Unit automatically charges batteries to desired state-of-charge levels, monitors functional battery parameter data both on meters and printer, and automatically activates alarm in event of battery malfunctions. Unit consists of state-of-charge indicator panel, control panel, monitor panel, power panel, charging-current power supply, and load panel

Thomas, C. E.

English

NASA Technical Reports Server

April 1974	 ,	 B73-10486 
•	 NASA TECH BRIEF 
Marshall Space Flight Center 
NASA Tech Briefs announce new technology derived from the U.S. space program. They are issued to encourage 
commercial application. Tech Briefs are available on a subscription basis from the National Technical Information 
Service, Springfield, Virginia 22151. Requests for individual copies or questions relating to the Tech Brief program may 
be directed to the Technology Utilization Office, NASA, Code KT, Washington, D.C. 20546. 
Rechargeable, Silver-Zinc Battery Conditioner/Monitor 
Unit and State-of-Charge Indicator 
.
A new conditioner/monitor unit has been developed 
for use with rechargeable silver-zinc batteries. The unit 
automatically charges the batteries to the desired state-
of-charge levels, monitors functional battery parameter 
data both on meters and a printer, and automatically 
activates an alarm in the event of battery malfunctions. 
The unit consists of six assemblies: 
1. the state-of-charge indicator panel, 
2. the control panel, 
3. the monitor panel, 
4. the power panel, 
5. the charging-current power supply, and 
6. the load panel. 
The state-of-charge indicator-panel assembly computes 
the state-of-charge by summing the charging and dis-
charging ampere-hours. It provides output pulses for 
each predetermined incremented quantity of ampere-
hours applied to, or removed from a battery. The 
outputs from the state-of-charge assembly are applied 
to the monitor and control panels. 
The control-panel assembly provides both automatic 
and manual controls to determine the charging and 
discharging modes of a system. In addition, it determines 
charging-current magnitude. 
The monitor-panel assembly acquires, conditions, 
processes, and displays battery parameter data. It 
incorporates a multiplexer (scanner), which has 30 
channels (25 of which are used), to time share battery 
parameter data. In addition, a digital voltmeter is 
incorporated; it has a range of 0 to 19.999 volts and an 
accuracy of 0.01 percent. 
The power-panel assembly regulates the output volt-
age, limits the overload current, and protects against
overvoltage. It supplies three signals: (1) a +5-volt, dc, 
12-ampere supply; (2) a +15-volt, dc, 2-ampere supply; 
and (3) a -15-volt, dc, 2-ampere supply. 
The charging-current power-supply assembly has a 
21-ampere dc output. It is adjustable over the range of 
40 to 44 volts, dc, regulated to ±1 percent. 
The load-panel assembly provides a control for the 
input power to the charging-current power supply, 
switches a battery between the charger and the load, 
provides a load resistor for battery discharge, and 
regulates the charging current. 
The entire conditioner/monitor unit includes com-
mercially available assemblies to reduce overall system 
cost. Wherever possible, the system incorporates in-
tegrated circuits. 
Note: 
Requests for further information may be directed to: 
Technology Utilization Officer 
Marshall Space Flight Center 
Code A&PS-TU 
Marshall Space Flight Center, Alabama 35812 
Reference: B73-10486 
Patent status: 
NASA has decided not to apply for a patent. 
Source: C. E. Thomas of

Chrysler Corp.
under contract to

Marshall Space Flight Center 
(MFS-22835) 
This document was prepared under the sponsorship of the National 
Aeronautics and Space Administration. Neither the United States 
Government nor any person acting on behalf of the United States
Category 02 
Government assumes any liability resulting from the use of the 
information contained in this document, or warrants that such use 
will be free from privately owned rights.
I
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/search.jsp?R=19730000486 2020-03-17T07:34:36+00:00Z


Rechargeable, silver-zinc battery conditioner/monitor unit and state-of-charge indicator

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