Battery measurement method

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for detecting an electrical conductivity leakage path in a vehicle having a plurality of batteries coupled in series and having a chassis ground. The method comprises the step of (a) providing a voltage divider for each of the batteries, each voltage divider having an output having a voltage at a potential between the potentials of the positive and negative terminals of the voltage divider's respective battery. The method also includes the step of (b) providing a plurality of electrical connections, each switchable between open and closed, each between a voltage divider output and chassis ground. Furthermore, the method comprises the steps of (c) closing the switchable electrical connection between the first voltage divider output and chassis ground. In addition, the method includes the steps of (d) measuring the voltage at the first voltage divider output with the switchable electrical connection between that voltage divider output and chassis ground closed; and (e) opening the switchable electrical connection between the first voltage divider output and chassis ground.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.