Patent ID: 7427865
Filing Date: 2008-09-23
Classification: B60L,H01M,Y02E,Y02P,Y02T

Abstract:
1. A method for detecting a discharge condition fault in an electrical system of a vehicle or a piece of machinery, the electrical system receiving electrical energy from a multiple battery system and providing charging current to the multiple battery system, the multiple battery system including a first battery and a second battery, the first battery supplying electrical energy to the electrical system under normal operating conditions, the first battery and the second battery being electrically coupled to each other through a one-way charging circuit that allows the charging current to charge the second battery, but prevents the second battery from supplying electrical energy to the electrical system, when the first battery is supplying electrical energy to the electrical system, the method comprising: supplying electrical energy to the electrical system from the second battery so as to at least enable the vehicle or piece of machinery to start when the first battery does not have sufficient power to start the vehicle or piece of machinery; after the vehicle or piece of machinery has been started using the second battery, supplying electrical energy to the electrical system from the first battery; and determining a general operating fault in the electrical system in the event that the vehicle or piece of machinery stops running after the electrical system is supplied electrical energy from the first battery.