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GB2350902A - Battery tester assessing ambient temperature, battery voltage and battery capacity - Google Patents

Battery tester assessing ambient temperature, battery voltage and battery capacity Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2350902A
GB2350902A GB0010753A GB0010753A GB2350902A GB 2350902 A GB2350902 A GB 2350902A GB 0010753 A GB0010753 A GB 0010753A GB 0010753 A GB0010753 A GB 0010753A GB 2350902 A GB2350902 A GB 2350902A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
battery
tester
voltage
capacity
display
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
GB0010753A
Other versions
GB2350902B (en
GB0010753D0 (en
Inventor
Adrian Jones
Nigel Walton
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ACT METERS Ltd
Original Assignee
ACT METERS Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ACT METERS Ltd filed Critical ACT METERS Ltd
Publication of GB0010753D0 publication Critical patent/GB0010753D0/en
Publication of GB2350902A publication Critical patent/GB2350902A/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of GB2350902B publication Critical patent/GB2350902B/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01RMEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R31/00Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
    • G01R31/36Arrangements for testing, measuring or monitoring the electrical condition of accumulators or electric batteries, e.g. capacity or state of charge [SoC]
    • G01R31/3644Constructional arrangements
    • G01R31/3646Constructional arrangements for indicating electrical conditions or variables, e.g. visual or audible indicators
    • GPHYSICS
    • G01MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01RMEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES; MEASURING MAGNETIC VARIABLES
    • G01R31/00Arrangements for testing electric properties; Arrangements for locating electric faults; Arrangements for electrical testing characterised by what is being tested not provided for elsewhere
    • G01R31/36Arrangements for testing, measuring or monitoring the electrical condition of accumulators or electric batteries, e.g. capacity or state of charge [SoC]
    • G01R31/385Arrangements for measuring battery or accumulator variables

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Secondary Cells (AREA)
  • Tests Of Electric Status Of Batteries (AREA)

Abstract

A battery tester 12 for connecting to a battery 10 comprises means for assessing at least one of the following values: ambient temperature, dc voltage across the battery, and capacity of the battery in amps per hour. The tester 12 may include a backlit LCD display 24 which displays each of the above values in sequence. The voltage and temperature values may be displayed for a predetermined period of two seconds.. The tester 12 may apply a load across the battery 10 for a short duration whilst measuring the battery voltage which is then used in an algorithm to calculate the battery capacity. The battery tester 12 may be powered by the battery under test 10.

