bas~ of transistor Ql falls with the discharge of filter capacitor C2 through resistor R1 and the .
base-emitter junction of transistor Q1. However, the switching .
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., .. - ~ : , . , ,-.,:~ ,. , . ;: .. , . -, -~ d ~ 5537-1 circuit does not instantaneously change state. Switching circuit B comprises RC timing components C3 and R5, in parallel between the base of transistor Q3 and ground to delay the change of state of rolay coil`Kl as''c`apacitor C3''"di~charges through resistor R5~and through khe coil of Kl via the ba~e-emitter junction o~ transistor Q3. Similarly, timing oomponents C4 and R6 delay the change of ~tat~ o~ relay coils K2 and K3 as capacitor C4 discharges through : ro~istor R6. D~ode D4 blocks tha discharge of capacitor C4 through transistor Q4, which continues to conduct until the voltage at the cathode of diode D4 ~alls b~low about 1.4V. The timing co~ponents operate in such a way that upon ~nitiation of charging current to main battery BTl and the consequent application of a DC voltage level to transi~tor Ql, Kl will ~hange state to decouple batteries ~T2 and BT3 ~rom ~heir sQries configuration. Shortly thereafter, relays K2 and K3 engage to commenc~ charging of battQries BT2 and BT3 in a parallel configuration.
The circuit there~ore provides a non-shorting contact configuration which prevents generation o~ lar~e currents upon changes o~ state. When operation of the vehicle or boat engine is termi~ated, thereby removing charging curre~t pulses, the timing components of switching circuitry B cause K2 and ~3 to open first, followed by a state change of relay K1 to switch batteries BT2 and BT3 into a series configuration across load Ml. The timing component~ operating as described above thereby prevent the potentially destructive application o~ 24 volts from, for example .. ... . ..
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~ ~ ~ 5537-1 a series connected BT2 and BT3 to, for example, the 12 volt rated main battery BTl and charging system without using a series diode and its attendant voltage drop and power dissipation.
~ ~ As can be seen from the àbove~da~c~iption, the -in~è~tion providas means for transforming the charging pulses from a ~ehicle o~ boat battery charging ~ystem to a DC voltage level to activate cwitching aircuitry to switch auxiliary batteries into the charging circuit for charging. The invention i8 eBpecially useul in a ~6hing boat such as a bass boat having a 24 volt trolling motor or a trolling motor ~ith a regulator having a 24V input. When the ~isherman starts the main (internal combustion) boat engine, auxiliary batteries BT2 and B~3 axe ~witched into the battery charging system used normally to charge battery BTl. The boat then can be driven under the power of its internal combustion engine ~o ` 15 a fishing site. When the internal combustion engine is ~witched o~f, the auxiliary batterie~ BT2 and BT3 are switched ~nto a series configuration across the trolling motor for providing electrical power to the trolling motor. After trolling for some time and thu5 ; discharging the auxiliary batteries, the ~isherman may wish to move to an~ther part of the lake or river to try his luck at a different f ishing spot. As the f isherman boats to the new spot under power of the internal combustion engine, the batteries are again and automatically switched into the charging circuit and are recharged and ready again for further use when the fisherman reaches the new destination.
The invention has additional installation possibilities. For example, the invention can b~ coupled to the charging system of an automobile or RV having a trailer for transporting a ~ishing boat or the lik~, via power suppl r couplings provided at the trailer hitah, ~or charging the auxiliaxy batteri~ when driving .to the launah ~ite. In a manner similar to the charging of the auxiliary batterie~ via the boat engine, aB 800n a3 the automobile or RV i8 started, thQ auxiliary batteries arQ switched into a parallel ahaxging arrangement with the car or RV charging system.
,; 10 Although the invention has been des~rihed above for USQ with a pair of auxiliary batteries, it is within the scope o~ the invention to use a single auxiliary battery or more than a pair of auxiliary batteries, provided tbe charging system of tha vehicle or boat can deliver sufficient charging currQnt to the pluralit~ ~f batteries in parallel. Use of the invention with a single auxiliary battery is depicted in Fig. 2.
