Abstract:
A multiple battery system and method for starting internal combustion engines, such as on a boat or vehicle, and for powering auxiliary functions that operate primarily when the engine is not running is disclosed. A first battery is used for starting the engine. A second battery is used to power the auxiliary features associated with the boat or vehicle primarily when the engine is not running. The first battery, referred to as the starter battery, is a high output battery that produces high bursts of energy for limited amounts of time. The second battery, referred to as the auxiliary battery, has a low power output over a fairly long period of time, is capable of being completely drained without harming the battery, and is capable of being fully recharged. The starter battery and the auxiliary battery are connected by a circuit that has an on/off switch controlled by an electronics control module. The auxiliary battery is always on line in the circuit. The electronics control module monitors the circuit to detect certain parameters, such as a start engine event. When a start engine event is detected, the electronics control module connects the starter battery to the circuit with the switch. When the start event is over, the electronics control module disconnects the starter battery from the circuit with the switch. Thus, the electronics control module prevents the starter battery from being drained when power is being drawn from the auxiliary battery during non-start events.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to batteries and more particularly to batteries used to start internal combustion engines. Even more particularly, the invention relates to batteries used to start internal combustion engines that also provide power for auxiliary functions when the engine is off. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Presently, many types of boats and vehicles, such as recreational vehicles, ambulances, police cars, fire trucks, tow trucks, and semi tractor-trailer trucks, are normally powered with a single battery or a bank of batteries. The term “battery” as used in this application refers to any electrical energy storage device including, but not limited to, a battery, a capacitor, a super capacitor, etc. The operator of the boat or vehicle may periodically turn off the engine and continue to use the battery to power auxiliary features of the boat or vehicle, such as, but not limited to, lights, two-way radio, telephone, stereo, television, loud speaker, electric blanket, pump, tail gate lift, and/or winch. Since the boat or vehicle engine is not running, the alternator is not recharging the battery while the operator is using these auxiliary features. The battery is continuously drained while powering these auxiliary features. If the battery is drained too much, there may be insufficient power remaining to restart the engine of the boat or vehicle. 
     Traditionally, in such instances where there is not enough power to restart the engine, or in the case where the battery has gone completely dead, the operator of the boat or vehicle has several options to choose from to restart the engine. First, the operator could simply replace the battery. But unless the operator has a spare battery on the boat or vehicle, getting a new battery may be difficult to do, especially if the operator is stranded in a remote location. Second, the operator could try to “jumpstart” the dead or weak battery. Jumpstarting involves attaching jumper cables between the battery of a second boat or vehicle that is running to the dead or weak battery. This solution puts the operator at the mercy of a passing boater or motorist, or having to wait until a tow truck or rescue boat can be summoned. Thirdly, in a similar jumpstarting operation, the operator could attach a portable power supply to jumpstart the dead or weak battery. Such portable power supplies are known, for example, from U.S. Pat. No. 5,589,292 and U.S. Pat. No. 5,993,983. However, this solution requires the expense of purchasing the portable power supply, the operator must remember to keep the portable power supply in the boat or vehicle, and after one or more uses, the operator must remember to recharge the portable power supply. 
     In the absence of being prepared to utilize the above mentioned solutions, the operator should only use the auxiliary features of the boat or vehicle for a limited amount of time while the engine is not running to ensure that enough power will be available in the battery to start the engine. However, this is problematic because the operator will only be able to use the boat or vehicle&#39;s auxiliary features for a limited amount of time. In addition, it may be difficult for the operator to judge how long the boat or vehicle&#39;s auxiliary features powered by the battery may be used and still leave enough power to start the engine. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Therefore, it is an aspect of the present invention to provide a multiple battery system and method to provide assured power for starting internal combustion engines. 
     It is another aspect of the present invention to provide a multiple battery system and method to start internal combustion engines and provide maximum power to auxiliary functions when the engine is not running. 
