Inventors:
Nader Michael Lotfy - Monrovia CA
Robert Charles Diefenbach - Ontario CA
Benjamin Michael Eiref - Princeton NJ
Assignee:
General Motors Corporation - Detroit MI
International Classification:
G08B 2100
H02J 700
H01M 1046
Abstract:
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.