An aerosol generation device and method

Abstract

An aerosol generation device comprising: a modular energy system (100) comprising two or more removable energy units (200-1 to 200-4), wherein each of the two or more removable energy units (200-1 to 200-4) are configured to be controlled to discharge in accordance with a selected power delivery mode of a plurality of power delivery modes.

Description

[0001] AN AEROSOL GENERATION DEVICE AND METHOD

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a modular energy system for an aerosol generation device. The present disclosure also relates to a method of discharging two or more removable energy units in a modular energy system for an aerosol generation device. The present disclosure also relates to an aerosol generation device.

[0004] Background

[0005] As the demand for aerosol generation devices increases, so does the need for improved energy systems. In addition, the need for these energy systems to be manipulated and potentially replaced by a user is increased.

[0006] Current energy systems for aerosol generation systems typically have as large a power capacity as possible, in order to minimise the frequency of charging sessions required from a user and to avoid a user having to switch between energy units. Power management strategies are either not commonly employed or are overly simplistic and designed for use with a single energy unit.

[0007] One problem with traditional energy systems is that each of the energy units is subject to short charging sessions; for example, a quick charge before a user leaves the house. It is inconvenient for a user to wait the duration of a full charge, when often this maximum capacity of the battery system is more than required for the next usage. Therefore, different energy units are often left in different states of charge.

[0008] A challenge associated with the above is providing an energy system and device that meets growing safety demands while providing convenient discharge for a user. It is the object of the invention to overcome or avoid at least some of the above-referenced problems, or to provide an alternative approach.

[0009] Summary According to the present disclosure, there is provided an aerosol generation device comprising a modular energy system, a method of discharging two or more removable energy units in a modular energy system of an aerosol generation device.

[0010] According to one aspect, there is provided an aerosol generation device comprising a modular energy system comprising two or more removable energy units. Each of the two or more removable energy units are configured to be controlled to discharge in accordance with a selected power delivery mode of a plurality of power delivery modes.

[0011] Based on user habits, the user may therefore select which kind of configuration of removable energy units they desire for a certain occasion. For example, if the user does not require 20+ sticks of energy unit charge, they may choose a smaller energy unit, thus providing a smaller overall system. As such, in some instances, a smaller energy unit may be provided, which may be more convenient for a user. Further energy units may be stored externally from the system and inserted as and when required.

[0012] That is, by providing removable energy units, the energy units with little or no charge may be removed from the system to reduce the weight and size of the system. Furthermore, a user may select a size or capacity of energy unit to match the level of charge (i.e. , the number of sessions the energy unit will allow) needed.

[0013] Selectable power delivery modes allow for the energy system to be discharged in accordance with a required output. For example, a user may choose a power delivery mode for convenience of use, for longevity of the system or optimum safety.

[0014] The modular energy system makes it possible for the user, with little effort, to reduce the overall size of the device and use it in a more responsible way to prolong the battery life and also potentially reduce the spending on a new battery.

[0015] More generally, deliberate discharging of certain energy units available achieves improved convenience, longer battery life and increased safety.

[0016] Each of the two or more removable energy unit may comprise a system controller configured to control the discharge of the respective removable energy units. The advantage of each energy unit comprising a controller is that each of the energy units may function as a standalone unit. Furthermore, the energy units could be used as a power bank to charge other devices or used directly in other devices.

[0017] The aerosol generation device may further comprise a device controller configured to control the discharge of the two or more removable energy units.

[0018] Advantageously, the two or more removable energy units may be centrally controlled by the aerosol generation device.

[0019] The device controller may be configured to receive state of charge information from each of the two or more removable energy units. Advantageously, each energy unit may indicate its state of charge to a user.

[0020] The aerosol generation device may include a heating unit and each of the two or more removable energy units may be configured to provide energy to the heating unit.

[0021] Advantageously, any of the removable energy units may directly provide energy to a heating unit. Therefore, there is no need to provide a fixed energy unit within an aerosol generation device that is not capable of being removed from the device.

[0022] The aerosol generation device may further comprise a heater energy unit, wherein the heater energy unit is integral with the heating unit. Advantageously, one of the two or more removable energy units may be configured to charge the heater energy unit, thus the heater energy unit may be recharged without being removed from the device.

[0023] The energy system may comprise one or more indicators configured to indicate a state of charge of the two or more removable energy units.

[0024] Advantageously, the user may be informed of the charge levels of the energy units. Thus, a user may choose not to attach certain energy units, depending on their charge level. Additionally, a user may determine the charge levels of an energy unit without the need to insert said energy unit into an aerosol generation device. The plurality of power delivery modes may comprise a first power delivery mode in which the removable energy units are discharged based on an order in which they were last installed in the system.

[0025] Advantageously, the energy units may be discharged in the most user-convenient order. That is, the power management strategy would discharge fully the first energy unit from the bottom of the system (e.g., the energy unit easiest to remove when the system is attached to the device), such that the user can remove it when it is empty. The user may then recharge the energy unit or keep it elsewhere to allow for a smaller system and device configuration.

[0026] The plurality of power delivery modes may comprise a second power delivery mode in which the removable energy units are selected to be discharged in an order based on a calculated capacity degradation factor of each of the two or more removable energy units.

[0027] Advantageously, this power delivery mode is optimised for energy unit longevity. That is, the energy unit that has a relatively high state of charge (i.e. , in the range of 60- 100%) and that is not significantly aged, would be discharged first.

[0028] Furthermore, for example, the newest energy unit may be used for a pre-heating phase and a different energy unit used for a sustaining phase. Thus, the stress on each of the energy units is minimised.

[0029] The plurality of power delivery modes may comprise a third power delivery mode in which the removable energy units are selected to be discharged in an order based on the current state of charge of each of the two or more removable energy units. The order based on the current state of charge may be a descending order. The third power delivery mode may comprise selecting the removable energy unit with the highest state of charge to be discharged until said removable energy unit is no longer the removable energy unit with the highest state of charge.

