Voltage terminal for modular energy system

Abstract

A modular energy system comprising a first modular battery core, a second modular battery core, and a controller electrically connected to both. The controller is configured to determine a first voltage for both the first and second modular battery cores and clamps them for discharge if the first voltage falls within a tolerance range of the second voltage.

Description

Related registrations

[0001] This application claims precedence over preliminary US patent application no. 63 / 687,415, filed on August 27, 2024, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. Summary

[0002] Modular systems can be used for the efficient storage and transport of equipment, such as power tools, power supplies, accessories, and the like. Modular systems include, for example, battery cores, power supplies, chargers, rolling storage boxes, toolboxes, tool sets, organizers, power tools, accessories, and the like, which are connected using modular mounting elements. The modular mounting elements contain physical interfaces to physically connect two modular devices. These modular mounting elements can be modified to also include electrical interfaces to electrically connect two modular electronic devices (e.g., power supplies, chargers, batteries, battery cores, and the like). Portable power supplies, chargers, batteries, and battery cores offer flexibility and convenience for powering electronic devices (e.g.,Power tools) on construction sites or event venues. Modular electronic devices can be designed to be adaptable and contain any number of interchangeable modules for power and communication.

[0003] Two or more modular battery cores can be connected to form a modular power system. The modular power system can be reconfigured between operations by removing or adding battery cores. Reconfiguring the modular power system can result in the battery cores having mismatched voltages. Therefore, a clamping voltage is required in a modular power system. Clamping refers to the simultaneous use of two or more battery cores for parallel discharge. Clamping battery cores for parallel discharge ensures maximum energy output from a modular power system. Each battery core in a modular power system stack with the same voltage (or state of charge) can thus be discharged simultaneously.Battery cores that do not have the same voltage as the other cores in the modular energy system stack can be charged, discharged, or balanced to achieve the same voltage (or state of charge) before clamping. In these cases, it is advantageous to use voltage clamping of the battery cores to maximize the energy output of the modular energy system.

[0004] A modular energy system described herein comprises a first modular battery core, a second modular battery core, and a controller electrically connected to both the first and second modular battery cores. The controller is configured to determine a first voltage for both the first and second modular battery cores and to clamp them for discharge when the first voltage falls within a tolerance level of the second voltage.

[0005] A method described herein comprises determining a first voltage of the first modular battery core and a second voltage of the second modular battery core with a controller electrically connected to the first modular battery core and the second modular battery core, determining with the controller that the first voltage is not within a tolerance level of the second voltage, discharging the first modular battery core to the second voltage with the controller, and clamping the first modular battery core and the second modular battery core for a discharge operation.

[0006] A modular energy system described herein comprises a first modular battery core, a second modular battery core, and a controller electrically connected to both the first and second modular battery cores. The controller is configured to determine a first voltage of the first modular battery core and a second voltage of the second modular battery core, and to form a clamping unit by clamping the first and second modular battery cores for a discharge operation when the first voltage is within a tolerance level of the second voltage.

[0007] Before individual embodiments are explained in detail, it should be understood that the embodiments are not limited in their application to the details of the configuration and arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments can be practiced or implemented in various ways. It should also be understood that the phraseology and terminology used here serve only for descriptive purposes and should not be considered restrictive. The use of "containing," "comprising," or "featuring," and variations thereof, is intended to include the elements listed thereafter and their equivalents, as well as additional elements.Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms “mounted”, “connected”, “supported” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used in a broader sense and include both direct and indirect assemblies, connections, supports and couplings.

[0008] Furthermore, it should be understood that embodiments may include hardware, software, and electronic components or modules, which, for illustrative purposes, may be presented and described as if the majority of the components were implemented exclusively in hardware. However, a person skilled in the art would recognize, based on this detailed description, that in at least one embodiment, the electronics-based aspects may be implemented in software (e.g., stored on a non-transient, computer-readable medium) that can be executed by one or more processing units, such as a microprocessor and / or application-specific integrated circuits (“ASICs”). Therefore, it should be noted that a variety of hardware- and software-based devices, as well as a variety of different structural components, may be used to implement the embodiments.For example, “servers”, “computers”, “controllers”, “processors”, etc., described in the description may include one or more processing units, one or more computer-readable media modules, one or more input / output interfaces, and various connections (e.g., a system bus) that connect the components.

[0009] Relative terminology, such as "about," "approximately," "essentially," etc., used in connection with a quantity or condition, would be understood by those skilled in the art to include the stated value and has the meaning given by the context (e.g., the term includes at least the degree of error associated with the measurement accuracy, tolerances [e.g., manufacturing, assembly, use, etc.] associated with the stated value, etc.). Such terminology should also be regarded as disclosing the range defined by the absolute values ​​of the two endpoints. For example, the expression "from about 2 to about 4" also discloses the range "from 2 to 4." Relative terminology may refer to plus or minus a percentage (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10%, or more) of a stated value.

[0010] It should be understood that, although certain drawings depict hardware and software within specific devices, these representations are for illustrative purposes only. Functions described here as being performed by a single component may be performed by multiple components in a distributed manner. Likewise, functions performed by multiple components may be consolidated and performed by a single component. In some embodiments, the components shown may be combined or separated into separate software, firmware, and / or hardware. For example, instead of residing in and being performed by a single electronic processor, logic and processing may be distributed across multiple electronic processors.Regardless of how they are combined or distributed, hardware and software components can reside on the same computer device or be distributed across different computer devices connected by one or more networks or other suitable communication links. Similarly, a component described as performing a particular function may also perform additional functions not described here. For example, a device or structure that is “configured” in a certain way is at least configured in that way, but may also be configured in other ways not explicitly stated.

