# Smart Charging for Nickel-Zinc Batteries in Hybrid Power Systems > This patent describes a method for precisely controlling the charge of aqueous nickel-zinc batteries in systems like hybrid vehicles or uninterruptible power supplies, using a separate main power source to switch between full and lower 'float' charge states. - **Patent:** US 10967755 - **Original title:** Controlling battery states of charge in systems having separate power sources - **Owner:** Zincfive Power - **Granted:** 2021 - **Status:** Active - **Times cited:** 1 - **Field:** consumer_electronics, automotive, telecommunications, energy ## What it does This patent claims a method for managing the charge of aqueous nickel-zinc batteries within a battery pack that works alongside another main power source. The system first checks if the battery's charge level is below a specific point for a 'full charge mode' (Claim 1a). If it is, the system applies a 'first voltage' from the separate power source to charge the battery to its fully charged state (Claim 1b). After reaching full charge, the system switches to a 'float charge mode,' applying a 'second voltage' that is lower than the first voltage, to maintain the battery at a slightly reduced 'float charged state' (Claim 1c). This float state has a lower charge level than the fully charged state. This process repeats as needed, for example, after a vehicle's engine uses the battery for 'cold cranking' (Claim 8) or when an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) provides backup power (Claim 11). ## What it does NOT cover - Does not cover battery management systems for battery chemistries other than aqueous nickel-zinc batteries. - Does not cover charging methods that do not utilize a distinct 'separate power source' to provide the charge. - Does not cover systems that do not employ both a 'full charge mode' and a separate 'float charge mode' with different voltages. - Does not cover charging where the 'float charged state' is maintained at a level equal to or higher than the 'fully charged state'. - Does not cover charging methods where the voltage applied during 'float charge mode' is not lower than the voltage applied during 'full charge mode'. ## The clever bit The novelty lies in the specific, two-stage charging method tailored for aqueous nickel-zinc batteries, using distinct full and float charge voltages from a separate power source. This aims to maximize battery life and efficiency by preventing overcharging while ensuring the battery is always ready for intermittent power demands. ## Real-world examples 1. Uninterruptible Power Supplies (UPS) for data centers 2. Micro-hybrid vehicles with start-stop systems 3. Backup power systems for telecommunications equipment 4. Auxiliary power systems in electric vehicles ## Why it matters Aqueous nickel-zinc batteries offer advantages like safety and environmental benefits compared to traditional lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries in certain applications. This patent focuses on optimizing their lifespan and performance through precise charge control. This is crucial for their successful adoption in demanding environments such as data centers, telecommunications infrastructure, and automotive systems where reliability and longevity are key. ## Frequently asked questions ### What does Smart Charging for Nickel-Zinc Batteries in Hybrid Power Systems cover? This patent describes a method for precisely controlling the charge of aqueous nickel-zinc batteries in systems like hybrid vehicles or uninterruptible power supplies, using a separate main power source to switch between full and lower 'float' charge states. ### Who owns patent US 10967755? Zincfive Power owns this patent, granted in 2021. ### When does this patent expire? This patent is expected to expire on May 14, 2038, when the invention enters the public domain. ### What is patent US 10967755 cited by? This patent has been cited by 1 later patents that build on its ideas. ### What problem does this patent solve? Aqueous nickel-zinc batteries offer advantages like safety and environmental benefits compared to traditional lead-acid or lithium-ion batteries in certain applications. This patent focuses on optimizing their lifespan and performance through precise charge control. This is crucial for their successful adoption in demanding environments such as data centers, telecommunications infrastructure, and automotive systems where reliability and longevity are key. ### What does this patent NOT cover? Does not cover battery management systems for battery chemistries other than aqueous nickel-zinc batteries. **Full plain-English explainer:** https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10967755/controlling-battery-states-of-charge-in-systems-having-separate-power-sources **Original patent:** https://patents.google.com/patent/US10967755 --- _Source: PatentBrief — https://patentbrief.org. Patent facts are from public records; the plain-English explanation is PatentBrief's._ ## Related patents Semantically similar inventions in the PatentBrief corpus: - [How an EV Charging Station Manages Power from Batteries and the Grid](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/9168838/charging-control-system-and-charging-control-method) — This patent describes a smart charging system for electric vehicles that decides whether to power cars from a local battery or the main electricity grid, and when to recharge that local battery, to help balance power demand. - [How Electric Cars Adjust Charging Speed to Available Power](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/20120091953/ac-current-control-of-mobile-battery-chargers) — This patent describes how an electric vehicle's onboard charger intelligently adjusts its charging speed based on the real-time electrical power available from the wall outlet or charging station, preventing overloads and optimizing charge time. - [Smart EV Charging to Protect Battery Life During Long Parking](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/11235681/curtailing-battery-degradation-of-an-electric-vehicle-during-long-term-parking) — This patent describes a system that intelligently discharges and recharges an electric vehicle's battery while parked for a long time, like at an airport, to prevent battery damage and ensure it's ready when the owner returns, using vehicle-to-grid technology. - [How Batteries Charge Fast in the Cold Without Damage](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10186887/systems-and-methods-for-fast-charging-batteries-at-low-temperatures) — This patent describes a smart battery system that uses an internal heater to warm itself up for quick, safe charging, even when it's freezing outside. - [How to Fast-Charge Lithium Batteries Without Damaging Them](https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/10700376/methods-for-fast-charging-and-detecting-lithium-plating-in-lithium-ion-batteries) — This patent describes a three-phase method for quickly charging lithium-ion batteries while carefully controlling voltages to prevent harmful lithium metal buildup and electrolyte damage.