A power supply containing standard electronic components and a battery with a ramped discharge profile.

Abstract

A power supply, system, and method for adapting one or more batteries having a constantly declining monotonic discharge curve for use with a load having input voltage requirements that are not fully met by the battery voltage. The power supply may have a boost or buck converter circuit, or a combination of boost and buck converter circuits. The power supply may use a sensor node to toggle one or more of the converters.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Related cross-references

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 408157, filed September 20, 2022, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 408160, filed September 20, 2022, U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 408163, filed September 20, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 408166, filed September 20, 2022, each of which provisional applications set forth in their entirety herein is incorporated by reference into this disclosure.

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This disclosure relates to battery technology, and more particularly to systems and methods for adapting one or more batteries having a ramped discharge profile for use with loads having input voltage requirements that are not fully met by the battery voltage. [Background technology]

[0003]

[0003] Some older battery chemistries, such as those used in alkaline batteries, exhibit a discharge voltage slope profile that is substantially flat (approaching zero) or at least relatively stable for most of the discharge during the early part of the discharge, and then becomes very steep (approaching negative infinity) toward the end of the discharge. These are often described as "plateau" discharge curves. However, some newer battery chemistries exhibit constantly declining monotonic discharge voltage profiles that slope downward throughout the battery's discharge and do not exhibit the relative stability of a plateau curve. The linearity of such battery chemistries can vary throughout the battery's state of charge, but for many constantly declining monotonic battery chemistries, the steepest decline occurs near the fully charged state, with shallower slopes occurring in the middle and end of the curve.

[0004] These new battery chemistries can offer significantly higher capacity (greater than 1000 mAhr / g) and lower internal resistance than older lithium-based batteries. However, they also pose new challenges. The new chemistries can significantly reduce voltage when discharged, so that their voltage can quickly drop below useful levels, while still retaining significant capacity. Furthermore, toward the high end of the discharge curve, batteries with these chemistries may exceed the optimal voltage for the desired load. For example, low-voltage electronic devices may require an operating input of less than 5 V, such as about 1.5 V.

[0005]

[0005] What is needed is a power supply, system, and method for adapting one or more batteries with a constantly declining monotonic discharge profile for use with loads that have input voltage requirements that are not fully met by the battery voltage. Summary of the Invention

[0006]

[0006] In one configuration, the disclosed invention includes a power supply for adapting a battery for use with a load having an input voltage requirement that is not fully met by the battery voltage. The power supply includes a battery having a constantly declining monotonic discharge curve and at least one converter circuit, each converter circuit being a boost converter circuit or a buck converter circuit. The battery may have an acidified metal oxide material in at least one of the anode and cathode. The power supply may include a sensor node configured to toggle the at least one converter circuit based on a measurement of the battery's state of charge. The measurement of the battery's state of charge may be calculated from the battery's measured voltage. The power supply may also include an external power source configured to achieve partial charge recovery in the battery.

[0007]

[0007] In another aspect, the disclosed invention includes a system for adapting a battery having a constantly declining monotonic discharge curve for use with a load having an input voltage requirement that is not fully met by the battery voltage. The system includes a battery having a constantly declining monotonic discharge curve and at least one converter circuit, each converter circuit being a boost converter circuit or a buck converter circuit. The battery may have an acidified metal oxide material in at least one of the anode and cathode. The system may include a sensor node configured to toggle the at least one converter circuit based on a measurement of the battery's state of charge. The measurement of the battery's state of charge may be calculated from the measured voltage of the battery. The system may also include an external power source configured to achieve partial charge recovery on the battery.

[0008]

