Energy storage equipment safety systems and methods

Abstract

A load source comprising a housing, a battery integrally disposed within the housing, a load source computing device, and a battery management system associated with the battery. The load source is configured for either or both of the following: the battery management system is configured to identify a first error based at least partially on a first dataset associated with the load source and to report the first error to the load source computing device to cause a change in the operation of the load source; and the load source computing device is configured to identify a first error based at least partially on a first dataset associated with the load source and to report the first error to the load source computing device to cause a change in the operation of the load source.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application is a non-provisional application of, and claims the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 539,760, filed September 21, 2023, entitled "Energy Storage Equipped Safety System And Method", with Attorney Docket No. 0122186-004PR0. The entire contents of this application are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0002] This application is also related to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 818,377, filed August 28, 2024, entitled "BATTERY-INTEGRATED WATER HEATER SYSTEM AND METHOD", with Attorney Docket No. 0122186-003US0, which is a non-provisional application of, and claims the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 535,023, filed August 28, 2023, entitled "Energy Storage Equipped Water Heater Architecture", with Attorney Docket No. 0122186-003PR0. These applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0003] This application is also related to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 814,022, filed August 23, 2024, entitled "BATTERY-INTEGRATED APPLIANCE SYSTEM AND METHOD", with Attorney Docket No. 0122186-002US0, which is a non-provisional application of, and claims the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 534,727, filed August 25, 2023, entitled "Battery Enhanced Appliances", with Attorney Docket No. 0122186-002PR0. These applications are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

[0004] This application is also relating to U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 692,714, filed on 11 March 2022, entitled “APPLIANCE LEVEL BATTERY-BASED ENERGY STORAGE,” Agent Reference Number 0122186-001US0, which is a non-provisional application claiming the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 159,851, filed on 11 March 2021, entitled “APPLIANCE LEVEL BATTERY-BASED ENERGY STORAGE,” and hereby incorporates these applications in their entirety by reference. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0005] [Figure 1] An example of a power supply building system according to one embodiment is shown. [Figure 2] Examples of load sources that can be associated with power supply building systems in several embodiments are shown. [Figure 3] An exemplary embodiment of a stovetop load source, including a load source system with a battery, is shown. [Figure 4] An exemplary embodiment of a load source system is shown, which may include one or more batteries, a processor, memory, a clock, a control system, a communication system, an interface, a power bus, an AC / DC conversion module, and one or more sensors. [Figure 5] Another exemplary embodiment of a load source system including an electrical input, charger, inductive driver, battery, DC-DC converter, inverter, switch, and auxiliary electrical output is shown. [Figure 6] Another embodiment of the load source system is shown. [Figure 7] An exemplary embodiment of a water heater load source, including a load source system with a battery, is shown. [Figure 8] Another exemplary embodiment of a load source system including an electrical input, charger, computer, battery, controller, and transformer is shown. [Figure 9]This illustrates an exemplary battery architecture for a battery, including a battery enclosure with three disassemblable subpacks within an enclosure that can be separated using a key. [Figure 10] This document illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a battery network, including three load source systems operable via a network, a battery server, and user devices. [Figure 11] Another embodiment of the load source system is shown. [Figure 12] Further embodiments of the load source system are shown. [Figure 13] This is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary method for determining the operating configuration of a load source system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0006] Please note that the figures are not drawn to scale, and elements with similar structures or functions are generally represented by the same reference numerals throughout the figures for illustrative purposes. Also note that the figures are intended solely to facilitate the description of preferred embodiments. The figures do not illustrate all aspects of the embodiments described and do not limit the scope of this disclosure.

[0007] Since various embodiments of energy storage equipment (ESE) appliances can include battery energy storage systems, safety can be a key feature in some examples. There are many ways to ensure that such appliances remain safe even under uncertain environmental conditions.

[0008] In some embodiments, one or more safety-related mechanisms of a home appliance can be incorporated into the structure and design of the appliance itself. This can extend to eliminating the possibility of safety problems occurring, and even to limiting the severity of safety problems that cannot be avoided. With regard to the mechanical design of battery enclosures in various embodiments, many methods can exist to avoid the risk of battery fire, the severity of the fire, the possibility of human exposure to high voltage, and the exposure of battery cells to moisture and humidity. Various embodiments may include smart safety and diagnostics.

[0009] Safety features in some embodiments include battery power supply devices and battery modules that display error codes and prevent each other from fully operating based on the nature of the error. This can include scenarios where the battery reports a health failure, the device is faulty, there is an ID (e.g., manufacturer-programmed software key) mismatch between the battery and the device, or vice versa (e.g., the battery module and device do not recognize or support each other). These systems can communicate errors through various signals and may have secondary low-power states dedicated to transmitting and displaying error codes.

[0010] One advantage of various energy storage devices is that the battery can continue to supply power to the device even during a power outage (for example, when the primary wall AC power supply becomes unavailable). By using battery power, in some embodiments, the device can power circuits that measure or detect voltage along the input path of the primary power supply, and circuits that can inform the user of the status of the primary power supply. By knowing the status of the grid and / or renewable energy sources, in various embodiments, the user can make safer and more informed decisions in relation to activities within their home.

[0011] Some home appliances may include water heaters and heat pumps. In some cases, such appliances may be installed in locations other than parts of the home that the user frequently visits, such as basements or garages. For these appliances that are not easily visible to the user, it may not be sufficient to communicate their status to the user simply by communicating their status on the device's onboard or local UI. If the user is unaware of any problem detected by the appliance, it could lead to safety issues. Therefore, in some embodiments, a communication protocol between devices within the ecosystem may be included to notify the user of the status of hard-to-see appliances or to make it easily visible to the user (e.g., via appliances or devices that the user observes more frequently).

[0012] Various embodiments of home appliances have batteries, allowing them to collect data during periods when external power is unavailable, such as during transportation and warehousing.

[0013] In various embodiments, home appliances or integrated batteries may have additional safety mechanisms or systems, including one or more of the following: These systems may have various effects and may operate independently or in conjunction to call for assistance, safely release stored energy, and / or prevent access to said stored energy.

[0014] Instead of relying solely on a single type of energy storage (e.g., lithium-ion batteries), in some embodiments, the device can utilize a hybrid system incorporating supercapacitors or other types of batteries. This versatility can offer safety advantages in some embodiments. For example, supercapacitors can charge and discharge much faster than conventional batteries, providing an alternative for rapid energy release in emergencies. This also reduces the risks associated with certain types of energy storage failing, as a secondary system can step in.

[0015] The systems and methods for battery-enhanced home appliances described in the various embodiments discussed herein can function to provide various solutions and enhanced functions for modern home appliances. In particular, some example systems and methods can provide energy-storage equipped cooking stoves (or other types of home appliances) that use electrical architectures and configurations that ensure safety and supply DC power to high-load cooking elements of stoves or other types of home appliances.

[0016] Systems and methods of some embodiments may include components and / or operating processes that facilitate the conversion from an AC power source (e.g., from a wall outlet) to DC power used to drive various elements of a cooktop (e.g., high-load elements such as oven convection and / or broiler heating elements, induction coil drivers, and / or integrated induction cooktop modules), and charge an auxiliary power supply that can also supply DC power. In some modifications, the DC power is matched to the voltage of the auxiliary power supply (e.g., storage battery voltage), thereby allowing high-load elements of the appliance to be powered directly from the auxiliary power supply without further voltage conversion.

[0017] The systems and methods of various embodiments may include or be implemented through an AC power input, an AC / DC conversion module, and one or more heating modules / elements. The heating modules / elements may include induction heating modules (e.g., those used on induction stovetops) and / or resistive heating modules / elements (e.g., those used in ovens, cooktops, clothes dryers, water heaters, heat pumps, etc.). The present system may further include an auxiliary power source that can be managed and used as a backup or as a supplement to power supplied through the AC power input.

[0018] The components of various embodiments are integrated into household appliance systems such as cooking ranges, ovens, cooktops, clothes dryers, water heaters, and heat pumps. The exact architecture of the household appliance can be adjusted according to the capabilities and features of such household appliance. For example, the systems and methods described herein may be embodied in a combination of a stovetop and an oven, a stovetop alone, an oven alone, and / or a stove or other household appliance configured to be any suitable type of cooking household appliance.

[0019] Although the systems and methods are described in some examples in the context of use and applications in induction stoves having a cooktop and an oven, and water heaters having a heat pump, these examples should not be construed as limiting. The systems and methods of various embodiments may additionally or alternatively include resistive heating in addition to or in place of induction heating. The systems and methods of various embodiments may be modified or configured for use with other household appliances or devices such as air conditioners, washing machines / dryers, heat pumps, and the like.

[0020] In some variations, battery-enhanced household appliances may be used in connection with a network of other household appliances. These may be other household appliances within the same residence, which may also be battery-enhanced household appliances, or other types of electric household appliances that do not have a battery or power storage. In some variations, the systems and methods of some examples may be used with power supply building systems and power distribution systems, such as those described in U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 692,714 filed on March 11, 2022 and entitled "APPLIANCE LEVEL BATTERY-BASED ENERGY STORAGE".

[0021] As one potential advantage, the systems and methods of some examples can enable the use of line power (i.e., wall outlet power) with battery power to enhance the capabilities of electric stoves. The systems and methods of some examples can maintain the features and capabilities of more conventional natural gas ranges while enabling the transition to electric power. Enabling the use of electric power sources can bring many benefits as the world transitions to more sustainable power sources.

[0022] As one potential advantage, the systems and methods of some examples can reduce the requirements for the existing electrical system of a building when using electric household appliances, thereby enabling wider adoption of electric household appliances. Common residential electrical outlets (e.g., "120V standard outlets") may have insufficient power capacity for many household appliances, and typically require the installation of higher voltage and higher power outlets (e.g., "240V household appliance outlets"). By augmenting household appliances using the systems and methods of some embodiments (e.g., integrated or attached energy storage systems such as batteries), a standard 120V electrical outlet can be used with the various example systems and methods to supply much higher power levels to household appliances in non-continuous use applications. In some embodiments, this can be a power level equivalent to a conventional 240V household appliance outlet.

