When is it intelligent to use a smart battery?

Several products using different fundamental techniques have been introduced in the market that monitor batteries and give them smart characteristics. This survey article is intended to make the reader aware that the smart battery is considered an intelligent way to build-in quality and reliability into a battery pack and at the same time increase its durability and lifetime. Different complexities of the smart battery, ie., only charge control or only fuel gauging, may make sense for some end-user products that include radios, power tools and toys. The authors found that uncertain or unpredictable users´ characteristics increase the need for remote intelligence inside the battery pack. The advantages of a smart battery include, but are not limited to: battery pack safety and protection, optimal charge acceptance and battery pack state-of-charge measurement.<>