Patent Application
20160197575
Photovoltaic (PV) power systems have been widely used for generating electrical power from sunlight. Most often, these systems have consisted of heavy, rigid glass PV panels that generate direct current (DC), and a balance of systems (BOS) that may consist of a combination of power management circuitry, battery storage with charge control circuitry, and possibly an inverter that converts the DC power to alternating current (AC) to operate household components.
One advantage of such systems is that they do not necessarily require connection to an existing power grid, and as such, can provide power in remote locations. While portable versions of these systems exist, the rigid nature of the PV panels, as well as the significant weight of sealed lead acid (SLA) batteries commonly used therein, prohibit their wide spread use.
Lightweight and flexible PV modules, frequently referred to as PV blankets, have been developed as an alternative to rigid glass PV panels. PV blankets are commercially available and are sufficiently light to allow for portable power generation. Conventional portable power systems including PV blankets suffer from a number of significant disadvantages, however. For example, it can be difficult to find a PV blanket that is compatible with a given BOS, or vice versa, because PV blankets and BOS are often manufactured by different vendors and designed according to different specifications.
Additionally, conventional portable PV power systems require a plurality of discrete components, i.e., components separate from the PV blanket, which are electrically coupled to the PV blanket and/or each other via cables. This collection of discrete components and interconnecting cables may undesirably clutter an area where the portable PV power system is deployed. The requirement that the discrete components be interconnected via cables may also make system assembly difficult, particularly for an untrained user. Furthermore, the discrete components and/or interconnecting cables may be misplaced, and in some cases, the discrete components are fragile and therefore prone to physical damage. The interconnecting cables may also present a tripping hazard.
Moreover, conventional portable PV power systems will typically not operate at their maximum power point, especially when operated by a person who is not an expert in PV systems. To help appreciate this point, consider the electrical characteristics of PV devices.
Power output of a photovoltaic device, such as a single PV cell or a PV module including a plurality of PV cells, is described as DC, but the values are dynamic, and voltage and current depend heavily on the electrical load imparted upon the photovoltaic device. At zero load, or open circuit, the PV device generates no current and presents its highest voltage, commonly referred to as open-circuit voltage (VOC). As the electrical load attached to the PV device increases, its voltage will remain relatively stable until reaching a point where the voltage will continue to decrease with increasing load (i.e., increasing electrical current). When the photovoltaic device is electrically shorted, the voltage across the device is zero, and the current is referred to as the short-circuit current (or Isc).
Electrical power (P) is calculated by the product of the voltage and current. Where the voltage is relatively stable as current (load) increases, the amount of electrical power generated also increases. As the voltage begins to drop with increasing current (load), the power generated decreases. At the point where peak power output is achieved, commonly referred to as the maximum power point, the voltage and current is commonly referred to as Vmax and Imax, respectively.
For example,
However, performance of the PV device is significantly different if less light impinges upon the front surface. For example, both VOC and Isc shift noticeably lower to Voc 108 and Isc 110, respectively, at 70% light intensity. Consequentially, the maximum power point 112 at 70% light intensity is lower and occurs at a lower output voltage than maximum power point 106 at 100% light intensity. Thus, if electronics attached to the PV device are designed to run at a fixed voltage corresponding to maximum power point 106, the PV device will not operate at its maximum power point at 70% light intensity, because the operating voltage will not correspond to the maximum power point at 70% light intensity.
Additionally, environmental conditions affect the maximum power available, as well as the voltage and current at these peak conditions. These environmental conditions include the angle of sunlight impinging the PV device, the ambient temperature at the device's location, the increasing temperature of the PV device as the sunlight impinges upon it, the interference of sunlight reaching the PV device due to smoke, fog, dust and dirt, precipitation, leaves, grass, and other naturally occurring phenomenon. Given that the very nature of portable power systems dictates that they may not be ideally inclined towards the sun, operating under ideal temperature conditions, or be free of environmental contaminants blocking sunlight, the PV devices likely will not operate at their maximum performance levels as measured under standard test conditions.
Any circuitry that is intended to connect to a PV device will ideally cause the PV device to operate at a voltage and current corresponding to the PV device's maximum power point. However, as stated above, the maximum power point can change for a variety of reasons, and as such, a means for adjusting the load that the photovoltaic device experiences must be constantly adjusted to maximize its performance. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that this voltage/current corresponding to maximum power point has any relation to what the attached load may require.