[0008] In another aspect, the disclosed invention includes a method for adapting a battery for use with a load having an input voltage requirement that is not fully satisfied by the battery voltage. The method includes providing a battery having a constantly descending monotonic discharge curve and electrically connecting the battery to at least one converter circuit, each converter circuit being a boost converter circuit or a buck converter circuit. The battery may have an acidified metal oxide material in at least one of the anode and cathode. The method includes electrically connecting a sensor node to the at least one converter circuit, the sensor node configured to toggle the at least one converter circuit based on a measurement of the battery's state of charge. The measurement of the battery's state of charge may be calculated from the measured voltage of the battery. The method may also include connecting an external power source configured to achieve partial charge recovery on the battery. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a power supply configured to match a battery with an ever-decreasing monotonic discharge curve to a load with an input voltage requirement greater than the battery voltage. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a graph comparing the discharge curve of the power supply of FIG. 1 with the discharge curve of the battery of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a power supply configured to match a battery with an ever-decreasing monotonic discharge curve to a load with an input voltage requirement less than the battery voltage. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a power supply configured to match a battery with an ever-decreasing monotonic discharge curve to a load with an input voltage requirement that may be greater than or less than the battery voltage. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a graph comparing the discharge curve of a particular embodiment of the power supply of FIG. 4 with that of its battery. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a power supply configured to match a battery with an ever-decreasing monotonic discharge curve to a load with an input voltage requirement that may be greater than or less than the battery voltage, the power supply incorporating a charge controller and an external power source. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a graph comparing the discharge curves of the power supply of FIG. 6 with and without the charge controller and external power supply and the discharge curves of the battery of FIG. 6 with and without the charge controller and external power supply. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a table of experimentally determined attributes of an embodiment of an acidified metal oxide battery connected to a load and having a constantly descending monotonic discharge curve. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010]

[0017] Referring now to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a power supply 110 configured to match a battery 120 with a constantly declining monotonic discharge curve to a load with an input voltage requirement greater than the voltage of the battery 120 is shown. An example of such a battery or cell with a constantly declining monotonic discharge curve is one having electrodes or other components containing the active material disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 9,786,910 to Johnson et al., incorporated herein by reference. When continuously discharged at a constant load, such a cell or battery exhibits a nearly linear slope over a voltage range from about 3 V (+ / - 1.5 V) to about 0 V (+0.5 V). More specifically, such a battery or battery cell that may be used in embodiments of the present disclosure includes a battery electrode having at least one solid metal oxide nanomaterial with an acidic, but not very acidic, surface that, after drying, has a pH <5 when resuspended in water at 5 wt % and a Hammett function H > -12. In other words, such a battery or battery cell may be used in embodiments of the present disclosure and includes a battery electrode solid metal oxide nanomaterial of the form MmOx / G, where Mm is the metal, Ox is total oxygen, MmOx is the metal oxide, G is at least one electron-withdrawing surface group, and " / " distinguishes between the metal oxide and the electron-withdrawing surface group, and the battery electrode solid metal oxide nanomaterial, at least at its surface, has a pH<5 when resuspended in water at 5 wt% after drying and has a Hammett function H>-12. Such materials are available from Ten-Nine Technologies under the brand name TENIX.

[0011]

[0018] This disclosure discusses the idea of ​​using a battery with a load that has input voltage requirements that are not fully met by the battery voltage. It should be understood that such conditions include situations where the battery voltage is too high or too low to meet the demands or requirements from the load (which may be, for example, a circuit or motor that requires a particular voltage to operate satisfactorily). Also, an input voltage requirement may be considered not fully met if the battery meets the voltage requirements of the load for only a portion of the discharge curve. For example, the voltage may initially be too high for the load, followed by a period in which the voltage from the battery is satisfactory, followed by a period in which the voltage is too low (yet the battery or cell still contains enough energy to perform further electrical functions).

[0012]

[0019] In some embodiments, in a boost converter circuit, a power source 110 is connected to a battery 120. The boost converter circuit can be configured to provide an output voltage within a predetermined required load voltage range when the predetermined required load voltage range exceeds the battery voltage. This circuit can use a boost switching regulator 130, such as an MCP1640 boost converter chip. The boost switching regulator 130 can have an enable control input pin 132, which is electrically connected to an input voltage pin 134, an input capacitor 150, and a boost inductor input pin 136 via a boost inductor 152. The boost switching regulator 130 also has an output voltage power pin 138, which is electrically connected to a voltage divider 154 and an output capacitor 156. The voltage divider 154 can be configured to provide feedback to the boost switching regulator 130 via a feedback voltage pin 140. If battery 120 has a lower voltage than the load requires at the output of power supply 110, power supply 110 can be configured to provide the required voltage relatively constantly. For example, the power supply of FIG. 1 can be configured to provide a stable output voltage of 3.3 V from battery 120 with a voltage ranging from 0.9 V to 1.7 V.

[0013]

[0020] 2, a graph comparing the discharge curve of power supply 110 with the discharge curve of battery 120 is shown. In some embodiments, power supply 110 adapts battery 120 to provide a voltage greater than the voltage of battery 120 even when battery 120 is charged to its maximum capacity. As battery 120 is discharged, its voltage may decrease along a downward sloping curve until the available charge is depleted. However, power supply 110 may continue to provide a relatively stable voltage output despite changes in the voltage of battery 120.