[0030] Advantageously, the third power delivery mode may discharge each of the energy units such that the state of charge of each of the energy units is reduced equally, or to a certain threshold. Thus, this mode provides improved safety of the system, for example, for use before a flight. The plurality of power delivery modes may comprise a fourth power delivery mode, in which the order of discharge of the two or more energy units is based on user input.

[0031] Advantageously, a user may have full control over the order in which the energy units are discharged. Thus, a user may, for example, choose to discharge an energy unit which is nearly depleted, and use this remaining charge prior to leaving the house. Thus, the energy unit may then be removed prior to leaving, thus providing a miniaturised energy system to be carried around by the user.

[0032] In one example, two or more energy units are configured to be controlled, by the device controller or system controllers, to each be charged, in turn, to a partial state of charge.

[0033] The two or more energy units may be provided in a modular energy system for use in an aerosol generation device. The system may comprise the two or more energy units.

[0034] By providing a modular energy system wherein two or more energy units are configured to be charged, in turn, to a partial state of charge, the speed and efficiency of charging the energy units is increased.

[0035] By charging each unit, in turn, a higher state of charge for a single energy unit can be reached in a given time, when compared to charging each of the energy units simultaneously. By doing this, under short charging times, a user may be left with an energy unit with a high state of charge, and other energy units that have not been charged at all. Therefore, these uncharged energy units may be disregarded by either an aerosol generation device, or by a user not installing them in the modular energy system. As such a user is provided with a more consistent experience as one energy unit may be used during an inhalation session by the user. Further, this results in a more sustainable modular energy system as energy units are only replaced when really needed.

[0036] Each of the system controllers may be configured to determine the state of charge of each of the energy units by measuring the charging current delivered to each respective energy unit. By using charging current as a measured characteristic, the point at which fast charging ceases to be occurring may be determined, and the charging may be switched to an energy unit with a lower state of charge.

[0037] Each of the system controllers may be configured to stop charging each respective energy unit based on the measured charging current reaching a first predetermined charging current threshold.

[0038] The advantage of stopping charging an energy unit based on a predetermined charging current threshold is that the charging may be directed to another energy unit with a lower state of energy once the charging of the first energy unit becomes slower or less efficient.

[0039] The system controllers may be configured to, upon each of the energy units being charged to the partial state of charge, charge the energy units in parallel.

[0040] Charging of the energy units in parallel, once each of the units has been charged to a partial state of charge, avoids long charge times associated with each unit being charged individually. Further, recharging all units together from the start could lead to a user needing to carry them all together in order to have sufficient charge. In contrast, charging energy units in parallel once each of the units has been charged to a partial state of charge provides a good solution between these two extremes.

[0041] During the charging in parallel, the system controllers may be configured to periodically measure the charging current delivered to each of the respective energy units. By periodically, it means that there is a time delay between each measurement. In some examples, the time delay may be the same between each measurement. In other examples, there may be a different time delay between each measurement.

[0042] During the charging in parallel, the system controllers may be configured to stop charging an energy unit based on the measured charging current reaching a second predetermined charging current threshold. This feature allows the controllers to determine when each of the energy units reaches a required state of charge, such as a complete state of charge, such that power may be diverted from said energy units to those that are still being charged.

[0043] The system controllers may be configured to monitor the current of each of the respective energy units, integrate each of the currents overtime to determine the health of each of the respective energy units, and based on the determined health of each of the respective energy units, provide an indication that one of the energy units is of reduced health.

[0044] Advantageously, the health of each individual energy unit may be monitored based on their respective current measurements. Therefore, during charging, each energy unit may be continuously monitored and diagnosed to suggest replacement, if necessary.

[0045] According to one aspect, there is provided a method of charging two or more energy units in a modular energy system for an aerosol generation device, comprising: charging each of the energy units, in turn, to a partial state of charge.

[0046] By providing a method wherein two or more energy units are configured to be charged, in turn, to a partial state of charge, the speed and efficiency of charging the energy units is increased.

[0047] By charging each unit, in turn, a higher state of charge for a single energy unit can be reached, when compared to charging each of the energy units simultaneously. By doing this, under short charging times, a user may be left with an energy unit with a high state of charge, and other energy units that have not been charged at all. Therefore, these uncharged energy units may be disregarded by either an aerosol generation device, or by a user not installing them in the modular energy system.

[0048] According to a further aspect, there is provided a method of discharging two or more removable energy units in a modular energy system for an aerosol generation device, comprising selecting one or more of the removable energy units to discharge in accordance with a selected power delivery mode of a plurality of power delivery modes. Based on user habits, the user may therefore select which kind of configuration of energy units they desire for a certain occasion. For example, if the user does not require 20+ sticks of energy unit charge, they may choose a smaller energy unit, thus providing a smaller overall system. As such, in some instances, a smaller energy unit may be provided, which may be more convenient for a user. Further energy units may be stored externally from the device and inserted as and when required.

[0049] That is, by providing a method with removable energy units, the energy units with little or no charge may be removed from the system to reduce the weight and size of the system. Furthermore, a user may select a size or capacity of energy unit to match the level of charge (i.e. , the number of sessions the energy unit will allow) needed.

[0050] Selectable power delivery modes allow for the energy system to be discharged in accordance with a required output. For example, a user may choose a power delivery mode for convenience of use, for longevity of the system or optimum safety.

[0051] The method makes it possible for the user, with little effort, to miniaturize the system and use it in a more responsible way to prolong the battery life and also potentially reduce the spending on a new battery.

[0052] According to a further aspect, there is provided an aerosol generation device comprising: a modular energy system comprising two or more removable energy units. Each of the two or more removable energy units are configured to be controlled to discharge in accordance with a selected power delivery mode of a plurality of power delivery modes.

[0053] Based on user habits, the user may therefore select which kind of configuration of energy units they desire for a certain occasion. For example, if the user does not require 20+ sticks of energy unit charge, they may choose a smaller energy unit, thus providing a smaller overall device. As such, in some instances, a smaller energy unit may be provided, which may be more convenient for a user. Further energy units may be stored externally from the device and inserted as and when required.

