Switched capacitor system for automatic battery equalization

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD [Detailed description of the invention]

Switch Tokiya Pasita system for automatic equalization of battery Technical field to which the invention belongs The present invention relates to a system and method for battery equalization. In particular, the present invention is With respect to such a system combined with an energy storage element. Background technology of the invention Battery series connections are widely used in the telephone industry, utility industry, and military applications There is. Series-connected products will be used in future electric vehicles and new power backup applications Expected to be done. The ability to uniformly charge the battery with such a connection It is very important in these situations. If the series connection is charged as one unit, a small amount between the batteries Charging imbalance occurs due to imbalance or temperature difference. Once an imbalance occurs, it is time Tends to grow over time. In an attempt to correct the imbalance, "charge e" The qualization) cycle must be used. Such a process is the same. Distorts and shortens its life (at a magnification of 3x or more in some applications) And it has been recognized that it is not always effective. Only recently have we come to consider imbalance as a major limiting factor, Users of series battery are early aware of unbalanced charging issues associated with series charging It was attached. The extent of the problem depends on the particular application. The telephone industry commonly uses at least 24 cell series connections .. One or more cells often fail prematurely, but are unbalanced May be due to the result of long-term continuation. One electric vehicle planned for commercial introduction at the end of 1996 is 15 in series Use more than 0 cells. If such a vehicle is about to be commercially successful If so, this imbalance problem must be minimized or eliminated. During the charging process, unbalanced, some cells are undercharged while others are overcharged. To. Local undercharging is a problem as the operation of series-connected products is restricted by the weakest cells Is. Expectations for fast charging capabilities exacerbate problems caused by imbalance in the electric vehicle industry Let me. Fast charging produces less imbalance than slow "trickle" charging It is well known that it seems to be. Even if the balance is several tens of millivolts, the charging process The imbalance increases over time as it tends to change. In fact, periodic charge equilibration, or "equalization," to avoid long-term severe imbalances. (equalization) must be performed. Equalization most often extends the charging process. It is done by skipping. Using this method, the cell with the highest voltage is forced Cells with lower voltage while being overcharged are brought to full charge. Lead acid, nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride (n) With ickel-metal hydride) and other regular rechargeable technologies The overcharging process produces hydrogen gas and tends to remove water from the tallest cells .. When the cycle is repeated, not only the side effects of the overcharging process but also the loss of water deteriorates the performance. The service life of the cell is shortened. Many battery makers have one container through a gas and moisture exchange mechanism Attempts to minimize imbalance defects in the (single package). In this way There is a limit, but it is a series connection in a separate battery container instead of a separate cell Makes it possible. In lead-acid batteries, 10-volt or 12-volt containers are internally balanced for the purpose of equalization. It is often treated as if it were made. Due to narrow error and high cost with current technology It is not possible to effectively support the equalization of each cell. The method of intentionally lengthening the charge is called "passive equalization". In the literature, recent Within a few years, active equalization has been proposed. US Electric issued in February 1993 Journal of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE Trans), Industrial Electronics Division (Indus.Electronics), 40 Volume 1, pp. 96-104, S. Hung, DC Hopkin "DCHopkins", "CR Mosling" "charge equalization system" Extension of Battery Life via Charge Equal ization Control) explained three options. The first option is to divert the charging current of the high charging battery (divert charg). ing current around high batteries). This process causes energy loss and is effective Can only be used when rate is not important. This is because the excess charge is consumed as heat. The method is impractical for industrial and commercial use. The second option selectively charges weaker cells using a set of power converters Is sent. The third option is a stronger cross using one set of power converters Divert charge away from the terry, but connect the energy in series Return to the entire product to minimize loss. The second and third methods are expensive and long Precise control is required to balance the battery voltage of the connected product. One reported method is based on the second proactive method specified above ing. This technique uses a special transformer to achieve precise equilibrium for equalization purposes. To use. The error content and costs associated with this method are especially for automobiles and communication systems. This is a significant drawback in such mass-produced and cost-sensitive