Patent ID: 6204645
Filing Date: 2001-03-20
Classification: G05F,Y10S

Abstract:
A battery charging controller for an electric generator comprising:A) an interim electric storage means for receiving electric energy generated by an electric generator and temporarily storing said energy,B) a controllable periodic electric charge drainage means for draining electric energy from said interim electric storage means into a battery,C) an estimating means for estimating a target voltage of said interim electric storage means which will result in maximum transfer of power from said electric generating unit, andD) a controller for:1) controlling said drainage means so as to maintain said interim electric storage means at said target voltage and2) providing at least three charging stages comprising:a) a bulk charging stage when the battery is a relatively low state of charge,b) an acceptance stage when the battery is at a relatively high state of charge, andc) a float stage when the battery is fully or approximately fully charged.