[0054] That is, by providing an aerosol generation device with removable energy units, the energy units with little or no charge may be removed from the device to reduce the weight and size of the system. Furthermore, a user may select a size or capacity of energy unit to match the level of charge (i.e. , the number of sessions the energy unit will allow) needed.

[0055] Selectable power delivery modes allow for the energy units to be discharged in accordance with a required output. For example, a user may choose a power delivery mode for convenience of use, for longevity of the device or optimum safety.

[0056] The disclosure makes it possible for the user, with little effort, to miniaturize the device and use it in a more responsible way to prolong the battery life and also potentially reduce the spending on a new battery.

[0057] Further advantages, objectives and features of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, in the following description with reference to the figures. In the figures, like components in different embodiments can exhibit the same reference symbols.

[0058] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0059] Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0060] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a modular energy system;

[0061] Figure 2 shows a schematic view of an example of the modular energy system;

[0062] Figure 3 shows a schematic view of an aerosol generation device;

[0063] Figure 4 shows a schematic view of an example of the aerosol generation device;

[0064] Figure 5 shows a schematic view of an example of the aerosol generation device;

[0065] Figure 6 shows a flow chart representing a first power delivery mode;

[0066] Figure 7 shows a flow chart representing additional steps of the first power delivery mode;

[0067] Figure 8 shows a flow chart representing a second power delivery mode;

[0068] Figure 9 shows a flow chart representing additional steps of the second power delivery mode;

[0069] Figure 10 shows a flow chart representing additional steps of the second power delivery mode; Figure 11 shows a flow chart representing a third power delivery mode;

[0070] Figure 12 shows a flow diagram of a method of discharging two or more removable energy units in a modular energy system for an aerosol generation device; and

[0071] Figure 13 shows a graphical representation of charging methods as described in the prior art;

[0072] Figure 14 shows a graphical representation of charging methods of the modular energy system; and

[0073] Figure 15 shows a flow diagram of a method of charging two or more energy units in a modular energy system for an aerosol generation device.

[0074] Detailed Description

[0075] As used herein, the term “aerosol precursor material”, “vapour precursor material” or “vaporizable material” may refer to a smokable material which may for example comprise nicotine or tobacco and a vaporising agent. The aerosol precursor material is configured to release an aerosol when heated. Tobacco may take the form of various materials such as shredded tobacco, granulated tobacco, tobacco leaf and / or reconstituted tobacco. Nicotine may be in the form of nicotine salts. Suitable aerosol precursor materials include: a polyol such as sorbitol, glycerol, and glycols like propylene glycol or triethylene glycol; a non-polyol such as monohydric alcohols, acids such as lactic acid, glycerol derivatives, esters such as triacetin, triethylene glycol diacetate, triethyl citrate, glycerin or vegetable glycerin. In some examples, the aerosol precursor material is substantially a liquid that holds or comprises one or more solid particles, such as tobacco particles extracted from tobacco materials or suspended in a solution or gel.

[0076] An aerosol generation device is configured to aerosolise an aerosol precursor material without combustion in order to facilitate delivery of an aerosol to a user. Furthermore, and as is common in the technical field, the terms “vapour” and “aerosol”, and related terms such as “vaporize”, “volatilize” and “aerosolise”, may generally be used interchangeably.

[0077] As used herein, the term “aerosol generation device” is synonymous with “aerosol generating device” or “device” and may include a device configured to heat an aerosol precursor material and deliver an aerosol to a user. The device may be portable. That is to say that the aerosol generation device may be configured to be handheld. “Portable” may refer to the device being for use when held by a user. The device may be adapted to generate a variable amount of aerosol, which can be controlled by user input.

[0078] As used herein, the term “aerosol” may include a suspension of vaporizable material as one or more of: solid particles; liquid droplets; gas. Said suspension may be in a gas including air. Aerosol herein may generally refer to / include a vapour. Aerosol may include one or more components of the vaporizable material.

[0079] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a modular energy system 100. The modular energy system 100 is for use in an aerosol generation device 400 (as shown in Figures 4 and 5). The modular energy system 100 comprises two or more removable energy units 200. For example, Figures 1 and 2 show the modular energy system 100 comprising a first removable energy unit 200-1 and a second removable energy unit 200-2. Figure 3 shows an example of the modular energy system 100 comprising a first removable energy unit 200-1 , a second removable energy unit 200-2, a third removable energy unit 200-3 and a fourth removable energy unit 200-4, but other numbers of energy units are envisaged. The only difference between the example shown in Figure 3 and Figures 1 and 2 is the number of removable energy units. All description of aspects of these figures is interchangeable between them.

[0080] The removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may be battery cells, for example, pouch cells. The removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may be connectable or attachable to one another. That is, the removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may connect to form the modular energy system 100.

[0081] Each of the removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may have different charge capacities. For example, an energy unit 200-1 may have a charge capacity equivalent to the consumption of 5 ‘sticks’ (i.e. 5 aerosol generation sessions, or the consumption of 5 consumables), 10 ‘sticks’, 15 ‘sticks’, 20 ‘sticks, or 25 ‘sticks, and so on. The modular energy system 100 may comprise multiple energy units 200-1 to 200-4 of different charge capacities. A user may combine different energy units 200-1 to 200-4 to assemble the modular energy system 100 based on their needs. Furthermore, each of the removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may be charged individually, or together with other removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4. That is to say that the first removable energy unit 200-1 may have a different capacity from the second energy unit 200-2. In other examples, the first removable energy unit 200-1 and the second removable energy unit 200-2 may have the same charge capacity.

[0082] The connection between the removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may be one or more of a snap fit, press fit, magnetic connection, clip, screw and friction fit within a housing. Other suitable connections are envisaged.