     It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a multiple battery system and method where a first battery is used to start an internal combustion engine and a second battery is used to power auxiliary functions when the engine is not running. 
     Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a multiple battery system and method where a first battery used to start an internal combustion engine is switchably connected to a second battery used to power auxiliary functions when the engine is not running. 
     Yet still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a multiple battery system and method that automatically selects between a first battery and a second battery by monitoring circuit parameters. 
     A further aspect of the present invention is to provide a multiple battery system and method where additional batteries may be connected to the multiple battery system. 
     A still further aspect of the present invention is to provide a multiple battery system and method that displays the charge status of a first battery and the charge status of a second or more batteries in the multiple battery system. 
     It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a multiple battery system and method that displays the charge status of a first battery and the charge status of a second battery in the multiple battery system, and the charge status of additional batteries connectable to the multiple battery system. 
     It is yet another aspect of the present invention to provide a multiple battery system and method that optimizes recharging of a first battery and optimizes recharging of a second battery in the multiple battery system. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a multiple battery system and method that optimizes recharging of a first battery and optimizes recharging of a second battery in the multiple battery system, and optimizes the recharging of additional batteries connectable to the multiple battery system. 
     Another aspect of the invention is to provide a multiple battery system and method that controls the discharge of one or more batteries in a multiple battery system. 
     Another aspect of the invention is to provide for the assurance of starting power by maintaining a high state of charge of a first battery of a multiple battery system by charging the first battery from a second or additional batteries during periods of non-operation of an internal combustion engine and charging system. 
     The present invention achieves one or more of these aspects by providing a multiple battery system and method for starting internal combustion engines, such as on a boat or vehicle, and powering auxiliary functions that operate primarily when the engine is not running. A first battery is used for starting the engine. A second battery is used to power the auxiliary features associated with the boat or vehicle. This invention permits an operator of the boat or vehicle to use all or nearly all of the power in the boat&#39;s second battery while the engine is turned off. The first battery, referred to as the starter battery, is used to start the engine. In one aspect of the invention, the starter battery is a thin metal film battery (“TMF®” battery) described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,047,300 which is herein incorporated by reference for all that is taught and disclosed therein. The TMF® battery is a high output battery that produces high bursts of energy for limited amounts of time. 
     The second battery, referred to as the auxiliary battery, is used to power auxiliary features and functions when the engine is not running. In one aspect of the invention, the auxiliary battery is a standard deep cycle battery. A deep cycle battery has a low power output over a fairly long period of time, is capable of being completely drained without harming the battery, and is capable of being fully recharged. The starter battery and the auxiliary battery are connected by a circuit that has an on/off switch controlled by an electronics control module. The auxiliary battery is typically on line in the circuit. The electronics control module monitors the circuit to detect a start engine event. When a start engine event is detected, the electronics control module connects the starter battery to the circuit with the switch. When the start event is over, and/or a controlled amount of recharge has occurred, the electronics control module disconnects the starter battery from the circuit with the switch. Thus, the electronics control module prevents the starter battery from being drained when power is being drawn from the auxiliary battery during non-start events. 
     In different embodiments, the multiple battery system of the present invention may have a display to show the amount of power remaining in the auxiliary battery. The display may be one or more LED lights, a liquid crystal display, or any other suitable visual display device. In addition, the multiple battery system may have a test button which allows a user to test the amount of power remaining in the starter battery. Finally, the multiple battery system may have a cable connection which permits the operator to connect an external display device to the dual battery, whereby the external display shows information regarding the status of the starter battery and the auxiliary battery. An audible beep or tone may also be utilized to indicate battery status. 