Description

2350902
DESCRIPTION
This invention concerns a battery tester, especially for battery testers for use in testing lead acid batteries.
There is presently no means for assessing how much current is available in a lead acid battery, although its well known that such batteries lose capacity over a period of time and that capacity is temperature dependent. Typically after three year a lead acid battery will only have 90% of its capacity, after four years 60% and after five years 40%.
Where lead acid batteries are used in critical situations it would be useful to be able to assess their capacity or amount of current available. A typical critical situation where a battery may be used would be as a back-up for powering an alarm system.
An object of this invention is to provide a tester for use on batteries to assess available current.
According to this invention there is provided a battery tester for connection to a battery and having means for assessing one or more of and preferably all of the following:
a) ambient temperature; b) D.C. voltage across the battery; and C) capacity of the battery in amps per hour.
2 The battery tester of the invention preferably has a display for showing the assessed values. Preferably when all three values are assessed, the tester is programmed to display the results in sequence for predetermined time periods. The display will typically be a LCD display that may be backlit.
The battery tester is preferably powered by the battery under test, to which it is connected obviously, if the battery under test has no power remaining, the tester will not operate.
The battery tester of the invention is preferably controlled by a microprocessor programmed to convert test values obtained into desirable results for display. The preferred battery tester includes a temperature sensor and the battery tester is preferably programmed to display the temperature detected in '>C for a pre-determined period of say two seconds. Measurement of ambient temperature is important because the ambient temperature can affect the power output of a battery. Lead acid batteries are usually rated at 251>C, so that testing the ambient temperature, allows sensible comparison between a battery's rating and its assessed capacity.
It is proposed that the battery tester will have its software programmed to a calibrated battery to provide a benchmark. Typically, a calibrated Yuasa brand sealed lead acid 20 hour rate 12 volt battery will be used for that purpose.
The battery tester preferably also includes means for measuring the open circuit DC voltage across the battery. The voltage measured is preferably displayed for a pre-detemnined period of time, typically two seconds.
3 Thirdly, the preferred battery tester of the invention has means for assessing the capacity of the battery in amps per hour. Preferably the tester applies a load to the battery, typically by means of a resistor, say a 1 ohm resistor, for a short period of time, eg for a millisecond. The voltage across the battery with the load applied is sampled and the capacity calculated therefrom preferably using an algorithm. There may, of course, be other suitable ways of deriving the capacity of a battery from a measured value of the battery, which could be used in the present invention.
In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the battery tester comprises a box containing the required circuitry, including a temperature sensor and with an LCD display and leads for connection to a battery. Once the tester is connected to the battery, the programming of the tester will produce on the display firstly an ambient temperature reading for about two seconds, secondly an open D.C. voltage across the battery for about two seconds and thirdly the capacity of the battery in amps per hour until the tester is disconnected.
It is envisaged that the readings displayed will be marked down on a record card or sheet for that battery, so that it can be monitored at regular intervals and its performance checked, to enable timely replacement of the battery, and to ensure that the battery complies with British Standards, which is particularly important for batteries in critical application situations.
This invention will now be further described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawing, which shows a battery tester according to the invention.
4 Referring to the accompanying drawing, a 12 volt 1.2 A battery 10 is under test using a battery tester 12. The battery tester has leads 14 and 16 for making electrical connection between the battery and the tester. The leads 14 and 16 have jaw type clamps 18 for gripping terminals 20 and 22 of the battery. The tester has an LCID display 24 on which are displayed in sequence ambient temperature, open circuit DC voltage across the battery and the battery capacity in amps.
The circuitry of the tester comprises a PCB containing:
a) a 5 volt regulated power supply; b) an analogue to digital converter; c) an 8116 bit microprocessor; d) a battery monitor device which incorporates temperature sensing; e) a 1 ohm wire-wound power resistor; and f) a back-lit LCID display.
Power for the tester is provided by the battery under test.
When powered up by the battery under test, the programmed microprocessor sends a command instruction to the battery monitor device to take a temperature reading, which is analysed and displayed in "C on the LCID for approximately two seconds.
For some markets, the battery tester may be arranged to show the temperature in 'Fahrenheit. Alternatively, the battery tester may have means for selecting the scale of the temperature measurement, e.g. between 1Celcius and 0Fahrenheit.
Once completed a second command instruction asks the battery monitor to take a voltage reading across the battery, which is again displayed for about two seconds. Finally, a third command instruction asks the battery monitor to place a momentary 1 ohm load across the battery under test whilst measuring the voltage. This voltage sample is analysed in real time and converted into an available current reading, which is displayed on the LCD and maintained until disconnected from the battery.
The various displayed readings can be recorded on a record sheet or on any other suitable recording medium for regular monitoring of the battery under test.
6

Claims (11)

1 A battery tester for connection to a battery and having means for assessing at least one of the following values: a) ambient temperature; b) D.C. voltage across the battery; and C) capacity of the battery in amps per hour.
2. A battery tester for connection to a battery and having means for assessing the following values: a) ambient temperature; b) D.C. voltage across the battery; and C) capacity of the battery in amps per hour.
3. A battery tester as claimed in claim I or 2, having a display for showing assessed values.
4, A battery tester as claimed in claim 3 capable of assessing all three values and programmed to display the values in sequence for predetermined time periods.
7
5. A battery tester as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein the display is an LCD display.
6. A battery tester as claimed in claim 5, wherein the display is backlit.
7. A battery tester as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 powered by the battery under test.
8. A battery tester as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein the predetermined time period for display of ambient temperature is two seconds.
9. A battery tester as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein the predetermined time period for display of D.C. voltage across the battery under test is two seconds.
10. A battery tester as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the tester is programmed to apply a load to the battery for a short time, to sample the voltage across the battery with the load applied and to calculate the capacity therefrom using an algorithm.
11. A battery tester substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.
GB0010753A 1999-05-10 2000-05-05 Battery testers Expired - Fee Related GB2350902B (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GBGB9910713.8A GB9910713D0 (en) 1999-05-10 1999-05-10 Battery testers