[0011] Other aspects of the embodiments become clear by considering the detailed description and the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 represents a modular energy system according to some embodiments. Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B represent modular electronic devices of the modular ecosystem according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 3 shows a block diagram of a modular battery core according to some embodiments. Fig. 4 represents a modular energy system according to some embodiments. Fig. 5 is a block diagram of the modular energy system made up of Fig. 4 according to some embodiments. Fig. 6A represents a first exemplary modular energy system according to several embodiments. Fig. 6B is a first circuit diagram of the first exemplary modular energy system made of Fig. 6A according to some embodiments. Fig. 7A represents a second exemplary modular energy system according to some embodiments. Fig. 7B is a second circuit diagram of the second exemplary modular energy system from Fig. 7A according to some embodiments. Fig. 8A represents a third exemplary modular energy system according to some embodiments. Fig. 8B is a third circuit diagram of the third exemplary modular energy system from Fig. 8A according to some embodiments. Fig. 9A represents a fourth exemplary modular energy system according to some embodiments. Fig. 9B is a fourth circuit diagram of the fourth exemplary modular energy system from Fig. 9A according to some embodiments. Fig. 10A represents a fifth exemplary modular energy system according to some embodiments. Fig. 10B is a fifth circuit diagram of the fifth exemplary energy system from Fig. 10A according to some embodiments. Fig. 11A represents a fifth exemplary modular energy system according to some embodiments. Fig. 11B is a fifth circuit diagram of the sixth exemplary modular energy system from Fig. 11A according to some embodiments. Fig. 12A represents a fifth exemplary modular energy system according to some embodiments. Fig. 12B is a fifth circuit diagram of the seventh exemplary modular energy system from Fig. 12A according to some embodiments. Fig. 13A represents a sixth exemplary modular energy system according to some embodiments. Fig. 13B is a sixth circuit diagram of the eighth exemplary modular energy system from Fig. 13A according to some embodiments. Fig. 14A represents a sixth exemplary modular energy system according to some embodiments. Fig. 14B is a sixth circuit diagram of the ninth exemplary modular energy system from Fig. 14A according to some embodiments. Fig. 15A represents a seventh exemplary modular energy system according to some embodiments. Fig. 15B is a seventh circuit diagram of the seventh exemplary modular energy system from Fig. 15A according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 16 represents a control diagram for balancing modular battery cores for a modular energy system according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 17 presents a flowchart of a method for clamping modular battery cores of a modular energy system according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 18 presents a flowchart of a method for performing a discharge operation during the removal of a modular battery core from the modular energy system according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 19 presents a flowchart of a method for charging a first modular battery core when a voltage of the first modular battery core is not within a tolerance level of a voltage of a second modular battery core, according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 20 presents a flowchart of a method for discharging a first modular battery core to a voltage of a second modular battery core in order to clamp the first modular battery core and the second modular battery core, according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 21 presents a flowchart of a method for balancing the voltages of a first modular battery core and a second modular battery core according to some embodiments. Fig. 22 is a first exemplary use for the modular energy system made of Fig. 1 according to some embodiments. Fig. 23 is a second exemplary use for the modular energy system made of Fig. 1 according to some embodiments. Fig. 24 is a third exemplary use for the modular energy system made of Fig. 1 according to some embodiments. Detailed description

[0012] Fig. Figure 1 represents an exemplary modular ecosystem 100. The modular ecosystem 100 comprises a variety of modular electronic devices 110, which are electrically and physically coupled to one another, for example, by means of modular mounting elements and / or cables 120. The modular ecosystem 100 enables both power transfer and communication between the various modular electronic devices 110. Communication can take place using a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus protocol. The modular electronic devices 110 include, for example, a portable power supply 110A, a base plate 110B, a full-width battery core 110C (e.g., an energy core made of battery cells), a variety of half-width battery cores 110D (e.g., a small core made of battery cells), and a variety of charging modules 110E for charging battery packs 130.In one example, cable 120 can contain a cable that enables power and communication between the connected modular electronic devices 110. Cable 120 provides an alternating connection scheme (e.g., a daisy chain) for connecting the modular electronic devices 110.

[0013] Fig. Figure 2A represents an exemplary embodiment of a modular electronic device 110, for example, a portable power supply 110A. The portable power supply 110A includes, among other things, a housing 200, which is made, for example, of an impact-resistant polymer plastic material. The housing 200 can be manufactured using an injection molding process, a 3D printing process, or the like. The housing 200 includes modular mounting elements 210, which are provided on an upper surface of the housing 200. Corresponding interlocking modular mounting elements can be provided on the lower surface of the housing 200, which interlock with the modular mounting elements 210 on the top of another modular electronic device 110. The portable power supply 110A further includes a power output unit 220 and a display 230.A power input unit may also be provided, containing multiple electrical connection interfaces configured to receive power from an external power source. The external power source can be a DC or AC source. For example, the AC source could be a standard wall outlet, such as a 120V outlet or a 240V outlet, as found in North America.

[0014] The energy output unit 220 contains one or more energy outputs. In the illustrated embodiment, the energy output unit 220 contains a plurality of AC outputs 220A and DC outputs 220B. It should be understood that the number of energy outputs contained in the energy output unit 220 does not refer to the number shown in the illustration. Fig. The number of energy outputs shown is limited to 2A. For example, the 220 energy output unit may contain more or fewer energy outputs than the 110A portable power supply shown in the illustrated embodiment.

[0015] The 220 power output unit can be configured to supply power output from an internal power source to one or more peripheral devices. For example, the 220 power output unit can be configured to supply power from an external power source directly to one or more peripheral devices. These one or more peripheral devices could be a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a portable music player, a power tool, or a power tool battery pack (e.g., a 130 battery pack [see Fig. 1]), a power tool battery pack charger or the like. The peripherals can be configured to receive DC and / or AC power from the 220 power output unit.

[0016] The display 230 is configured to show a user the status of the portable power supply 110A, for example, the charge level of the internal power source 240 and / or fault conditions. In some embodiments, the display 230 includes one or more light-emitting diode displays (“LEDs”) configured to illuminate and indicate the current charge level of the internal power source 240. In some embodiments, the display 230 is, for example, a liquid crystal display (“LCD”), a light-emitting diode display (“LED”), an organic LED display (“OLED”), an electroluminescent display (“ELD”), a surface conduction electron emitter display (“SED”), a field emission display (“FED”), a thin-film transistor LCD (“TFT-LCD”), an electronic ink display, etc. In other embodiments, the portable power supply 110A does not include a display.

[0017] Fig. Figure 2B represents an exemplary embodiment of a modular electronic device 110, for example, a base plate 110B. The base plate 110B can be made of metal or another durable material, stamped into a plate shape and incorporating the modular mounting features 210. The portable power supply 110A represents an active modular electronic device 110 that includes a controller 500 (see Figure 2B). Fig. 5) The base plate 110B can be a passive modular electronic device 110 that does not contain a controller.

[0018] Fig. Figure 3 shows a block diagram 300 of a modular battery core 305. The modular battery core 305 (“battery core”) can be any of the modular electronic devices 110. Each of the modular battery cores 305 contains a separate housing and can be used independently of other modular battery cores 305 to power or recharge a device. For example, the battery core can be a full-width battery core 110C or a half-width battery core 110D. The battery core 305 contains a plurality of internal battery cells 310, a core controller 315, and a switching circuit 320. The battery core 305 includes a positive power terminal 325, a negative power terminal 330, and one or more communication terminals 335 (referred to as terminals 325-335). The battery core 305 is electrically connected to a power source (e.g., a portable power supply 110A, an AC power source, etc.) via terminals 325-335.), connected to a power output or the like. The terminals 325-335 can be fitted with the modular mounting elements 210 so that an automatic parallel connection and a power bus can be formed when two or more battery cores 305 are stacked together.

