Motorola Solutions, Inc.
METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING CHARGE CURRENT IN A BATTERY PACK CONTAINING CELLS OF DISPARATE TYPES

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus for controlling charge current in a battery pack containing cells of disparate types are disclosed. The methods include receiving a charge current for charging a battery pack that includes one or more battery cells of a first cell type, and one or more battery cells of a second cell type. Each battery cell of the first cell type has a first impedance and a first charge current limit. Each battery cell of the second cell type has a second impedance greater than the first impedance and a second charge current limit greater than the first charge current limit. The methods include reducing, by a respective current control circuit associated with each battery cell of the first cell type, the amount of the received charge current through the battery cell of the first cell type to an amount less than the first charge current limit.