To modify the invention for use with more than two batteries, it is necassary only to add additional relays as required. For example, the additional relay coil for switchi~g the batteries into a series configuration can be placed in para~lel with the existing relay coil for relay Xl. The additional batteries can be switched into the charging circuit by providing relays in addition to existing relays X2 and K3, coupled in parallel with the depicted coils for relays K2 and K3 or provided with a comparable driving circuit. For proper operation, of course, each battery should have !
2 ~ J ~'J 5537-1 .
a rated voltage at full charge equal to the rated voltage of the main battery and main battery charging system.
While specific embodiments of the invention have been ~~~~~~~~dëscribed in detail, it will be appreciated~that those skilled-in the art will now be aware of variou~ modifiaations and alternatives to the foregoing preferred embodiments in light of the overall teachings of thi6 disclosure. ~acordingly, the particular arrangement~ di~clo~ed are meant to be illuistrative only and not limiting a~ to the scope of the invention which i~ to be given the full breath of the appended claims and any and all equivalent~
thereof.
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Claims (11)
1. A battery management system for controlling the configuration of at least one auxiliary battery in relation to a main battery charging system of a vehicle, said battery management system comprising:
means for sensing the activation and deactivation of the main battery charging system; and switching means for connecting the at least one auxiliary battery to the main charging system for charging when the main charging system is activated and disconnecting the at least one auxiliary battery from the main battery charging system when the main battery charging system is deactivated, said switching means being activated by said sensing means.
means for sensing the activation and deactivation of the main battery charging system; and switching means for connecting the at least one auxiliary battery to the main charging system for charging when the main charging system is activated and disconnecting the at least one auxiliary battery from the main battery charging system when the main battery charging system is deactivated, said switching means being activated by said sensing means.
2. A battery management system for controlling the configuration of at least two auxiliary batteries in relation to a main battery charging system of a vehicle, said battery management system comprising:
means for sensing the activation and deactivation of the main battery charging system;
means for changing the at least two auxiliary batteries from a series configuration to a parallel configuration and then coupling the at least two auxiliary batteries in parallel to the main battery charging system when the main battery charging system is activated and disconnecting the at least two auxiliary batteries from the main battery charging system and converting the two auxiliary batteries from the parallel configuration to the series configuration when the main battery charging system is deactivated, said changing means being activated by said sensing means.
means for sensing the activation and deactivation of the main battery charging system;
means for changing the at least two auxiliary batteries from a series configuration to a parallel configuration and then coupling the at least two auxiliary batteries in parallel to the main battery charging system when the main battery charging system is activated and disconnecting the at least two auxiliary batteries from the main battery charging system and converting the two auxiliary batteries from the parallel configuration to the series configuration when the main battery charging system is deactivated, said changing means being activated by said sensing means.
3. The battery management system according to Claim 1, wherein the sensing means detects the presence or absence of charging current from the main battery charging system to determine whether the main battery charging system is activated or deactivated.
4. The battery management system according to Claim 3, wherein the sensing means has a transformer and senses an AC
component of the charging current.
component of the charging current.
5. A battery management system, comprising:
a main battery;
main battery charging system means coupled to the main battery for charging the main battery during operation of the main battery charging system means;
at least one auxiliary battery;
primary switching means for coupling said auxiliary battery into a parallel configuration with the main battery charging system means and with said main battery, whereupon both the main battery and the at least one auxiliary battery are charged by the main battery charging system means, the primary switching means also being operable to decouple the auxiliary battery from said parallel configuration; and sensing means coupled to the primary switching means and operable to sense presence or absence of charging current from said main battery charging system means to said main battery, the Sensing means being operable to activate said switching means for coupling said at least one auxiliary battery into said parallel configuration during presence of the charging current.
a main battery;
main battery charging system means coupled to the main battery for charging the main battery during operation of the main battery charging system means;
at least one auxiliary battery;
primary switching means for coupling said auxiliary battery into a parallel configuration with the main battery charging system means and with said main battery, whereupon both the main battery and the at least one auxiliary battery are charged by the main battery charging system means, the primary switching means also being operable to decouple the auxiliary battery from said parallel configuration; and sensing means coupled to the primary switching means and operable to sense presence or absence of charging current from said main battery charging system means to said main battery, the Sensing means being operable to activate said switching means for coupling said at least one auxiliary battery into said parallel configuration during presence of the charging current.