[0023] In some variations, such as on-demand water heaters, even a single 240V appliance outlet may be insufficient for the appliance, and by using some embodiments herein, it is possible to provide sufficient power to the appliance in various examples, otherwise multi-circuit and / or wired electrical installations may be required or may exceed the capacity of the entire load center.

[0024] Another potential advantage is that some embodiments of the systems and methods can allow the use of stoves and / or other types of appliances while power availability is changing. For example, some modifications described herein can allow the use of stoves during power blackouts, during increased grid usage (e.g., when electricity costs are high), and / or when using other electrical appliances simultaneously.

[0025] Another potential advantage is that the systems and methods of various embodiments can avoid the limitations and problems that occur with AC induction-based heating appliances. This may include audible and tactile vibrations that can reduce the comfort of the cooking experience. Furthermore, some variations of the systems and methods described herein may allow for the customization of the sounds and sensations of induction cooking to make the cooking experience more comfortable and / or safer. For example, certain auditory and / or vibratory sensations can be actively activated when cooking, in the form of feedback that the pot is heating up. These auditory and tactile cues can be modified on a conditional basis.

[0026] Another potential benefit is that some example systems and methods may enable a reduction in the use of various components used in AC home appliances. For example, systems and methods of various embodiments may avoid or reduce the number of filter capacitors / inductors, which are rectifier systems. In particular, some example systems and methods may eliminate or reduce the need for PFC circuits and / or EMI / RFI circuits, which may be required in AC power supply induction devices. Firmware may also be simplified in some embodiments. Systems and methods resulting from various embodiments may enable home appliances that can be lighter, smaller, cheaper, and quieter.

[0027] Another potential advantage is that some embodiments of systems and methods can decouple device performance from the limitations of outlet capacity and / or inverter capacity. Various examples of systems and methods include batteries, which can enable battery-based capacity and power capacity. Cooktops in some embodiments can be designed with power capacity to support an increased number of cooktop heating zones, larger cooktop heating zones, more ovens, larger ovens, faster preheating times, more fans, more lights, and / or other features.

[0028] In one example, a modified system may include a battery charger that can draw up to 15A from a standard 120V wall outlet and charge a battery with a nominal capacity of 230VDC and 5kWh. When fully charged, the system in various embodiments can, for example, supply approximately 7kW to an appliance for one hour (5kW battery + 1.875kW from a standard wall outlet), after which the battery may require recharging. In some example scenarios, the battery is charged whenever the appliance is not in use or is being used at a low power level, thereby being fully charged when needed or desired. The specific battery voltage can be adjusted in various embodiments based on the internal design of the appliance load element. The battery capacity (kWh) can be adjusted in various embodiments based on the desired usage profile of the appliance, cost, or other factors. In another example, the charger can draw 30A from a standard 240V appliance outlet and charge a battery with a nominal capacity of 230VDC and 10kWh. When fully charged, the system in some embodiments can provide approximately 30 kW in 20 minutes, so that it can be utilized by on-demand water heaters, which in some examples may require two or three times the capacity of a standard 240V household outlet.

[0029] One exemplary embodiment includes a first load source system, which is located within a housing of a first load source among a plurality of load sources and is an integral component of the housing. The first load source includes a first power cord connected to a first receptacle among a plurality of receptacles, and the first load source system includes a first battery configured to acquire and store power from the first receptacle. The first load source is configured to be fully powered solely by the power stored by the first battery, fully powered solely by the power acquired from the first receptacle, and partially powered by both the first battery and the power acquired from the first receptacle.

[0030] Various implementations can eliminate the significant upgrade costs required to replace fossil fuel-based appliances. Many appliances (e.g., induction ranges and electric dryers) require the installation of dedicated high-capacity circuits, which can only be utilized for a short period. This electrical work significantly increases the cost of such upgrades and can be a major barrier to entry, potentially negating any valuable offers that the increased efficiency of these more advanced appliances may provide. As an example, a four-burner induction cooktop with its own oven costs $1,000–$2,000 and can be installed by a homeowner or general contractor for $150–$200 (if a suitable 240V circuit is already available). However, when a stovetop in some configurations replaces a natural gas stovetop, the likelihood of a suitable unused circuit being available in the correct location is very low. The cost of installing the required 30-40 amp appliance circuit is approximately $800-$1,000, and if the routing from the circuit breaker to the stovetop is long or inconvenient, an additional $380-$460 may be required. Furthermore, in most cases, available electrical services are designed assuming the use of fossil fuels and are insufficient for this large additional circuit. Upgrading the service panel in this situation could add another $1,500-$4,000 to the project cost, making the total cost of replacing a natural gas stovetop two to six times higher than the cost of a basic new appliance.

[0031] In various embodiments, home appliances with integrated batteries or associated batteries as described herein can supply the high current required during use while drawing only relatively low average power from existing 110V electrical outlets for recharging, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for electrical equipment upgrades. In the case of induction cooktops, the vast majority of dinnertime cooking needs can be met by an integrated battery of 0.75–1.5kWh. If this battery is factory-installed based on current EV pricing, the cost of the appliance could only add $100–$200, and this could be further reduced as the industry scales up. As a result, the total project cost for reducing this emission source in a home remains predictable and low, and the dinnertime cooking load, which mainly occurs outside of solar power generation hours, can be cost-effectively covered by being powered by renewable energy.

[0032] Furthermore, centralized household main batteries may require large, dedicated inverters to supply AC power, even if appliances (e.g., induction cooktops) use internal rectification to convert the power back to DC. Installing batteries at these load points allows for direct DC power supply to appliances, resulting in minimal AC drawout from electrical outlets in various embodiments. At the system level, in various embodiments, this eliminates the inverting rectification cycle for power drawn from and deferred from the power grid, significantly reducing the power requirements for inverters powered by rooftop solar arrays. As a result, system costs can be reduced, and efficiency is improved due to the elimination of power conversion.

[0033] Furthermore, large battery packs, which may be required for home main batteries, often fail due to just one faulty cell. In contrast, commercially available packs of around 1 kWh that can be used to power home appliances may be easier to manage than centralized batteries and, in various embodiments, may be easier to replace in case of failure. In some embodiments, having fewer cells under a battery management system (BMS) allows for better management of charge cycles, mechanical and thermal stresses, as well as more robust health diagnostics, leading to a longer battery life. The battery management system and supporting power electronics may be the price point, and as a result, increasing their number does not pose a cost barrier. As an additional advantage of this approach, in some embodiments, smaller battery packs used in load storage may be better suited for second-life applications of plug-in EV batteries—their supply is expected to increase rapidly in the next decade. Such cells are expected to retain 70% of their initial capacity even after use in an EV and be usable for another decade in second-life applications.

[0034] Figure 1 shows an example of a power supply building system 100, which includes a building 105 that can obtain power from various suitable power sources such as a power grid 110 and one or more solar panels 115. Such power can supply power to various suitable load sources 200 (e.g., household appliances, elements, systems, vehicles, etc.), such as a heat pump 120, an electric stove 125, a refrigerator 130, an electric vehicle 135, a water heater 140, and an electric floor heating element 145. Power can be distributed to or between such load sources 200 via a power distribution system 150, which may include power lines 155 and electrical sub-elements 160 that supply power to electrical receptacles 165.

[0035] As will be described in more detail herein, in various embodiments, the load source 200 may be associated with a battery 305 and / or a load source system 300, respectively (see, for example, Figure 3). However, in some embodiments, the power supply building system 100 may not be directly associated with a specific load source 200 and may include one or more building system batteries 170 that can be configured to store energy for the power supply building system 100 for distribution to the power grid 110, such as load sources 200 associated with the power supply building system 100. In some embodiments, the building system batteries 170 may not be present.

[0036] Figure 1 shows one exemplary embodiment of the power supply building system 100, but such embodiments should not be interpreted as being limited to a wide variety of load sources 200 that can be powered and associated with a battery and / or load source system. For example, Figure 2 shows further examples of load sources 200 that can be associated with the power supply building system 100 in further embodiments. Furthermore, while various embodiments of the power supply building system 100 may relate to single-family homes, it should be clear that further embodiments may relate to apartment buildings, mixed-use buildings, commercial buildings, factories, airports, farms, or other suitable buildings, structures, or land. In addition, some embodiments are also applicable to vehicles or structures such as cruise ships, offshore platforms, aircraft, and buses.

[0037] Furthermore, while the example in Figure 1 shows a power supply building system 100 associated with a power grid 110, such as a local power provider that provides power to multiple buildings 105 and / or power supply building systems 100, in further embodiments, the power supply building system 100 may not be associated with or connected to a power grid 110. In addition, while the example in Figure 1 shows a power supply building system 100 that obtains power from one or more solar panels, in further embodiments, any suitable additional or alternative power generation systems and methods, such as wind turbines, hydroelectric turbines, geothermal generators, nuclear power systems, chemical generators, or combustion generators, may be part of the power supply building system 100.

[0038] Figure 3 shows an example of a stove 125 load source 200, including one embodiment 300A of a load source system 300 having a battery 305. For example, the load source system 300A may be an internal component of the stove 125, an integral component of the stove 125 located within the housing of the stove 125, etc. For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the load source system 300A and / or the battery 305 may be an integral part of the stove 125 such that such a portion cannot be removed from the stove 125, or cannot be easily removed, and the stove 125 includes such a portion, which is sealed within the housing of the stove 125 so that it is not accessible to the user from the outside. However, in some examples, the battery 305 may be removable, replaceable, and / or modular, as described herein.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3, the stove 125 may include a power cord 310 with a plug 315 configured to connect to a power receptacle 165 of a power distribution system 150. For example, the power distribution system 150 may supply power to the receptacle 165 via a power line 155, and the receptacle 165 may be located in the wall of building 105 (Figure 1) where the power line 155 runs through a wall or the like. The stove 125 may be plugged into the receptacle 165, which can supply power to the stove 125 and the battery 305 of a load source system 300, and the load source system 300 may be configured to store power and / or supply power to the stove 125, as described herein.