     In use, the starter battery and the auxiliary battery are initially fully charged. When the boat or vehicle engine is running, the alternator charges both the starter battery and the auxiliary battery. When the boat or vehicle engine is turned off, the circuit switch between the starter battery and the auxiliary battery removes the starter battery from the circuit so that neither the direct current loads and/or the auxiliary battery can drain power from the starter battery. The operator can then use the auxiliary features and functions on the boat or vehicle, powering these features and functions with the auxiliary battery. However, the operator does not have to worry about conserving enough power in the auxiliary battery to start the engine, but can power the auxiliary features and functions until the auxiliary battery is fully drained and the features cease to work. Then, when the operator wants to start the engine, the electronics control module detects the start event and connects the starter battery to the circuit with the switch and the starter battery starts the engine. When the engine is running, the alternator once again recharges both the starter battery and the auxiliary battery. Therefore, since the auxiliary battery is not needed to start the engine, there is no danger that the operator may use too much power from the auxiliary battery and thus be unable to start the engine. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The above and other aspects, features, and advantages of the invention will be better understood by reading the following more particular description of the invention, presented in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein: 
     FIG. 1 shows a schematic/block diagram of the multiple battery system of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 shows a schematic/block diagram of the multiple battery system of the present invention with one or more additional connected batteries; 
     FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the multiple battery system of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1 connected to a boat or vehicle electrical power system; 
     FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the multiple battery system of the present invention with one or more additional connected batteries as shown in FIG. 2 connected to a boat or vehicle electrical power system; 
     FIG. 5 shows a representation of a remote display panel of the multiple battery system of the present invention as shown in FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 6 shows another representation of a remote display panel of the multiple battery system of the present invention as shown in FIG. 3; 
     FIG. 7 shows another representation of a remote display panel of the multiple battery system of the present invention having one or more additional connected batteries as shown in FIG. 4; and 
     FIG. 8 is a flow chart of the multiple battery method of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following description is of the best presently contemplated mode of carrying out he present invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of describing the general principles of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined by referencing the appended claims. 
     FIG. 1 shows a schematic/block diagram of the multiple battery system of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 1, multiple battery system  100  has starter battery  102  and auxiliary battery  104  connected by parallel circuit  106 . Starter battery  102  is typically a high output, low impedance battery, such as a TMF® battery. Auxiliary battery  104  is a typically a deep cycle battery which provides low power output over an extended period of time. 
     Electronics control module  108  monitors parallel circuit  106  for various parameters, including a start event. Electronics control module  108  may be a microprocessor, PROM, EPROM, or any other suitable processing device. Electronics control module  108  receives current input  116  from shunt  114 , and voltage input  118  from starter battery  102 . Upon detecting a start event, electronics control module  108  sends a close switch signal via switch control  120  to high current switch  122 , connecting starter battery  102  to parallel circuit  106 . Between positive terminal  110  and negative terminal  112  is starter and auxiliary electrical loads  128 . 
     Electronics control module  108  can control the discharge of starter battery  102  and auxiliary battery  104 . The amount of discharge of starter battery  102  may be restricted by electronics control module  108  sending an open switch signal at a predetermined time or based upon monitored parameters. Electronics control module  108  may control the discharge of auxiliary battery  104  in a similar fashion. 
     The display  124  displays the charge status of starter battery  102  and auxiliary battery  104 . Connector interface  126  allows a cable to be connected to multiple battery system  100  that connects to a remote display panel (not shown in FIG.  1 ). The remote display panel may be positioned in a place convenient to the operator, such as an existing instrument panel, in order to more conveniently display the charge status of starter battery  102  and auxiliary battery  104 . 
     Electronics control module  108  also monitors parallel circuit  106  to determine when charging current is available. If either starter battery  102  or auxiliary battery  104  needs recharging, electronics control module  108  optimizes the recharging process by maintaining an optimal recharge protocol and decreasing the current as battery  102  or auxiliary battery  104  charge back up. For example, starter battery  102  may be charged by auxiliary battery  104  during periods of non-operation of the vehicle or boat engine and charging system. Electronics control module  108  controls the electronic voltage conversion from a level achieved during discharge of auxiliary battery  104  to a higher voltage required to charge starter battery  102 . In another embodiment, the operating voltage of starter battery  102  is less than auxiliary battery  104 . This may be achieved by a reduction in the number of cells in starter battery  102  from six to five, or in the more generic case, from n to n−1 cells. The charging current is controlled by electronics control module  108  opening and closing a switch within electronics control module  108  as appropriate to the state of charge of starter battery  102 . 