Accordingly, conventional portable power systems will typically not operate at their maximum possible level for a number of reasons. Additionally, as the voltage and current at maximum power point may vary under various conditions, PV blankets must be installed and operated by someone who understands how they operate, otherwise they will likely not obtain high performance. For someone who wants to operate a portable PV system, but is not an expert in portable PV systems, clearly this is a disadvantage.
Also, as photovoltaics only produce power when exposed to a sufficient amount of sunlight, temporary shading or prolonged absence of light, such as at night, render a portable photovoltaic power system inoperable. In some instances, the shading may be only momentary, yet it will be sufficient to disable the charging protocol of today's intelligent consumer electronics (CE), and when sunlight conditions re-enable the operation of the portable photovoltaic power system, the intelligent consumer electronics may not recognize that the photovoltaic power system is again able to provide a charge for the device, thus making unattended operation result in insufficient charging.
Applicant has developed photovoltaic-based fully integrated portable power systems that may at least partially overcome one or more of the problems discussed above. These fully integrated portable power systems advantageously include both BOS and photovoltaic devices co-packaged in a single assembly, thereby potentially eliminating the need for multiple discrete components and associated interconnecting cables. Additionally, in certain embodiments, the BOS include maximum power point tracking (MPPT) circuitry, which as discussed below, is capable of causing the photovoltaic devices to operate substantially at their maximum point without user intervention, thereby potentially allowing the portable power systems to achieve high performance, even when used by a person who is not an expert in portable PV systems. The MPPT circuitry can be either passive or dynamic in nature. A passive system clamps the voltage of the PV circuit to Vmax, whereas a dynamic system will adjust the PV performance constantly. A dynamic system adds to the complexity of the system but can account for regaining 10-30% of the available power under extreme conditions.
Furthermore, certain embodiments of the systems are sized to adequately charge CE devices while maintaining a sufficiently small form factor to enable easy storage in clothing, backpacks, suitcases, and other small repositories. Moreover, in some embodiments, an external charging solution from a household outlet optionally provides backup to the system in the event that sunlight is not available to charge the integrated portable power system.
The BOS optionally additionally include an energy storage subsystem, such as a battery subsystem and associated charge controlling circuitry, to provide stable power, even during temporary shading. In certain embodiments, the battery subsystem includes lithium-ion (Li-Ion) and/or lithium-polymer (LiPo) batteries to promote lightweight, robust, powerful, and stable energy storage, which is particularly well-suited for outdoor portable power applications. Furthermore, in some embodiments, MPPT circuitry also provides both battery charge management and load protection, such as overcurrent protection.
In particular embodiments, the BOS further include power conversion circuitry for providing one or more regulated power outputs. Some embodiments include a 5 VDC regulated output voltage rail for universal serial bus (USB) charging, and/or a higher power regulated output voltage rail at voltages ranging from 6 VDC up to 48 VDC. Certain embodiments also include an inverter to convert DC from an internal bus voltage rail to AC, such as to operate household equipment. Some embodiments include a proprietary sealed physical electrical contact that is maintained by magnetic or a physical means. Certain embodiments have wireless charging capability to eliminate the need for cabling between the portable power system and the device to be charged.
Some embodiments are also suitable for extended outdoor use. In these embodiments, the photovoltaic module is designed to prevent water and water vapor ingress to promote long-term operation of the photovoltaic module. Such embodiments can be realized by waterproof connectors, or by waterproof covers that provide protection to the electronics when installed properly over the connector. Additionally, in these embodiments, a case is provided for the electronics and battery system that prevents water ingress, and all connectors, fuses, and switchgear are designed to prevent water ingress as well. Electronics are optionally potted after assembly to further protect them from moisture ingress.
In one embodiment, a photovoltaic-based fully integrated portable power system includes (1) an integrated power management, storage, and distribution (MSD) subsystem including a case having an opening, (2) a flexible photovoltaic module capable of being disposed in at least a folded position and an unfolded position, where a portion of the flexible photovoltaic module is disposed over the opening of the case, and (3) a mounting plate disposed on the flexible photovoltaic module and over the opening of the case, such that the portion of the flexible photovoltaic module is sandwiched between the MSD subsystem and the mounting plate.