[0083] In use, the removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may act as the power supply to supply power to the aerosol generation device 400. For example, the removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may supply power to a heating unit 410 of the aerosol generation device 400 (this can be seen in Figures 4 and 5). In other words, the modular energy system 100 may act as the power supply to supply power to the aerosol generation device 400. In other examples, the one or more of the removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may supply power directly to the aerosol generation consumable in examples in which the aerosol generation consumable includes one or more electrical conductors itself.

[0084] In some examples, one or more of the two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 or a heater energy unit (not shown) may be integral with the heating unit 410 of the aerosol generation device 400. That is, the heating unit 410 may comprise an integral heating energy unit.

[0085] For example, the heating unit 410 may comprise an integral heating energy unit as part of a heating unit assembly. The integral heating energy unit may be mechanically integrated. The integral heating energy unit may be connected to the heating unit 410 by a magnetic connection, a fixing such as a screw, a clip or other suitable connection methods. The electrical connection between the integral heating energy unit and the heating unit 410 may be provided in the mechanical connection or provided as a separate connection method. The integral heating energy unit may be configured to be a predetermined distance from the heating unit 410 to avoid overheating and ensure safe operation.

[0086] The heating energy unit may be configured to be controlled as part of the modular energy system 100. That is, the heating energy unit may act as one of the two or more energy units 200-1 to 200-4. The two or more energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may be used to recharge the integral heating energy unit. The heater energy unit may be the name given to the one of the two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 that is closest to the heating unit 410, in use.

[0087] Each of the two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may be configured to provide the aerosol generation device 400 with electrical energy providing a voltage in the range of 1 V and 8 V. Preferably each of the two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may be configured to provide the aerosol generation device 400 with electrical energy providing a voltage in the range of 3 V and 4.2 V. Most preferably, each of the two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may be configured to provide the aerosol generation device 400 with electrical energy providing a voltage of 3.7 V. Such a voltage source is particularly advantageous for a modern aerosol generation device in view of rechargeability, high energy density and large capacity. The removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may be lithium-ion energy units.

[0088] The two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 are configured to be controlled to discharge in accordance with a selected power delivery mode of a plurality of power delivery modes. That is, the removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may be discharged in a custom or preset fashion. The power delivery modes will be described in more detail below.

[0089] In some examples, a single controller 220 (the system controller) controls each of the two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 (as shown in Figure 2). In some examples, the controller 220 may comprise multiple system controllers 220-1 to 220-4 (as shown in Figures 3 and 5). In some examples, the system controllers 220-1 to 220- 4 may each be standalone controllers (as shown in Figures 1 and 4). The controller 220 or controllers 200-1 to 200-4 may be a charger I C, part of a charger IC and / or comprise a charger IC. The controller 220 or controllers 220-1 to 220-4 may be operable to initiate charging of one of the two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 by discharging an other one of the two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4.

[0090] For example, each of the two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may comprise a controller 220-1 to 220-4 (i.e. , the system controllers) configured to control the respective energy unit. That is, the controller 220-1 may control the removable energy unit 200-1 , the controller 220-2 may control the removable energy unit 200-2 and so on. The system controllers 220-1 to 220-4 may be the controller 220. The controllers 220-1 to 220-4 (or the controller 220) may be configured to be controlled by a device controller 420 of the aerosol generation device 400 (as shown in Figures 4 and 5). The device controller 420 may be a single device controller 420 or multiple device controllers each configured to control a respective system controller 220-1 to 220-4 or respective removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4. The system controllers 220- 1 to 220-4 may be configured to function as one or more slave devices and the device controller 420 may be configured to function as a master device configured to control the one or more slave devices.

[0091] Alternatively, the device controller 420 of the aerosol generation device 100 may directly control each of the two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4. That is, the modular energy system 100 may not comprise a controller.

[0092] In some embodiments (as shown in Figures 3 and 5), the modular energy system 100 may comprise three or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4. For example, Figures 3 to 5 show the modular energy system 100 with four removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4. These examples are identical in operation to the modular energy system shown in Figure 2, except that there are more removable energy units.

[0093] Each of the removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 are removable from the modular energy system 100. For example, the removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may be removed for charging, replacement, storage or discarding. Additional removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may be carried, by a user, to be inserted into the modular energy system 100 when required.

[0094] The modular energy system 100 may comprise a power inlet (not shown) to connect to a power source. A power inlet may be present on each of the two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4. The power inlet of the modular energy system 100 (or of the two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4) may be accessible, by a user, when the modular energy system 100 is inserted in the aerosol generation device 400. In addition, or alternatively, the aerosol generation device 400 may comprise a power inlet (not shown) to connect to a power source and configured to provide power to the two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 of the modular energy system 100 to charge them. The modular energy system 100 may comprise a combination of two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-2, as shown in Figure 1. In some examples, the modular energy system 100 may comprise a housing, or body, 250, as shown in Figure 2, to house the components making up the modular energy system 100. For example, the housing 250 may house the two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 and, if present, the system controller 220 and / or system controllers 220-1 to 220-4.

[0095] The controller 220 or controllers 220-1 to 220-4 may be configured to receive state of charge information from each of the removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4. The controller 220 or controllers 220-1 to 220-4 may be configured to determine the state of charge of each of the removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4.

[0096] Each of the two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-2 may comprise a respective indicator 260-1 to 260-2 (as shown in Figure 1). For example, when there are four removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4, there may be four respective indicators 260-1 to 260-4. Alternatively, or additionally, an indicator 260 may be provided on a body 250 of the modular energy system 100 (as shown in Figures 2 to 4). The indicator 260 or indicators 260-1 to 260-2 may be visible to a user when the modular energy system is inserted in the aerosol generation device 400. Alternatively, the indication may be facilitated by an indicator 460 of the aerosol generation device 400 (as shown in Figure 5). The indicator 460 may be controlled by the controller 220 or controllers 220-1 to 220-4 of the modular energy system 100 or and / or by the device controller 420 of the aerosol generation device 400.