6. The system as in Claim 5, wherein said main battery charging system provides a charging signal to said main battery having an alternating current (AC) component, and wherein said sensing means includes transformer means coupled to the charging signal for inducing a voltage being applied to a switching circuit of said switching means.
7. The system as in Claim 6, further comprising secondary switching means responsive. to said sensing means, and operable for switching said auxiliary battery into a load circuit when said sensing means senses said absence of charging current.
8. A battery management system, comprising:
a main battery;
main battery charging system means coupled to the main battery for charging the main battery when the main battery charging means is operative;
at least one pair of auxiliary batteries;
switching means including a switching circuit for coupling said at least one pair of auxiliary batteries to said main battery charging system means, whereby the main battery and the auxiliary battery are charged simultaneously;
sensing means operable to sensor presence or absence of charging current from said main battery charging system means, the sensing means being coupled to activate said switching means to couple said at least one pair of auxiliary batteries to said main battery charging system means during presence of the charging current wherein said switching means includes a primary switching means coupling each of said pair of auxiliary batteries to said main battery charging system means during presence of the charging current, and secondary switching means coupling said at least one pair of auxiliary batteries to a load circuit in the absence of the charging current.
a main battery;
main battery charging system means coupled to the main battery for charging the main battery when the main battery charging means is operative;
at least one pair of auxiliary batteries;
switching means including a switching circuit for coupling said at least one pair of auxiliary batteries to said main battery charging system means, whereby the main battery and the auxiliary battery are charged simultaneously;
sensing means operable to sensor presence or absence of charging current from said main battery charging system means, the sensing means being coupled to activate said switching means to couple said at least one pair of auxiliary batteries to said main battery charging system means during presence of the charging current wherein said switching means includes a primary switching means coupling each of said pair of auxiliary batteries to said main battery charging system means during presence of the charging current, and secondary switching means coupling said at least one pair of auxiliary batteries to a load circuit in the absence of the charging current.
9. The system of Claim 8, wherein the primary switching means couples each of the auxiliary batteries to the main battery charging system means in a parallel configuration during presence of the charging signal, and wherein the secondary switching means couples the auxiliary batteries in series with one another and in parallel with the load circuit in the absence of the charging current.
10. The system of Claim 9, further comprising delay means associated with the switching means, said delay means being operable to delay coupling of the auxiliary batteries to said main battery charging system by the primary switching means until the secondary switching means changes state to decouple the auxiliary batteries from series connection across the load circuit.
11. The system of Claim 10, wherein the delay means is further operable to delay toggling of said secondary switching means to couple said at least one pair of auxiliary batteries in series with one another across the load circuit until said primary s ?tching means open to decouple said auxiliary batteries from said main battery charging system means.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US07/822,610 | 1992-01-15 | ||
| US07/822,610 US5225761A (en) | 1992-01-15 | 1992-01-15 | Battery management system |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2087322A1 true CA2087322A1 (en) | 1993-07-16 |
Family
ID=25236501
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002087322A Abandoned CA2087322A1 (en) | 1992-01-15 | 1993-01-14 | Battery management system |
Country Status (3)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (2) | US5225761A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2087322A1 (en) |
| MX (1) | MX9300225A (en) |
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-
1992
- 1992-01-15 US US07/822,610 patent/US5225761A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1993
- 1993-01-14 CA CA002087322A patent/CA2087322A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 1993-01-15 MX MX9300225A patent/MX9300225A/en unknown
- 1993-07-06 US US08/088,277 patent/US5448152A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US5225761A (en) | 1993-07-06 |
| MX9300225A (en) | 1994-07-29 |
| US5448152A (en) | 1995-09-05 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |