Patent ID: 6534950
Filing Date: 2003-03-18
Classification: H01M,H02J,Y02E

Abstract:
A method of controlling the charging characteristics of a hybrid power supply apparatus comprising a current generating device and an energy storage device, the energy storage device being connectable to an external load, said method comprising:(a) repeatedly determining the state of charge of said energy storage device; (b) operating said current generating device during an operating period to produce an output current for delivery to said energy storage device; (c) repeatedly comparing the state of charge determined in step (a) to a predetermined set of target state of charge set points for said energy storage device; and (d) adjusting said output current of said current generating device by a predetermined increment whenever the state of charge of said energy storage device approximates one of said target set points, wherein said predetermined increment is sufficiently large in magnitude such that the frequency of adjustment of said output current is minimized during said operating period notwithstanding fluctuations in the power demands of said load.