[0040] In various embodiments, the cooktop 125 may include a housing 350, an oven 360 having an oven door 362, a cooktop 370 having one or more heating areas 372, and a cooktop interface 380 having a plurality of knobs 382 and a display 384. As will be described in more detail herein, such elements may be part of or associated with a load source system 300, such as heating elements of a load source system 300 configured to generate heat in the oven 360 and / or on the cooktop 370, at least in part based on the configuration of the knobs 382 and / or the display 384 of the cooktop interface 380. In various embodiments, the cooktop 125 may be an induction cooktop including an induction driver that supplies power to induction coils associated with one or more heating areas 372. However, the heating area 372 of the oven 360 and / or cooktop 370 can be heated or generate heat in any suitable way in further embodiments, including induction heating, resistance heating, gas heating, halogen heating, microwave heating, convection heating, radiant heating, steam heating, solid fuel heating, and the like.

[0041] One preferred embodiment includes a cooktop 125 that is a standard 30-inch range with a width of 29 7 / 8 inches, a depth of 28 15 / 16 inches, and a height of 35 3 / 4 to 36 1 / 4 inches to the cooking surface, including the handle. Further embodiments of the cooktop may have or be configured with a standardized or customized width in a range of widths such as 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 28 inches, or between such exemplary values. In some embodiments, the cooktop 125 may have a depth in a range of 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 inches, or between such exemplary values. In various embodiments, the cooktop 125 may be configured to a standard 36-inch countertop height with adjustable legs that provide adjustments in a range of ±0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0 inches, or between such exemplary values.

[0042] In one preferred embodiment, the stovetop 125 has an oven 360 having an oven capacity of 4.55 cubic feet, an oven width of 22 1 / 8 inches, an oven depth of 16 1 / 4 inches, an oven height of 17 inches, and five oven rack positions. Further embodiments may include an oven 360 having a capacity of values ​​such as 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, 5.5, 6.0, 6.5 cubic feet, or a range between such exemplary values.

[0043] In one preferred embodiment, the cooktop 370 of the stove 125 includes four symmetrical 7.9-inch high-power induction cooking zones 372 having a minimum pan pairing size of 3 1 / 8 inches. In further embodiments, the stove 125 may include any suitable number of cooking zones 372, including 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, etc., or a range between such exemplary values. Such cooking zones 372 may be the same size or different sizes, and may include diameters in the range of 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 inches, etc., or a range between such exemplary values. Such cooking zones 372 may be flat or, in some embodiments, concave to accommodate curved pans (e.g., for induction heating). However, since further embodiments may include any suitable stove, range, etc., and it may include any element of various configurations, it will be clear that these examples should not be construed as limiting.

[0044] In some embodiments, one or more batteries 305 and / or load source systems 300 may be integrated into the load source 200 (e.g., in an appliance housing) at the factory where the load source is manufactured, or they may be integrated into the after-sales service market for the load source. For example, a load source 200 (e.g., an appliance) can be specifically designed to allow the integration of a suitable number of batteries 305 and / or other elements of the load source system 300 into its normal housing. This makes it possible to place such a load source 200 or appliance in a home without making any changes to how the appliance is integrated into standardized fixtures such as counters. In various embodiments, the electrical connections of the load source system 300 to the batteries 305 and / or other elements are made at the factory and fully integrated into the appliance circuit. This makes it possible for a load source 200, such as an appliance that utilizes DC current (e.g., an induction stove), to draw power directly from one or more batteries 305 without adding the cost of a high-power inverter.

[0045] In some embodiments, the battery can be designed to be integrated into the load source (e.g., a home appliance) in a factory setting in the after-sales market. For example, a company that is not an original equipment manufacturer of a home appliance purchases a new home appliance, installs the load source system 300 in its facility, and resells the home appliance as new. In some examples, a retrofitter installs one or more batteries 305 and / or elements of the load source system 300 inside the housing of the home appliance and wires them directly to the electrical system of the home appliance. This may be desirable in some embodiments where high-voltage connections are required and the risks of such high-voltage connections are not handled by a professional given. Also, in some embodiments where the load source 200 (e.g., a home appliance), such as an induction stove, has an internal rectifier circuit that converts 60Hz AC current to DC, in some examples it may be desirable to connect the load source system 300 directly to the internal circuit of the load source (e.g., to avoid the expensive addition of high-power inversion).

[0046] In some embodiments, the batteries 305 and elements of the load source system 300 are designed to nest with the load source (e.g., an appliance), such as as a base or backing. Such nesting can be done by the customer in various examples. The batteries 305 and / or elements of the load source system 300 can also be designed to nest directly outside the appliance, such as by taking into account the shape and intended location of the appliance in the house 105. One or more batteries 305 and elements (e.g., a power control stage) of the load source system 300 are packaged so that they can be placed directly in parallel with the appliance in various examples. The appliance can be plugged into the load source system 300, and then the load source system 300 is plugged into the wall.

[0047] In addition, it should be clear that the power supply building system 100 may include any suitable number and type of load source systems 300, including one or more of the load source systems 300 shown herein. However, in some examples, one or more of the load source systems 300 shown herein may not be specifically present.

[0048] The load source system 300 may include a variety of suitable elements. For example, Figure 4 shows one exemplary embodiment of the load source system 300, which may include one or more batteries 305, a processor 410, memory 420, a clock 430, a control system 440, a communication system 450, an interface 460, a power bus 470, an AC / DC conversion module 480, and one or more sensors 490.

[0049] For example, in some embodiments, the load source system 300 may include a computing device that can be configured to perform the methods and parts thereof described herein. The memory 420 may include a computer-readable medium that stores instructions and, when executed by the processor 410, causes the load source system 300 to perform the methods or parts thereof described herein, or other appropriate functions. The clock 430 may be configured to determine the date and / or time (e.g., year, month, day of the week, time, etc.) and, as described in more detail herein, in some examples, can be used to configure the power storage and / or power discharge of the battery 305 based on time.

[0050] In various embodiments, the control system 440 can be configured to control the power storage and / or power discharge of the battery 305 based on instructions from a processor or the like. In addition, in some embodiments, the control system 440 can determine various aspects, characteristics, or states of the battery 305, such as the charge state (e.g., the percentage charged or discharged), battery charge capacity, battery health, and battery temperature. For example, in various embodiments, the load source system 300 may include various appropriate sensors to determine such aspects, characteristics, or states of the battery 305, or aspects, characteristics, or states of other elements of the building system 100, which may include environmental conditions such as temperature and humidity inside or outside the building 105.

[0051] In some embodiments, the control system 440 can be configured for a variety of functions, such as maintaining a data pipeline to the cloud or another wireless device (e.g., via CANBus communication between peripherals and Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a cellular module) to remotely record system data and manage firmware updates, interpreting the state / position of user interface controls (e.g., knobs, buttons, switches) and performing corresponding actions within the device, providing feedback control to the cooking operation of the load source system 300 by sensing temperature and current, and so on. The control system 440 can be further used to enable and facilitate various operating modes and functions (e.g., cooking functions, safety functions, etc.).

[0052] In various embodiments, the communication system 450 can be configured to enable communication with the load source system 300 via one or more communication networks, as described in detail herein, and in some embodiments the communication networks may include wireless and / or wired networks and may include communication with one or more other load source systems 300, user devices, servers, and other devices.

[0053] Interface 460 can include various elements configured to receive input and / or present information (e.g., to the user). For example, in some embodiments, the interface can include a touchscreen, a keyboard, one or more buttons, one or more knobs, one or more lights, a speaker, a microphone, a haptic interface, and the like. In various embodiments, interface 460 can be used by the user for various purposes, such as configuring the load source system 300, viewing the aspects, features, or state of the load source system 300, or configuring the network connectivity of the load source system 300. In some embodiments, interface 460 can include a stove interface 380 having a plurality of knobs 382, ​​as shown in the example in Figure 3.

[0054] The power bus 470 can be configured to obtain power from one or more power sources and / or to supply power to one or more load sources 200. For example, in various embodiments, the power bus 470 can obtain power from one or more power receptacles 165 (see, for example, Figure 3) or other suitable interfaces with a power distribution system 150, or directly from power sources such as a power grid 110, solar panels 115. The power thus obtained may be stored via one or more batteries 305, or it may be directed to one or more load sources 200 connected to a load source system 300. The power thus obtained can be directed to such one or more load sources 200 via one or more batteries 305, or by bypassing one or more batteries 305.

[0055] In various embodiments, the AC / DC converter module 480 (e.g., in an induction cooktop) can be configured to convert alternating current (AC) from a standard household outlet or the like into direct current (DC) suitable for powering various elements of a load source system 300 (e.g., part of an induction cooktop). Various examples of the AC / DC converter module 480 may include a rectifier circuit that converts the AC voltage into a pulsed DC voltage, followed by a filter that smooths out fluctuations to produce a stable DC output. In addition, various embodiments of the AC / DC converter module 480 may include a voltage regulation circuit to ensure the output remains within a specific voltage range, addressing the precise needs of elements of the load source system 300, such as electronic controls and induction drivers. Some examples of the AC / DC converter module 480 not only power the main induction heating element but also supply DC power to auxiliary components such as control panels and sensors. Exemplary embodiments of the AC / DC converter module 480 and its components are described in more detail herein.

[0056] Any suitable sensor 490 can be used in the load source system 300. For example, various suitable sensors can be used to sense temperature (e.g., to generate an over-temperature cutoff response), including thermal fuses, thermostats, thermocouples, thermistors, PTC (Potential Temperature Coefficient) devices, RTD (Resistance Temperature Detectors), bimetallic switches, IC temperature sensors, thermocutout switches, infrared sensors, etc.

[0057] In further embodiments, the sensors may include one or more of the following: a magnetic field sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor, for detecting the presence and size of a cookware; current and voltage sensors for monitoring and protecting power consumption from fluctuations; a capacitive touch sensor for the user interface; safety features that may be supported by overheat protection and boil-dry detection sensors; a pan detection sensor for identifying when a cookware is placed in or removed from the cooking zone; a power monitoring sensor for managing power distribution; a residual heat sensor for indicating when the cooktop 370 is still hot after use; an electromagnetic interference sensor for monitoring and minimizing emissions; a humidity sensor for detecting steam and adjusting cooking parameters; a weight sensor for more accurate cooking; and so on.