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB0010753D0 GB0010753D0 (en) 2000-06-28
GB2350902A true GB2350902A (en) 2000-12-13
GB2350902B GB2350902B (en) 2003-08-06

Family

ID=10853088

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GBGB9910713.8A Ceased GB9910713D0 (en) 1999-05-10 1999-05-10 Battery testers
GB0010753A Expired - Fee Related GB2350902B (en) 1999-05-10 2000-05-05 Battery testers

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GBGB9910713.8A Ceased GB9910713D0 (en) 1999-05-10 1999-05-10 Battery testers

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1177454A1 (en)
AU (1) AU4590300A (en)
GB (2) GB9910713D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2000068701A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7301303B1 (en) 2004-08-16 2007-11-27 International Specialty Services, Inc. Portable battery jump start in a soft-sided carrying case

Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1983002005A1 (en) * 1981-12-04 1983-06-09 Bear Automative Service Equipm Automotive battery test apparatus
EP0225106A1 (en) * 1985-11-19 1987-06-10 British Aerospace Public Limited Company Battery state of charge indicator
EP0400849A2 (en) * 1989-05-22 1990-12-05 Alexander Manufacturing Company Method and apparatus for measuring the voltage and charge of a battery
GB2232495A (en) * 1989-03-31 1990-12-12 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Battery tester
US5047961A (en) * 1988-05-31 1991-09-10 Simonsen Bent P Automatic battery monitoring system
EP0583906A1 (en) * 1992-08-18 1994-02-23 Sony Corporation Battery unit and battery energy billing method
GB2278452A (en) * 1993-05-26 1994-11-30 Fuji Heavy Ind Ltd Method and apparatus for estimating battery capacity
GB2283331A (en) * 1993-10-29 1995-05-03 Daimler Benz Ag Battery monitoring in a hybrid vehicle
US5612608A (en) * 1993-12-28 1997-03-18 Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Apparatus for displaying residual capacity of battery for use on electric vehicle
US5751134A (en) * 1996-05-16 1998-05-12 Itronix Corporation Gas gauging system and method for monitoring battery capacity for battery powered electronic devices

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS5956177A (en) * 1982-09-24 1984-03-31 Suzuki Motor Co Ltd Display device for remaining capacity of battery
JPH07198807A (en) * 1993-12-30 1995-08-01 Tokyo Gas Co Ltd Computation apparatus for battery residual amount
JP3005481B2 (en) * 1996-11-18 2000-01-31 米沢日本電気株式会社 Battery evaluation device and method for portable personal computer

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO1983002005A1 (en) * 1981-12-04 1983-06-09 Bear Automative Service Equipm Automotive battery test apparatus
EP0225106A1 (en) * 1985-11-19 1987-06-10 British Aerospace Public Limited Company Battery state of charge indicator
US5047961A (en) * 1988-05-31 1991-09-10 Simonsen Bent P Automatic battery monitoring system
GB2232495A (en) * 1989-03-31 1990-12-12 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Battery tester
EP0400849A2 (en) * 1989-05-22 1990-12-05 Alexander Manufacturing Company Method and apparatus for measuring the voltage and charge of a battery
EP0583906A1 (en) * 1992-08-18 1994-02-23 Sony Corporation Battery unit and battery energy billing method
GB2278452A (en) * 1993-05-26 1994-11-30 Fuji Heavy Ind Ltd Method and apparatus for estimating battery capacity
GB2283331A (en) * 1993-10-29 1995-05-03 Daimler Benz Ag Battery monitoring in a hybrid vehicle
US5612608A (en) * 1993-12-28 1997-03-18 Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha Apparatus for displaying residual capacity of battery for use on electric vehicle
US5751134A (en) * 1996-05-16 1998-05-12 Itronix Corporation Gas gauging system and method for monitoring battery capacity for battery powered electronic devices

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB2350902B (en) 2003-08-06
AU4590300A (en) 2000-11-21
EP1177454A1 (en) 2002-02-06
WO2000068701A1 (en) 2000-11-16
GB9910713D0 (en) 1999-07-07
GB0010753D0 (en) 2000-06-28

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PCNP Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee

Effective date: 20110505