I was having the same problem: working perfect with AC cord plugged but failed working on battery.
I think I have found a solution forcing the driver not to mess with ACPI system:
Just as easy as editing /etc/acpi/wireless-rtl-ac-dc-power.sh file as superuser and change the first command line from CONTROL_RTL_POWER=1
into
CONTROL_RTL_POWER=0
I am using the rtl8192se_linux_2.6.0014.0115.2010 driver in my Toshiba satellite a500-18q with opensuse 11.1 64 bits.
I was having the same problem: working perfect with AC cord plugged but failed working on battery.
I think I have found a solution forcing the driver not to mess with ACPI system:
Just as easy as editing /etc/acpi/ wireless- rtl-ac- dc-power. sh file as superuser and change the first command line from CONTROL_RTL_POWER=1
into
CONTROL_RTL_POWER=0
I am using the rtl8192se_ linux_2. 6.0014. 0115.2010 driver in my Toshiba satellite a500-18q with opensuse 11.1 64 bits.
I hope it will work also for you.
Good luck from Spain.