applications. Because of the complexity, the technology It seems unlikely that it can be extended to cell-by-cell equalization. Another method under development is directed to a third aggressive method. as a result, A separate switch-type power converter is provided for each battery. This is costly And due to the possibility of disproportionate between transducers, long connections have limited practical value Absent. A fourth aggressive method has been granted to GL Brainard Found in US Pat. Nos. 5,479,083. According to this method, the back booth Buck-boost type DC-DC switch type power converter is connected in series 2 Connected for energy transfer within two adjacent batteries. Brainard's transducers detect voltage differences between adjacent batteries The inductor current of the converter is detected, and the voltage difference causes the inductor. If a feedback control system is used to change the current, the equalization function It is possible to bring. This type of multi-type converter has a tight switch operation When coordinated, the entire series connection can be equalized. An important limitation of this fourth method is the need for very precise control. Half cycle The durations of two separate clock signals are closely balanced during a phase shift The switch signal must be deployed as such. Switch Small imbalances in parts or timing can also result in large inductor currents or Feedback control is needed as it can even cause magnetic saturation. To. Brainard persists virtually evenly in Nos. 5, 479, 083 It expresses the need for a time signal. Another limitation of the fourth method is that the control operation does not naturally reach the condition of zero. When the battery is precisely balanced, the transducer still exchanges some energy. It is that you are. This small continuous exchange consumes energy. One more The limitation is on the value of the part. Specific a to the given clock frequency and equalization current A dactor value is required. The control has a narrow range to ensure successful equalization operation You must maintain your driving within. All prior art methods except the fourth aggressive method are only at the end of the charging process. Do not perform equalization action. Until at least one battery reaches a fully charged state The equalization operation cannot be started, and it ends until all batteries reach full charge. I can't. Applications in electric vehicles many times without the battery reaching full charge This is an important case of repeating the cycle of. Usually, quick charge is for full charge Is not practical, because it is inefficient at high charge levels. The vehicle parked Slow charging method has enough time to complete the equalization process while It may not be. Thus, a cost-effective and reliable battery equalization system and its methods. There is still a need for. No need to reach complicated circuits and some Battery equalization without the need to shorten the cell life It is preferable to achieve improvement. Practical equipment and methods are during the charging cycle, battery discharge, or idle time. It should be possible to equalize the battery in. Easy and reliable It is very difficult to avoid sensors and tight control in order to make inexpensive equalization circuits. desirable. Preferably the energy of the battery is exchanged when the equalization process is complete. Should not be. Preferred equipment and methods are slightly modified over a wide range of conditions. Good to work without change. Outline of the invention Switched c apacitor) and its methods provide improved battery life. Ki A group of Yapasita shifts charge between adjacent butterries connected in series Used for. Instead, each capacita has one battery backing the other Used to shift charge between two batteries arranged to be up You can. When the capacita is repeatedly switched back and forth, the capacita is of any length. Bring the battery voltage of the series connection product to the same value. The equality is the value of Capashita , Switch speed, component values, charge levels, and even battery chemistry It is irrelevant. The method can be carried out with inexpensive parts. With many applications, the battery life is 2 It is expected to be stretched at a magnification of 2 times or more. Highly stressful like an electric car In applied products, the extension of battery life is even more pronounced. This growth is all It substantially reduces the cost of the body system. According to the present invention, if the two batteries have unbalanced voltages For example, the capacita that is switched between them is powered by a higher voltage battery. Unload and send charge to the lower voltage battery. The switch process is high When implemented at frequency, considerable charge redistribution occurs, at time intervals of minutes or hours. Equalization occurs. The value of the capacita is not related to the final result, only to the percentage of charge exchanged. To do. The switch process must be fast, and as the current decreases to zero The switch must exhibit a voltage drop of virtually zero, except that the switch must exhibit a voltage drop of virtually zero. The Tutsi process is not important. When these requirements are met, the process is expected to last It brings about the voltage equalization between batteries that accompanies the growth of life. The system and method can be used regardless of battery technology. Chemical reaction, made Voltages are balanced between adjacent butterries regardless of manufacturer or capacity. This