Smartly Turning On and Off a Vehicle Battery Charger

This patent describes a smart way to turn on and off a vehicle's battery charging system by checking the generator's power output and battery health, ensuring safe and efficient charging.

What it covers

This patent outlines a method for controlling a battery's charging circuit, typically in an electrical apparatus like a vehicle, connected to a generator. First, it acquires a 'wake-up signal' from the apparatus. Then, it checks two main things: if the generator's output voltage (called 'power source terminal voltage' in claim 1) is above a certain 'first threshold' and if that voltage is stable, meaning its change rate over a 'first time length' is below a 'second threshold'. If both conditions are met, it sends an instruction to close a switch, turning on the charging circuit. The method can also check additional factors like the battery's charge level (SOC), whether it has faults, and its temperature before turning on the charger (claim 2). For example, in a hybrid car, this system would ensure the generator only starts charging the main battery when its power output is stable and suitable, and the battery is ready to receive a charge.

What it doesn't cover

• —Does not cover charging systems that rely solely on a fixed voltage level to turn on, without also checking the stability or 'change rate' of that voltage.
• —Does not cover charging circuits that do not include a controllable 'first switch unit' to physically connect or disconnect the battery from the generator.
• —Does not cover charging from external power sources like wall outlets or dedicated charging stations, as it specifically references a 'generator'.
• —Does not cover systems that ignore critical battery health metrics, such as State of Charge (SOC) or cell temperature, when deciding to initiate or terminate charging.
• —Does not cover methods for actively regulating the *rate* of charge, only the discrete action of turning the charging circuit on or off.

The clever bit

The clever part is combining multiple real-time conditions—not just the generator's voltage level, but also its stability (how fast it's changing) and the battery's internal health—to make smart decisions about when to start and stop charging. This multi-factor approach ensures more reliable and safer charging than simply detecting a voltage.

Why it matters

This technology is important for extending battery life and ensuring safety in vehicles, especially electric and hybrid models. By carefully controlling when the charging circuit is active, it prevents damage from unstable power sources and ensures the battery is charged under optimal conditions. This precise control helps maintain battery health over many charge cycles, which is crucial for the longevity and performance of modern vehicles.

Real-world examples

• 1.Hybrid electric vehicles
• 2.Battery electric vehicles with range extenders
• 3.Vehicles with advanced auxiliary power units
• 4.Industrial equipment with integrated generators and battery packs