[0058] One or more batteries 305 may be any suitable system configured to store and release energy. For example, in some embodiments, one or more batteries 305 may include rechargeable nickel-cadmium leadate (NiCd), nickel metal hydride (NiMH), lithium ions (Li ions), LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate), lithium-ion polymer (LiPo), rechargeable alkaline batteries, sodium ions (Na ions), lithium titanate (LTO), lithium sulfur (Li-S), nickel-zinc (Ni-Zn), zinc-air, solid lithium, flow batteries (e.g., vanadium redox flow batteries), and the like.

[0059] In some embodiments, the battery 305 of the load source system 300 may be configured to produce a variety of suitable voltages including 80V, 90V, 100V, 110V, 120V, 130V, 140V, 150V, 160V, 170V, 180V, 190V, 200V, 210V, 220V, 230V, 240V, 250V, 260V, 270V, etc., or a range between such exemplary values. In various examples, the battery 305 may include multiple cells, which in some examples may have nominal voltages of 3.0V, 3.1V, 3.2V, 3.3V, 3.4V, 3.5V. For example, battery 305 can contain 72 cells in series, which can generate a voltage of approximately 240VDC (e.g., 230VDC-250VDC, 220VDC-280VDC, etc.).

[0060] In various embodiments, components of the load source system 300, such as the heating area 372 of the cooktop 370, the oven 360, and the auxiliary electrical output 540, may be configured to operate on different input voltages, such as 130V, 140V, 150V, 160V, 170V, 180V, 190V, 200V, 210V, 220V, 230V, 240V, 250V, 260V, 270V, 280V, or in a range between such exemplary values. For example, such input voltages may be based on power from either or both of the receptacle 165 (e.g., a 120V receptacle) and the battery 305.

[0061] As described herein, rechargeable in various embodiments can be defined as having the ability to store and release energy multiple times over multiple cycles (e.g., 5, 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 10k, 100k, 1M, 10M, 100M, etc.) without significantly reducing the ability to store and release energy. Various preferred embodiments may include chemical storage of electrical energy, but in further embodiments, one or more batteries 305 may be configured to store energy in various suitable ways, such as mechanical energy, compressed fluid, thermal energy, etc.

[0062] In some embodiments, one or more batteries 305 may include, or be defined by, a removable cartridge that allows one or more batteries 305 to be enlarged or replaced. In some examples, the battery pack may consist of small subpacks that can be easily removed. This allows, in some examples, to replace old or defective cells. Furthermore, in some examples, such a configuration allows for fine-tuning of the pack size within the network of load source systems 300, as described herein. For example, one or more batteries 305 may be initially sized and placed in the same location as the expected load source 200.

[0063] Referring to Figure 5, another exemplary embodiment of the load source system 300 is shown, which includes an electrical input 505, a charger 510, an inductive driver 515, a battery 305, a DC-DC converter 525, and an inverter 530, a switch 535, and an auxiliary electrical output 540.

[0064] In various embodiments, the electrical input 505 may include a power cord 310 with a plug 315 configured to connect to a power receptacle 165 of the power distribution system 150 (see, for example, Figure 3). However, various suitable elements may be part of the electrical input 505, and such an electrical input 505 may be via a direct wire connection in various examples, as described herein. In various embodiments, the electrical input 505 may be an AC power input that functions to provide a primary power source that can be used to charge and / or power elements of the load source system 300. The electrical input 505 may be used to power an auxiliary power source or other power storage system such as a battery 305 and / or to power other elements such as a processor 410, memory 420, clock 430, control system 440, communication system 450, interface 460 (see, for example, Figure 4). In some examples, the AC power input for electrical input 505 could be 120VAC (and / or 240VAC) from a wall outlet (e.g., a standard 15A outlet).

[0065] In various embodiments, the charger 510 may include a power converter or battery charger that manages the flow of electrical energy from the electrical input 505 to the battery 305 and / or the inductive driver 515. For example, in some embodiments, the charger 510 can convert an AC voltage from a wall outlet (e.g., 120VAC or 240VAC) to a suitable DC voltage required to charge the battery 305, which may include rectification (converting AC to DC) and regulation (ensuring the DC output is stable and suitable for the battery). In some examples, an AC / DC regulator in the AC / DC conversion module of the charger 510 can be used to convert the power input from the electrical input 505. In various embodiments, the charger 510 can monitor and control the charging process of the battery 305 to ensure that it is charged efficiently and safely, preventing overcharging or overheating, and can manage the charging current and voltage according to the specifications of the battery 305.

[0066] In various embodiments, the charger 510 and / or battery 305 can supply DC power to the inductive driver 515 to drive one or more inductive coils to generate an electromagnetic field for heating. For example, in various embodiments, the inductive driver 515 can be configured to be powered only by the charger 510, powered only by the battery 305, and / or powered simultaneously by both the charger 510 and the battery 305. As discussed herein, such power supply capability may be desirable in various examples to enable cooking via power from the battery 305 when power from the electrical input 505 is unavailable or undesirable, such as during a power outage or when power obtained from the electrical input 505 is undesirably expensive (e.g., when such power obtained from the power grid is expensive). Such power supply capability may be desirable in various examples to allow the use of a combination of power from electrical input 505 and battery 305, thereby enabling more power to the induction driver 515 than is available from electrical input 505 alone, thereby enabling the cooktop 125 to operate at a capacity close to, at, or beyond that of a cooktop 125 powered by 240VAC, even if it is powered only by 120VAC via electrical input 505. Such power supply capability may be desirable in various examples to allow the use of a combination of power from electrical input 505 and battery 305, thereby enabling a reduction in the amount of power consumed from electrical input 505, which may be desirable when the power obtained from electrical input 505 is unstable, inconsistent, or undesirably expensive (e.g., when such power obtained from the power grid is expensive), or when it is desirable to draw less power from electrical input 505 (e.g., when the circuit does not support drawing the full power due to the presence of other appliances on the circuit).Such power supply capability may be desirable in various cases, such as when it is undesirable to use power from battery 305, when battery 305 is depleted, when battery 305 is malfunctioning, when battery 305 is overheating, or when power from electrical input 505 is obtained from a renewable source (e.g., solar power). Since various additional and / or alternative elements can be powered via DC power from charger 510 and / or battery 305, as discussed herein, the examples of the inductive driver 515 should not be interpreted as limiting.

[0067] For example, the load source system 300 can supply additional or alternative power to the oven's resistance heating elements, bake heating elements, convection heating elements, and / or broiler heating elements. Further elements may include convection fans, cooling fans, oven lamps, status indicators (e.g., LEDs, displays, audio systems), user interface displays, outward-facing USB ports (and their devices), speakers, and externally daisy-chained high-voltage DC devices. Some of these elements may require a DC / DC regulator or DC / AC inverter downstream (e.g., 240VDC from a battery) to operate. Some of these elements, such as the convection fan and oven lamps, may be enabled via manual control (e.g., rocker switches), while others may be enabled via autonomous software control (e.g., via the control system 440).

[0068] In various embodiments, the auxiliary electrical output 540 may include a standard electrical receptacle (e.g., a 120VAC receptacle) located on the housing of the load source 200 (e.g., a stove 125) that is attached to the load source system 300 and allows various other household appliances, tools, etc. powered by the load source system 300 to be plugged in. In various embodiments, the electrical input 505 and / or the battery 305 can supply AC power to the auxiliary electrical output 540 directly or indirectly. For example, in various embodiments, the electrical output 540 may be configured to be powered only by the electrical input 505, powered only by the battery 305, and / or powered simultaneously by both the electrical input 505 and the battery 305. As discussed herein, such power supply capability may be desirable in various examples to enable auxiliary power from battery 305 when power from electrical input 505 is unavailable or undesirable, such as during a power outage or when the power obtained from electrical input 505 is undesirably expensive (e.g., when such power obtained from the power grid is expensive). Such power supply capability may be desirable in various examples to enable the use of a combination of power from electrical input 505 and battery 305, thereby enabling more power to the auxiliary electrical output 540 than is available from electrical input 505 alone, thereby enabling the load source system 300 to operate at or above the capacity of a stove 125 powered by 240VAC, even when power is supplied only at 120VAC via electrical input 505.Such power supply capability may be desirable in various cases to allow the use of a combination of power from electrical input 505 and battery 305, thereby allowing a reduction in the amount of power consumed from electrical input 505, which may be desirable when the power obtained from electrical input 505 is unstable, inconsistent, or undesirably expensive (e.g., when such power obtained from the power grid is expensive), or when it is desirable to draw less power from electrical input 505 (e.g., when the circuit does not support drawing the full power due to the presence of other appliances on the circuit). Such power supply capability may be desirable in various cases to allow the auxiliary electrical output 540 to be powered via electrical input 505, such as when it is undesirable to use power from battery 305, when battery 305 is depleted, when battery 305 is malfunctioning, when battery 305 is overheating, or when power from electrical input 505 is obtained from a renewable source (e.g., solar). In some embodiments, the electrical input 505 (e.g., 120VAC from a wall receptacle) provides power to a dedicated outward-facing "auxiliary power" inverter, which can function as a default pass-through to maintain the battery's charge state and avoid power conversion losses (and associated noise from the fan).

[0069] One or more auxiliary electrical outputs 540 may be incorporated into the load source system 300 in a conveniently accessible location, such as the front of the cooktop 125 near the floor, behind the cover above the cooktop 125, in an accessible location on the back of the cooktop 125, on top of the cooktop 125 with a fluid cover, and / or any other suitable location, with a short cord attached to allow the user to move the outlet (outlet) to a kitchen counter near the cooktop 125.

[0070] The auxiliary electrical output 540 may, in some examples, include a NEMA5-15 or NEMA5-20 plug. In some examples, the auxiliary power port 540 may provide a standardized AC power supply (e.g., a 120VAC power supply). Some alternative form of DC auxiliary power port (e.g., a USB port) may be included additionally or alternatively. In some embodiments, the auxiliary electrical output 540 can be powered by a DC battery and connected to an internal inverter to convert DC to AC power.

[0071] In some embodiments, the auxiliary power port 540 can be "full power" or provide maximum available power such as 2400W (NEMA 5-20) or 1800W (NEMA 5-15). In some examples, the auxiliary electrical output 540 can provide less power, such as 1000W, 500W, or 300W, either alternatively or dynamically.

