Patent ID: 7629770
Filing Date: 2009-12-08
Classification: B60L,B60W,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A controller for controlling output of discharge power from a rechargeable battery, the controller comprising: a voltage measurement unit for measuring terminal voltage of the rechargeable battery; and a control unit for setting a plurality of output maximum values, each indicating an upper limit for discharge power allowed to be output from the rechargeable battery during a different predetermined time, in which the output maximum values are set as P wherein the control unit compares the terminal voltage of the rechargeable battery with a plurality of reference voltages respectively corresponding to the plurality of output maximum values, the control unit is configured to lower each output maximum value when the terminal voltage of the rechargeable battery decreases to the corresponding reference voltage, the reference voltages are set as V wherein the plurality of output maximum values includes a first output maximum value, which is an upper limit for discharge power allowed to be output from the rechargeable battery during a first predetermined time, and a second output maximum value, which is smaller than the first output maximum value and which is an upper limit for discharge power allowed to be output from the rechargeable battery during a second predetermined time longer than the first predetermined time; and the plurality of reference voltages includes a first reference voltage, which corresponds to the first output maximum value, and a second reference voltage, which corresponds to the second output maximum value and is less than or equal to the first reference voltage.