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AssigneeGeneral Motors Corporation
InventorsNader Michael Lotfy, Robert Charles Diefenbach, Benjamin Michael Eiref
Estimating the term…
In a distributed management apparatus for a battery pack, a battery monitoring module for each individual battery comprises a microcomputer and apparatus for bi-directional communication with a central control. Each microcomputer is provided with memory and its own control program, which allow sophisticated data gathering, communication and bypass control functions to be performed by each battery monitoring module independently of the central control, although still at its command, for more efficient control design and more flexible and capable system operation. In a preferred embodiment, each battery monitoring module may further comprise voltage and temperature measuring circuits with inputs to the microcomputer and a bypass circuit incorporating the microcomputer itself. All the battery monitoring modules are linked with an interface module by a minimal element, common digital communication circuit for bi-directional communication between each of the battery monitoring modules and the central control. Each battery monitoring module may provide bypass activation alternatively, as commanded by the central control, in a timer mode, in which the bypass path is activated for a commanded time, or a voltage mode, in which the bypass path is activated when the battery voltage equals a commanded value.
In a distributed management apparatus for a battery pack comprising a plurality of batteries connected in series, the apparatus comprising an interface module and a plurality of battery monitoring modules, one of the battery monitoring modules being associated with each of the batteries and connected thereacross by module terminals, each of the battery monitoring modules comprising, in combination, a power conditioning circuit connected across the module terminals for providing a regulated operating voltage within the battery module, sensor means responsive to a parameter of the associated battery for generating a battery parameter signal, a battery bypass circuit effective, when activated, to shunt charge around the associated battery, a microcomputer powered by the regulated operating voltage, the microcomputer comprising a CPU, memory, input apparatus for receiving the battery parameter signal, input and output apparatus for providing series connection in the battery bypass circuit and a stored program providing microcomputer control of reception and storage of the battery parameter signal and activation of the battery bypass circuit, the microcomputer being linked with the interface module by a digital communication circuit for receiving commands from the interface module and sending data thereto, the improvement comprising:
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.