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Advances in communication & computer technologies and portable devices connecting to the internet are fueling energy efficient, high performance battery development and deployment into both civilian and military applications. The optimal performance of batteries requires advances in the area of cell/battery control using smart electronics. This article presents recent advances in battery analysis techniques, battery testing, control electronics and smart charging.

There has been minimal innovation in the area of battery test and diagnostic support over the past 20 years. Battery testing has been limited to measurement of terminal voltage, electrolyte specific gravity measurements and load testing. This paper describes an innovative and newly developed battery analyzer/charger unit. The AlliedSignal TruCharge unit is capable of providing accurate state-of-charge (SOC), capacity as well as providing battery defect data via an automated test sequence that takes less than 20 seconds. It charges the battery quickly while minimizing the generation of hazardous hydrogen gas. The underlying technology is described along with the performance features and specifications of the unit. The unit is also capable of recovering sulfated lead acid batteries. The economic and environmental benefits of battery recovery are discussed. This unit is developed based upon extensive market analysis.