[0097] The indicator 260, 260-1 to 260-2, 460 may be configured to indicate the state of charge of the two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4. The indicator 260, 260-1 to 260-2, 460 may be configured to indicate that one or more of the two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 needs replacing or recharging. That is, each of the indicators 260-1 to 260-2 may indicate the state of charge of each respective removable energy unit 200-1 to 200-2. The indicator 260 or 460 may indicate the total combined charge of two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4. The indicator 260 or 460 may indicate the state of charge of each energy unit 200-1 to 200-4. The indicator 260, 260-1 to 260-2, 460 may be configured to indicate the current power delivery mode in use. The indicator 260, 260-1 to 260-2, 460 may be configured to receive an input to allow a user to select a power delivery mode to be used. The indicator 260, 260-1 to 260-2, 460 may be configured to receive an input from a user to select a removable energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 to be discharged. The power delivery mode and / or energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 to be discharged may be selectable remotely; for example, a user may make this selection using a remote device.

[0098] The indicator 260, 260-1 to 260-2, 460 may be a light, for example, an LED, configured to be switched between states. For example, the indicator 260, 260-1 to 260-2, 460 may be configured to be switched between an on-state and an off-state. The indicator 260, 260-1 to 260-2, 460 may be configured to be switched between colours. The indicator 260, 260-1 to 260-2, 460 may be any visual, auditive or haptic feedback function.

[0099] The plurality of power delivery modes may comprise a first power delivery mode in which the energy units 200-1 to 200-4 are discharged in the order in which they were last installed in the system. The first power delivery mode may be referred to as a convenience mode. Further, optional, details of the first power delivery mode are explained below.

[0100] Figure 6 shows a flow chart 600 of the first power delivery mode. At step 602, the system 100 (or controller 220, 220-1 to 220-4) may determine how many energy units 200-1 to 200-4 are available. At step 604, if no energy units 200-1 to 200-4 are available or if the only energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 available has no energy for a full session (i.e., the consumption of a single consumable), then the indicator 260, 260-1 to 260-2, 460 may indicate that the system 100 is in the fully empty state.

[0101] At step 606, if there is at least one energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 available that has the amount of energy for at least one session, the indicator 260, 260-1 to 260-2, 460 may indicate that the device 400 is in a ready state.

[0102] At step 608, if there is more than one energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 available and each has an energy amount sufficient for at least one session, the system 100 (or controller 220, 220-1 to 220-4) may detect which energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 has been most recently installed. For example, there may be a detection of which energy unit is located on the bottom of the system (i.e. the most accessible, or most recently installed, energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 to a user). This detection may be performed by detecting which energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 was last connected to the system 100, or physically by checking the voltage pin of the unit. In some examples, the system 100 (or controller 220, 220-1 to 220-4) comprises a memory to log the order in which the energy units are installed.

[0103] At step 610, the system 100 may discharge the most recently installed energy unit 200- 1 to 200-4.

[0104] Figure 7 shows additional steps of the flow chart 600. Step 612 may comprise detecting a newly inserted (for example, added, connected and / or joined) energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 to the system 100. At step 614, the consumer may initiate recharging of a higher (i.e. , a less recently installed) energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 with the most recently inserted energy unit 200-1 to 200-4. That is, a user may input a command to the indicator 260, 260-1 to 260-2, 460 to initiate charging of one of the two or more energy units 200-1 to 200-4 by the most recently installed energy unit 200-1 to 200-4.

[0105] The plurality of power delivery modes may comprise a second power delivery mode in which the energy units 200-1 to 200-4 are selected to be discharged in an order based on a calculated capacity degradation factor of each of the two or more energy units 200- 1 to 200-4. The second power delivery mode may be referred to as a battery longevity mode. Further, optional, details of the second power delivery mode are explained below.

[0106] Figure 8 shows a flow chart 800 of the second power delivery mode. At step 802, the system 100 (or controller 220, 220-1 to 220-4) may determine how many energy units 200-1 to 200-4 are available. At step 804, if no energy units 200-1 to 200-4 are available or if the only energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 available has no energy for a full session (i.e., the consumption of a single consumable), then the indicator 260, 260-1 to 260-2, 460 may indicate that the system 100 is in the fully empty state.

[0107] At step 806, if there is at least one energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 available that has the amount of energy for at least one session, the indicator 260, 260-1 to 260-2, 460 may indicate that the device 400 is in a ready state.

[0108] At step 808, the system 100 (or controller 220, 220-1 to 220-4) is configured to follow an algorithm to define which energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 should be discharged. For example. The selection of the energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 for discharge may be based on each energy unit’s 200-1 to 200-4 state of charge and / or temperature. This methodology can be seen in Figure 9.

[0109] At step 810, the system 100 (or controller 220, 220-1 to 220-4) may check each energy unit's 200-1 to 200-4 state of charge and / or ambient temperature. At step 812, the system 100 (or controller 220, 220-1 to 220-4) may estimate the change in state of charge for each energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 after a session (e.g., after a consumable is consumed). The change in state of charge will be different depending on each energy unit's 200-1 to 200-4 initial state of charge and age.

[0110] At step 814, the system 100 (or controller 220, 220-1 to 220-4) may check for which energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 the expected energy capacity degradation factor is the highest. This energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 may then be selected for discharge. That is, the second power delivery mode may select the energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 that is in the best condition, in relation to age and rate of discharge under normal use. This may be known as the simple implementation of the second power delivery mode.

[0111] Figure 10 shows the flow chart 800 with additional, optional, steps for calculating the energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 to be selected for discharge. For example, the flow chart 800, after step 808, may split into a first and a second path. The first path may be known as the calendar ageing line. The second path may be known as the cycle life line.

[0112] Following the first path, the steps may be substantially the same as steps 810 to 814 of the simple implementation of the second power delivery mode, as shown in Figure 9. That is, step 820 may be identical to step 810, step 822 may be identical to step 812, and step 824 may be identical to step 814.

