Patent ID: 6184656
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: B60L,H01M,H02J,Y02E,Y02T

Abstract:
An energy management system for use with an electrically powered apparatus, the system comprising:a number of battery control modules on the apparatus, wherein each battery control module includes:means for monitoring at least one operating parameter of an electric power source for the apparatus selected from the group consisting of a battery pack, at least one battery in a battery pack, at least one cell in a battery, and combinations thereof; andat least one device selected from the group consisting of a radio frequency signal receiving means, a radio frequency transmitting means, a location indicating device, a memory device, a control device, a controller, and combinations thereof; anda control unit on the apparatus configured to communicate with the battery control modules by radio frequency signal, wherein the control unit includes at least one device selected from the group consisting of a radio frequency signal receiving device, a radio frequency signal transmitting device, a controller, and combinations thereof;wherein the battery control modules and the control unit are connected to a common conductive transmission medium used to connect an electric power source to a power handling device in the electrically powered apparatus to facilitate radio frequency communication.