[0019] The internal battery cells 310 can contain lithium-ion battery cells or battery cells with a different chemistry, for example nickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride, and the like. The battery core 305 can have a nominal capacity of 3 kilowatt-hours (kWh).

[0020] The switching circuit 320 can control when the internal battery cells 310 are connected to / disconnected from at least one of the power sources and the energy output. For example, the switching circuit 320 can include a discharge switch that is activated to discharge the internal battery cells 310 and a charge switch that is activated to charge the internal battery cells 310. The switching circuit 320 can include switches, relays, and the like. For example, the switching circuit can include at least one field-effect transistor (FET), such as a metal-oxide-semiconductor FET (MOSFET), a wide-bandgap semiconductor FET, a bipolar junction transistor (BJT), a relay, or the like. The core controller 315 can control the switching circuit 320 to prevent energy from flowing into or out of the internal battery cells 310 when this is not intended.For example, if a first battery core 305 is being charged, but a second battery core 305, which is connected in a stack with the first battery core 305, does not need to be charged (e.g. because the first battery core 305 has a lower voltage than the second battery core 305), the core controller 315 of the second battery core 305 can control the switching circuit 320 so that the internal battery cells 310 are disconnected from the power bus.

[0021] Fig. Figure 4 represents a modular energy system 400. The modular energy system 400 includes a power supply module 405 (“power supply”), a first battery core 410A, a second battery core 410B, and a third battery core 410C. The battery cores 410 can be the same as the battery core 305 ( Fig. 3) The power supply 405 can be considered a power source (e.g., a 110A power supply) or connected to a power source (e.g., an AC wall outlet). In the exemplary embodiment, the first battery core 410A, the second battery core 410B, and the third battery core 410C are stacked vertically on top of each other and above the power supply 405; however, they can also be arranged in other configurations. For example, a first interface of the first battery core 410A can be connected to an interface of the power supply 405, and a second interface of the first battery core 410A can be connected to a third interface of the second battery core 410B. A fourth interface of the second battery core 410B can be connected to a fifth interface of the third battery core 410C. As described above, each of the interfaces can be provided in the modular mounting elements.

[0022] During a discharge process, energy can be supplied from the modular energy system 400 to an energy output 415. For example, the voltages of the first battery core 410A, the second battery core 410B, and the third battery core 410C can be equal, so that the modular energy system 400 is a clamped modular energy system that discharges each battery core 410 in parallel. If each battery core 410 has a nominal power of 3 kWh, the energy output 415 receives 9 kWh.

[0023] Fig. Figure 5 is a schematic representation of a controller 500 of a modular device of a modular energy system 400, for example, one of the modular electronic devices 110A, 110C, 1100, 110E, the power supply module 405, and the battery cores 410. The controller 500 is electrically and / or communicatively connected to a variety of modules or components of the modular energy system 400. For example, the controller 500 shown is connected to a user interface 505, a transceiver 510, a power source 515, a power output 415, a voltage sensor 520, a first battery core 410A, and a second battery core 410B. The electrical connection between the controller 500 and the battery cores 410 illustrates the communication link between the various components of the modular energy system 400.This means that the controller 500 can be located in any of the devices of the modular energy system 400 and communicates with other controllers 500 of other devices of the modular energy system 400, for example, using a Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol. The energy source 515 can, for example, include the power supply 405, an AC power source (e.g., a wall outlet), removable battery packs, battery cores 410 (e.g., non-removable), including stacks of battery cells connected in series and / or parallel, and the like. The energy output 415 can include AC / DC outputs, charging interfaces for charging the battery packs 130, a power tool connected to the clamped modular energy system 400, and the like.

[0024] The Controller 500 contains combinations of hardware and software that can be used, among other things, to control the operation of the modular energy system 400. For example, the Controller 500 includes a processing unit 525 (e.g., a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an electronic processor, an electronic controller, or another suitable programmable device), a memory 530, input units 535, and output units 540. The processing unit 525 includes, among other things, a control unit 545, an arithmetic logic unit (ALU) 550, and a variety of registers 555 (in Fig. 5 (shown as a group of registers) and is implemented using a known computer architecture (e.g., a modified Harvard architecture, a von Neumann architecture, etc.). The processing unit 525, the memory 530, the input units 535, and the output units 540, as well as the various modules or circuits connected to the controller 500, are connected by one or more control and / or data buses (e.g., the common bus 562). The control and / or data buses are generally shown in illustrations. Fig. 5 shown. Although the controller 500 in Fig. Although Controller 5 is represented as a single controller, Controller 500 could also comprise multiple controllers configured to work together to achieve a desired level of control for the modular energy system 400. Therefore, all control functions and processes described herein with respect to Controller 500 could also be executed by two or more controllers operating in a distributed manner.

[0025] The Memory 530 is a non-transient, computer-readable medium and contains, for example, a program memory area and a data memory area. The program memory area and the data memory area can contain combinations of different memory types, such as read-only memory (“ROM”), random-access memory (“RAM”) (e.g., dynamic RAM [“DRAM”], synchronous DRAM [“SDRAM”], etc.), electrically erasable programmable ROM (“EEPROM”), flash memory, a hard disk, an SD card, or other suitable magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic storage devices. The Processing Unit 525 is connected to the Memory 530 and configured to execute software instructions stored in a RAM of the Memory 530 (e.g., during execution), a ROM of the Memory 530 (e.g.,The software can be stored on a generally permanent basis or on another non-transient, computer-readable medium, such as another memory or a disc. The software included in the implementation of the modular power system 400 and the controller 500 can be stored in the memory 530 of the controller 500. The software includes, for example, firmware, one or more applications, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. The controller 500 is configured to retrieve and execute, among other things, instructions relating to the control processes and procedures described herein from the memory 530. In other embodiments, the controller 500 includes additional, fewer, or different components.

[0026] The controller 500 determines the voltage levels of at least the first battery core 410A and the second battery core 410B and clamps the first battery core 410A and the second battery core 410B together if their voltages are within a tolerance range to form a clamped modular power system. For example, the voltage sensor 420 detects a first voltage of the first battery core 410A and a second voltage of the second battery core 410B and transmits the first and second voltages to the controller 500. If the first voltage is substantially equal to the second voltage (e.g., within a tolerance range), the controller 500 clamps the first battery core 410A and the second battery core 410B together.