     FIG. 2 shows a schematic/block diagram of the multiple battery system of the present invention with one or more additional connected batteries. Referring now to FIG. 2, multiple battery system  200  has components  202  through  228  that correspond to similarly identified components  102  through  128  in FIG. 1, including starter battery  202 , auxiliary battery  204 , parallel circuit  206 , electronics control module  208 , positive terminal  210 , negative terminal  212 , shunt  214 , current input  216 , voltage input  218 , switch control  220 , high current switch  222 , display  224 , connector interface  226 , and starter and auxiliary electrical loads  228 . In addition, multiple battery system  200  has additional terminals  230  and  232  between which one or more additional batteries  234  are connected in parallel to starter battery  202  and auxiliary battery  204  in parallel circuit  206 . Electronics control module  208  receives additional voltage inputs  236 . Electronics control module  208  can send close switch and open switch signals via switch control  238  and switch control  240  to high current switches  242  and  244  in order connect or disconnect auxiliary battery  204  or additional batteries  234  to parallel circuit  206 . Electronics control module  208  can control the discharge of starter battery  202 , auxiliary battery  204 , and additional batteries  234 . The amount of discharge of starter battery  202  may be restricted by electronics control module  208  sending an open switch signal at a predetermined time or based upon monitored parameters. Electronics control module  208  may control the discharge of auxiliary battery  204  in a similar fashion. The passage of energy from auxiliary battery  204  to additional batteries  234  or their electrical loads may also be controlled by electronics control module  208  to optimize the availability of energy from auxiliary battery  204  based on the priority of electrical loads connected to auxiliary battery  204 . 
     Electronics control module  208  can also optimize the recharging of starter battery  202 , auxiliary battery  204 , and additional batteries  234  in the similar manner described above. For example, starter battery  202  may be charged by auxiliary battery  204  or additional batteries  234  during periods of non-operation of the vehicle or boat engine and charging system. Electronics control module  208  controls the electronic voltage conversion from a level achieved during discharge of auxiliary battery  204  to a higher voltage required to charge starter battery  202 . In another embodiment, the operating voltage of starter battery  202  is less than auxiliary battery  204  or additional batteries  234 . This may be achieved by a reduction in the number of cells in starter battery  202  from six to five, or in the more generic case, from n to n−1 cells. The charging current is controlled by electronics control module  208  opening and closing a switch within electronics control module  208  as appropriate to the state of charge of starter battery  202 . 
     FIG. 3 shows a schematic diagram of the multiple battery system of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1 connected to a boat or vehicle electrical power system. Referring now to FIG. 3, multiple battery system  300  has upper housing  302  and lower housing  304 . Lower housing  304  contains auxiliary battery  104  (FIG.  1 ). Upper housing  302  contains starter battery  102 , electronics control module  108 , and high current switch  122  (FIG.  1 ). Positive terminal  306  and negative terminal  308  each have a wing nut  310  for securing a cable  312 . The terminal ends of each cable (not shown in FIG. 3) are connected to the electrical power system of a boat or vehicle (also not shown in FIG.  3 ). 
     Connecter interface  314  receives remote display panel cable  316 . The terminal end of remote display panel cable  316  (not shown in FIG. 3) connects to a remote panel display (also not shown in FIG.  3 ). Auxiliary battery display  318  and starter battery display  320  provide visual information regarding the charge of each battery. To avoid inadvertent battery drain when the boat or vehicle is put into storage for an extended period of time, multiple battery system  300  may have storage mode switch  322 , which when pressed, disconnects multiple battery system  300  from all electrical loads. 
     Multiple battery system  300  is shown in FIG. 3 as one integral unit containing auxiliary battery  104  and starter battery  102 . One skilled in the art will recognize that auxiliary battery  104  or starter battery  102  or both may be located external to the rest of the components of multiple battery system  300 . 
