# US 5,703,464 A · Radio frequency energy management system > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 5,703,464 A - Document ID: US5703464A - Status: Granted - Kind: A - Application number: 08/495,984 - Filed: 1995-06-28 - Granted: 1997-12-30 - Earliest claimed: 1995-06-28 - Assignees: Amerigon Incorporated - Inventors: Tissa R. Karunasiri; David A. Bell; Bruce M. Ryan - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US5703464A ## CPC - B60L 8/003: {Converting light into electric energy, e.g. by using photo-voltaic systems} - B60L 3/0046: {relating to electric energy storage systems, e.g. batteries or capacitors} - B60L 58/18: of two or more battery modules - B60L 58/22: Balancing the charge of battery modules - B60L 58/25: by controlling the electric load - H02J 7/52: for charge balancing, e.g. equalisation of charge between batteries - H02J 7/54: Passive balancing, e.g. using resistors or parallel MOSFETs - H02J 13/12: Monitoring network conditions, e.g. electrical magnitudes or operational status - H02J 13/1331: {using wireless data transmission} - B60L 2250/10: by alarm - Y02T 10/70: Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries - Y02T 10/7072: Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors - Y02T 90/12: Electric charging stations - Y02T 90/14: Plug-in electric vehicles - Y02T 90/16: Information or communication technologies improving the operation of electric vehicles - B60L: PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES (arrangements or mounting of electrical propulsion units or of plural diverse prime-movers for mutual or common propulsion in vehicles B60K1/00, B60K6/20; arrangements or mounting of electrical gearing in vehicles B60K17/12, B60K17/14; preventing wheel slip by reducing power in rail vehicles B61C15/08; dynamo-electric machines H02K; control or regulation of electric motors H02P); SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES (electric coupling devices combined with mechanical couplings of vehicles B60D1/64; electric heating for vehicles B60H1/00); ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL (control or regulation of electric motors H02P); MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES - H02J: ELECTRIC POWER NETWORKS; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY - Y02T: CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION ## Abstract A radio frequency energy management system includes a number of battery control modules and an control unit, each configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals comprising information relating to the operating parameters of batteries in a battery pack, and control commands for regulating the operating parameters of such batteries. Each battery control module is configured to monitor one or more operating parameter of a respective battery, and to regulate one or more operating parameter according to a control system program in the control unit. Each battery control module includes one or more sensing elements to measure one or more operating parameter of a respective battery, a radio frequency receiver, and a radio frequency transmitter. The control unit is configured to monitor and control the operating parameters of the batteries and includes a radio frequency receiver, configured to receive a radio frequency signal transmitted by the radio frequency transmitter in each battery control module, and a radio frequency transmitter configured to transmit a radio frequency signal capable of being received by the radio frequency receiver in each battery control module. The control unit evaluates data transmitted from each battery control module according to a predetermined control system program, and transmits a predetermined control command to one or more battery control module to achieve battery equalization. Radio frequency signals are transmitted between the control unit and each battery control module without additional wiring, thereby eliminating the disadvantages of wired-type systems. ## Claims ### Claim 1 An energy management system for use with an electrically powered apparatus, the system comprising: a number of battery control modules on the apparatus, wherein each battery control module includes: means for monitoring an operating parameter of an electric power source for the apparatus selected from the group consisting of a battery pack, at least one battery in a battery pack, at least one cell in a battery, and combinations thereof; means for receiving a radio frequency signal; means for transmitting a radio frequency signal; and a control unit on the apparatus configured to monitor and control the battery control modules by radio frequency signal, wherein the control unit includes: means for receiving a radio frequency signal transmitted from each battery control module; and means for transmitting a radio frequency control signal to each battery control module; wherein the receiving and transmitting means for the control unit and each battery control module is connected to a common conductive transmission medium disposed between the electric power source and a power handling device in the electrically powered apparatus. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) An energy management system as recited in claim 1 wherein the control unit further comprises means for evaluating radio frequency signals transmitted by each battery control module and providing a control signal to transmit to at least one designated battery control module. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) An energy management system as recited in claim 1 wherein the control unit further comprises means for addressing the control signal to one or more designated battery control module. ### Claim 4 (depends on 3) An energy management system as recited in claim 3 wherein each battery control module further comprises means for recognizing whether a control signal is addressed to that particular battery control module. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) An energy management system as recited in claim 1 wherein the means for transmitting radio frequency signals for each battery control module and the control unit is a radio frequency transmitter, and wherein the radio frequency transmitter in each battery control module is configured to transmit a radio frequency different from that of the radio frequency transmitter in the control unit. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) An energy management system as recited in claim 5 wherein the means for receiving radio frequency signals for each battery control module and the control unit is a radio frequency receiver, wherein the radio frequency receiver in each battery control module is configured to receive radio frequency control signals transmitted from the control unit, and wherein the radio frequency receiver in the control unit is configured to receive radio frequency signals from each battery control module. ### Claim 7 (depends on 1) An energy management system as recited in claim 1 wherein each battery control module comprises a battery voltage monitoring element and a battery temperature monitoring element, each attached to the electric power source. