Method for Testing Batteries
AssigneeBattery Technology Holdings, LLC
InventorAndrew F. Kallfelz
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
When a battery is insufficiently charged to allow ohmic testing of its condition, a charging source is connected to the battery, and a charge-acceptance test is performed to determine whether the battery is simply discharged but otherwise usable or beyond its useful service life.
Claims24
A method for testing a battery, comprising the steps of:
- performing a preliminary test to evaluate the state of charge of the battery;
- if the battery is sufficiently charged to be further evaluated, determining a condition of the battery;
- if the battery is insufficiently charged to be further evaluated, applying charging current to the battery;
- measuring the amount of charging current accepted by the battery;
- comparing the amount of charging current accepted by the battery to an expected minimum value for a battery of the type of battery under test in acceptable condition;
- and
- determining the condition of the battery under test responsive to said comparison step.
A method of determining battery condition employing a dedicated device capable of measuring parameters of the battery and a smart device capable of receiving testing instructions from a testing authority, comprising the steps of:
- connecting said dedicated device to the battery;
- employing said dedicated device to measure the open-circuit voltage across the battery;
- communicating the measured open-circuit voltage to the smart device;
- employing the smart device to determine whether the battery is sufficiently charged to be further evaluated;
- if the battery is sufficiently charged to be further evaluated, determining the condition of the battery;
- if the battery is insufficiently charged to be further evaluated, applying charging current to the battery;
- measuring the amount of charging current accepted by the battery;
- employing the smart device to compare the amount of charging current accepted by the battery to a predetermined minimum value of current acceptance for a battery of the type of battery under test in acceptable condition;
- and
- determining the condition of the battery under test responsive to said comparison step;
- wherein said predetermined minimum value is set by a testing authority, and received by said smart device.
A dedicated device for testing a battery while installed in a vehicle, and for communicating results of said testing to a smart device for analysis, comprising:
- a pair of probes, adapted to be connected to terminals of the battery;
- a microprocessor;
- circuitry for measuring the open-circuit voltage across the battery terminals;
- circuitry for measuring charging current passing through a battery cable while the vehicle engine is running;
- and
- a communication facility for communicating the results of said measurements to a smart device for analysis.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.