[0027] The controller 500 can only perform a clamping operation on the first battery core 410A and the second battery core 410B if a clamping operation mode is selected by a user. For example, a user can use the user interface 505 or an external device 560 to select the clamping operation mode. The user interface 505 can include a button, a touchscreen, and the like, which receives input from a user.

[0028] The Transceiver 510 can send data from the Modular Energy System 400 to and receive data from other devices. For example, the Transceiver 510 can enable the Controller 500 to communicate with other devices (e.g., the External Device 560) via a network or a wired connection. The External Device 560 can contain an application that allows the user to select the clamping operation mode.

[0029] Fig. 6A represents a first exemplary modular energy system 600. The first exemplary modular energy system 600 can include an energy management unit 605 (e.g., a power supply), a first battery core 610A, a second battery core 610B, a third battery core 610C, a first charger module 615A, and a second charger module 615B. The first battery core 610A, the second battery core 610B, and the third battery core 610C can be the same as the modular battery core 305 ( Fig. 3) The power supply 605 can be the same as the power supply 405 ( Fig. 4) The first battery core 610A, the second battery core 610B, and the third battery core 610C are stacked vertically on the power supply unit 605 to form a stack. The first charger module 615A and the second charger module 615B can be provided on top of the third battery core 610C.

[0030] The first battery core 610A is at a first voltage, the second battery core 610B is at a second voltage that is higher than the first, and the third battery core 610C is at a third voltage that is higher than the second. The voltage of a battery core 610 refers to the combined stack voltage of the internal battery cells 310 of the battery core 610 between the most positive and the most negative battery cell 310 of the battery core 610. The controller 500 can be located in the power supply 605 and determine the voltages of the battery cores 610, for example, using the voltage sensor 520. In some examples, each battery core 610 can have a separate voltage sensor 520, and the controller 500 determines the voltages of the battery cores 610 based on communication with the respective controllers of the battery cores 610.The battery cores 610 of the first exemplary modular energy system 600 are not clamped because the voltages of the battery cores 610 are mismatched.

[0031] Fig. 6B is a first circuit diagram 650 of the first exemplary modular energy system 600. The third battery core 610C discharges in the first circuit diagram 650. The energy output flowing from the first exemplary modular energy system 600 can originate from the third battery core 610C. For example, the energy output can be equal to the energy output of the third battery core 610C. The first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B do not discharge in the first circuit diagram 650. The controller 500 can discharge the third battery core 610C to either the first voltage or the second voltage. The controller 500 can activate the third battery core 610C and deactivate the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B using the respective switching circuits 320 of the battery cores 610.

[0032] Fig. 7A represents a second example of a modular energy system 700. This second example modular energy system 700 can include the power supply 605, the first battery core 610A, the second battery core 610B, the third battery core 610C, the first charger module 615A, and the second charger module 615B. The first battery core 610A, the second battery core 610B, and the third battery core 610C are clamped together to form a clamped unit 705. The first battery core 610A, the second battery core 610B, and the third battery core 610C are stacked vertically above the power supply unit 605 to form a stack. The first charger module 615A and the second charger module 615B can be provided on one top side of the third battery core 610C, so that the first charger module 615A and the second charger module 615B are physically connected only to the third battery core 610C.

[0033] The first battery core 610A, the second battery core 610B, and the third battery core 610C are at the same voltage (i.e., a single initial voltage). Alternatively, the first battery core 610A, the second battery core 610B, and the third battery core 610C can be within a tolerance level of each other. For example, the tolerance level can be ±1 V, so that each battery core 610 has a voltage that is within ±1 V of the other voltages. The controller 500 can be located in the power supply 605 and, for example, use the voltage sensor 520 to determine the voltages of the battery cores 610. The battery cores 610 of the first exemplary modular power system 600 are clamped together to form the clamped unit 705.For example, the controller 500 can determine that the first battery core 610A, the second battery core 610B and the third battery core 610C are at a first voltage and are clamped together for a discharge process.

[0034] Fig. 7B is a second circuit diagram 750 of the second exemplary modular energy system 700. The first battery core 610A, the second battery core 610B, and the third battery core 610C discharge in the second circuit diagram 750. The energy output flowing from the second exemplary modular energy system 700 can originate from all battery cores 610. For example, the energy output can be equal to the sum of the energy outputs of the battery cores 610 (e.g., 9 kWh if each battery core 610 delivers 3 kWh). The controller 500 can discharge each battery core 610 at the same rate to maintain the same voltage levels throughout the clamped discharge process.

[0035] Fig. 8A represents a third exemplary modular energy system 800. The third exemplary modular energy system 800 can include the power supply 605, the first battery core 610A, the second battery core 610B, the third battery core 610C, the first charger module 615A, and the second charger module 615B. The first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B are clamped together to form a clamped unit 805. The first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B are stacked vertically above the power supply unit 605 to form a stack. A power tool 810 is connected to the power supply 605 and can receive power from the clamped unit 805. The third battery core 610C can be removed from the clamped unit 805 while the clamped unit 805 discharges to the power tool 810.For example, the third battery core 610C can be physically disconnected from the second battery core 610B while the clamped unit 805 performs a discharge operation. The first charger module 615A and the second charger module 615B can be mounted on top of the third battery core 610C.

[0036] The first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B are at a single voltage. Alternatively, the voltages of the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B are within a tolerance level of each other. For example, the tolerance level can be ±1 V, so that the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B have a voltage that is within ±1 V of the other voltages. The third battery core 610C can have a second voltage that differs from the first voltage. For example, the second voltage can be higher than the first voltage. The controller 500 can be located in the power supply 605 and determine the voltages of the battery cores 610, for example, using the voltage sensor 520.

[0037] Fig. 8B is a third circuit diagram 850 of a third exemplary modular energy system 800. The first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B discharge in the third circuit diagram 850. The energy output flowing from the third exemplary modular energy system 800 can originate from the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B. For example, the energy output can be equal to the sum of the energy outputs of the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B (e.g., 6 kWh if the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B each deliver 3 kWh). The controller 500 can discharge the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B at the same rate to maintain equal voltage levels throughout the clamped discharge process.The third battery core 610C can be removed during operation without affecting the operation of the clamped unit 805, since the third battery core 610C is not part of the clamped unit 805.

[0038] Fig. 9A represents a fourth exemplary modular energy system 900. The fourth exemplary modular energy system 900 can include the power supply 605, the first battery core 610A, the second battery core 610B, the third battery core 610C, the first charger module 615A, and the second charger module 615B. The first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B are clamped together to form a clamped unit 905. The first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B are stacked vertically above the power supply unit 605 to form a stack. A power tool 910 is connected to the power supply 605 and can receive power from the clamped unit 905. The third battery core 610C can be added to the clamped unit 905, while the clamped unit 905 discharges the power tool 910 to become part of the stack.For example, the third battery core 610C can be physically attached to the second battery core 610B while the clamped unit 805 performs a discharge operation. The first charger module 615A and the second charger module 615B can be mounted on top of the third battery core 610C.