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) An energy management system as recited in claim 1 wherein each battery control module is configured to transmit energy source operating parameter information in response to a designated control signal. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) An energy management system as recited in claim 1 wherein each battery control module further comprises means for controlling at least one energy source operating parameter that is activated in response to a designated control signal. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) An energy management system as recited in claim 1 further comprising means for isolating the radio frequency signals transmitted and received by each battery control module and the control module from other electrical devices in the electrically power apparatus. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) An energy management system as recited in claim 1 further comprising a second control unit located off of the electrically powered apparatus, wherein the second control unit includes means for receiving radio frequency signals from the control unit and the battery control modules, and means for transmitting radio frequency control signals to the control unit and battery control modules. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) An energy management system as recited in claim 1 wherein the second control unit is adapted to accommodate attachment with a user interface. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) An energy management system as recited in claim 1 wherein the control unit includes means for storing electric power source operating parameter information transmitted by each battery control module. ### Claim 14 An energy management system for use with an electric vehicle having a battery source of motive power, the system comprising: a number of battery control modules, wherein each battery control module includes: at least one monitoring element located on the vehicle and configured to measure an operating parameter of an electric power source selected from the group consisting of a battery pack, at least one battery in a battery pack, at least one cell in a battery, and combinations thereof; a radio frequency receiver; a radio frequency transmitter; and a control unit located on the vehicle and configured to monitor and control the battery control modules by radio frequency signal, wherein the control unit includes: a radio frequency receiver configured to receive a radio frequency signal transmitted from the radio frequency transmitter in each battery control module; a radio frequency transmitter configured to transmit a radio frequency signal that is capable of being received by the radio frequency receiver in each battery control module; means for evaluating radio frequency signals received from each battery control module and providing a control signal to transmit to at least one designated battery control module; wherein the radio frequency receiver and transmitter for the control unit and each battery_ control module is connected to a common conductive .path attached between the electric power source and a power handling device in the vehicle. ### Claim 15 (depends on 14) An energy management system as recited in claim 14 wherein the control unit includes means for addressing the control signal to be recognized by at least one designated battery control module. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) An energy management system as recited in claim 15 wherein each battery control module includes means for recognizing whether a control signal is addressed to that particular battery control module. ### Claim 17 (depends on 14) An energy management system as recited in claim 14 further comprising means for isolating the radio frequency signals transmitted and received by each battery control module and the control module via the conductive path from other devices in the vehicle. ### Claim 18 (depends on 14) An energy management system as recited in claim 14 further comprising means disposed between the conductive path and the control unit to isolate the control unit from high-voltage differentials between the conductive path and the control unit. ### Claim 19 (depends on 14) An energy management system as recited in claim 14 wherein each battery control module includes a battery voltage monitoring element and a battery temperature monitoring element. ### Claim 20 (depends on 14) An energy management system as recited in claim 14 wherein each battery control module is configured to transmit energy source operating parameter information in response to a designated control signal. ### Claim 21 (depends on 20) An energy management system as recited in claim 20 wherein each battery control module further comprises means for effecting a change in at least one energy source operating parameter in response to a designated control signal. ### Claim 22 (depends on 14) An energy management system as recited in claim 14 further comprising means for isolating the radio frequency signals transmitted and received by each battery control module and the control module from other electrical devices in the electrically powered apparatus. ### Claim 23 (depends on 14) An energy management system as recited in claim 14 further comprising a second control unit located off of the vehicle, wherein the second control unit includes a radio frequency transmitter and a radio frequency receiver configured to accommodate communication with the control unit and each battery control module. ### Claim 24 (depends on 23) An energy management system as recited in claim 23 wherein the second control unit is adapted to accommodate connection with a user interface. ### Claim 25 (depends on 14) An energy management system as recited in claim 14 wherein the control unit includes means for storing (battery) energy source operating parameter information transmitted by each battery control module. ### Claim 26 An energy management system for use with an electric vehicle having a battery source of motive power, the energy management system comprising: a number of battery control modules located on the vehicle, wherein each battery control module is configured to transmit energy source operating parameter information by radio frequency signal in response to a radio frequency control signal, and wherein each battery control module includes: at least one monitoring element for measuring an operating parameter of a respective battery or a battery cell; a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting operating parameters measured by each monitoring element of the battery control module; a radio frequency receiver for receiving a control signal; and a control unit located on the electric powered apparatus for monitoring and controlling the battery control modules by radio frequency signal, wherein the control unit includes: a radio