switch-to-capsita (or capsitter inductor) method is a long series. It can be used in the battery of connections or in individual cells without limitation. Series N (n) ) In the case of battery, a series of N (n) -one capacita is adjacent to the cell You can switch back and forth between them. The capacitas charge between adjacent batteries until they show the same voltage. Because it is converted, other voltages for all batteries are caught throughout the series of capacitas. Redistribute the charge until they meet. A similar view combines capacitive and inductive accumulation factors It also holds true in the system. One aspect of the present invention is that a plurality of identical equalization modules can be provided. is there. The module can be connected to multiple batteries to be equalized. Yet another aspect of the invention provides a rechargeable vehicle drive system. .. The other provides a backup system for telecommunications. The system and method provide an inexpensive implementation. Conventional power Mosev ET (MOSFETs) meet the demands of switch hardware Will do it. Its rating and capacity are not important and low cost devices can be adapted. Basic The retail price of typical MOS FETs is now one unit It is close to about 60 yen ($ 0.5). Each switch has a single battery voltage, although it is rarely higher than 12 volts. Should be stopped. The capacita also only requires a 12 volt rating, but it is expensive. It should be selected for good reliability and long life. A suitable capacita value is 20 It ranges from microfarads to 1000 microfarads. These values are current This is a value that is often seen in existing mass-produced capacitas. Control of the switch can be carried out in various ways. Both optical and magnetic coupling The method is available. In most cases no separate control unit is required, but control elements Can be achieved with an inexpensive programmed microprocessor. The advantages of this system and method are as follows, 1. Precise equalization is achieved without the need for element balancing and narrow errors. this is It stands out as an aggressive method that can only be equalized if several different circuits are precisely balanced. It is a contrast. 2. No need to use sensors. 3. No need for closed loop control. 4. The same method can be used in almost any condition. For example, Suitsuchi Tokiyapashi The circuit for equalization is lead-acid battery, nickel-cadmium battery, nickel-metal. Works with hydride batteries, or other conventional rechargeable chemicals. Any kind No changes, adjustments or recalibrations are required. 5. The circuit and control are simple and inexpensive. Diagnostic circuits have been proposed for certain applications It is coming and is likely to cost about the same as the new equalization method. 6. This concept is modular and can be extended to any number of batteries. Moji The tulle can be provided as an accessory to the battery, as well as directly to the individual battery or individual. It can also be packed together with the cell. Different batteries have different values Have a capacita, use different MOS FETs, or Or it does not matter if there are other imbalances in the electrical characteristics. For each additional battery By providing joules, batteries can be added without any system redesign. .. 7. The equalization process can be performed during or separately during the main charging process. If desired For example, it can be carried out continuously during battery operation with minimal power emission. Equalization Is done without considering the charge level. 8. Charges are exchanged rather than sent, and within any given time in the equalization circuit But since it handles very little energy, this process is a safety or protection system. Does not interfere with. 9. A single system can be designed for a wide range of nominal battery voltages. single Circuits rated batteries from 12 volts to voltages higher than, for example 36 volts, etc. Can be converted. 10. The system is self-regulating. When the equalization is completed, the capacita is pulled. Continued switch movements do not consume energy, do not exchange charges, and what more Does not affect. Many other advantages and features of the present invention include the following detailed description of the present invention and examples thereof. A claim in which the details of the present invention are fully and fully disclosed as part of this description. It will be easily clarified from the section and the accompanying drawings. A brief description of the drawing FIG. 1 is an overall block diagram illustrating the system and method of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a more detailed schematic of a portion of the system of FIG. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the modular equalization circuit of the present invention. Figure 4 illustrates a typical clock signal measured on the primary side of the transformer in the control circuit of Figure 3. It is a graph diagram. FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating voltage fluctuations in the storage capacitor of the circuit of FIG. .. Figure 6 uses the circuit of the type illustrated in Figure 3 where the low-capacity battery is equalized. It is a graph based on the acceleration simulation of charge transfer between terry. FIG. 7a is a block diagram illustrating a general application using the circuit of FIG. FIG. 7b is a schematic diagram of a unipolar switch that can be used in the circuits of FIGS. 1 and 7a. FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an equalization system with asynchronous control. Figure 9 shows the equalization configured for use in backup applications for telecommunications. It is a block diagram of a circuit. Figure 10 shows an electric vehicle block combined with the equalization system of Figure 1. It is a figure. Figure 11 shows a block of an equalization system combined with an inductor to improve efficiency. It is a figure. Figure 12a-12c has two batteries using the system of Figure 11. It is a graph diagram which illustrates the accelerated simulation of the equalization method. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an equalization system for five series-connected batteries. So do it Figure 14 shows an asynchronously controlled equalization system for five series-connected batteries. It is a schematic diagram. Detailed description of preferred embodiments Since many different examples of the present invention can be considered, they are specified. The details of the embodiments of the above are shown in the drawings and described herein, which is the principle of the present invention. The present invention is limited to a specific embodiment illustrated and should be considered as a typical example of the above. It is based on the understanding that it is not intended. FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic representation of the system 10 of the present invention. The system 10 is common Intended to be used with multiple serially connected batteries, indicated by B in To. The battery B is intended to supply electrical energy to the load L. or Battery B is intended to be charged from the recharge circuit R. The load is, for example, an electric motor and assembly for an electrically powered vehicle. It may be a combined drive electronic device. The system 10 includes a control unit 12. All of them are direct Multiple capacitas with components 14a, 14b ,,, 14g connected in a row 14 is now connected to multiple switches 16. The control unit 12 controls Signals are supplied to the components of the plurality of switches 16 via the line 18. In the display embodiment, the control unit is simply placed above and below the switch. It is a clock signal that allows the positions to be taken in order. The "upper" shown by q and q in FIG. The "and" downward "clock phases pass through the control line 18 and are connected to the switch. The clock phases must be different in time. However, its duration Does not need to be balanced and does not require a special duration. Something possible Provide a short pause between the phases to prevent superimposition or momentary circuit short circuits Is desirable. The components of multiple switches 16 such as the switch 16a are illustrated in Figure 1. From the state of to the second state illustrated by the virtual diagram (phantom) in Fig. 1. Can be done. In the first state, the electrode connection 16a-1 is electrically connected to the anode of the battery Ba. Is connected. In the second state, the pole element 16a-1 of the switch 16a is crossed. Electrically connected to the cathode Va of the terry and at the same time to the anode of the battery Bb .. Multiple 16 other switches respond to the signal from control unit 12 in the same way Works with. The plurality of 16 components change state at the same time and each as illustrated. Alternately connect to the anode and cathode of the battery. Serial connection of multiple B components And as a result of the interrelated connections of the multiple 16 components, the charge is high Shift between batteries from those with pressure levels to those with lower voltage levels Will be sent. When due to the level of imbalance, the size of the capacita and the above related factors After the interval, the multiple crosses Each component of Terry B exhibits substantially the same voltage. The circuit of FIG. 1 is advantageous in that it requires very few components. in addition , Standard commercially available capacita or solid state swims for implementation It is even more advantageous to be able to use Tutsi. Figure 2 illustrates the detailed method of one part of System 10 in Figure 1. Element 16a And each component of multiple switch elements 16 such as 16b is the first and second mosue It can be carried out by a safety (MOSFET) type transistor. Transistors for switches such as elements 16b-2 and 16b-3 are capacitas. It must be selected so that it does not exhibit a voltage drop at the end of the charging operation. The tran Gister can't charge a relatively large capacity Capashita in just a few millionths of a second Must be. In addition, the transistor has a speed of orders of magnitude above 10 kHz. It must be able to switch in response to the control signal from the knit 12. The circuit of FIG. 2 can be implemented in a modular manner. For example, the virtual diagram in Figure 2. The module Mb illustrated in (phantom) is Capacita 14b and Switch 1 It can be carried out with 6c-2 and 16c-3. One of the last modules in this way Requires a second set of solid state switches. Other modular deployments Is also possible. FIG. 3 illustrates an alternative, modular, type system 30 according to the present invention. To. The system 30 has a plurality of systems for the purpose of equalizing the voltages of the batteries B1 and B2. Combined with a bridge-type structure 32 with a lid state switch 34 There is. The 30 systems require only one Capacita 36. The control element 40 generates a clock signal. This signal goes through transformer 42 It opens and closes the transistor 34 for it (gate), but it has a battery B charge. To be transferred back and forth between 1 and B2, thereby equalizing their voltages. is there. The control element operates like the pulse width modulation power converter control element SG3526A. To do. The system 30 is repeated for each pair of batteries. All such mo Joules operate independently of each other. FIG. 4 is a graph illustrating the clock signal generated by the control circuit 40 of FIG. Is. The graph in FIG. 4 illustrates the waveforms at both ends of the primary side of the transformer 42. