A method and apparatus that allows the end user to optimize the performance of an all-electric or hybrid vehicle and its charging system for a desired mode of operation is provided. The system of the invention includes multiple charging/operational modes from which the user may select. Each charging/operational mode controls the cut-off voltage used during charging and the maintenance temperature of the battery pack.

Multi-mode charging system for an electric vehicle

An apparatus controller for prompting a rider to be positioned on a vehicle in such a manner as to reduce lateral instability due to lateral acceleration of the vehicle. The apparatus has an input for receiving specification from the rider of a desired direction of travel, and indicating means for reflecting to the rider a propitious instantaneous body orientation to enhance stability in the face of lateral acceleration. The indicating may include a handlebar that is pivotable with respect to the vehicle and that is driven in response to vehicle turning.

Control of a personal transporter based on user position

A method of providing power to an electronic device in an energy-efficient manner includes transitioning between power states corresponding to charging and discharging a battery. The state of charge of the battery is detected. Upon detecting a high threshold state of charge, an external power source such as an AC-to-DC adapter is disabled, and the battery to provides primary power to the electronic device. Upon a low threshold state of charge, the AC-to-DC adapter is controlled to provide a high current output to charge the battery and provide primary power to the electronic device. The power states, when cycled over time based on the state of the battery, provide for an energy-efficient method of powering the electronic device.

Energy efficient and fast charge modes of a rechargeable battery

For charging a secondary battery, at least two operation modes including first and second operation modes, in which the secondary battery is charged to predetermined charge end voltages different from each other, are established. Both life and capacity of the battery can be maximized by a user selecting either of the two operation modes, or switching between the two operation modes automatically with a timer device, or according to a temperature of the battery, state of health thereof, or internal pressure thereof.

Operation method for secondary battery and secondary battery device

This invention relates to a retractable and extendable awning and a control system for automatically extending and retracting the awning. In a retractable fabric awning a front of the awning fabric is attached to a movable front bar, movably mounted at the wall of a building by retractable arms. The rear of the fabric is unrolled from a roll of the fabric on the building wall when the arms move the front bar away from the building. The awning features a weather sensor unit on its front bar. The weather sensor unit can detect excessive wind and mechanical shocks and also sunlight and rain. The sensor is in wireless (via radio frequency) communication with an indoor control unit which can automatically retract the front bar during windy, rainy and/or low sunlight conditions and extend the front bar during calm and sunny conditions.

Awning assembly and control system

A technique of operating a lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery is proposed for maximizing battery life. In a first instance, this technique calls for charging the battery at a lower temperature than the temperature at which discharge begins. Preferably, the battery is charged at a temperature T1 in the range between about +5°C and -20°C; and discharged at a temperature T2, in the range of about +5°C to +30°C, T2 being higher than T1. In another instance proposed by the invention, the battery is charged to an elevated state of charge which is above an initial state of charge at a temperature T1 between about +5°C and -20°C which is lower than a temperature T2, in the range of about +5°C to +30°C, at which discharge begins. In still another instance proposed by the invention, after the battery has been charged and discharged during the eclipse season, it is then charged to an intermediate charge level between about 40% and about 60% state of charge over a relatively long lapsed duration of time, about one month to about six months, and thereafter, the battery is maintained at this intermediate charge level.

Lithium-ion battery charge control method

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve service life by including a step for charging a battery at a temperature lower than a charge starting temperature as an operation method. SOLUTION: Optimization of a charge/discharge temperature maximizes the service life when this battery is loaded especially on an artificial satellite. Preferably, temperature T1 during charge is about 5--20°C, and temperature T2 during discharge is about 5-30°C. In the satellite, the low temperature state after charge by a charge current lower than a discharge current is preferably heated before discharge, which makes discharge capacity large. When charge is not completed, the battery is preferably charged to a high charge level state higher than an initial charge lowest level state at the temperature T1. In the case of loading it on the satellite, a method is suitable in which after the battery is discharged for a solar eclipse period after the charge, a partial discharge of about 40-60% is performed for relatively long period of about 1-6 months, and is made to stand by as long as possible before completion of discharge to supply sufficient energy. Thus, the state and temperature of charge is optimized through a charge cycle on a satellite orbit. COPYRIGHT: (C)2000,JPO

Stephen J. Lenhart

Papers

Lithium-ion battery charge control method

Charge control method for lithium ion battery