frequency receiver adapted to receive a transmitted signal from each battery control module; a controller for evaluating the radio frequency signal transmitted from each battery control module and providing a control signal; means for addressing the control signal to be recognized by one or more designated battery control module; and a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting the radio frequency control signal to each battery control module; wherein the radio frequency receiver and transmitter for the control unit and each battery control module is connected to a common main conductive path in an electrical system of the vehicle running between batteries in a battery pack and connecting the battery pack to a power handling device in the vehicle. ### Claim 27 (depends on 26) An energy management system as recited in claim 26 further comprising a second control unit located off of the vehicle, the second control unit including: a radio frequency receiver configured to receive radio frequency signals from each battery control module and the control unit; a controller for evaluating the signal transmitted from each battery control module the control unit and providing a control signal; and a radio frequency transmitter configured to transmit the control signal to the control unit and the battery control modules. ### Claim 28 (depends on 27) An energy management system as recited in claim 27 wherein the second control unit is adapted to accommodate connection with a user interface. ### Claim 29 (depends on 26) An energy management system as recited in claim 26 wherein each battery control module includes means for effecting a change in an energy source operating parameter in response to a designated control signal. ### Claim 30 (depends on 26) An energy management system as recited in claim 26 wherein each battery control module includes means for evaluating whether the control signal is addressed to that particular battery control module. ### Claim 31 (depends on 26) An energy management system as recited in claim 26 further comprising means for isolating radio frequency signals transmitted and received by the battery control modules and the control unit from other electrical devices connected to the main conductive path. ### Claim 32 (depends on 26) An energy management system as recited in claim 26 further comprising means disposed between the main conductive path the control unit for isolating the control unit from high-voltage differentials between the conductive path and the control unit. ### Claim 33 An energy management system for use with an electric vehicle having a battery source of motive power, the system comprising: a number of battery control modules for monitoring and controlling at least one operating parameter of batteries in a battery pack, wherein each battery control module is located on the vehicle and includes: at least one monitoring element for monitoring an operating parameter of the battery; a radio frequency transmitter, wherein the radio frequency transmitter is configured to transmit battery operating parameter information in response to a radio frequency control signal; a radio frequency receiver for receiving a radio frequency control signal; means for evaluating the radio frequency control signal to determine if the control signal is addressed to that particular battery control module; and a control element for effecting a change of at least one operating parameter of the battery in response to a designated radio frequency control signal; a control unit for evaluating battery operating parameter information transmitted by radio frequency from each battery control module and producing a designated radio frequency control signal to control the battery control modules, wherein the control unit includes: a radio frequency receiver configured to receive radio frequency signals transmitted by each battery control module; means for evaluating information received from each battery control module and for producing a designated radio frequency control signal; means for addressing the radio frequency control signal to be recognized by one or more designated battery control module; and a radio frequency transmitter for transmitting the control signal to the battery control modules; and a main conductive path in an electrical system of the vehicle connecting the batteries in the battery pack to a power handling device in the vehicle, wherein the radio frequency receiver and transmitter for the control unit and each battery control module are connected to the main conductive path for transmitting radio frequency signals therebetween. ### Claim 34 (depends on 33) An energy management system as recited in claim 33 wherein each battery control module includes a battery voltage monitoring element and a battery temperature monitoring element. ### Claim 35 (depends on 33) An energy management system as recited in claim 33 wherein the control element is a switch adapted to discharge a respective battery through a shunt resister in response to a designated control signal. ### Claim 36 (depends on 33) An energy management system as recited in claim 33 further comprising means disposed between the main conductive path and the control unit for isolating the control unit from high-voltage differentials between the main conductive path and the control unit. ### Claim 37 (depends on 33) An energy management system as recited in claim 33 further comprising means disposed between the main conductive path and other electrical devices in the electric vehicle for isolating the radio frequency signals of the energy management system such other devices. ### Claim 38 (depends on 33) An energy management system as recited in claim 33 further comprising a second control unit located off of the vehicle, wherein the second control unit includes a radio frequency transmitter and a radio frequency receiver configured to accommodate communication with the control unit and each battery control module. ### Claim 39 (depends on 38) An energy management system as recited in claim 38 wherein the second control unit is adapted to accommodate connection with a user interface. ### Claim 40 (depends on 33) An energy management system as recited in claim 33 wherein the control unit includes means for storing battery operating parameter information transmitted by each battery control module. ### Claim 41 (depends on 39) An energy management system as recited in claim 39 wherein the second control unit is manufactured as part of a battery charger located off of the vehicle. ### Claim 42 (depends on 33) An energy management system as recited in claim 33 wherein the control unit is manufactured as part of a battery charger located on the vehicle. ### Claim 43 (depends on 33) An energy management system as recited in claim 33 wherein the control unit is manufactured as part of a motor controller on the vehicle. ### Claim 44 (depends on 33) An energy management system as recited in claim 33 wherein each battery control module is manufactured as part of battery source of motive power.