It is noted that, for purposes of illustrative clarity, certain elements in the drawings may not be drawn to scale. Specific instances of an item may be referred to by use of a numeral in parentheses (e.g., USB connector 316(1)) while numerals without parentheses refer to any such item (e.g., USB connectors 316). In the present disclosure, “cm” refers to centimeters, “m” refers to meters, “A” refers to amperes, “mA” refers to milliamperes, and “V” refers to volts.
As discussed above, certain embodiments of the PV-based fully integrated portable power systems developed by Applicant include MPPT circuitry. In some embodiments, the MPPT circuitry is active and designed to adjust the voltage/current position along the power curve to determine the position of the maximum power point. This can be achieved by scanning the load that the PV device ‘sees’, and as the scan proceeds, the MPPT circuitry identifies the position of the maximum power point and maintains PV device operation at this voltage point and current point. Thus, the MPPT circuitry does not need to know the conditions that the PV device is actually experiencing; rather, the MPPT circuitry will adjust its input impedance, thereby adjusting the load condition that the PV device is ‘seeing’, to identify and lock into the maximum power point. For example, if a PV device has characteristics like that illustrated in
In some other embodiments, the MPPT circuitry is passive. In these embodiments, the MPPT circuitry sets the voltage/current at its maximum power points based on standard test conditions.
In order to decouple these functions effectively, it is necessary that the portable PV power system (1) includes a battery storage subsystem that provides the bulk of the electrical power to a load, (2) provides power for charging the battery subsystem, and (3) is capable of simultaneously providing power from the photovoltaic device and battery subsystem to the load.
Portable power system 200 includes a flexible PV module 202, maximum power point tracking circuitry 204, charge control circuitry 206, load management circuitry 208, a battery subsystem 210, low power conversion circuitry 214, high power conversion circuitry 216, an inverter 218, and protection circuitry 220. As further discussed below, maximum power point tracking circuitry 204, charge control circuitry 206, load management circuitry 208, battery subsystem 210, low power conversion circuitry 214, high power conversion circuitry 216, inverter 218, and protection circuitry 220 are co-packaged, optionally with additional components (not shown), in an integrated power management, storage, and distribution (MSD) subsystem.
Flexible PV module 202 includes a plurality of PV cells for converting light, such as sunlight, into electricity. The PV cells are electrically coupled in series and/or in parallel, to obtain a desired output voltage and output current capability. In some embodiments, flexible PV module 202 includes a plurality of electrically interconnected flexible PV submodules monolithically integrated onto a common flexible substrate. Each PV submodule, in turn, includes a plurality of electrically interconnected flexible thin-film PV cells monolithically integrated onto the flexible substrate. The PV cells of flexible PV module 202 include, for example, copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS) PV cells, copper-indium-gallium-sulfur-selenide (CIGSSe) PV cells, copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) PV cells, cadmium-telluride (CdTe) PV cells, silicon (Si) PV cells, and/or amorphous silicon (a-Si) PV cells. In some other embodiments, the PV cells of flexible PV module 202 include flexible crystalline PV cells, such as a thin crystalline silicon (Si) photovoltaic cells or thin gallium arsenide (GaAs) photovoltaic cells. The flexible crystalline PV cells are for example fabricated by epitaxial lift-off (ELO) or by mechanical thinning of crystalline wafers, in these embodiments.
Flexible PV module 202 is electrically coupled to MPPT circuitry 204 which automatically adjusts its input impedance to ensure that flexible PV module 202 operates at its maximum power point. The output of MPPT circuitry 204 is electrically coupled to charge control circuitry 206 which that monitors the voltage of battery subsystem 210. Possible functions of charge control circuitry 206 include (1) determining the charge state of battery subsystem 210, routing power from flexible photovoltaic module 202 to battery subsystem 210 to safely charge battery subsystem 210 if it is not sufficiently charged, (3) terminating charging of battery subsystem 210 when it has reached its maximum capacity, and/or (4) routing power from flexible photovoltaic module 202, that is not associated with charging of battery subsystem 210, to load management circuitry 208. In addition, charge control circuitry 206 may monitor the health of the battery subsystem 210, preventing the charging of batteries of battery subsystem 210 that are damaged or have exceeded their useful life. In some embodiments, battery subsystem 210 includes one or more lithium ion (LiIon) batteries, lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, or zinc-air batteries.