[0072] In some embodiments, the auxiliary electrical output 540 may be integrated into the load source system 300 as a pass-through system, so that a device can be plugged into the auxiliary electrical output 540 and power can be supplied by default via the AC power input, but then, in the event of a power outage or other appropriate circumstances, the load source system 300 can switch to supplying power via the battery 305.

[0073] In some embodiments, the load source system 300 may additionally or alternatively include a DC auxiliary electrical output 540. This can, in some examples, provide a DC power rail. The DC auxiliary electrical output 540 can be used in a variety of ways, including, in some examples, powering an additional induction burner. Such an additional induction burner may be modular and placed on a nearby countertop to provide more cooktop capacity while heating larger portions of food. In another variation, the DC auxiliary electrical output 540 may be used to power an external inverter that can be used to supply AC power to high-power devices such as an air fryer or dishwasher. In some variations, the DC auxiliary electrical output 540 may be used to connect an external battery, which can be used as additional power storage capacity.

[0074] Additionally or alternatively, one or more additional or alternative power inputs, which may be AC ​​and / or DC, can be used as power sources. For example, in some embodiments, the electrical input 505 may be a DC power source. In some embodiments, in addition to the AC electrical input 505, there may be one or more additional DC power inputs.

[0075] In various embodiments, the AC / DC converter module 480 (see, for example, Figure 4) functions to convert the AC power input from the electrical input 505 and output DC power to charge the battery 305, inductive driver 515, etc. For example, as shown in the embodiment of Figure 6, the AC power input may enter the AC / DC converter module 480 via an AC relay 610 (e.g., normally open (NO) and double-pole single-throw (DPST)) before going to the charger 510. The charger 510 may output a DC signal (e.g., 230VDC) that can be connected to the inductive driver 515 and / or battery 305 via a DC relay 620 (e.g., normally closed (NC) and double-pole double-throw (DPDT)).

[0076] DC power from charger 510 (e.g., nominal 240VDC) can, in various examples, be supplied to battery 305 by safety relay. Current from battery 305 can be supplied to various elements of load source system 300 by safety relay and can serve as a source for powering elements of load source system 300 such as processors and / or safety triggers by DC / DC regulators.

[0077] The AC power input 505 can be connected (e.g., using a cord and plug) to an electrical receptacle (for example, a common receptacle with 120VAC 15A, 20A, etc., or a household appliance outlet with 230VAC with 20A, 30A, 50A, etc.) to provide external power to the load source system 300. The AC / DC conversion module 480 can use the AC power input from power input 505 to charge the auxiliary load source system or to charge a battery source 305 used to directly power various systems or elements.

[0078] In some variations, the amount of current drawn from the power input 505 may be limited in some embodiments (e.g., through configuration settings). For example, the limit may be set to less than 10A, 15A, 20A, 30A, 50A, etc. For example, in a remodeled kitchen, the circuit capacity may be insufficient to operate all appliances at once, so the cooktop 125 with the load source system 300 can be configured to draw less power. For example, a toaster and a microwave oven may be on the same circuit as the cooktop 125 with the load source system 300, and the cooktop 125 can be configured to have a lower maximum charge rate to facilitate the operation of all appliances on the circuit.

[0079] In some embodiments, the load source system 300 may include a monitoring system that monitors the AC voltage entering the shared branch circuit. Under heavy use, the voltage may drop, and the load source system 300 may respond by automatically reducing the charging current of the load source system 300 (for example, to avoid triggering a circuit breaker). Since sensing and / or control may be part of the load source system 300, in some examples, techniques such as synchronous source detection may be used to calibrate the difference between the grid voltage and other applications.

[0080] In some embodiments, the AC / DC conversion module 480 can output a DC power output (e.g., nominal 240VDC), which, as described, in some examples may be supplied to a battery 305 by a safety relay. The charger 510 and / or battery 305 may be supplied to elements of the system load source system 300 by a safety relay, and in some examples may function as a main power source to supply power to one or more processors and / or safety triggers by a DC / DC regulator.

[0081] In some embodiments, DC power may be used primarily to directly power the high-load elements of the load source system 300. In a cooktop embodiment, the load source system 300 may include an induction heating module that can function to perform induction heating. The induction heating module may include an induction coil drive and / or an integrated induction cooktop module interface. In some cases, the load source system 300 may be configured to interface with an external or existing heating element. Alternatively, the heating element may be directly integrated with and / or customized with the load source system 300.

[0082] As will be discussed, the load source system 300 in various embodiments may include one or more auxiliary battery systems that can be used as backup to the battery 305. In some modifications, such auxiliary battery systems may be or include a battery-equipped uninterruptible power supply (UPS). For example, in the event of a grid blackout and / or a battery 305 failure or deactivation, the battery-equipped UPS can continue to power the processor(s) to maintain a certain level of continuous processor operation (e.g., to continue logging events).

[0083] To meet appropriate safety standards (e.g., UL standards), in some embodiments, there may be a set of redundant controls that can independently (e.g., without software) disable / disengage some or all potentially hazardous aspects of the load source system 300, such as power to the charger 510, the output of the high-voltage battery, some or all connections to the powered-off high-voltage battery, etc. Such control schemes may include thermal fuses, current fuses, insulation fault detectors, or any combination thereof, so that a tripped fuse can disconnect trigger signals to normally controlled relays that control the paths and / or subsystems. Thermal fuses in some examples may be configured to trip / trigger at a determined temperature point and may be oriented inside or near the oven, stovetop and high-voltage battery. Current fuses may be integrated inside the battery 305 (e.g., integrated into a battery management system, BMS). Additional safety measures may include earth fault protection between one or both terminals of the DC signal (e.g., 240VDC) and the system chassis (e.g., range chassis), and earth fault protection between the range's auxiliary AC power supply 540 and the chassis.

[0084] Several variations of the load source system 300 and / or the methods implemented by the load source system 300 can be configured to boost the preheating capacity of an oven or other heating element. The load source system 300 may be configured to implement a process of the method that includes using a battery 305 to provide a high instantaneous power output. This may be used to enable a “boost” mode for use during preheating or in other situations. Some convection ovens can utilize a rear convection element (e.g., located around a fan) and an upper element which may be used primarily for broiling. In some examples, a broiling element can be used to power the oven during preheating. This may be done when there is no food in the oven to avoid burning the food, in some embodiments. This boost mode can be very powerful, as battery-powered stoves in various embodiments can output higher instantaneous power than conventional wired stoves. In one example, five minutes may be sufficient to preheat to 400 degrees Fahrenheit during such a boost mode, which may be, for example, two to three times faster than a conventional preheating cycle.

[0085] In some embodiments, instead of using a power inverter to generate AC power for conventional oven fans (e.g., driven by shaded-pole motors) and / or oven lights, DC-driven versions of oven fans and / or oven lights can be created. In some such modifications, the drive circuit may rely on a DC-DC converter, which may be smaller and less expensive. These DC fans and / or lights can use proportional control, which, in the case of fans, can be used to regulate airflow, limit noise, and create a more uniform oven temperature without convection baking of food. In the case of lights, the lights can create softer lighting conditions or be used to communicate information to the user, such as whether the oven is preheated or whether the food is cooked.

[0086] Some variations of the load source system 300 and / or the methods implemented by the load source system 300 may be configured to reduce or eliminate undesirable audible and tactile artifacts associated with the low-frequency envelope of the AC imposed on the generated electromagnetic field. In some inductive systems driven by AC signals, the envelope of the AC signal (e.g., 60 Hz, 120 Hz) can drive inductive systems that may be both emotional (vibrational) and auditory. The load source system 300 and / or the methods implemented by the load source system 300 may use a DC signal with a flat envelope so that electromagnetic effects causing audible or tactile vibrations can be eliminated or reduced.

[0087] Using a DC input in some examples can reduce the size of the components used to drive the induction heating system. AC-driven induction systems may use bulky ripple capacitors, which are both expensive and large. Ripple capacitors can also reduce the overall efficiency of the circuit and lower the power factor. Some AC-driven systems may require a PFC circuit and / or EMI / RFI circuit, which may be eliminated or simplified in the system when powered from a line-isolated DC battery. A DC input to the induction system avoids the need for such components and, in some embodiments, can result in a more energy-efficient load source system 300.

[0088] In some variations, the load source system 300 may include cascaded DC and AC relays. In some examples, the load source system 300 may include a single DC relay to control multiple AC relays. By switching first using a DC relay, in some embodiments, the AC relays can be switched in a dry state, minimizing or reducing any contact arcing problems associated with the AC relays. This can also help extend contact life and reduce maintenance costs. In addition, multiple AC relays can be controlled using a single DC relay, which simplifies the wiring and control system and reduces the overall cost of the load source system 300.

[0089] In some modifications, the use of metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) is possible, either through the DC power supply approach of the load source system 300 or in the manner implemented by the load source system 300, enabling the switching of power to a high-power load. For example, in some embodiments, MOSFETs can be used to switch 230VDC 20A power to power the heating elements of an oven bake / broil. MOSFETs may have a longer switching lifetime than other switching elements that can be used in an AC-operated oven. This can result in increased lifetime, easier maintenance, and / or more precise temperature control due to their ability to switch rapidly between power states. As one potential advantage, system modifications using FET control at faster cycles can provide more flexibility to control each oven element when each is on, allowing for adjustment of the power draw to limit the total power draw of the stovetop 125.

[0090] In some variations, the load source system 300 may include a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) that can function to allow the load source system 300 to accept locally generated power by a solar panel, wind turbine, or other power source. This solar power supply solution may be more commonly applied as part of a common energy storage equipment (ESE) appliance, which may be a range hob 125 as described herein, but may be any suitable type of appliance. In some variations, the ESE may be a water heater or heat pump, or other suitable load source 200, as described herein.

[0091] In one example, energy may be generated by a solar panel and enter the battery 305 of the ESE appliance via an MPPT. In various embodiments, this energy can increase the power received by the ESE appliance from the receptacle 165 and limit the total amount of power drawn by the ESE appliance from the residential power distribution system 150. In some modifications, the load source system 300 may be configured to avoid "reverse supply" to the residential electrical system or grid, which may mean that in some examples this type of installation can be carried out without permission from the utility, thereby simplifying the installation.