[0014]

[0021] With further reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 , in some embodiments, the power source 110 may include a sensor node 160 with a processor or other controller for calculating the state of charge from the voltage of the battery 120. For purposes of this disclosure, a sensor node includes a sensor and a silicon logic device. The silicon logic device may include a processor, controller, programmable logic device, or another device capable of reading from the associated sensor and implementing the controls or methods described herein. In some embodiments, the sensor and processor or other logic device may be on the same circuit board or die. Relays, resistors, connectors, ground connections, etc., that may be necessary for interaction with the rest of the circuitry are not shown but could be readily provided appropriately as needed by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0015]

[0022] In some embodiments, the sensor node 160 can be in parallel with the boost switch regulator 130. The sensor node 160 can monitor the instantaneous voltage, rate of change, or output current of the power supply 110 or battery 120. The sensor node 160 can perform mathematical calculations or other functions to achieve an accurate state-of-charge measurement. The sensor node 160 can be used to toggle (i.e., connect or disconnect) the boost switch regulator 130 using a relay or solid-state switch 162. The sensor node 160 can allow power to be delivered directly from the battery 120 to the load, bypassing the boost switch regulator 130. The sensor node 160 can determine whether to engage the boost switch regulator 130 based on the specific load requirements and the efficient operation of the power supply 110.

[0016]

[0023] Referring now to FIG. 3, a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a power supply 310 configured to match a battery 320 with a constantly decreasing monotonic discharge curve to a load with an input voltage requirement less than the battery voltage is shown. In some embodiments, the power supply 310 is connected to the battery 320 in a conventional buck converter circuit. The buck converter circuit can be configured to provide an output voltage within a predetermined required load voltage range when the battery voltage exceeds the predetermined required load voltage range. This circuit can use a buck switching regulator 330, such as the MIC2224 buck converter chip. The buck switching regulator 330 can have an enable control input pin 332, which is electrically connected to an input voltage pin 334, a supply voltage pin 336, and an input capacitor 350. The buck switching regulator 330 also has an output voltage power pin 338, which is electrically connected to a switch output pin 340 via a switch output indicator 352. Output voltage power pin 338 may be electrically connected to output capacitor 356. The voltage provided at output voltage power pin 338 may be regulated by a reference voltage provided to buck switching regulator 330. If battery 320 has a higher voltage at output voltage power pin 338 than the voltage required by the load, power supply 310 may be configured to provide the required voltage relatively constantly.

[0017]

[0024] With further reference to FIG. 3 , in some embodiments, the power supply 310 may include a sensor node 360 ​​with a processor or other controller for calculating the state of charge from the voltage of the battery 320. In some embodiments, the sensor node 360 ​​may be in parallel with the buck switch regulator 330. The sensor node 360 ​​may monitor the instantaneous voltage, rate of change, or output current of the power supply 310 or battery 320. The sensor node 360 ​​may perform mathematical calculations or other functions to achieve an accurate state of charge measurement. The sensor node 360 ​​may be used to toggle (i.e., connect or disconnect) the buck switch regulator 330 using a relay or solid-state switch 362. The processor or other controller may allow power to be supplied directly from the battery 320 to the load, avoiding the buck switch regulator 330. The sensor node 360 ​​may determine engagement with the buck switch regulator 330 based on the specific load requirements and the efficient operation of the power supply 310.

[0018]

[0025] In embodiments in which the battery 320 includes an acidified metal oxide material in the cathode or anode, the battery 320 may be at its highest efficiency during the latter half of battery discharge. High efficiency at the end of discharge may be desirable because current draw may increase as the voltage of the battery 320 drops. By maximizing the efficiency of the power supply 310 when the discharge current is near its peak, losses may be minimized.

[0019]

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 4, a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a power supply 410 configured to match a battery 420 with a constantly decreasing monotonic discharge curve to a load with an input voltage requirement that can be greater than or less than the battery voltage is shown. In some embodiments, the power supply 410 is connected to the battery 420 in a boost-buck circuit. The power supply 410 may include a buck converter 432 and a boost converter 430 electrically connected to the battery 420. The power supply 410 may also include a relay switch 480 configured to maintain the battery 420 disconnected from the boost converter 430 until the voltage of the battery 420 drops so low that the buck converter 432 no longer maintains the output voltage of the power supply 410. The power supply may include a boost converter diode 490 and a buck converter diode 492 to protect the power supply 410 at its voltage output.

