This invention relates generally to the field of electrical power storage and supply systems or apparatuses, and more particularly relates to such systems or apparatuses that utilize batteries to store and deliver the electrical power. Even more particularly, the invention relates to such systems or apparatuses that utilize multiple batteries or cells arranged in a modular array.
In today's world people rely heavily on electricity to power everything from appliances, power tools, computers, radios, cell phones, even welders and other high-power tools and equipment. Also in today's world people are more mobile than ever before and they need their power devices in remote locations where AC wall sockets and electric utility mains are not available. Welding, for example, can be a big problem in remote locations and generally requires a gasoline or diesel powered engine driving an electrical generator, and a welding machine of electric conversion electronics to do the job. This equipment is generally big, expensive, heavy, and unwieldy. Operating power tools and appliances can be difficult in remote areas where the electricity grid access is not available. Other power devices are generally big, bulky, and heavy or they only deliver low amperage power. The invention is relatively small, portable and scalable, such that it can be easily carried to any location of use. Its efficient thermal and electronic design allows it to deliver the high amperage power needed for welding, starting engines, operating heavy equipment, and for many other applications.
Existing devices cannot provide high-current functionality. The current invention incorporates a modular cell-frame component structure that provides high current electrical interconnections for high energy cells, cell body pressure containment, thermal management, and high strength packaging integrated with battery management and other application specific power components for universal functionality. The high-current output of the system extends portable operations capabilities into many applications that are currently relegated to line power or generator connections. Key features of the invention include a high power density structure, a high-current electrical cell interconnection system which includes relatively large surface area, frame-mounted, cell terminal contact members abutting the cell tab terminals of the individual battery cells and maintained under high contact pressure, an integrated cell containment system required for high power and high energy density prismatic pouch cells, a rugged, impact resistant cell-frame and assembled battery enclosure, and a thermally efficient, stacked frame structure with inter-cell thermal conductive plates and pads conducting heat from cell bodies and electrical contacts to the frames and the outside air.
The invention defines and performs critical structures and functions required for a high-power electrical system, namely a particular individual cell structure, a high current cell electrical interconnect system, controlled cell pressure containment, impact resistant cell assembly enclosure, cell level thermal management, integrated battery management circuitry for safety and long life of the cells, an integrated enclosure for load control components, power connectors and control panel for application specific functionality, modular component design for ready adaptability for different applications and loads, and a stacking cell-frame design that provide for interconnection of any number of cells in parallel or series configurations.
The combined features of the current invention result in a high-current portable power system that extends remote power operations capability to applications that are currently relegated to line power or generator connections. This compact power system can provide useable electricity to operate AC or DC tools, appliances, and equipment, to charge battery powered tools and electronic devices, to power heavy duty tools and equipment, to jumpstart trucks and military equipment, provide backup or uninterruptable power, power an off-grid cabin or camp, even perform heavy duty welding repairs. The unit can be charged with electricity from any AC receptacle, vehicle lighter socket, generator, solar panels, or wind machine. The device provides useable electricity wherever it is needed in a lightweight portable power package. It is therefore a primary object of this invention to provide an improved modular power storage and supply system that is capable of providing high power electrical output in a relatively small, portable and scalable apparatus.