[0113] Now following the second path, step 830 comprises determining the maximum state of charge following a complete charge of each of the energy units 200-1 to 200-4 (i.e., the maximum charge capacity). The maximum charge capacity is then compared to a threshold charge capacity (i.e., a percentage of the initial maximum charge capacity). For example, the threshold may be 30% of the normal (i.e., initial), capacity.

[0114] At step 832, the ambient temperature is measured and the state of charge after one session (i.e., consumption of one consumable) is determined. From this, the depth of discharge after a hypothetical session is calculated. At step 834, the expected capacity degradation factor is estimated using the information from steps 830 and 832 for each energy unit 200-1 to 200-4.

[0115] At step 840, the calculated expected degradation factors from steps 824 and 834 are combined for each energy unit 200-1 to 200-4. The energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 with the smaller combined degradation factor is selected for discharging. This may be known as the complex implementation of the second power delivery mode.

[0116] The plurality of power delivery modes may comprise a third power delivery mode in which the energy units 200-1 to 200-4 are selected to be discharged in an order based on the current state of charge of each of the two or more energy units 200-1 to 200-4. That is, the energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may be selected for discharge based on a current state of charge in a descending order. The third power delivery mode may comprise selecting the energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 with the highest state of charge to be discharged until said energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 is no longer the energy unit with the highest state of charge. A different energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 may then be selected to be discharged. A flow chart 1100 of the third power delivery mode is shown in Figure 11 and described in more detail below. The third power delivery mode may be referred to as a safety mode. Further, optional, details of the third power delivery mode are explained below.

[0117] Figure 11 shows a flow chart 1100 of the third power delivery mode. At step 1102, the system 100 (or controller 220, 220-1 to 220-4) may determine how many energy units 200-1 to 200-4 are available. At step 1104, if no energy units 200-1 to 200-4 are available or if the only energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 available has no energy for a full session (i.e., the consumption of a single consumable), then the indicator 260, 260-1 to 260-2, 460 may indicate that the system 100 is in the fully empty state.

[0118] At step 1106 if there is at least one energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 available that has the amount of energy for at least one session, the indicator 260, 260-1 to 260-2, 460 may indicate that the device 400 is in a ready state.

[0119] At step 1108, for each energy unit 200-1 to 200-4, the state of charge difference is calculated. The state of charge difference may be the actual state of charge less a threshold state of charge. For example, the threshold state of charge may be 30% of the total state of charge. That is, the state of charge difference is the difference between the current state of charge and a threshold state of charge. The state of charge difference may then be used to calculate the number of sessions available for each energy unit 200-1 to 200-4.

[0120] At step 1110, the energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 with the highest number of sessions available is selected for discharge. The steps are then repeated after each session to determine the new energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 with the highest number of sessions available. This may be the same energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 or a different energy unit 200-1 to 200-4.

[0121] The plurality of power delivery modes may comprise a fourth power delivery mode in which the energy units 200-1 to 200-4 are selected to be discharged based on a user input. That is, the system 100 (or controller 220, 220-1 to 220-4) is operable to allow a user to select the order of discharge of the two or more energy units 200-1 to 200-4. The selection may be made using the indicator 260, 260-1 to 260-2, 460. The fourth power delivery mode may be referred to as a manual mode.

[0122] As briefly described above, Figures 4 and 5 show cross-section views of examples of the aerosol generation device 400 with the modular energy system 100 inserted.

[0123] The aerosol generation device 400 comprises a modular energy system 100 comprising two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 (as described above). The two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 are configured to be controlled to discharge in accordance with a selected power delivery mode of a plurality of power delivery modes. The two or more energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may be configured to be controlled to each be charged, in turn, to a partial state of charge.

[0124] The aerosol generation device 400 may be suitable for receiving a consumable article (not shown) therein. For example, the aerosol generation device 400 may include a chamber 430 in which the consumable article is received.

[0125] The aerosol generation device 400 may comprise a body 440. The body 440 may be configured to house the components of the aerosol generation device 400. For example, the body 400 may house the modular energy system 100. The aerosol generation device 400 may comprise a heating unit 410 configured to provide heat to aerosol precursor material within the consumable article to generate an aerosol, in use. Alternatively, the aerosol generation device 400 may comprise a plurality of heating units 410. The heating unit 410 is configured to receive power from at least one of the two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 of the modular energy system 100. In some embodiments, the heating unit 410 is configured to receive power from each of the two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4.

[0126] The heating unit 410 may be positioned so as to be in thermal contact with the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article to heat it, in use. The heating unit 410 may be a coil, an induction coil and susceptor arrangement, a ceramic heater, a resistive heater, a flat resistive heater, a mesh heater, a MEMS heater, a thin film heater or the like, configured to heat the aerosol precursor material of the consumable article.

[0127] The aerosol generation device 300 may comprise a cover 450. The cover 450 may be configured to enclose the components of the aerosol generation device 400. Particularly, the cover 450 may be configured to cover the chamber 430.

[0128] As mentioned above, the aerosol generation device 400 may comprise a device controller 420. The device controller 420 may be configured to control each of the two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4.

[0129] The indicator 460 (as shown in Figure 5) may be integral with, or located on, the body 440 of the aerosol generation device 400. The indicator 460 may be located on an internal component of the aerosol generation device 400 and visible to a user through an aperture, or transparent section, in the body 440. As explained above, the indicator may be a component of the modular battery system. The indicator 460 may be used with the example shown in Figure 4 but has not been included in the figures for conciseness).

[0130] Figure 12 shows an example of a flowchart of a method 1200 of discharging two or more removable energy units 200-1 to 200-4 in a modular energy system 100 for an aerosol generation device 400. The method 1200 comprises the step 1210 of selecting one or more of the energy units 200-1 to 200-4 to discharge in accordance with a selected power delivery mode of a plurality of power delivery modes. The method 1200 may comprise a step 1220 of receiving an input from a user to select a power delivery mode from among a plurality of power delivery modes. The method may comprise a step 1230 of displaying the current energy unit being discharged, and / or the state of charge of the current energy unit being discharged, on an indicator 260, 260-1 to 260-2, 460.

