Patent ID: 7505856
Filing Date: 2009-03-17
Classification: G01R

Abstract:
1. A storage battery comprising: a battery housing; a plurality of electrochemical cells in the battery housing electrically connected in series to a positive terminal of the battery and a negative terminal of the battery; a first Kelvin connection coupled to the positive terminal of the battery; a second Kelvin connection coupled to the negative terminal of the battery; and a battery test module mounted to the battery housing and electrically coupled to the positive and negative terminals through respective first and second Kelvin connections, wherein the battery test module is configured to automatically carry out a battery test when a voltage across the battery falls below a predetermined threshold, and wherein the battery test module is configured to automatically carry out the battery test by applying, when the voltage across the battery falls below the predetermined threshold, a signal to the storage battery through the first Kelvin connection and the second Kelvin connection, wherein the battery test module is integrated with the storage battery, and wherein the battery test is carried out automatically in response to real-time battery voltage measurements carried out by the integrated battery test module independently of any testing of external components that may be connected to the storage battery.