[0039] The first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B are at a single voltage. Alternatively, the voltages of the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B are within a tolerance level of each other. For example, the tolerance level can be ±1 V, so that the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B have a voltage that is within ±1 V of the other voltages. The third battery core 610C can have a second voltage that differs from the first voltage. For example, the second voltage can be higher than the first voltage. The controller 500 can be located in the power supply 605 and determine the voltages of the battery cores 610, for example, using the voltage sensor 520.The third battery core 610C can be added during operation without affecting the operation of the clamped unit 905, since the third battery core 610C is not part of the clamped unit 905.

[0040] Fig. 9B is a fourth circuit diagram 950 of the fourth exemplary modular energy system 900. The first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B discharge in the fourth circuit diagram 950. The energy output flowing from the fourth exemplary modular energy system 900 can originate from the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B. For example, the energy output can be equal to the sum of the energy outputs of the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B (e.g., 6 kWh if the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B each deliver 3 kWh). The controller 500 can discharge the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B at the same rate to maintain a uniform voltage level throughout the clamped discharge process. Although the third battery core 610C is attached to the clamped unit 905, it is not discharging.

[0041] The modular energy systems described here can, for example, be charged overnight when not in use to power devices. Charging can be performed sequentially, so that each 610 battery core is charged separately and independently of the other battery cores in a sequential order. Fig. Figures 10A-12B illustrate an exemplary sequential charging process of the modular energy systems.

[0042] Fig. 10A represents a fifth exemplary modular energy system 1000. The fifth exemplary modular energy system 1000 can include the power supply 605, the first battery core 610A, the second battery core 610B, the third battery core 610C, the first charger module 615A, and the second charger module 615B. The first battery core 610A, the second battery core 610B, and the third battery core 610C are stacked vertically on top of the power supply 605 to form a stack. A power input cable 1005 (e.g., a power cable that plugs into a wall outlet) is connected to the power supply 605 and can power at least one of the battery cores 610. The first charger module 615A and the second charger module 615B can be located on top of the third battery core 610C. The first battery core 610A can be selected to be charged first during sequential charging.

[0043] Fig. 10B is a fifth circuit diagram 1050 of the fifth exemplary modular energy system 1000. The first battery core 610A is charged in the fifth circuit 1050. The first battery core 610A can be charged to the full charging voltage before either the second battery core 610B or the third battery core 610C receives a charging current via the energy input cable 1005. Switching circuits, such as the switching circuit 320 ( Fig. 3) Within each battery core 610, the first battery core 610A can be connected to a voltage bus, which is provided within each battery core 610 in the fifth exemplary modular energy system 1000 and supplies the charging current, and the second battery core 610B and the third battery core 610C can be disconnected from the voltage bus. The voltage bus can facilitate the transfer of energy to and from each battery core 610. For example, energy can be supplied from the first battery core 610A to an output device (e.g., a charging module) that is coupled to one of the first battery core 610A, the second battery core 610B, and the third battery core 610C.

[0044] The Fig. Figures 11A-11B illustrate the fifth exemplary modular energy system 1000 during a sequential charging process when the first battery core 610A is fully charged and the second battery core 610B is being charged.

[0045] The Fig. 12A-12B represent the fifth exemplary modular energy system 1000 during a sequential charging process when the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B are fully charged and the third battery core 610C is being charged.

[0046] If no clamping mode is selected, the modular energy systems described here can sequentially discharge the 610 battery cores. In some examples, if the clamping mode is selected and the 610 battery cores are at different voltages, the modular energy systems described here can control operations to equalize the voltages before clamping the 610 battery cores. Fig. 13A - 16 illustrate examples of different compensation methods when the clamping mode is selected.

[0047] Fig. 13A represents a sixth exemplary modular power system 1300. The sixth exemplary modular power system 1300 can include the power supply 605, the first battery core 610A, the second battery core 610B, the third battery core 610C, the first charger module 615A, and the second charger module 615B. The first battery core 610A, the second battery core 610B, and the third battery core 610C are stacked vertically above the power supply unit 605 to form a stack. The first charger module 615A and the second charger module 615B can be provided on top of the third battery core 610C. The first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B can be clamped together to form a clamping unit 1305.

[0048] The charge levels 1310 of the battery cores 610 are in Fig. Figure 13A shows the first battery core 610A at a first voltage, the second battery core 610B at a first voltage, and the third battery core 610C at a second voltage. The first voltage can be between a non-charging voltage and a full-charge voltage. The second voltage can be a full-charge voltage. The controller 500 can be located in the power supply 605 and can determine the voltages of the battery cores 610, for example, using the voltage sensor 520.

[0049] Fig. 13B is a sixth circuit diagram 1350 of the sixth exemplary modular energy system 1300. The third battery core 610C discharges in the sixth circuit diagram 1350. The third battery core 610C can be discharged to the first voltage, so that the third battery core 610C has the same voltage as the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B. Switching circuits, such as the switching circuit 320 ( Fig. 3) Within each battery core 610, the third battery core 610C can be connected to a voltage bus in the sixth exemplary modular energy system 1300 to discharge it, and the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B can be disconnected from the voltage bus. The third battery core 610C can discharge to a load. The controller 500 can periodically interrupt the discharge of the third battery core 610C to determine an instantaneous voltage of the third battery core 610C.

[0050] Fig. Figures 14A-14B illustrate the sixth exemplary modular energy system 1300 when the third battery core 610C is discharged to the first voltage. The first battery core 610A, the second battery core 610B, and the third battery core 610C are connected together for discharge. The energy output flowing from the sixth exemplary modular energy system 1300 is provided by all battery cores 610. For example, the energy output can be equal to the sum of the energy outputs of the battery cores 610 (e.g., 9 kWh if each battery core 610 provides 3 kWh). The controller 500 can discharge each battery core 610 at the same rate to maintain consistent voltage levels throughout the clamped discharge process.