[0131] A graphical representation of an example of a traditional charging system is shown in Figure 13. The charging system shows the widely adopted constant-current, constantvoltage charging method. Other prior art methods, such as pulse charging, face similar limitations as the prior art method described here. The graph shows a charging current 500 and an energy unit voltage 510 (also referred to as a cell voltage). The x-axis of the graph is time, and the y-axis is increasing charging current 500 and energy unit voltage 510.

[0132] As shown in the graph in Figure 13, under constant current charging 502, the charging current 500 is constant 500-1 and the unit voltage 510 increases 510-1. Constant voltage charging 504 may be used during the late stages of charging the energy unit (i.e. when the state of charging of the energy unit is above 70%). During constant voltage charging 504, the unit voltage 510 is constant 510-2 and the charging current 500 decreases 500-2.

[0133] The energy unit is charged unit it is in a complete state of charge 520.

[0134] The prior art method shown in Figure 13 does not allow the use of available charging power even if it is available in the later stages of charging. That is, the charging speed is dramatically reduced. If multiple energy units are charged at the same time, the same constant current is divided by the number of units, which also reduces the overall speed of charging.

[0135] The two or more energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may be configured to be controlled, by a controller 220, to be each charged, in turn, to a partial state of charge. That is, the controller 220 may be configured to charge the first energy unit 200-1 to a partial state of charge, then to charge the second energy unit 200-2 to a partial state of charge, and so on. Details of this arrangement can be seen in Figure 14 and are described below. Charging of the two or more energy units 200-1 to 200-4, in turn, to a partial state of charge, may be described as a first phase of charging 702, 704 (as shown in Figure 14). The partial state of charge may refer to a state of charge between 50% and 90%, preferably between 60% and 80%, more preferably between 65% and 75%, for example, 70%. By charging the two or more energy units 200-1 to 200-4, in turn, to a partial state of charge, each of the energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may be partially charged in the fastest and / or most efficient way.

[0136] The controller 220 or the controllers 220-1 to 220-4 may be configured to, upon each of the energy units 220-1 to 220-4 being charged to the partial state of charge, charge the two or more energy units 220-1 to 220-4 in parallel. The two or more energy units 220- 1 to 220-4 may be charged in parallel. For example, until they are in a complete state of charge (100% charged). Charging of the two or more energy units 200-1 to 200-4, in parallel, to a complete state of charge, may be described as a second phase of charging 706.

[0137] That is, in the first phase of charging 702, 704, the energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may be charged in turn, and in the second phase of charging 706, the energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may be charged in parallel.

[0138] In one example, the controller 220 or controllers 220-1 to 220-4 may be configured to determine the state of charge of each of the energy units 200-1 to 200-4 by measuring the charging current delivered to each respective energy unit 200-1 to 200-4. The controller 220 or controllers 220-1 to 220-4 may be configured to stop charging each respective energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 based on the measured charging current of said energy unit reaching a first predetermined charging current threshold 720, 730 (as shown in Figure 14). The first predetermined charging current threshold 720, 730 is a charging current indicative of the energy units 200-1 to 200-4 being in a partial state of charge. For example, the first predetermined charging current threshold 720, 730 may represented by a current level of between 1 % and 20% of the maximum current of the energy unit.

[0139] During the charging in parallel of the energy units 200-1 to 200-4 (i.e. the second phase of charging 706), the controller 220 or controllers 220-1 to 220-4 may be configured to periodically measure the charging current delivered to each of the energy units 220-1 to 220-4. During the charging in parallel, the controller 220 or controllers 220-1 to 220- 4 may be configured to stop charging an energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 based on the measured charging current reaching a second predetermined charging current threshold 740, 750. The second predetermined charging current threshold 740, 750 is a charging current indicative of the energy units 200-1 to 200-4 being in a complete state of charge.

[0140] As shown in Figure 14, at 706, the current and voltage may undergo an initial polarization process (e.g. charging of the double layer capacity present in the battery). That is, the voltage may initially increase.

[0141] A graphical representation of the present charging system is shown in Figure 14. The graph shows a charging current 700 and an energy unit voltage 710. The x-axis of the graph is time, and the y-axis is increasing charging current 700 and energy unit voltage 710.

[0142] During the first phase 702, 704, a first energy unit 200-1 charged. Once the first energy unit charging current 700 reaches a first predetermined charging current threshold 720, the power supply to the first energy unit 200-1 is stopped. A second energy unit 200-2 is then charged until the charging current 700 of the second energy unit 200-2 reaches the first predetermined charging current threshold 720. This process continues for any subsequent energy units.

[0143] Once the charging current 700 of each of the energy units 200-1 to 200-4 reaches the first predetermined charging current threshold 720, the system switches to the second phase 706. During the second phase 706, the energy units 200-1 to 200-4 are charged in parallel. During the second phase 706, the controller 220, controllers 220-1 to 220-4 and / or the controller 420 may periodically check the charging current of each of the energy units 200-1 to 200-4. If it is determined that the charging current of any of the energy units 200-1 to 200-4 has reached a second predetermined charging current threshold 730, 740, the power supply to that unit may be stopped, thus increasing the speed of charging for any remaining energy units.

[0144] The controller 220 or controllers 220-1 to 220-4 may be configured to monitor the current of each of the energy units 200-1 to 200-4. The controller 220 or controllers 220- 1 to 220-4 may be configured to integrate the currents over time to determine the health of each of the respective energy units 200-1 to 200-4. That is, the integrated current value may be indicative of the health of each of the energy units 200-1 to 200-4. The indication of the health of each of the energy units 200-1 to 200-4 may be determined by a percentage change in the integrated current values. For example, if the integrated current value has not decreased, or decreases to a value of up to 20%, this may be an indication that the energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 is in a healthy state. If the integrated current value decreases by 20% or more, this may be an indication that the energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 is in an unhealthy state. This characteristic may be monitored when the energy units 200-1 to 200-4 are being charged in turn or in parallel.