[0020]

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 5, a graph comparing the discharge curve of a particular embodiment of a power supply 410 with that of its battery 420 is shown. In this embodiment, the power supply 410 was configured using an MCP1640B microchip in the boost converter 430 and an MIC2224 microchip in the buck converter 432. The buck converter 432 was configured to provide a voltage output of 2.7 V, and the boost converter 430 was configured to provide an output voltage of 2.0 V. The battery 420 was discharged through the power supply 410 into a fixed resistive load (not shown). At the start of discharge, the voltage of the battery 420 was approximately 3.0 V, while the voltage of the power supply 410 was approximately 2.7 V. After the voltage of the battery 410 dropped to approximately 2.0 V, the voltage of the power supply 410 remained at approximately 2.0 V until the voltage of the battery 410 fell below a usable level.

[0021]

[0028] Referring now to FIG. 6 , a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a power supply 610 configured to match a battery 620 with a constantly decreasing monotonic discharge curve to a load with an input voltage requirement that can be greater than or less than the battery voltage is shown, where the power supply incorporates a charge controller 600. In some embodiments, the power supply 610 is connected to the battery 620 in a boost-buck circuit that combines a boost converter circuit 630 and a buck converter circuit 632. The boost converter circuit 630 and the buck converter circuit 632 may be electrically connected to the battery 620. The power supply 610 may also include a relay switch 680 configured to maintain the battery 620 disconnected from the boost converter 630 until the voltage of the battery 620 drops so low that the buck converter circuit 632 no longer maintains the output voltage of the power supply 610. The power supply 610 may include a boost converter diode 690 and a buck converter diode 692 to protect the power supply 610 at its voltage output. If the battery 620 has an acidified metal oxide material in its cathode or its anode, the capacity of the power source 610 can be extended using partial charge recovery during periods of battery cell discharge. Partial charge recovery is achieved by briefly and periodically recharging the power source 610 using an external power source 602, such as an energy harvester or other mechanism for providing power. The external power source 602 can be connected in parallel with the battery 620 and configured to control a trickle charge of the battery 620 from the external power source 602. In some embodiments, the power source and trickle charge can be insufficient to charge the battery 620 to full capacity.

[0022]

[0029] In some embodiments, the power supply 610 can include a sensor node 660 that monitors the instantaneous voltage, rate of change, or output current of the power supply 610 or battery 620. The sensor node 660 can perform mathematical calculations or other functions to achieve an accurate state-of-charge measurement. The sensor node 660 can toggle the boost converter 630 or the buck converter 632 using another mechanism, such as a relay switch 680 or a solid-state switch. The sensor node 660 can allow power to be delivered directly from the battery 620 to the load, avoiding the buck and boost converters 630, 632. The sensor node 660 can determine whether to engage the buck and boost converters 630, 632 based on the specific load requirements and the efficient operation of the power supply 610.

[0023]

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 7, a graph is shown comparing the state-of-charge curves of a discharging power source 610 with and without a charge controller 600 and a discharging battery 620 with and without a charge controller. In the particular embodiment depicted in FIG. 7, an external power source 602 was electrically connected in parallel with the battery 620, such that the external power source 602 returned a low net current to the battery for approximately 30 seconds at approximately 15-minute intervals. State-of-charge curves were plotted against time. The graph shows a constantly descending monotonic state-of-charge curve for the battery 620 without partial charge recovery, whereas with the charge controller 600 and external power source 602, the state-of-charge curve exhibits periodic spikes representing the short-term effects of partial charge recovery. The state-of-charge curve for the power source 610 is approximately linear. With the charge controller 600 and external power source 602 providing partial charge recovery, the total discharge of the power source 610 increased by approximately 10%.

[0024]

[0031] Referring now to FIG. 8, a table of experimentally determined attributes of an embodiment of a battery having an acidified metal oxide cathode, a constantly declining monotonic discharge curve, and connected to a load is shown. Voltage measurements for determining state of charge can be obtained using a background current draw of 1 mA or less to provide accurate values. Similar tables can be generated for no-load conditions or other load levels. While the table represents the expected load range for a particular device, a similar table can be generated for any energy supply with a constantly declining monotonic discharge curve.

