Patent ID: 8212412
Filing Date: 2012-07-03
Classification: H02J

Abstract:
1. A system for connecting first and second energy storage devices to a power converter having an output voltage that changes over time, the first energy storage device initially having a first voltage and the second energy storage device initially having a second voltage, the system comprising: a first switch for connecting the first energy storage device at the first voltage with a first output voltage of the power converter in response to a first signal; a second switch for connecting the second energy storage device at the second voltage with a second output voltage of the power converter in response to a second signal; and a controller connected to the power converter and to said first and second switches for comparing the first voltage of the first energy storage device with said first output voltage of the power converter and generating said first signal when said first output voltage and the first voltage are substantially equal and for comparing the second voltage of the second energy storage device with said second output voltage and generating said second signal when said second output voltage and the second voltage are substantially equal, whereas a consequence of generation of said first signal and second signal is that both the first energy storage device and the second energy storage device are connected to the power converter, and wherein said controller causes said power converter to operate so that said output voltage increases linearly from an initial output voltage to said first voltage and then to said second voltage.