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the clock signal has a time interval A, which In the meantime, the Capacita 36 is cross-linked with one of the two batteries, B1 or B2. Is done. Time interval A is followed by time interval B, but there is a circuit short circuit or similar during this B. All the solidified switches 34 are turned off to avoid this. The "pause time" (dead time) , time interval B stops the flow of all current from time interval A I guarantee that. The time interval B is then taken over by the time interval C. During C, the Capacita 36 crosses with the other one of the two battery B2 or B1. Connected to the expression. The time interval C is then taken over by another of the time interval B. And the process continues. FIG. 5 shows the battery B1 and B2 according to the clock signal from FIG. 4 described above. Illustrate the changing voltage across the Capacita 36 such that different voltages are equalized. ing. Figure 6 looks like battery B1 and B2 in the type of circuit illustrated in Figure 3. In the graph of accelerated simulation of charge transfer and equalization between two batteries is there. Although FIG. 6 is a simulation, the process of battery equalization of the present invention is illustrated. doing. The simulation in Figure 6 shows, for example, the battery B1 initially at 42 volts. Those that tart and the battery B2 starts at 11 volts first Equalize the charge between two batteries that start with a 1 volt difference between Is based on that. The graph in Fig. 6 shows that battery B1 and B2 are relatively low. It is based on the assumption that it is a quantity. If the simulation is a large capacity battery The only difference is that the time interval required to equalize the battery increases. That's what it means. Without it, the process is the same. Simulation of changing voltage across the capacitor, such as the capacitor 36 in Figure 3. The graph is sandwiched between the approaching voltages of the batteries B1 and B2. Figure 6 For simulation, a value of 1,000 microfarads of capacita is selected I was exposed. The frequency to switch was set to 5,000Hz. Figure 7a is limited to four batteries, but the system illustrated in Figure 110 It is a more detailed block diagram of. Limited to 4 butterries for illustration purposes only However, it is not a limitation of the present invention. The main clock unit 12a illustrated in FIG. 7a is the function of the control unit 12 in FIG. Represents. The systems in Figures 1 and 7a provide a common main clock on lines MC1 and MC2. Combined with a single synchronous control unit 12 to feed<img file="JP2000511398A_D0001.tif" />Correspond. Figure 7b is a schematic diagram of a single-pole, double-throw switch illustrated in Figure 7a. Capa Figure 1 is also shown in Figure 7a to illustrate the modular deployment of Sita and combination switches. Although not explicitly configured, these are as explained earlier in connection with Figure 3. It will be understood that any one of the systems can be modularly configured. Mod In the system, the system can be unlocked for maintenance and testing purposes. Each of the Pasita / Switch modules is deployed with a plug. Figure 8 illustrates an alternative form of equalization system 60, which is an asynchronous control scheme. Combined. The system 60 includes control units 62a, 62b and 62c. I'm sorry. Each of the control units 62a-62c has an independent clock 64a-64. Generate c. The system 60 illustrates the equalization of four series-connected batteries. However, it will be understood that the number of battery to be equalized is not its limitation. .. Figure 9 shows, for example, when the AC power supplied to the public interest fails, the battery backs up. Equalization system such as system 16 used in system 70 to supply Is illustrated. Typical examples are found in telecommunications and data processing systems Includes a backup system, which has a public interest supply AC power failure To maintain the operation of such systems and the integrity of data and services. is there. As illustrated, the system 70 has only four series-connected batteries. Is combined with. These are for illustration purposes only and the system is connected in series It will be understood that it is not limited by the number of batteries that are played. In normal operation, the public utility AC power is rectified in circuit 72 and Passed through Ilter. The DC energy that has been rectified and passed through the filter It is then supplied via a switching switch 74 to power the load L'. To. At the same time, it is equipped with a rectifier and circuit 78, battery row (bank), Ba-B To provide a trickle-type float charge to n It is powered by AC power energy, which is normally supplied by the public interest. The battery equalizer continuously connects the voltage appearing between a plurality of batteries connected in series. It operates as described above for equalization. In the event of a power failure, the switching switch 74 will back up to drive the load