[0025]

[0032] Although embodiments of the power supply of the present disclosure may provide a relatively stable voltage output, the state of charge of the power supply may be calculated from a table correlating battery voltage with measurements taken from the battery and the state of charge. Furthermore, a table correlating a battery's state of charge with its voltage, such as that of FIG. 8, may provide a more accurate state of charge estimate than a battery with a plateau discharge curve, because the continuous voltage drop throughout the battery's discharge allows for interpolation of the state of charge estimate without relying on impedance measurements. The state of charge estimate may then be used to control a boost or buck converter, depending on the embodiment used, the load demands, and the required system efficiency.

[0026]

[0033] In some embodiments, the state of charge of a battery or power source of this disclosure is determined by the formula: SoC(t)=[(Vmeas-V L ) / (V H -V L )]×(SoC H -SoC L )+SoC L where SoC(t) is the state of charge of the battery at some time t, Vmeas is the measured voltage of the battery at time t, and V Lis the maximum voltage below Vmeas given in the table, and V H is the minimum voltage above Vmeas shown in the table, and the SoC L is the V in the table L The state of charge correlates with the SoC H is the V in the table H For example, for the battery-based power supply of FIG. 8, if the measured battery voltage Vmeas is 1.1 V, then V L is 1.01V, V H is 1.23V, so the SoC L is 80%, and SoC H is 90%. Calculating SoC(t) based on these figures gives a value of 84.1%.

[0027]

[0034] In some embodiments, the state of charge of a battery or power source of this disclosure is determined by the formula: SoC(t)=[1-(V0-Vmeas) / (V0-Vmin)]×100% where SoC(t) is the state of charge of the battery at a time t, Vmeas is the measured voltage of the battery at t, Vmin is the voltage at which the battery can no longer support the load, and V0 is the voltage of the battery in a fully charged state. For example, for the battery-based power supply of Figure 8, if the measured battery voltage Vmeas is 1.1V, then Vmin is 0.01V and V0 is 1.92V. Calculating SoC(t) based on these numbers yields a value of 57.1%.

[0028]

[0035] The power supplies of the present disclosure are highly versatile and allow for many variations, such as the use of multiple cell batteries or the substitution of multiple battery packs for batteries. The power supplies can be operated using many electrical configurations, physical arrangements, and specific electrical components. The power supply's output voltage can be used with or without a variety of voltage shaping devices and techniques, depending on the requirements of various loads and applications. Furthermore, there are many options for external power sources and corresponding methods for creating a charge recovery current. The power supply can be used with or without a variety of loads. Finally, the state of charge of the power supply or battery can be measured, calculated, displayed, and used in many ways, and these measurements and calculations can be displayed in many ways. While certain embodiments of this disclosure are specifically designed for low-power electronic applications, the systems and methods disclosed herein can be readily extrapolated for use with higher power devices, battery modules, and battery packs. * * * *

[0029]

[0036] It is understood that the words "including," "comprising," "consisting," and grammatical variations thereof do not exclude the addition of one or more elements, features, steps, or integers or sets thereof, and that these terms are to be interpreted as identifying elements, features, steps, or integers.

[0030]

[0037] If the specification or claims refer to "additional" elements, it does not exclude that there are more than one additional element.

[0031]

[0038] When a claim or the specification refers to "a" or "an," it is understood that such a reference is not to be construed as referring to only one of that element.

[0032]

[0039] If the specification states that an element, function, structure, or feature "may," "might," "can," or "could" be included, that particular element, function, structure, or feature is not required to be included.

[0033]

[0040] State diagrams, flow diagrams, or both, may be used to describe embodiments where applicable, but the invention is not limited to those diagrams and corresponding descriptions. For example, flow need not proceed through each illustrated box or state, or in the exact same order as illustrated or described.

[0034]

[0041] The methods of the present invention may be implemented by performing or completing selected steps or tasks manually, automatically, or a combination thereof.

[0035]

[0042] The term "method" may refer to ways, means, techniques, and procedures for accomplishing a given task, including, but not limited to, ways, means, techniques, and procedures known to those skilled in the art to which the invention pertains or readily developed by those skilled in the art from known ways, means, techniques, and procedures.

[0036]

[0043] The term "at least" followed by a number is used herein to indicate the beginning of a range starting with that number (which may be a range with an upper limit or an open-ended limit, depending on the variable being defined). For example, "at least 1" means 1 or more. The term "up to" followed by a number is used herein to indicate the end of a range ending with that number (which may be a range with a lower limit of 1 or 0, or an open-ended range, depending on the variable being defined). For example, "up to 4" means 4 or less, and "up to 40%" means 40% or less.