Load management circuitry 208 converts power received from charge control circuitry 206 and/or from battery subsystem 210 into a stable, fixed DC power output on an internal bus voltage rail 212 for use by various power conversion options. Load management circuitry 208 also provides overcurrent protection on internal bus voltage rail 212, in some embodiments. Low power conversion circuitry 214 generates a low power voltage rail 224 from internal bus voltage rail 212, such as for charging portable electronic devices through one or more USB interfaces (not shown) electrically coupled to low power voltage rail 224. In some embodiments, the USB interfaces support 1.x, 2.x and 3.x protocols. For portable power systems, the USB interface is desirable as it is the de facto battery charging interface for cell phones, MP3 players, tablets, and various other portable electronic devices.
High power conversion circuitry 216 generates a high power voltage rail 226 from internal bus voltage rail 212. The voltage of high power voltage rail 226 is user-selectable in some embodiments. High power voltage rail 226 is electrically coupled to a high power bus 222 in certain embodiments via protection circuitry 220. High power voltage rail 226 is used, for example, to operate larger electronic devices, or even to chain to similar PV portable power systems in parallel through high power bus 222. For example, in some embodiments, high power conversion circuitry 216 is capable of generating high power voltage rail 226 at a voltage of 24 VDC, such as for use by the military and first responders. Additionally, two or more instances of portable power system 200 could be electrically coupled in parallel via high power bus 222, to power large loads.
Inverter 218 generates an AC output 228 from internal bus voltage rail 212, such as for operating common household equipment. Inverter 218 is, for example, matched to the voltage and frequency of its intended load (e.g., 120 VAC at 60 hertz or 220 VAC at 50 hertz). In embodiments intended to power large AC loads, flexible photovoltaic module 202, MPPT circuitry 204, charge control circuitry 206, load management circuitry 208, battery subsystem 210, and inverter 218 must be capable of supporting such load.
Low power conversion circuitry 214, high power conversion circuitry, and inverter 218 are each electrically coupled to one or more electrical connectors for interfacing with external circuitry. The electrical connectors include two leads providing positive and negative terminals, respectively. In certain embodiments, the electrical connectors are waterproof and capable of preventing moisture ingress into a case of the MSD subsystem. The electrical connectors are optionally automotive-grade or military grade to promote reliability and long life. In a particular embodiment, one or more of the electrical connectors are magnetically-attached connectors.
In some embodiments, MPPT circuitry 204, charge control circuitry 206, and load management circuitry 208 are integrated into a single component. Low power conversion circuitry 214, high power conversion circuitry 216, and inverter 218 are also integrated into a single component in certain embodiments. Furthermore, it should be appreciated that the number and configuration of devices electrically coupled to internal bus voltage rail 212 may be varied without departing from the scope hereof. For example, one or more of low power conversion circuitry 214, high power conversion circuitry 216, and inverter 218 could be omitted. As another example, additional power conversion circuitry could be electrically coupled to internal bus voltage rail 212.
The functions of MPPT circuitry 204, charge control circuitry 206, and load management circuitry 208 are combined into an MPPT system board 304 in MSD subsystem 300. MPPT system board 304 is matched to the voltage and chemistry of a lightweight battery subsystem 306, which implements battery subsystem 210. Additionally, the output voltage of MPPT system board 304 is matched to input voltage required by high power regulator board 308 and the low power USB regulator boards 310, which respectively implement high power conversion circuitry 216 and low power conversion circuitry 214. Protection circuitry 220 is implemented via a power disconnect switch 312 and a pop-open circuit breaker 314 which opens when load magnitude exceeds rated specifications. In some embodiments, protection circuitry 220 is further implemented via at least one fuse (not shown) triggered by excessive current magnitude. To achieve moisture ingress protection, disconnect switch 312, circuit breaker 314, and fuse holders (if applicable) are typically waterproof, and in some embodiments, these components are rugged and/or meet automotive or military specifications. In an alternate embodiment, disconnect switch 312 is replaced with, or supplemented by, a magnetically-keyed switch activated through case 302, or a wirelessly operated disconnect switch, for disconnecting MSD subsystem 300 from external circuitry.