[0145] Based on the determined health of each of the respective energy units 200-1 to 200-4, the controller 220 or controllers 220-1 to 220-4 may control the modular energy system 100 to provide an indication (via the indicator) that an energy unit 200-1 to 200-4 needs replacing.

[0146] The indicator 260, 260-1 to 260-2, 460 may be configured to indicate that one or more of the two or more energy units 200-1 to 200-4 is in a healthy or unhealthy state. The indicator 260, 260-1 to 260-2, 460 may be further configured to indicate that one or more of the two or more energy units 200-1 to 200-4 is in an intermediate state.

[0147] Figure 15 shows an example of a flowchart of a method 900 of charging two or more energy units 200-1 to 200-4 in a modular energy system 100 for an aerosol generation device 400, comprises the step 810 of charging each of the energy units 200-1 to 200- 4, in turn, to a partial state of charge.

[0148] The method 900 may comprise a second step 920 of measuring a charging current delivered to each of the energy units 200-1 to 200-4 to determine a state of charge of each of the energy units. The method 900 may comprise a third step 930 of, upon the measured charging current of one of the two or more energy units 200-1 to 200-4 reaching a first predetermined charging current threshold 720, 730, stopping charging of said energy unit. The first predetermined charging current threshold 720, 730 may be indicative of a partial state of charge. The method 900 may comprise the fourth step 940 of, upon each of the energy units 200-1 to 200-4 being charged to the partial state of charge, charging the energy units 200-1 to 200-4 in parallel until each of the energy units are in a complete state of charge. The method 900 may comprise a further step of, during the charging in parallel, periodically measuring the charging current delivered to each of the respective energy units 200-1 to 200-4, and, stopping the charging of an energy unit based on the measured charging current reaching a second predetermined charging current threshold 740, 750. The second predetermined charging current threshold 740, 750 may be indicative of a complete state of charge.

[0149] Although preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims and as described above.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An aerosol generation device comprising: a modular energy system (100) comprising two or more removable energy units (200-1 to 200-4), wherein each of the two or more removable energy units (200-1 to 200-4) are configured to be controlled to discharge in accordance with a selected power delivery mode of a plurality of power delivery modes.

2. The aerosol generation device according to claim 1 , wherein each of the two or more removable energy units (200-1 to 200-4) comprises a system controller (220-1 to 220-4) configured to control the discharge of the respective removable energy units (200-1 to 200-4).

3. The aerosol generation device according to claim 2, further comprising a device controller (220) configured to control the discharge of the two or more removable energy units (200-1 to 200-4).

4. The aerosol generation device according claim 3, wherein the device controller (220) is configured to receive state of charge information from each of the two or more removable energy units (200-1 to 200-4).

5. The aerosol generation device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a heating unit, wherein each of the two or more removable energy units (200-1 to 200-4) are configured to provide energy to the heating unit.

6. The aerosol generation device according to claim 5, further comprising a heater energy unit, wherein the heater energy unit is integral with the heating unit.

7. The aerosol generation device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the energy system (100) comprises one or more indicators (260, 260-1 to 260-4) configured to indicate a state of charge of the two or more removable energy units (200- 1 to 200-4).

8. The aerosol generation device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of power delivery modes comprises a first power delivery mode in whichthe removable energy units (200-1 to 200-4) are discharged based on an order in which they were installed in the system (100).

9. The aerosol generation device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of power delivery modes comprises a second power delivery mode in which the removable energy units (200-1 to 200-4) are selected to be discharged in an order based on a calculated capacity degradation factor of each of the two or more removable energy units (200-1 to 200-4).

10. The aerosol generation device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of power delivery modes comprises a third power delivery mode in which the removable energy units (200-1 to 200-4) are selected to be discharged in an order based on the current state of charge of each of the two or more removable energy units (200-1 to 200-4).11 . The aerosol generation device according to claim 10, wherein the order based on the current state of charge is a descending order.

12. The aerosol generation device according to claim 11 , wherein the third power delivery mode comprises selecting the removable energy unit (200-1 to 200-4) with the highest state of charge to be discharged until said removable energy unit (200-1 to 200- 4) is no longer the removable energy unit (200-1 to 200-4) with the highest state of charge.

13. The aerosol generation device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the plurality of power delivery modes comprises a fourth power delivery mode, in which the order of discharge of the two or more removable energy units (200-1 to 200-4) is based on user input.14 . The aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein the two or more energy units (200-1 to 200-4) are configured to be controlled, by the device controller (220) or system controllers, to each be charged, in turn, to a partial state of charge.

15. The aerosol generation device according to claim 14, wherein each of the system controllers (220-1 to 220-4) is configured to determine the state of charge of each ofthe energy units (200-1 to 200-4) by measuring the charging current (700) delivered to each respective energy unit (200-1 to 200-4).

16. The aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 14 to 15, wherein each of the system controllers (220-1 to 220-4) is configured to stop charging each respective energy units (200-1 to 200-4) based on the measured charging current (700) reaching a first predetermined charging current threshold (720, 730).

17. The aerosol generation device according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the system controllers (220-1 to 220-4) are configured to, upon each of the energy units (200-1 to 200-4) being charged to the partial state of charge, charge the energy units (200-1 to 200-4) in parallel.

18. The aerosol generation device according to claim 17, wherein during the charging in parallel, the system controllers (220-1 to 220-4) are configured to periodically measure the charging current (700) delivered to each of the respective energy units (200-1 to 200-4).

19. The aerosol generation device according to claim 18, wherein during the charging in parallel, the system controllers (220, 220-1 to 220-4) are configured to stop charging an energy unit (200-1 to 200-4) based on the measured charging current (700) reaching a second predetermined charging current threshold (740, 750).

20. A method of discharging two or more removable energy units (200-1 to 200-4) in a modular energy system (100) of an aerosol generation device, comprising: selecting one or more of the removable energy units (200-1 to 200-4) to discharge in accordance with a selected power delivery mode of a plurality of power delivery modes.

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