[0051] Fig. 15A represents a seventh exemplary modular energy system 1500. The seventh exemplary modular energy system 1500 can include the power supply 605, the first battery core 610A, the second battery core 610B, the third battery core 610C, the first charger module 615A, and the second charger module 615B. The first battery core 610A, the second battery core 610B, and the third battery core 610C are stacked vertically above the power supply unit 605 to form a stack. The first charger module 615A and the second charger module 615B can be provided on top of the third battery core 610C. The first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B can be clamped together to form a clamping unit 1505. The seventh exemplary modular energy system 1400 can be an exemplary energy system during battery core balancing.For example, the third battery core 610C can be discharged, and the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B can be charged with the energy discharged from the third battery core 610C in the seventh exemplary modular energy system 1500. In other words, the battery cores 610 can perform battery core balancing so that each battery core 610 is at the same voltage, as shown below with respect to [reference missing]. Fig. 16 is described.

[0052] The charge levels 1510 of the battery cores 610 are in Fig. 15A is shown. The first battery core 610A is at a first voltage, the second battery core 610B is at a first voltage, and the third battery core 610C is at a second voltage. The first voltage can be between a non-charging voltage and a full-charge voltage. The second voltage can be a full-charge voltage. The controller 500 can be located in the power supply 605 and can determine the voltages of the battery cores 610, for example, using the voltage sensor 520.

[0053] Fig. 15B is a seventh circuit diagram 1550 of the seventh example of a modular energy system 1500. The first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B receive a charging current, and the third battery core 610C discharges in the seventh circuit 1550. For example, the third battery core 610C can supply 3 kWh, and the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B can each receive 1.5 kWh.

[0054] Fig. Figure 16 represents a control diagram 1600 for modular battery core balancing for a modular energy system. The controller 500 can implement the control diagram 1600 to perform the battery core balancing. The controller 500 can pulse a switching circuit 320 of a battery core 610 using a pulse-width modulation (PWM) signal to limit the amount of current flowing into the battery core 610. With reference to Fig. The 15A controller 500 can control the switching circuits 320 of the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B using a PWM signal with an operating ratio of 25%, 50%, or 75%. Based on the operating ratio, the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B can be charged with current from the third battery core 610C for a certain period. For example, an operating ratio of 25% can supply 750 watts (W) of energy to the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B, an operating ratio of 50% can supply 1.5 kilowatts (kW) of energy to the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B, and a relative duty cycle of 75% can supply 2.25 kW of energy to the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B.The first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B can be charged to a full charging voltage and will not be overcharged because the controller 500 controls the switching circuits 320 in the battery cores 610A and 610B. For example, the switching circuit 320 is controlled to be switched on only for a certain period of time, thus limiting the current flow to the batteries of the battery cores 610.

[0055] Fig. Figure 17 presents a flowchart of a procedure 1700 for clamping modular battery cores 610 of a modular energy system (e.g., the first to seventh exemplary modular energy systems 600 to 1500). Although the depicted procedure 1700 contains certain steps, not all steps need to be performed or performed in the sequence shown. The procedure 1700 can be executed by the controller (e.g., by the controller 500 of the power supply 605).

[0056] Procedure 1700 includes receiving a user input (step 1705). The user input can be provided via a user interface (e.g., user interface 505) or received from an external device (e.g., external device 560) via a transceiver (e.g., 510). The user input can be a clamping operation mode input. For example, the clamping operation mode input can enable the controller 500 to clamp battery cores together for a discharge operation.

[0057] Procedure 1700 includes determining that the battery cores 610 have been stacked for a predetermined duration (step 1710). For example, the controller 500 can determine that at least one first battery core 610A and one second battery core 610B have been connected to a power supply 605 (e.g., forming a stack) for the predetermined duration. The predetermined duration can be at least 60 minutes. The controller 500 clamps the battery cores 610 when it receives user input selecting a clamping mode or when the battery cores 610 have been connected for the predetermined duration. In some examples, the setting for clamping when the battery cores 610 have been connected for the predetermined duration, or the predetermined duration itself, is configurable.

[0058] Procedure 1700 includes determining a first voltage of a first battery core 610A and a second voltage of a second battery core 610B (step 1715). The controller 500 can use a voltage sensor (e.g., the voltage sensor 520) to determine the first and second voltages. A first battery core controller (e.g., the controller 315) of the first battery core 610A and a second battery core controller of the second battery core 610B can communicate a voltage of an internal battery (e.g., internal battery cells 310) of the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B to the controller 500.

[0059] Procedure 1700 involves determining whether the first voltage is within a tolerance level of the second voltage (decision step 1720). The tolerance level can be, for example, ±1V, meaning the first voltage must be within ±1V of the second voltage. The tolerance level can be any voltage in the range of 0V to 5V. The controller 500 can determine the difference between the first and second voltages and compare this difference to the tolerance level. If the first voltage is within a tolerance level of the second voltage (YES in decision step 1720), procedure 1700 proceeds to step 1725. If the first voltage is not within a tolerance level of the second voltage (NO in decision step 1720), procedure 1700 proceeds to step 1735.

[0060] Method 1700 includes clamping the battery cores 610 together (step 1725). When clamped together, the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B form a clamping unit (e.g., clamping unit 705 [ Fig. 7A-7B]) and enter the clamping mode. The battery cores 610 can be clamped together using the respective switching circuits 320. For example, the controller 500 can activate or deactivate the corresponding switching circuit 320 for each of the battery cores 610 based on determining whether the battery cores 610 are to be clamped together.

[0061] Method 1700 includes the parallel discharge of the battery cores 610 (step 1730). The controller 500 controls the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B so that both are discharged simultaneously. For example, the first battery core 610A can provide an output of 3 kWh and the second battery core 610B can also provide an output of 3 kWh, so that the terminal unit 705 delivers an output of 6 kWh to a load connected to the modular energy system. To discharge the battery cores 610, the controller 500 can use a switching circuit (e.g., the switching circuit 320 [ Fig. 3]) in each battery core so that it is in an ON position.

[0062] Procedure 1700 involves discharging the first battery core 610A and disabling the second battery core 610B (step 1735). For example, if the first voltage of the first battery core 610A is not within a tolerance level of the second voltage of the second battery core 610B, the battery cores 610 cannot be discharged in parallel but instead discharge in series. Discharging only the first battery core 610A provides an output equal to its output. For example, if the first battery core 610A provides an output of 3 kWh, this 3 kWh output is delivered to a load connected to the modular energy system. The second battery core 610B does not discharge.

[0063] Fig. Figure 18 presents a flowchart of a procedure 1800 for performing a discharge operation during the removal of a modular battery core 610 from the modular energy system (e.g., the first to seventh exemplary modular energy systems 600 to 1500). Although the presented procedure 1800 includes certain steps, not all steps need to be performed or performed in the sequence shown. The procedure 1800 can be executed by the controller (e.g., by the controller 500 of the power supply 605).