[0092] In some variations, the load source system 300 may include an interface subsystem to facilitate interfacing with the inductive driver 515 (see Figure 5). By interfacing with the inductive driver 515, the load source system 300 may be made usable with existing inductive drivers 515 provided by other external load source systems 300. The interface subsystem, when implemented, can be configured to enable the process of creating a DC current measurement, supplying the DC current measurement to the driver, and synthesizing a 120 Hz signal (or other suitable frequency). This solution may be internationally deployable by adapting the frequency to any desired frequency.

[0093] To make an existing, conventional AC-powered inductive driver 515 function with a DC voltage (e.g., power from battery 305), the inductive driver 515 can be extended with a controller that provides it with a synthesized AC signal that meets various conditions it needs to satisfy to operate. For example, the inductive driver 515 can periodically measure the amplitude and / or frequency of the input power signal to ensure that the components of the inductive driver 515 are operating this signal properly or are not out of sync (e.g., zero-crossing of the signal), or that such a signal is cleanly powered and does not propagate as radiated noise, or that the signal is electrically safe. In various embodiments, since the inductive driver 515 is DC-powered, the variability of the AC signal may no longer be relevant. Thus, the operation of the inductive driver 515 can be geographically agnostic and can be deployed anywhere without special SKUs.

[0094] In one modification, the load source system 300 and / or the method implemented by the load source system 300 may include a slow preheating / capped burner power mode that can function to maintain the energy stored by the battery 305. A control system may be used to manage the operation of a device that adjusts the stored power availability, the expected power availability from the AC power input 505, or any other power source, in conjunction with the expected usage time of the appliance (e.g., time of day, cooking habits, etc.). In some embodiments, the load source system 300 and / or the method implemented by the load source system 300 may use a time and / or usage-based charge profile. The charging of the auxiliary power and the heating capacity of the appliance may be adjusted to meet expected requirements. Several examples of such methods are disclosed in related U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 692,714, filed March 11, 2022, entitled “APPLIANCE LEVEL BATTERY-BASED ENERGY STORAGE,” which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0095] In another variation, the load source system 300 and / or the method implemented by the load source system 300 may include detecting an overdraw of a circuit breaker (for a shared branch circuit) by measuring the voltage drop from the wall. In yet another variation, the load source system 300 and / or the method implemented by the load source system 300 may use special heating modes. For example, the load source system 300 and / or the method implemented by the load source system 300 may include a pan warping prevention heating profile, which can function as a gentle mode to prevent warping or deterioration of the cooker.

[0096] In another variation, the load source system 300 and / or the method implemented by the load source system 300 may operate to manage the power storage of the battery 305 based on an external data source. In one such example, the load source system 300 may charge the battery 305 based on external data if the discharge intensity is below a threshold.

[0097] In another variation, the load source system 300 and / or the method implemented by the load source system 300 may use an alternative heating approach to reduce the heating of the battery 305. For example, the load source system 300 and / or the method implemented by the load source system 300 may use an upper oven element to support the convection element, thereby eliminating the need for or reducing the amount of the lower element used, and reducing the heating of the battery 305 located below the oven.

[0098] In another variation, the load source system 300 and / or the method implemented by the load source system 300 can use a variety of sensing approaches. The load source system 300 and / or the method implemented by the load source system 300 can use multi-probe oven chamber sensing. This may involve sensing and detecting thermal uniformity, and if a sufficiently large temperature difference is detected, the load source system 300 can activate a convection fan for air mixing. The load source system 300 and / or the method implemented by the load source system 300 may further include detecting the operation of an oven fan (e.g., detecting a broken oven fan) and / or controlling the fan for extended cooking.

[0099] In some modifications, the load source system 300 may integrate the battery 305 into the load source system 300 at a specific location to improve operability and functionality. The location of the battery 305 within a residential range for an enhanced induction range system may be desirable to ensure the efficient and safe operation of the range. One of the first modifications may involve placing the battery under the oven, within a defined cavity (e.g., where a range heating drawer may be located). In some modifications, the battery 305 may be physically incorporated into the heating drawer. In some modifications, the battery 305 may replace the heating drawer within the appliance or simply be located under the oven. This location in various embodiments can provide access to cool air from the floor (e.g., by the room's hydrothermal layer). The air can be used to cool the battery 305 passively or via forced convection without the need to pipe air around the stove.

[0100] In addition, by positioning the battery 305 as low as possible, or as close to the ground as possible, mechanical stability can be provided, acting as a counterweight to prevent the stovetop from falling when the oven door is open. The battery 305 can transfer its weight directly to the ground through legs attached to or from the legs of the stovetop, minimizing the amount of material required to transfer the weight to the ground. Alternatively, a weight (e.g., a cement block or other counterweight) can be attached to or installed at the base of the oven. Additionally or alternatively, the load source system 300 can be mounted or secured in place using brackets and screws.

[0101] Another variation involves utilizing the space behind the stovetop and placing the flat battery pack behind it. This position can contribute to a compact stovetop design, enhance its aesthetic appeal, and not interfere with its operation. Depending on the specific design and dimensions of the enhanced induction or electric stovetop system, other locations may also be suitable for battery placement.

[0102] In some variations, the load source system 300 may include a battery holder that allows for easy relocation of the battery 305 or access to the battery 305. This may be useful for enabling cleaning, maintenance, etc. The battery 305 may include legs made of a low-resistance material (e.g., Delrin, Teflon, etc.) to allow the battery 305 to slide without loading mounting points onto the stove 125. In another variation, the battery 305 can be mounted on the stove 125 but has rotating legs. The load source system 300 in some examples may include design features that facilitate installation and service accessibility. The battery 305 and / or related components may use connectors and fixing mechanisms to facilitate connection of a power plug and access to the battery 305 and / or related components.

[0103] In some examples, the battery 305 may be a removable unit that allows for the separate supply of the battery 305. This can be useful for replacing the battery 305 and installing the battery 305 in previously set up appliances, etc.

[0104] In various embodiments, the battery 305 may include safety features to ensure that the battery 305 is used when it is properly installed and in a safe operating state. A battery control system, which may be part of an auxiliary power system, may measure and record the state of the battery 305 via one or more sensors, including but not limited to accelerometers, switches, and thermometers.

[0105] In some variations, the battery 305 may include a protective casing or layer, which may be a component that encloses the battery 305 within a protective material to ensure protection from fire. This can be designed to provide protection to the battery 305 for at least 60 minutes or at least 120 minutes in the event of a building fire, for example. For example, plaster or a similar fire-resistant material or phase-change material can be used. In some embodiments, the load source system 300 may also include a battery cooling system, which in some examples may be a special cooling fan that is activated only when necessary to cool the battery / oven interface.

[0106] The load source system 300 and / or the methods implemented by the load source system 300 may include an integrated safety system to address potential electrical safety issues. In the case of a cooking range, potential issues that may be mitigated may include detection of oven overtemperature events, battery overtemperature events, and detection of electrical hazards (e.g., insulation failure, improper installation, damaged battery, DC isolation failure, AC hazard, etc.).

[0107] In some embodiments, the method for activating the safety system may include determining whether an oven temperature overheating event exists, whether a battery temperature overheating event exists, or whether an electrical hazard event exists (e.g., by the control system 480 based on data from one or more sensors 490). In response, the safety system (e.g., a safety circuit) may trigger a suitable response, which may include a battery cutout, a charger cutout, grounding, or a residual current circuit breaker (CFCI). In various examples, a temperature overheating event may be determined at least in part on data from a temperature sensor or a physical response indicating that the temperature has exceeded a given threshold for a period of time.

[0108] In some embodiments, the safety system can enable the safe operation of the battery-powered electric range by ensuring that the battery 305 is in close proximity to the oven 360 and / or cooktop 370. In some examples, overheating of the battery 305 can cut off the oven 360, and overheating of the oven 360 can cut off the battery 305 to ensure that both are operating safely. A similar method can be applied to other household appliances or elements of the range or cooktop 125.

[0109] In some embodiments, the same set of relays can be used to activate multiple safety measures (e.g., not multiple independent pairs of relays), such safety measures include responding to a determined oven temperature overheat event, responding to a determined battery temperature overheat event, and responding to a determined electrical hazard event.

[0110] In some examples, the subsequent over-temperature cutoff can be associated with various heat sources, generally or specifically, such as a battery 305, an oven 360, a cooktop 370, and a heating zone 372. In some embodiments, such a sequel may have redundant over-temperature cutoffs for some or all such heat source locations. In some embodiments, two or more independent sequels may have only one over-temperature cutoff for some or all such heat source locations. Various suitable sensors can be used to sense temperature and generate an over-temperature cutoff response, including thermal fuses, thermostats, thermocouples, thermistors, PTC (Potential Temperature Coefficient) devices, RTDs (Resistance Temperature Detectors), bimetallic switches, IC temperature sensors, and thermocutout switches.

[0111] In some embodiments, redundant relays can be configured to stop heating some or all of the load source system 300, for example, by cutting off battery 305 and / or charger 510. Such cutoffs can be configured to cut off power to the oven 360, cooktop 370, heating zone 372, or other elements including heat sources and non-heat sources. In some embodiments, at least some non-heat sources, such as interfaces 380, 460, screen 384, processor 410, control system 440, communication system 450, and auxiliary electrical outputs, may remain active after such cutoffs.

[0112] In some embodiments, the same or different cutoff relays may be configured to respond to electrical hazards, such as electrical hazards caused by isolation failures in the battery system. In some embodiments, the continuation of the sensor may have additional sensors or relays as part of the sensor continuation, which may be configured to open when an electrical fault is detected, thus triggering a power cutoff relay.

[0113] In some embodiments, the relay that performs the battery cutoff may be located within the battery enclosure and, in some examples, may be configured to perform a safety function that prevents the battery from being activated unless the battery is properly installed in the product (for example, in embodiments where the battery is removable). For example, in some embodiments, if the battery 305 is not properly installed in the load source system 300, a series of sensors cannot be completed, and as a result, if the battery 305 is not installed or not installed properly (e.g., the battery connection is improperly or incompletely seated), the cutoff relay that disables the battery power cannot be turned on unless the battery 305 is installed in the load source system 300.