[0037]

[0044] In this document, when a range is stated as "from (a first number) to (a second number)" or "from (a first number) to (a second number)," this means a range having a lower limit of the first number and an upper limit of the second number. For example, 25 to 100 should be interpreted as meaning a range having a lower limit of 25 and an upper limit of 100. It should be further noted that when a range is stated, all possible subranges or intervals within that range are specifically contemplated, unless the context indicates otherwise. For example, if the specification states a range of 25 to 100, that range is also intended to include subranges such as 26-100, 27-100, etc., 25-99, 25-98, etc., as well as any other combinations of lower and upper values ​​within the stated range, e.g., 33-47, 60-97, 41-45, 28-96, etc. It should be noted that while integer range values ​​are used in this section for illustrative purposes only, it should also be understood that decimal values ​​(e.g., 46.7-91.3) are also contemplated as endpoints of possible subranges.

[0038]

[0045] It should be noted that when reference is made herein to a method including two or more specified steps, the specified steps may be performed in any order or simultaneously (unless the context excludes this possibility), and the method may also include one or more other steps that occur before any of the specified steps, between two of the specified steps, or after all of the specified steps (unless the context excludes this possibility).

[0039]

[0046] It should be noted that approximation terms (e.g., "about," "substantially," "approximately," etc.) are to be interpreted according to their ordinary and customary meaning as used in the relevant art, unless otherwise indicated herein. In the absence of a specific definition within this disclosure and in the absence of ordinary and customary usage in the relevant art, such terms should be interpreted as plus or minus 10% of the base value.

[0040]

[0047] It should also be understood that the diagrams and figures of this disclosure may not represent all elements that may be present in a physical system, although any such elements are well known and one of ordinary skill in the art would be able to make and use the systems of this disclosure without undue experimentation. * * * * *

[0041]

[0048] Thus, the present invention is well adapted to carry out the objects and obtain the ends and advantages set forth above and which are inherent therein. Although the inventive apparatus has been described and illustrated herein by reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof in connection with the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and further modifications other than those shown or suggested herein may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the inventive concept, the scope of which is determined by the following claims.

Claims

1. 1. A power supply that adapts a battery for use with a load having input voltage requirements that are not fully met by the battery voltage, comprising: a battery having a monotonic discharge curve that is always decreasing; at least one converter circuit, each converter circuit being a boost converter circuit or a buck converter circuit; Including power supply.

2. 10. The power supply of claim 1, wherein the battery comprises an acidified metal oxide material in at least one of the anode and cathode.

3. 10. The power supply of claim 1, further comprising a sensor node configured to toggle said at least one converter circuit based on a measurement of the state of charge of said battery.

4. 4. The power supply of claim 3, wherein the measure of the state of charge of the battery is calculated from a measured voltage of the battery.

5. 10. The power supply of claim 1, further comprising an external power source configured to achieve partial charge recovery on the battery.

6. 1. A system for adapting a battery having an ever-decreasing monotonic discharge curve for use with a load having an input voltage requirement that is not fully met by the battery voltage, comprising: At least one converter circuit, each converter circuit being a boost converter circuit or a buck converter circuit. A system including:

7. 7. The system of claim 6, further comprising the battery having an ever-decreasing monotonic discharge curve, the battery having an acidified metal oxide material in at least one of an anode and a cathode.

8. 8. The system of claim 7, further comprising a sensor node configured to toggle the at least one converter circuit based on a measurement of the state of charge of the battery.

9. 10. The system of claim 8, wherein the measurement of the state of charge of the battery is calculated from a measured voltage of the battery.

10. 8. The system of claim 7, further comprising an external power source configured to achieve partial charge recovery on the battery.

11. 1. A method of adapting a battery for use with a load having input voltage requirements that are not fully met by the battery voltage, comprising: providing a battery having an always descending monotonic discharge curve; electrically connecting the battery to at least one converter circuit, each converter circuit being a boost converter circuit or a buck converter circuit; A method comprising:

12. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the battery comprises an acidified metal oxide material in at least one of the anode and the cathode.

13. 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising electrically connecting a sensor node to the at least one converter circuit, the sensor node configured to toggle the at least one converter circuit based on a measurement of the state of charge of the battery.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the measurement of the state of charge of the battery is calculated from a measured voltage of the battery.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, The method further comprising electrically connecting an external power source configured to achieve partial charge recovery on the battery.

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