[0064] Procedure 1800 includes determining that the battery cores 610 are in a clamping mode (step 1805). For example, the controller 500 can execute steps of procedure 1700 to clamp a first battery core 610A, a second battery core 610B, and a third battery core 610C. Based on the output of the clamping unit 705, the controller 500 can determine that the first battery core 610A, the second battery core 610B, and the third battery core 610C are in a clamping mode. For example, the controller 500 can determine that the output is a sum of an output of the first battery core 610A, an output of the second battery core 610B and an output of the third battery core 610C, in order to determine that the first battery core 610A, the second battery core 610B and the third battery core 610C are clamped together.

[0065] Procedure 1800 includes determining that the third battery core 610C is removed from the stack (step 1810). For example, the controller 500 can determine that the first battery core 610A and a second battery core 610B remain coupled to a power supply 605 (e.g., forming the stack) and that the third battery core 610C is physically and electrically disconnected from the stack. A user can remove the third battery core 610C from the stack, so that the modified stack contains battery cores 610A and 610B.

[0066] Procedure 1800 involves the parallel discharge of battery cores 610A and 610B, which are part of the modified stack (step 1815). The first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B remain clamped in clamping mode even if a previously clamped battery core (i.e., the third battery core 610C) is removed from the clamping unit. The controller 500 discharges the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B in parallel to a load connected to the modular power system.

[0067] Fig. Figure 19 shows a flowchart of a procedure 1900 for charging a first modular battery core 610A when the voltage of the first modular battery core 610A is not within a tolerance level of the voltage of a second modular battery core 610B. Although the depicted procedure 1900 includes certain steps, not all steps need to be performed or performed in the order shown. The procedure 1900 can be executed by the controller (e.g., the controller 500 of the power supply 605).

[0068] Procedure 1900 includes determining a first voltage of a first battery core 610A and a second voltage of a second battery core 610B (step 1905). The controller 500 can use a voltage sensor (e.g., the voltage sensor 520) to determine the first and second voltages. A first battery core controller (e.g., the controller 315) of the first battery core 610A and a second battery core controller of the second battery core 610B can transmit a voltage from an internal battery (e.g., internal battery cells 310) of the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B to the controller 500.

[0069] Procedure 1900 involves determining that the first voltage is not within a tolerance level of the second voltage (step 1910). The tolerance level can be, for example, ±1V, such that the first voltage is within ±1V of the second voltage. The tolerance level can be any voltage in the range of 0V to 5V. The controller 500 can determine a difference between the first and second voltages and compare this difference to the tolerance level. The first voltage can be a full-charge voltage. The second voltage can be between a non-charge voltage and a full-charge voltage.

[0070] Method 1900 includes charging the second battery core 610B to the first voltage (step 1915). For example, the second battery core 610B can be charged to the first voltage via a power input cable 1005. A switching circuit (e.g., switching circuit 320 [ Fig. 3]) can connect the second battery core 610B to a voltage bus that supplies the charging current and disconnect the first battery core 610A from the voltage bus. The second battery core 610B is charged to the first voltage, so that the voltage of the first battery core 610A and the voltage of the second battery core 610B are equal and the battery core 610 can be clamped.

[0071] Fig. Figure 20 presents a flowchart of a procedure 2000 for discharging a first modular battery core 610A to a voltage of a second modular battery core 610B in order to clamp the first modular battery core 610A and the second modular battery core 610B. Although the depicted procedure 2000 contains certain steps, not all steps need to be performed or performed in the sequence shown. The procedure 2000 can be executed by the controller (e.g., by the controller 500 of the power supply 605).

[0072] Procedure 2000 includes determining a first voltage of a first battery core 610A and a second voltage of a second battery core 610B (step 2005). The controller 500 can use a voltage sensor (e.g., the voltage sensor 520) to determine the first and second voltages. A first battery core controller (e.g., the controller 315) of the first battery core 610A and a second battery core controller of the second battery core 610B can transmit a voltage from an internal battery (e.g., internal battery cells 310) of the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B to the controller 500.

[0073] Procedure 2000 involves determining that the first voltage is not within a tolerance level of the second voltage (step 2010). The tolerance level can be, for example, ±1V, so that the first voltage is within ±1V of the second voltage. The tolerance range can be any voltage in the range of 0V to 5V. The controller 500 can determine a difference between the first and second voltages and compare this difference to the tolerance level. The first voltage can be a full-charge voltage. The second voltage can be between a non-charge voltage and a full-charge voltage.

[0074] Procedure 2000 involves discharging the first battery core 610A to the second voltage (step 2015). A switching circuit (e.g., switching circuit 320 [ Fig. 3]) can connect the first battery core 610A to a voltage bus to discharge current to a load, and can disconnect the second battery core 610B from the voltage bus.

[0075] Procedure 2000 involves clamping the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B for a discharge operation (step 2020). When clamped together, the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B form a clamping unit (e.g., clamping unit 705 [ Fig. 7A-7B]) and enter the clamping mode. The controller 500 can control the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B so that both are discharged simultaneously. For example, the first battery core 610A can provide an output of 3 kWh and the second battery core 610B can also provide an output of 3 kWh, so that the clamping unit 705 delivers an output of 6 kWh to a load connected to the modular energy system. To discharge the battery cores 610, the controller 500 can control a switching circuit 320 in each battery core so that it is in an ON position.

[0076] Fig. Figure 21 shows a flowchart of a procedure 2100 for balancing the voltages of a first modular battery core 610A and a second modular battery core 610B. Although the depicted procedure 2100 contains certain steps, not all steps need to be performed or performed in the sequence shown. The procedure 2100 can be executed by the controller (e.g., by the controller 500 of the power supply 605).

[0077] Procedure 2100 includes determining a first voltage of a first battery core 610A and a second voltage of a second battery core 610B (step 2105). The controller 500 can use a voltage sensor (e.g., the voltage sensor 520) to determine the first and second voltages. A first battery core controller (e.g., the core controller 315) of the first battery core 610A and a second battery core controller of the second battery core 610B can transmit a voltage from an internal battery (e.g., internal battery cells 310) of the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B to the controller 500.

[0078] Procedure 2100 involves determining that the first voltage is not within a tolerance level of the second voltage (step 2110). For example, the tolerance level can be ±1V, so that the first voltage is within ±1V of the second voltage. The tolerance level can be any voltage in the range of 0V to 5V. The controller 500 can determine a difference between the first and second voltages and compare this difference to the tolerance level. The first voltage can be a full-charge voltage. The second voltage can be between a non-charge voltage and a full-charge voltage.

