Method and Apparatus for Extending Service Life of a Battery Source

摘要

A method and an apparatus are disclosed for extending the service life of a battery source by fully utilizing the energy in batteries and/or providing higher energy reserve using multiple batteries. The invention has economical and environmental benefits by reducing waste in batteries in addition to offering convenience and ease of maintenance in battery use. It also benefits the design of devices when replacing batteries is either difficult or impossible. A universal battery bank consists of an ensemble of possibly heterogeneous batteries all connected in series to provide a usable operational energy source. To exploit this power supply that may vary over a wide voltage range, electronics are designed to monitor the individual batteries, guard against excessive voltage and current, and provide constant current sources and/or constant voltage sources for various appliances.

主权项

1. A method of extending service life of a battery source comprising the steps of
a) providing a battery bank comprising one or more batteries connected in series, b) regulating output voltage of said battery bank, and c) providing an indication of the status of the battery bank.