To provide electrical power to a user, waterproof USB connectors 316 are electrically coupled to outputs of respective low power USB regulator boards 310, and high-power waterproof connectors 318 are electrically coupled to an output of high power regulator board 308. In a particular embodiment, connectors 318(1) and 318(2) are connected in parallel to high power bus 222, thereby enabling a high-power pass-through, or bus, to similar systems connected to each of them. Disconnect switch 312 and circuit breaker 314 provide isolation from high-power bus 222. Connectors 318 are military grade in some embodiments to be certifiable in such applications. MSD subsystem 300 further includes a terminal strip 320 to provide connection points among the various power connections within MSD subsystem 300. In some embodiments, terminal strip 320 includes, but not limited to, connections to the output bus voltage from MPPT system board 304, as well as to high-power bus 222.
MSD subsystem 300 optionally further includes a heat spreader 322 thermally coupled to high power regulator board 308 to transfer heat away from the regulator board. Use of heat spreader 322 may be desired, for example, in embodiments where thermal conductivity of case 302 is insufficient to adequately cool high power regulator board 308. Heat spreader 322 is typically formed of a material that has a high thermal conductivity and is light weight, such as aluminum or carbon-carbon composite materials.
MSD subsystem 300 further includes at least one strap connector 324 disposed on an exterior of case 302. As further discussed below, strap connectors 324 are capable of at least partially securing a flexible photovoltaic module to MSD subsystem 300, when the flexible photovoltaic module is placed in a folded position for stowing.
Case 302 is optionally potted to protect circuitry and wiring therein from damage from moisture, dirt, and vibration. In some embodiments, case 302 also provides a rugged mounting point for various accessories.
Flexible photovoltaic module 402 includes electrical terminals electrically coupled to MSD subsystem 300. The electrical terminals are covered by MSD subsystem 300, and in some embodiments, the electrical terminals are further covered by mounting plate 404, to help prevent accidental contact to the electrical terminals and to protect the electrical terminals from possible impact damage. Flexible photovoltaic module 402 is capable of being disposed in at least an unfolded position for deployment and in a folded position for stowing. Strap connectors 324 are capable of securing flexible photovoltaic module 402 to MSD subsystem 300 when flexible photovoltaic module 402 is disposed in its folded position.
USB connectors 316, high-power connector 318(2), and strap connector 324(2) are visible in the
Applicant has further developed pocket-sized photovoltaic-based fully integrated portable power systems including MPPT circuitry. For example,
Flexible photovoltaic module 1102 is electrically coupled to MPPT circuitry 1104 which passively or dynamically adjusts its input impedance to ensure that flexible PV module 1102 operates at its maximum power point. The output of MPPT circuitry 1104 is electrically coupled to charge control circuitry 1106 which monitors the voltage of battery subsystem 1110. Possible functions of charge control circuitry 1106 include (1) determining the charge state of battery subsystem 1110, routing power from flexible photovoltaic module 1102 to battery subsystem 1110 to safely charge battery subsystem 1110 if it is not sufficiently charged, (3) terminating charging of battery subsystem 1110 when it has reached its maximum capacity, and/or (4) routing power from flexible photovoltaic module 1102, that is not associated with charging of battery subsystem 1110, to load management circuitry 1108. In addition, charge control circuitry 1106 may monitor the health of the battery subsystem 1110, preventing the charging of batteries that are damaged or have exceeded their useful life. In some embodiments, battery subsystem 1110 includes one or more lithium ion (LiIon) batteries, lithium polymer (LiPo) batteries, lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4), or zinc-air batteries.
Load management circuitry 1108 converts power received from charge control circuitry 1106 and/or from battery subsystem 1110 into a stable, fixed DC power output for use by various charging options. Load management circuitry 1108 also provides overcurrent protection with regard to the power regulation circuit 1112, in some embodiments. In one embodiment, power regulation 1112 provides power to CE interface 1114, such as for charging portable electronic devices through one or more USB interfaces. In some embodiments, CE interface 1114 supports USB 1.x, 2.x and 3.x protocols. For portable power systems servicing the CE devices, the USB interface is necessary as it is the de facto battery charging interface for cell phones, MP3 players, tablets, and various other portable electronic devices.
In certain embodiments, a wireless means for charging CE devices is facilitated by wireless charging protocol circuit 1116 coupled to matching wireless transmitter 1118. In some embodiments the wireless charging protocol can represent RF charging or inductive charging. In some embodiments this wireless charging protocol may represent a commercial standard such as Qi or other ubiquitous wireless charging solutions.
