Multi-modal battery pack
View Patent ↗At least one embodiment of the invention provides a multi-modal rechargeable battery pack that can switch between charging algorithms dynamically. This dynamic switching can be accomplished in a wide variety of ways, for example via external command or automatically. At least one embodiment of the invention provides a system that can switch a multi-modal rechargeable battery pack between one or more of a runtime mode, a lifespan mode, and a quick charge mode.
1. An apparatus comprising:
one or more processors;
a multi-modal battery pack having one or more battery cells therein; and
a program storage device housed within said multi-modal battery pack, the program storage device tangibly embodying a program of instructions that when executed by the one or more processors enables the multi-modal battery pack to:
automatically determine an appropriate charging mode; and
switch the one or more battery cells therein between charging modes, the charging modes comprising:
a lifespan mode wherein the one or more battery cells are fractionally charged;
a runtime mode wherein the one or more battery cells are charged; and
a quick charge mode wherein the one or more battery cells are charged in a compressed time period;
said apparatus further comprising one or more battery powered components operatively connected to the multi-modal battery pack.
2. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the program of instructions further enables the apparatus to:
consult a usage history; and
automatically determine an appropriate charging mode based on the usage history.
3. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is an automobile.
4. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the program of instructions further enables the apparatus to automatically alter a battery gauge appropriately for a selected mode.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the quick charge mode comprises a mode wherein the one or more battery cells are charged in a limited time period.
6. A multi-modal battery pack comprising:
one or more battery cells; and
a program storage device tangibly embodying a program of instructions, the program of instructions comprising:
program instructions configured to switch the multi-modal battery pack between charging modes, the charging modes comprising:
a lifespan mode wherein the one or more battery cells are fractionally charged;
a runtime mode wherein the one or more battery cells are charged; and
a quick charge mode wherein the one or more battery cells are charged in a compressed time period.
7. The battery pack according to claim 6 , wherein the program of instructions further comprises:
program instructions configured to consult a usage history; and
program instructions configured to automatically determine an appropriate charging mode based on the usage history.
8. The battery pack according to claim 6 , wherein the program of instructions further comprises:
program instructions configured to receive one or more user inputs for selecting a charging mode.
9. The battery pack according to claim 6 , wherein the program of instructions further comprises:
program instructions configured to automatically alter a battery gauge appropriately for a selected mode.
10. A tangible program storage device, readable by machine, embodying a program of instructions that when executed by a processor of the machine enables the machine to:
switch a multi-modal battery pack having one or more battery cells therein between charging modes, the charging modes comprising:
a lifespan mode wherein the one or more battery cells are fractionally charged;
a runtime mode wherein the one or more battery cells are charged; and
a quick charge mode wherein the one or more battery cells are charged in a compressed time period.
11. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the quick charge mode is user selectable.
12. The apparatus according to claim 11 , wherein the runtime mode and the lifespan mode are user selectable.
13. The apparatus according to claim 12 , wherein user selection switches to the quick charge mode.
14. The apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the apparatus is a notebook computer.