     FIG. 4 shows a schematic diagram of the multiple battery system of the present invention with one or more additional connected batteries as shown in FIG. 2 connected to a boat or vehicle electrical power system. Referring now to FIG. 4, multiple battery system  400  has components  402  through  422  that correspond to similarly identified components  302  through  322  in FIG. 3, including top housing  402 , bottom housing  404 , positive terminal  406 , negative terminal  408 , wing nuts  410 , starter cables  412 , connector interface  414 , remote display panel cable  416 , auxiliary battery display  418 , starter battery display  420 , storage mode switch  422 . Upper housing  402  contains starter battery  102  and lower housing  404  contains auxiliary battery  104  (FIG.  1 ). In addition, multiple battery system  400  has additional terminal  424  and terminal  426  (not visible in FIG. 4) between which one or more additional batteries  430  are connected via connector cables  428 . Only one additional battery  430  is shown in FIG.  4 . 
     Multiple battery system  400  is shown in FIG. 4 as one integral unit containing auxiliary battery  104  and starter battery  102 . One skilled in the art will recognize that auxiliary battery  104  or starter battery  102  or both may be located external to the rest of the components of multiple battery system  400 . 
     FIG. 5 shows a representation of a remote display panel of the multiple battery system of the present invention as shown in FIG.  3 . Referring now to FIG. 5, remote display panel  500  is connected via remote display panel cable  316  to multiple battery system  300  (FIG.  3 ). Pressing activate button  502  sends a signal to the electronics control module triggering an output signal sent back to remote display panel  500  regarding the status of the starter battery. If the starter battery needs recharging, then the signal sent back from the electronics control module will activate needs recharging indicator  504 . If the starter battery is usable, then the signal sent back from the electronics control module will activate usable indicator  506 . If the starter battery is fully charged, then the signal sent back from the electronics control module will activate fully charged indicator  508 . If the auxiliary battery should become fully discharged, an audible beep or tone from speaker  510  will sound, indicating to the operator that the auxiliary battery needs to be recharged immediately. 
     FIG. 6 shows another representation of a remote display panel of the multiple battery system of the present invention as shown in FIG.  3 . Referring now to FIG. 6, remote display panel  600  is connected via remote display panel cable  316  to multiple battery system  300  (FIG.  3 ). Pressing activate button  602  sends a signal to the electronics control module triggering an output signal sent back to starter battery section  604  of remote display panel  600  regarding the status of the starter battery. If the starter battery needs recharging, then the signal sent back from the electronics control module will activate needs recharging indicator  606 . If the starter battery is usable, then the signal sent back from the electronics control module will activate usable indicator  608 . If the starter battery is fully charged, then the signal sent back from the electronics control module will activate fully charged indicator  610 . If the auxiliary battery should become fully discharged, an audible beep from speaker  612  will sound, indicating to the operator that the auxiliary battery needs to be recharged immediately. 
     Pressing activate button  614  sends a signal to the electronics control module triggering an output signal sent back to auxiliary battery section  616  of remote display panel  600  regarding the status of the auxiliary battery. If the auxiliary battery needs recharging, then the signal sent back from the electronics control module will activate needs recharging indicator  618 . If the auxiliary battery is usable, then the signal sent back from the electronics control module will activate usable indicator  620 . If the auxiliary battery is fully charged, then the signal sent back from the electronics control module will activate fully charged indicator  622 . 
     FIG. 7 shows another representation of a remote display panel of the multiple battery system of the present invention having one or more additional connected batteries as shown in FIG.  4 . Referring now to FIG. 7, remote display panel  700  is connected via remote display panel cable  416  to multiple battery system  400  (FIG.  4 ). Pressing activate button  702  sends a signal to the electronics control module triggering an output signal sent back to starter battery section  704  of remote display panel  700  regarding the status of the starter battery. If the starter battery needs recharging, then the signal sent back from the electronics control module will activate needs recharging indicator  706 . If the starter battery is usable, then the signal sent back from the electronics control module will activate usable indicator  708 . If the starter battery is fully charged, then the signal sent back from the electronics control module will activate fully charged indicator  710 . If the auxiliary battery should become fully discharged, an audible beep from speaker  712  will sound, indicating to the operator that the auxiliary battery needs to be recharged immediately. 