In some embodiments, MPPT circuitry 1104, charge control circuitry 1106, load management circuitry 1108, power regulation 1112 and CE interface 1114 are integrated into a single component. Wireless charging protocol circuitry 1116 and transmitter 1118 may also be integrated into a single component in certain embodiments, and possibly further integrated with the component noted earlier.
The functions of MPPT circuitry 1104, charge control circuitry 1106, load management circuitry 1108, and power regulation 1112 are combined into a single system board 1204 in MSD subsystem 1200. The system board 1204 is matched to the voltage and chemistry of a lightweight battery subsystem 1214, which implements battery subsystem 1110. Power to charge the battery subsystem 1214 is provided by either leads 1208 from flexible PV module 1102, or from an external power supply interfacing through a USB input 1206. A power switch 1212 controls the on-off state of a USB interface 1210 that connects to a CE device for charging. To achieve moisture ingress protection, disconnect switch 1212 and USB interfaces 1206 and 1210 may either be inherently waterproof, or in some embodiments, achieve a waterproof state by a detachable water-tight cover over each of the components.
Case 1202 is optionally potted to protect circuitry and wiring therein from damage from moisture, dirt, and vibration. In some embodiments, case 1202 also provides a rugged mounting point for various accessories.
Combinations of Features
Features described above as well as those claimed below may be combined in various ways without departing from the scope hereof. The following examples illustrate some possible combinations:
(A1) A photovoltaic-based fully integrated portable power system may include (1) an integrated power management, storage, and distribution (MSD) subsystem including a case having an opening, (2) a flexible photovoltaic module, and (3) a mounting plate. The flexible photovoltaic module may be capable of being disposed in at least a folded position and an unfolded position, and a portion of the flexible photovoltaic module may be disposed over the opening of the case. The mounting plate may be disposed on the flexible photovoltaic module and over the opening of the case, such that the portion of the flexible photovoltaic module is sandwiched between the MSD subsystem and the mounting plate.
(A2) The system denoted as (A1) may further include at least one strap connector for securing the flexible photovoltaic module to the MSD subsystem when the flexible photovoltaic module is disposed in the folded position.
(A3) In the system denoted as (A1), the MSD subsystem may include at least one strap connector for securing the flexible photovoltaic module to the MSD subsystem when the flexible photovoltaic module is disposed in the folded position.
(A4) In any of the systems denoted as (A1) through (A3), the flexible photovoltaic module may include electrical terminals covered by at least the MSD subsystem.
(A5) In any of the systems denoted as (A1) through (A4), the mounting plate may extend beyond a perimeter of the case.
(A6) In any of the systems denoted as (A1) through (A5), the flexible photovoltaic module may include at least one flexible thin-film photovoltaic device selected from the group consisting of a copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS) photovoltaic device, a copper-indium-gallium-sulfur-selenide (CIGSSe) photovoltaic device, a copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) photovoltaic device, a cadmium-telluride (CdTe) photovoltaic device, a silicon (Si) photovoltaic device, and an amorphous silicon (a-Si) photovoltaic device.
(A7) In any of the systems denoted as (A1) through (A5), the flexible photovoltaic module may include at least one flexible crystalline photovoltaic device selected from the group consisting of a thin crystalline silicon (Si) photovoltaic device and a thin gallium arsenide (GaAs) photovoltaic device.
(A8) In the system denoted as (A7), the at least one flexible crystalline photovoltaic device may be fabricated by epitaxial lift-off (ELO) or by mechanical thinning of crystalline wafers.
(A9) In any of the systems denoted as (A1) through (A8), the MSD subsystem may include a ruggedized case for providing protection from physical and environmental attack, as well as mechanical mounting points for internal circuitry and through access for electrical connectors and indicators.
(A10) In any of the systems denoted as (A1) through (A9), the MSD subsystem may include (1) maximum power point tracking circuitry for causing the flexible photovoltaic module to operate at its maximum power point, (2) charge control circuitry for controlling charging of a battery subsystem, (3) load management circuitry for generating an internal bus voltage rail and for providing overcurrent protection, (4) low power conversion circuitry for generating a low power voltage rail from the internal bus voltage rail, (5) high power conversion circuitry for generating a high power voltage rail from the internal bus voltage rail, and (6) protection circuitry for interrupting operation of the MSD subsystem and disconnecting the MSD subsystem from external circuitry.