L'. Switch to the Kuupbattery line. During this time, the battery equalization system 16 continues to operate to equalize the voltage appearing in the series-connected battery To. Each battery illustrated in the system 70 itself has increased energy Components of multiple batteries connected in parallel together to provide storage capacity for It will be understood that it may be. Also, one of the two batteries is the main one Two separate, one that is a terry and the other one is a backup battery I also understand that the system 16 may be configured to equalize the voltage of the battery. Will be done. FIG. 10 is a block diagram of an electrically powered vehicle 80, which is It is combined with the battery equalization system 16 of the type illustrated in Figure 7a. The Vehicle 80 also has multiple series-connected rechargeable drive batteries 82, rechargeable It is equipped with an electric system R and an electric system circuit 84. The circuit 84, in turn, Energize to rotate one or more wheels 88 of the vehicle to move in the same way One or more drive modes It is connected to the ter 86. The equalizer 16 is installed in the battery container housing generally indicated by 90. Or carried on it. The housing 90 is itself for maintenance and testing. It is configured as a removable module. FIG. 11 illustrates a system 16a, which is a variant of the system 16. The system Stem 16a is combined with a plurality of inductors 92. The plurality of inductors 9 Each component of 2 is connected to its own capacita. The inductor 92 A circuit that exhibits resonance-like characteristics in combination with a combination capacitor is provided. This Therefore, the peak current flowing to and from each capacita is a. Greater in an equalization system without dactors. Due to its resonant characteristics, the current This time the flow of is crossed with zero. This time avoid the losses encountered in the switch process Therefore, the switch operation can be performed at the place where the current is zero. From FIG. 12a to FIG. 12c is the equalization system in FIG. 11, as in the system 16a. A graph illustrating the process of equalization of two series-connected batteries using a system As shown in the figure, where each storage capacitor has an inductor connected to it. ing. In the process illustrated in FIGS. 12a to 12c, the inductor is 100. The value of microhenry, the capacita has a value of 100 microfarads .. The frequency of the main clock signal is 1.67 kHz. The voltages of the two batteries, VBa and VBb, as illustrated in Figure 12a. Is switched from one battery to the next. Illustrated to change and track each other in response to data C1. The capacita The voltage VC1 of is also illustrated in Figure 12a. Figure 12b shows the Capacita C1 and inductor in response to the switch equalization process. The passing current of L1 is illustrated. As explained earlier, the inductor L1 is the excess. It produces a peak current in the middle and brings about zero current. FIG. 12c illustrates the waveform of the main clock, see FIG. Figure 1 As illustrated in 2b, the switch operation occurs only when the capacita current passes through the zero point. It's hard. The switch waveform 12c as illustrated earlier in relation to the switch waveform in FIG. Can have a third "dead time". However, the The downtime is important because the inductor prevents high currents in the event of a momentary circuit short circuit. is not it. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram of an equalization system 16b, such as system 16 in FIG. 7a. For illustrative purposes only, the system 16b equalizes five battery Ba-Be. It is illustrated to do. The system 16b is a control element 4 of the type illustrated in connection with the system of FIG. Combined with 0. The system 16b also has a large number similar to the transformer 42 in FIG. Combined with coil transformer 42a. The equalizing capacita and solid state switch shown in Fig. 7b are the system 16b. Combined in. As you can see, N battery connections are synchronized It can be equalized using a single controller with a clocked signal. in this way All of N single poles, double throw switches and N-1 capacitas are required. FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic diagram of system 60a corresponding to system 60 in FIG. There is. For illustrative purposes only, the system 60a uses asynchronous control deployment. Equalize 5 series-connected battery connectors for use It is illustrated to do. In this circuit configuration, N pieces, as illustrated in FIG. Battery requires N-1 independent controller and 2N-2 single pole double throw switches And. The systems of FIGS. 13 and 14 are modularly deployed as previously described. Rukoto can. To summarize, the importance of good battery equalization has been approved so far. The system and method provide a solution using commercially available parts. As a result, most multi-piece battery storage applications offer considerable advantages. It is always a flexible equalizer family. From the above, a large number of modified products and modified products can be obtained without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Will be observed. Any limitation with respect to the particular device illustrated here It should be understood that it should not be intended and inferred. In addition, "Batsute "Lee" can cite not only conventional battery but also individual battery cell. Should be understood. All such variants that fall within the claims are included Of course, it is intended to be covered by the claims.