[0114] Figure 7 shows an example of a load source 200 for a water heater 140, including an embodiment 300B of a load source system 300 having a battery 305. For example, the load source system 300B may be an internal component of the water heater 140, an integral component of the water heater 140 located within the housing of the water heater 140, etc. For example, in some embodiments, a portion of the load source system 300A and / or the battery 305 may be an integral part of the water heater 140 such that such a portion cannot be removed from the water heater 140, or cannot be easily removed, and the water heater 140 includes such a portion, which is sealed within the housing of the water heater 140 so that it is not accessible to the user from the outside. However, in some examples, the battery 305 may be removable, replaceable, and / or modular, as described herein.

[0115] As shown in Figure 7, the water heater 140 may include a power cord 310 with a plug 315 configured to connect to a power receptacle 165 of a power distribution system 150. For example, the power distribution system 150 may supply power to the receptacle 165 via a power line 155, and the receptacle 165 may be located in the wall of building 105 (Figure 1) where the power line 155 runs through a wall or the like. The water heater 140 may be plugged into the receptacle 165 which can supply power to the water heater 140 and the battery 305 of a load source system 300, and the load source system 300 may be configured to store power and / or supply power to the stove 140, as described herein.

[0116] In various embodiments, the water heater 140 may include a housing 350, a water tank 760, a heat pump 770 having one or more fans 772, a water heater interface 780 having a screen 782, and piping 790 including an inlet line 792A and an outlet line 792B. Various elements may be part of or associated with the load source system 300, such as the heating element of the load source system 300 being configured to generate heat in the volume of water in the water tank 760. In various embodiments, the water heater 140 may be a heat pump water heater including a heat pump 770. However, in further embodiments, the water heater 140 may be any suitable type of water heater 140, which may or may not include a heat pump 770 such as a heat exchanger water heater, an electric resistance water heater (e.g., an electric storage element (ESE)), a heat pump water heater, or a tankless water heater (e.g., an on-demand water heater or instantaneous water heater).

[0117] In one preferred embodiment, the water heater 140 has a water tank 760 with a capacity of 30 gallons. Further embodiments may include a water tank 760 having a capacity of values ​​such as 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90 gallons, or a range between such exemplary values. However, in some embodiments, the water tank 760 may not exist.

[0118] In various embodiments, the heat pump 770 of the heat pump water heater 140 transfers heat from the ambient air to the water in the tank 760, thereby making the heat pump water heater (HPWH) more energy-efficient than an electric resistance water heater in some examples. The heat pump water heater 140 may include an evaporator containing a coil of pipes with a refrigerant inside, and as warm air from the ambient environment is drawn over the evaporator, the refrigerant can absorb heat and evaporate into a gas. The heat pump water heater 140 may further include a compressor that pressurizes the gaseous refrigerant, thereby significantly increasing the temperature of the gaseous refrigerant. In various embodiments, the heat pump water heater 140 may further include a condenser containing another coil, which may be wound around the water tank 760 or located inside the water tank 760. The high-temperature pressurized refrigerant flows through the condenser, and heat can be transferred from the pressurized refrigerant to the water in the water tank 760.

[0119] After the refrigerant has cooled by transferring heat from the refrigerant to the water, it can pass through the expansion valve, which causes the refrigerant to suddenly expand, thereby rapidly cooling the refrigerant and preparing it to absorb heat again in the evaporator. Fan 772 can be configured to draw air over the evaporator coil to facilitate heat absorption.

[0120] In various embodiments, the heat pump 770 can operate in a cycle within the heat pump water heater 140, which may include a thermostat that detects when the temperature of the water in the water tank 760 falls below a setpoint. The fan 772 can be started to draw warm air over the evaporator. The refrigerant in the evaporator can absorb heat from this air and evaporate. The compressor can then pressurize this gas, further increasing its temperature. This hot, high-pressure gas can move to the condenser, which transfers the heat of the gas to the water in the water tank 760. As the refrigerant cools, it can condense back into a liquid and then rapidly cool by passing through an expansion valve before returning to the evaporator to restart the cycle. This process continues until it is determined that the water in the water tank 760 has reached the desired temperature. However, it will be clear that these examples should not be construed as limiting, as in further embodiments the heat pump 770 may not be present, or the heat pump 770 etc. may include any suitable elements.

[0121] In some embodiments, one or more batteries 305 and / or the load source system 300 may be integrated into the load source 200 (e.g., in the appliance housing) at the factory where the load source is manufactured, or it may be integrated into the after-sales service market for the load source. For example, the load source 200 (e.g., an appliance) can be specifically designed to allow the integration of a suitable number of batteries 305 and / or other elements of the load source system 300 into its standard housing. This makes it possible to place such a load source 200 or appliance in a home without making any changes to how appliances are integrated into standardized fixtures. In various embodiments, the electrical connections of the load source system 300 to the batteries 305 and / or other elements are made at the factory and fully integrated into the appliance circuit. This makes it possible for a load source 200, such as an appliance that utilizes DC current (e.g., a water heater 140), to draw power directly from one or more batteries 305 without adding the cost of a high-power inverter.

[0122] Referring to Figure 8, another exemplary embodiment of the load source system 300 is shown, which includes an electrical input 505, a charger 510, a computer 815, a battery 305, a controller 825, and a transformer 830. The load source system 300 may further include a water heater 140 which includes a water tank 760 having upper and lower elements 762A, 762B, and a heat pump 770 including a fan 772.

[0123] In various embodiments, the electrical input 505 may include a power cord 310 with a plug 315 configured to connect to a power receptacle 165 of the power distribution system 150 (see, for example, Figure 7). However, various suitable elements may be part of the electrical input 505, and such an electrical input 505 may be via a direct wire connection in various examples, as described herein. In various embodiments, the electrical input 505 may be an AC power input that functions to provide a primary power source that can be used to charge and / or power elements of the load source system 300. The electrical input 505 may be used to power an auxiliary power source or other power storage system such as a battery 305 and / or to power other elements such as a processor 410, memory 420, clock 430, control system 440, communication system 450, interface 460 (see, for example, Figure 4). In some examples, the AC power input for electrical input 505 could be 120VAC (and / or 240VAC) from a wall outlet (e.g., a standard 15A outlet).

[0124] In various embodiments, the charger 510 may include a power converter or battery charger that manages the flow of electrical energy from the electrical input 505 to the battery 305, computer 815, controller 825, transformer 830, heat pump 770, water tank 760, heating elements 762A, 762B, etc. For example, in some embodiments, the charger 510 can convert an AC voltage from a wall outlet (e.g., 120VAC or 240VAC) to a suitable DC voltage required to charge the battery 305, which may include rectification (converting AC to DC) and regulation (ensuring the DC output is stable and suitable for the battery). In some examples, an AC / DC regulator in the AC / DC conversion module of the charger 510 can be used to convert the power input from the electrical input 505. In various embodiments, the charger 510 can monitor and control the charging process of the battery 305 to ensure that it is charged efficiently and safely, preventing overcharging or overheating, and can manage the charging current and voltage according to the specifications of the battery 305.

[0125] In various embodiments, the charger 510 and / or battery 305 can supply DC power to one or more of the following: the computer 815, the controller 825, the transformer 830, the heat pump 770, the water tank 760, the heating elements 762A, 762B, etc. For example, in various embodiments, one or more of such elements can be configured to be powered only by the charger 510, powered only by the battery 305, and / or powered simultaneously by both the charger 510 and the battery 305. As discussed herein, such power supply capability may be desirable in various examples to enable the operation of the water heater 140 or a part thereof via power from the battery 305 when power from the electrical input 505 is unavailable or undesirable, such as in the event of a power outage or when power obtained from the electrical input 505 is undesirably expensive (e.g., when such power obtained from the power grid is expensive). Such power supply capabilities may be desirable in various examples to allow the use of a combination of power from the electrical input 505 and the battery 305, thereby enabling more power to be supplied to the heating element 762, the water tank 760, etc., than is available from the electrical input 505 alone, thereby enabling the water heater 140 to operate at a capacity close to, at, or beyond that of a water heater 140 powered by 240VAC, even if the water heater 140 is powered only by 120VAC via the electrical input 505. Such power supply capability may be desirable in various cases to allow the use of a combination of power from electrical input 505 and battery 305, which can reduce the amount of power consumed from electrical input 505, which may be desirable when the power obtained from electrical input 505 is unstable, inconsistent, or undesirably expensive (e.g., when such power obtained from the power grid is expensive), or when it is desirable to draw less power from electrical input 505 (e.g., when the circuit does not support drawing the full power due to the presence of other household appliances on the circuit).Such power supply capability may be desirable in various cases, such as when it is undesirable to use power from battery 305, when battery 305 is depleted, when battery 305 is malfunctioning, when battery 305 is overheating, or when power from electrical input 505 is obtained from a renewable source (e.g., solar power), allowing one or more of the computer 815, controller 825, transformer 830, heat pump 770, water tank 760, heating elements 762A, 762B, etc., to be powered via electrical input 505. As various additional and / or alternative elements can be powered via DC power from charger 510 and / or battery 305, as discussed herein, the exemplary elements discussed herein should not be construed as limiting.

[0126] For example, the load source system 300 can additionally or alternatively power status indicators (e.g., LEDs, displays, audio systems), user interface displays, outward-facing USB ports (and their devices), speakers, and externally daisy-chained high-voltage DC devices. Some of these elements may require a DC / DC regulator or DC / AC inverter downstream (e.g., 240VDC from a battery) to operate. Some of these elements may be enabled via manual control, while others may be enabled via autonomous software control (e.g., via the control system 440).

[0127] In various embodiments, the computing device 815 may be configured to implement the methods described herein (for example, learning usage patterns for energy efficiency or adjusting heating based on time-of-use electricity rates) via elements such as a processor 410 and memory 420. In various embodiments, the computing device 815 may include a communication system 440 that enables the computing device to connect to the internet, remotely control, remotely monitor, integrate with smart home systems, etc. The communication system may operate via Wi-Fi, LTE, etc. The computer in various embodiments may acquire data and / or input from various sources such as an interface 460 and one or more sensors 490.