[0079] Procedure 2100 includes balancing the voltages of the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B (step 2115). The controller 500 can balance the voltages by supplying the second battery core 610B with a charging current from the first battery core 610A. For example, the first battery core 610A can supply 3 kWh to the second battery core 610B so that the voltages of the first battery core 610A and the second battery core 610B reach a third voltage. The controller 500 can control the switching circuit 320 of the second battery core 610B using a PWM signal with an operating ratio of 25%, 50%, or 75%. Based on the operating ratio, the second battery core 610B can be charged over a certain period using current from the first battery core 610A.

[0080] Fig. Figure 22 represents an exemplary charging system 2200 for the modular energy system (e.g., the first to seventh exemplary modular energy systems 600 to 1500). The charging system 2200 can be provided in a vehicle that can be used to charge the battery cores 610 overnight. The terminal unit 705 can provide an output to a load (e.g., charger modules 615). Each battery core 610 can have a nominal capacity of 20 ampere-hours (Ah) and can be charged in 30 to 45 minutes. As explained above, in some examples the battery cores 610 are charged sequentially.

[0081] Fig. 23 is a first exemplary use 2300 of the modular energy system (e.g., first to seventh exemplary modular energy systems 600-1500). The first exemplary use 2300 can include several second exemplary modular energy systems 700 on a concrete construction site. A user can activate the clamping operation mode of the modular energy systems 700 to discharge enough battery cores 610 over a specific period to ensure that concrete tools can be properly powered by battery energy during a time-critical concreting operation.

[0082] Fig.24 is a second exemplary use 2400 of the modular energy system (e.g., first to seventh exemplary modular energy systems 600 to 1500). The second exemplary use 2400 can include multiple second exemplary modular energy systems 700 on a construction site. Users may draw power from the second exemplary modular energy systems 700 to carry out construction work. The second exemplary modular energy systems 700 can be kept in clamping mode.

[0083] In the examples above, clamping is described in relation to the voltages and / or states of charge of the 610 battery cores. The 610 battery cores may contain the same nominal voltage, so the voltage (e.g., open-circuit voltage or short-circuit voltage) at a given state of charge is the same. However, the voltage at a given state of charge can vary depending on the relative age of the 610 battery cores. In the examples where 610 battery cores of different ages are used, the system may use voltage measurements rather than state of charge to determine whether to clamp.

[0084] Thus, the embodiments described here offer, among other things, systems and methods for clamping modular battery cores of a modular energy system for a discharge process.

Claims

[1] A modular energy system, comprising: a first modular battery core; a second modular battery core; and a controller that is electrically connected to the first modular battery core and the second modular battery core, the controller being configured to: a first voltage of the first modular battery core and a second voltage of the second modular battery core are determined, and clamps the first modular battery core and the second modular battery core for a discharge process if the first voltage is within a tolerance level of the second voltage. [2] The modular energy system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured such that it: in response to the finding that the first voltage is greater than the second voltage by more than the tolerance level: discharges the first modular battery core and deactivates the second modular battery core. [3] The modular energy system according to claim 2, wherein a voltage bus is provided within the first modular battery core and the second modular battery core, and wherein a discharge current is provided from the first modular battery core to an output module via the voltage bus when the second modular battery core is deactivated. [4] The modular energy system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to charge the second modular battery core to the first voltage when the first voltage is greater than the second voltage by more than the tolerance level. [5] The modular energy system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to balance the voltages of the first modular battery core and the second modular battery core when the first voltage is greater than the second voltage by more than the tolerance level. [6] The modular energy system according to claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to balance voltages of the first modular battery core and the second modular battery core by: It controls a switching circuit between one of the first modular battery cores and the second modular battery core using a PWM signal with an operating ratio of less than 100%, and The switching circuit supplies a charging current to one of the first modular battery cores and the second modular battery core. [7] The modular energy system according to claim 1, wherein the first modular battery core includes a first interface, wherein the second modular battery core includes a second interface and wherein the first modular battery core is detachably coupled to the second modular battery core via the first interface and the second interface. [8] The modular energy system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured such that it: discharges the first modular battery core and the second modular battery core in parallel, as a reaction to the clamping of the first modular battery core and the second modular battery core. [9] The modular energy system according to claim 8, wherein the controller discharges the first modular battery core and the second modular battery core in parallel by controlling a first discharge switch in the first modular battery core and a second discharge switch in the second modular battery core. [10] The modular energy system according to claim 1, which further comprises: a power supply that includes a first interface connected to a second interface of the first modular battery core. [11] The modular energy system according to claim 10, wherein a third interface of the first modular battery core is connected to a fourth interface of the second modular battery core. [12] A procedure, encompassing: Determining, with a controller electrically connected to a first modular battery core and a second modular battery core, a first voltage of the first modular battery core and a second voltage of the second modular battery core, Determine with the controller that the first voltage is not within a tolerance level of the second voltage, Discharging the first modular battery core to the second voltage using the controller, and Terminals of the first modular battery core and the second modular battery core for a discharge process with the controller. [13] The method according to claim 12, which further comprises: Supplying the second modular battery core with a charging current from the first modular battery core to the controller. [14] The method according to claim 13, wherein the controller controls a switching circuit within the second modular battery core using a PWM signal to supply the second modular battery core with the charging current. [15] The method according to claim 12, wherein the first modular battery core includes a first interface and a second interface, wherein the second modular battery core includes a third interface and a fourth interface and wherein the second interface is connected to the third interface. [16] A modular energy system, comprising: a first modular battery core; a second modular battery core; and a controller that is electrically connected to the first modular battery core and the second modular battery core, the controller being configured to: a first voltage of the first modular battery core and a second voltage of the second modular battery core are determined, and a clamping unit is formed by clamping the first modular battery core and the second modular battery core for a discharge operation when the first voltage is within a tolerance level of the second voltage. [17] The modular energy system according to claim 16, wherein the first modular battery core includes a first interface and a second interface, wherein the second modular battery core includes a third interface and a fourth interface and wherein the second interface is connected to the third interface. [18] The modular energy system according to claim 17, which further comprises: a third modular battery core, which includes a fifth interface and a sixth interface and is connected to the second modular battery core at the fourth interface and to the fifth interface; and an output device connected to the sixth interface. [19] The modular energy system according to claim 18, wherein the controller is configured to discharge the terminal unit to the output device connected to the third modular battery core. [20] The modular energy system according to claim 18, wherein the output device is a charging module for charging a plurality of battery packs. [21] The modular energy system according to claim 16, which further comprises an energy management system that is electrically connected to the first modular battery core and the second modular battery core. [22] The modular energy system according to claim 16, wherein a voltage bus is provided within the first modular battery core and the second modular battery core and wherein a discharge current is supplied from the first modular battery core and the second modular battery core via the voltage bus to an output module when one of the first modular battery core and the second modular battery core is deactivated.

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