Norvik Technologies Inc.

Inco Limited

Norvik Traction Inc.

Other

Josef V Soltys

Jiri K Nor

Victor A Ettel

Klaus Tomantschger

Douglas K Charles

Jan Hohercak

A method and apparatus for charging the traction battery of an electric vehicle are provided. Charging energy is delivered from a charging station at a predetermined voltage and at a delivery frequency in the range of from 10 kHz up to 200 kHz, The charging energy is transferred to the vehicle through an inductive coupler, having a primary side connected to the charging station and a secondary side mounted within the vehicle. A rectifier is mounted in the vehicle and interposed between the secondary side and the battery. When the vehicle is connected to a charging station, it is interrogated to determine the nature of the charge controller that is on board the vehicle; and logic decisions invoking the particular mode for charging the vehicle are made depending on the nature and type of charge controller that is on board the vehicle. The value of initial charging current is set either by an on board battery charging control module in the vehicle, or by the charge control module which is present in the charging station; or alternatively, by being preset at the charging station. Initial charging current, and the amount of charging energy to be delivered, may be established by insertion of a card into a data interface on the charging station. Under controlled conditions, a plurality of vehicles may be charged at a single establishment having a plurality of charging stations, by distributing energy to any one vehicle according to priority criteria to be established.

Traction battery charging with inductive coupling

A method and apparatus for charging the battery of an electric vehicle are provided. When the electric vehicle is connected to a charging station, it is interrogated to determine the nature of the charge controller that is on board the vehicle; and logic decisions invoking the particular mode for charging the vehicle are made depending on the nature and type of charge controller that is on board the vehicle. Thus, delivery of charging energy to the battery in the vehicle may be entirely under the control of a charge controller on board the vehicle; or if the control module in the vehicle is less sophisticated then delivery of charging energy will be under the control of a charging module within the charging station. Parameters of initial charging current and voltage are therefore set either by the on board battery charging controller, or the charge controller in the charging station; alternatively, those parameters may be set manually or by insertion of a card into a data interface to establish initial charging conditions. Under controlled conditions, a plurality of vehicles may be charged at a single establishment having a plurality of charging stations, either sequentially or simultaneously, depending on the criteria to be established. The charging station may be privately owned, so as to charge a fleet of vehicles; or there may be a plurality of charging stations at a publicly accessible service station.

Universal charging station and method for charging electric vehicle

A battery charge is provided which automatically controls the charging process independent of individual battery construction or temperature. Control of the charging process is achieved by periodically interrupting the charging current, determining resistance-free voltage of the battery in fixed intervals after interruptions of current, and comparing the resistance-free voltage with a reference voltage. Reference voltage is automatically determined for each recharging subject by analyzing the change in resistance-free voltage with respect to time during an initial, constant current period to locate certain characteristic points indicative of the onset of overcharge. The charging current is reduced as necessary, so that the resistance-free voltage does not exceed the reference voltage and significant overcharge is avoided.

Battery charger

A charger for rechargeable cells or batteries utilizes a mechanism whereby resistance-free voltage is continually monitored during periodic current-off intervals in the charging process and compared to an independent reference voltage to prevent overcharge. After a certain degree of charge has been obtained, the current is gradually reduced to a finishing charge. Several means are provided for terminating the finishing charge while avoiding overcharge. Another embodiment of a charger provides for measurement of the resistance-free voltage during the current-off period after sufficient time is allowed for the recombination of any oxygen which may have been produced during charging, thus taking into account inherent variations in cells of the same type.

Circuits are provided whereby rechargeable batteries and cells are charged very fast by a controlled current, and substantially at a rate never exceeding the ability of the battery or cell to accept current--i.e., to convert electrical current to stored chemical energy. The resistance free terminal voltage of the battery or cell is detected during an interval when the charging current is interrupted, and compared against an independent reference voltage to control the charging current when a difference between the reference voltage and the sensed resistance free terminal voltage exists. The reference voltage may be altered at any instant in time, as a function of the ambient temperature, or the internal temperature or pressure of the battery, as a function of the charging current when it is within a predetermined range, or if a particular change in the value of the charging current occurs over a predetermined period of time. Charging characteristics may also be controlled and altered either through the passage of time or as a consequence of predetermined conditions occurring. The various provisions preclude thermal runaway for example, and assure very rapid and complete charging operations no matter what may be the condition of the battery--provided it is capable of accepting charge--and for various kinds of rechargeable batteries and cells including nickel cadmium, lead acid, and so on.

Charging circuits for rechargeable batteries and cells

A test cell structure for fuel cell or electrochemical cell technology is disclosed. Principally, the test cell may be used for testing gas diffusion or solid electrodes in a controlled environment, and such other matters as quality assurance tests of fuel cell components including electrodes, electrolytes, etc. In a simple embodiment, the test cell includes a body having an electrolyte chamber extending from one side to the other, and an electrolyte reservoir above. reactant fluid (usually gas) chambers are formed in blocks that are secured to each side of the body, so that the gas chambers face the electrolyte chamber; and means are provided to conduct gas to and away from each of the gas chambers. Electrodes are mounted in interposed relation between the electrolyte chamber and the gas chambers at each side thereof, where the electrodes are mounted in a separable frame which, when in place, provides a fluidtight seal between the body and each of the respective gas chambers. in a preferred embodiment, a well is formed integrally with the body as the electrolyt reservoir, having a liquid conduit communicating to the electrolyte chamber. A gas lift pump is provided for electrolyte circulation, and to provide an inert atmosphere over the electrolye, if required. A heat exchanger may be placed into the well so as to control the operating temperature of the electrolyte.

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Oakville, Canada

Josef V Soltys