(A11) The system denoted as (A10) may further include an inverter.
(A12) Either of systems denoted as (A10) or (A11) may further include the battery subsystem, and the battery subsystem may include a battery selected from the group consisting of a lithium ion (LiIon) battery, a lithium polymer (LiPo) battery, a lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) battery, and a zinc-air battery.
(A13) In any of the systems denoted as (A10) through (A12), the protection circuitry may include at least one fuse triggered by excessive current magnitude.
(A14) In the system denoted as (A13), the MSD subsystem may include a fuse holder for housing the at least one fuse, and the fuse holder may be capable of preventing moisture ingress into the case of the MSD subsystem.
(A15) In any of the systems denoted as (A10) through (A14), the protection circuitry may include a user-resettable circuit breaker triggered by excessive current magnitude.
(A16) In the system denoted as (A15), the user-resettable circuit breaker may be capable of preventing moisture ingress into a case of the MSD subsystem.
(A17) In any of the systems denoted as (A10) through (A16), the protection circuitry may include a mechanical disconnect switch for disconnecting the MSD subsystem from external circuitry.
(A18) In the system denoted as (A17), the mechanical disconnect switch may be capable of preventing moisture ingress into the case of the MSD subsystem.
(A19) In any of the systems denoted as (A10) through (A18), the protection circuitry may include a magnetically-keyed switch activated through the case of the MSD subsystem, for disconnecting the MSD subsystem from external circuitry.
(A20) In any of the systems denoted as (A10) through (A19), the protection circuitry may include a wirelessly operated disconnect switch, for disconnecting the MSD subsystem from external circuitry.
(A21) In any of the systems denoted as (A1) through (A9), the MSD subsystem may include (1) maximum power point tracking circuitry for causing the flexible photovoltaic module to operate at or near its maximum power point, (2) a battery subsystem for storing and providing electrical power, (3) charge control circuitry for controlling charging of the battery subsystem, (4) load management circuitry for generating an internal bus voltage rail and for providing overcurrent protection, (5) power regulation circuitry to provide power for operating and charging external devices, and (6) consumer electric-based electrical interfaces for transmitting stored power to external devices.
(A22) In the system denoted as (A21), the maximum power point tracking circuitry may be selected from the group consisting of dynamic maximum power point tracking circuitry and passive maximum power point tracking circuitry.
(A23) Any of the systems denoted as (A10) through (A22) may further include at least one electrical connector for interfacing with external circuitry.
(A24) In the system denoted as (A23), the at least one electrical connector may include an USB interface with 1.x, 2.x and 3.x protocols.
(A25) In either of the systems denoted as (A23) or (A24), the at least one electrical connector may be waterproof.
(A26) In any of the systems denoted as (A23) through (A25), the at least one electrical connector may be capable of preventing moisture ingress into a case of the MSD subsystem.
(A27) In any of the systems denoted as (A23) through (A26), the at least one electrical connector may include an automotive-grade connector.
(A28) In any of the systems denoted as (A23) through (A27), the at least one electrical connector may include a threaded military-grade connector.
(A29) In any of the systems denoted as (A23) through (A28), the at least one electrical connector may include two leads providing high power positive and negative terminals, respectively.
(A30) In any of the systems denoted as (A23) through (A29), the at least one electrical connector may include first and second electrical connectors electrically coupled in parallel, for providing an internal bypass for stringing multiple systems together to increase power capacity.
(A31) In any of the systems denoted as (A23) through (A30), the at least one electrical connector may include a magnetically-attached connector.
(A32) Any of the systems denoted as (A1) through (A31) may further include circuitry for providing external power for charging the battery subsystem in lieu of the flexible photovoltaic module.
(A33) Any of the systems denoted as (A1) through (A32) may further include a wireless charging protocol circuit coupled to a matching wireless transmitter for wireless power transmission to an external device.
Changes may be made in the above apparatus, systems and methods without departing from the scope hereof. For example, flexible photovoltaic module 402 could be replaced with another electrical power source, such as a wind turbine or a fuel cell, without departing from the scope hereon. Therefore, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover certain generic and specific features described herein.
This application claims benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/099,530, filed Jan. 4, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62099530 | Jan 2015 | US |
