Patent ID: 6388427
Filing Date: 2002-05-14
Classification: H01M,H02J,Y02E

Abstract:
A method of charging a nickel-hydrogen battery which includes a positive electrode, a negative electrode, and an electrolyte, after the battery has been subject to discharge, the method comprising the steps of:(a) subjecting said battery to a high charge rate for a period until the battery temperature increases at least &Dgr;T1, where &Dgr;T1 is about 2Â° C., over the local minimum battery temperature; (b) switching the battery charge level to a lower rate of charge than in step (a) for a period until the battery temperature increases at least &Dgr;T2, where &Dgr;T2 is about 2Â° C., over the local minimum battery temperature; (c) switching the battery charge level to a trickle rate which is lower than step (b) for a period up to about 30 to 60 minutes before a next scheduled eclipse; and thereafter (d) switching the battery to a pulse charge equivalent to the high charge rate of step (a).