     Pressing activate button  714  sends a signal to the electronics control module triggering an output signal sent back to auxiliary battery section  716  of remote display panel  700  regarding the status of the auxiliary battery. If the auxiliary battery needs recharging, then the signal sent back from the electronics control module will activate needs recharging indicator  718 . If the auxiliary battery is usable, then the signal sent back from the electronics control module will activate usable indicator  720 . If the auxiliary battery is fully charged, then the signal sent back from the electronics control module will activate fully charged indicator  722 . 
     Pressing activate button  724  sends a signal to the electronics control module triggering an output signal sent back to additional battery section  726  of remote display panel  700  regarding the status of the additional battery. If the additional battery needs recharging, then the signal sent back from the electronics control module will activate needs recharging indicator  728 . If the additional battery is usable, then the signal sent back from the electronics control module will activate usable indicator  730 . If the additional battery is fully charged, then the signal sent back from the electronics control module will activate fully charged indicator  732 . 
     FIG. 8 is a flow chart of the multiple battery method of the present invention. Referring now to FIG. 8, in step  800  the multiple battery is connected to the electrical power system of a boat or vehicle, activating the electronics control module. In step  802  the electronics control module begins monitoring the parallel circuit for triggering events and waits for user input from the remote display panel. If in step  804  it is determined that no triggering event occurred and no user input was received, then control returns to step  802 . If step  804  determines that user input was received, then step  806  determines if the user input was a starter battery button down input (a signal generated when the user presses the starter battery button on the remote display panel and is received in the electronics control module), auxiliary battery button down input (a signal generated when the user presses the auxiliary battery button on the remote display panel and is received in the electronics control module), or additional battery button down input (a signal generated when the user presses the additional battery button on the remote display panel and is received in the electronics control module). 
     If starter battery button down input was received in step  806 , then in step  808  the electronics control module checks the charge status of the starter battery and returns a signal indicating that status to the starter battery section of the remote display panel, activating the appropriate indicator. If auxiliary battery button down input was received in step  806 , then in step  810  the electronics control module checks the charge status of the auxiliary battery and returns a signal indicating that status to the auxiliary battery section of the remote display panel, activating the appropriate indicator. Similarly, if additional battery button down input was received in step  806 , then in step  812  the electronics control module checks the charge status of the additional battery and returns a signal indicating that status to the additional battery section of the remote display panel, activating the appropriate indicator. After any of steps  808 ,  810 , or  812 , control then passes to step  822 . 
     If step  804  determines that a triggering event was detected, then step  814  determines if the triggering event was a start event, an engine running event, or a recharge event. If a start event was detected in step  814 , then in step  816  the electronics control module sends an on signal to a switch that connects the starter battery to the parallel circuit. If an engine running event was detected step  814 , then in step  818  the electronics control module sends an off signal to a switch that disconnects the starter battery from the parallel circuit. Similarly, if a recharge event was detected in step  814 , then in step  820  the electronics control module optimizes the recharging of the starter battery, the auxiliary battery, or the additional battery. After any of steps  816 ,  818 , or  820 , control then passes to step  822 . 
     Step  822  determines if the battery is still connected to the electrical loads. If yes, control returns to step  802 . If not, such as when storage mode switch  322  (FIG. 3) or storage mode switch  422  (FIG. 4) are pressed, the multiple battery method ends. 
     Having described a presently preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the present invention, as defined in the claims. The disclosures and the description herein are intended to be illustrative and are not in any sense limiting of the invention, defined in scope by the following claims.