[0128] In various embodiments, the controller 825 can be configured to operate the heating elements 762A and 762B of the water tank 760. In some embodiments, the controller 825 may include a thermostat for measuring the water temperature in the water tank 760, a safety mechanism (e.g., a thermal cutoff), and an element for maintaining the water temperature within a set range by starting or stopping the heating element 762 as needed.

[0129] In various embodiments, the transformer 830 can be configured to transfer electrical energy between two or more circuits (e.g., electrical input 505 and heat pump 760) by electromagnetic induction. In various embodiments, the transformer 830 can operate with alternating current (AC) and may be used primarily to change the voltage level of the current flowing through it. For example, in various examples, voltage conversion can be achieved without changing the frequency of the AC, thereby allowing either a voltage increase (step-up) or decrease (step-down), as desired or required. In some embodiments, the transformer 830 may not be present in the load source system 300.

[0130] Additionally or alternatively, one or more additional or alternative power inputs, which may be AC ​​and / or DC, can be used as power sources. For example, in some embodiments, the electrical input 505 may be a DC power source. In some embodiments, in addition to the AC electrical input 505, there may be one or more additional DC power inputs.

[0131] DC power from charger 510 (e.g., nominal 240VDC) can, in various examples, be supplied to battery 305 by safety relay. Current from battery 305 can be supplied to various elements of load source system 300 by safety relay and can serve as a source for powering elements of load source system 300 such as processors and / or safety triggers by DC / DC regulators, etc.

[0132] The AC power input 505 can be connected (e.g., using a cord and plug) to an electrical receptacle (e.g., a common receptacle with 120VAC 15A, 20A, etc., or a household appliance outlet with 230VAC with 20A, 30A, 50A, etc.) to provide external power to the load source system 300. In some embodiments, the AC / DC conversion module can use the AC power input from power input 505 to charge an auxiliary battery system or a battery source 305 used to directly power various systems or elements.

[0133] In some variations, the amount of current drawn from the power input 505 may be limited in some embodiments (e.g., through configuration settings). For example, the limit may be set to less than 10A, 15A, 20A, 30A, 50A, etc. For example, if the water heater 140 is located together with other appliances, the circuit capacity may be insufficient to operate all appliances at once, so the water heater 140 with the load source system 300 may be configured to draw less power. For example, a washing machine and dryer may be on the same circuit as the water heater 140 with the load source system 300, and the water heater 140 may be configured to have a lower maximum charge rate to facilitate the operation of all appliances on the circuit.

[0134] In some embodiments, one or more safety-related mechanisms of the load source 200 can be incorporated into the structure and design of the load source 200 itself. This may include eliminating or reducing the possibility of safety problems occurring, or limiting the severity of safety problems that occur or cannot be avoided.

[0135] With regard to the physical design of the enclosure of the battery 305 in various embodiments, there may be various appropriate methods for the physical design to avoid the risk of battery fire, the severity of battery fire, the possibility of human exposure to high voltage, and the exposure of the battery 305 (e.g., battery cells) to moisture, humidity, etc. For example, some embodiments may include a configuration of a load source 200 in which the battery 305 is placed within a load source 200 close to the ground, and the battery 305 or its enclosure may be designed as a "bucket" or "tub" shape to reduce or make impossible the possibility of water entering or around the battery 305 if there is moisture or liquid on the ground. For example, this can be an important feature in some scenarios where the floor surrounding the load source 200 can be cleaned using a mop, or where there is a possibility of liquid spilling near the load source 200 (e.g., a kitchen stove 125 in a place where it can be mopped or where spills from cooking are possible).

[0136] In some embodiments, the enclosure of the battery 305 may be sealed with a pressure-relieving vent or breather valve to allow for the expected expansion and / or contraction of the battery 305 (e.g., the battery cells) while the battery 305 is in use. In this way, in some examples, the battery 305 can be shielded from excess moisture or liquid without problems related to pressure differences or gas leaks during (e.g., abnormal) venting of the battery 305.

[0137] In some embodiments of a load source 200 equipped with a liquid transport system such as a water heater 140, the flow of such liquid can be diverted or directed to cool a battery 305, and its heat transfer can be configured, in some examples, to preheat the water, reducing the additional energy required to bring the liquid to a desired temperature setpoint. For example, a water heat exchange method could include obtaining chilled water from a water inline 792A (water supply pipe) (e.g., from a residential water source) and directing the water towards the battery 305 so that the battery 305 is cooled by the chilled water and heat is transferred to the water.

[0138] For example, a water-cooled battery system can operate by circulating a coolant (e.g., water) through or around the battery 305 to absorb the heat generated during the battery 305's operation. Such a cooling mechanism may be desirable to maintain an optimal battery temperature and prevent overheating that could degrade performance or damage the battery 305. In some examples, the battery can be integrated within the battery 305 (e.g., one or more battery cells) or structured to have cooling channels adjacent to the battery 305. These channels can allow chilled water (e.g., from water inline 792A) to flow through the channels and draw heat from the battery 305. Some embodiments may include metal plates or cooling fins in contact with the battery 305 or the cells of the battery 305, through which water can flow, maximizing surface contact for efficient heat absorption and transfer.

[0139] The water can absorb thermal energy from the battery 305, becoming hotter as it passes through the battery 305, and is then guided out of the battery 305 to the water tank 760, which can provide at least preheated water to the water tank 760, and in some examples is guided to a radiator or heater exchange body 770, etc., which can dissipate the heat.

[0140] Some embodiments may include a thermal management system that can actively monitor the temperature of the battery 305 and / or the water tank 760 and adjust the water flow based on real-time thermal data associated with the battery 305, the water tank 760, etc. For example, if it is determined that the battery is above a temperature threshold, water (e.g., from the water inline 792A) can be actively directed to the battery 305 (e.g., by activating a valve) to cool the battery 305. In another example, if water is heated by the battery 305 and it is determined that the temperature of the water in the water tank 760 is below a temperature threshold, the heated water from the battery 305 can be actively directed from the battery 305 to the water tank 760 (e.g., via activating a valve) to heat the water tank 760 or provide the water tank 760 with warm water. In some embodiments, water is heated by a battery 305, and if it is determined that the water heated by the battery is not needed or desired for heating purposes (e.g., to provide heated or hot water to the water tank 760), the heated water from the battery 305 can be actively directed to a heat exchanger 770 (e.g., by operating a valve) where the heat from the water can be dissipated into the environment. In various embodiments, such determination can be made by a computer 815, a control system 440, a controller 825, a processor 410, a load source system 300, etc. Such a method may be desirable to maintain appropriate temperatures for the water in the water tank 760 and the elements of the load source 200, such as the battery 305, computer 815, control system 440, controller 825, processor 410, and load source system 300.

[0141] In various embodiments, the battery 305 can be cooled using a liquid coolant such as water, but in some embodiments, an air transport system such as an air handling circuit can be routed or rerouted to transport cool air through the battery 305 (for example, before being sent to a destination, discharged, etc.). Thus, in some embodiments, the above-described method can be applied to any suitable fluid for cooling the battery 305, heating various elements, etc.

[0142] Some embodiments of the load source 200, such as a home appliance, may have a sheet metal chassis, housing, physical superstructure, etc. Such structures in various examples may be made from a thermally conductive material that can be coupled to the battery 305 as a heat sink. In some examples, the mechanical structure can be strengthened and the number of structural components of the load source can be replaced or reduced by rigidly mounting the battery to the mechanical superstructure.

[0143] In some embodiments, such structures can be made from materials such as aluminum, copper, or other suitable materials having high thermal conductivity. Such materials can absorb the heat generated by the battery 305 during operation, disperse the heat across the chassis or housing, prevent the battery 305 from overheating, and improve the overall thermal management of the load source 200.

[0144] In one example, the chassis may have fins or ridges integrated into the chassis to increase the surface area and maximize heat dissipation. When the battery 305 heats up during use, heat can be transferred from the battery 305 to the conductive metal housing. The heat can then be dispersed through the metal structure, transferred into the ambient air, and / or integrated with a cooling system (e.g., a water-cooled or air-cooled system as described herein) to provide temperature regulation. Such an approach can enable the battery 305 in various embodiments to be maintained at a safe operating temperature, improving performance and lifespan. Some embodiments may include a thermal interface material (TIM), such as a thermally conductive paste or pad, placed between the battery 305 and the thermally conductive structure to provide efficient heat transfer. By coupling the battery 305 to a thermally conductive housing, various examples of such systems can reduce the need for dedicated cooling components, simplify the design, and potentially reduce costs while maintaining a safe battery temperature.

[0145] In some embodiments, flame-retardant materials such as gypsum board or sheet rock can be used on the enclosure walls of the battery 305 to enhance its fire resistance and ensure a predetermined fraction or amount of fire resistance against external fires such as residential fires.

[0146] Large and / or heavy household objects may, in various embodiments, be desirable or required to have a low center of gravity or to be physically attached to a wall to avoid the risk of tilting. Some examples of stoves 125 or other load sources 200 may include a battery 305 very low on the load source 200, which may be desirable to lower the center of gravity sufficiently so as not to require additional mechanical attachment to the ground or surrounding structure. This arrangement option may be present in some embodiments of water heaters and / or HVAC systems. In some embodiments, the battery 305 may be placed within the load source 200 such that it is no more than 12, 10, 8, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.25 inches from the ground, or a range between the values ​​in such examples.

[0147] In some examples, the position of the center of gravity of the load source 200 can be measured as the height from the ground to the center of mass of the load source 200. In some embodiments, the load source 200, such as a stove 125, may have a center of gravity in a range between 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25 inches from the ground, etc. In some embodiments, the ratio of the height of the load source 200 (e.g., stove 125) to the height of the center of gravity of the load source 200 may be 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, etc. By keeping the center of gravity lower, the load source 200 can be more stable in various examples, allowing the load source 200 to withstand tilting forces better, which can provide a safer design, a design that verifies compliance with specific tilt regulations, and so on.

[0148] In various embodiments, a battery 305 operating within a load source 200 may have a voltage that could be dangerous to a user (e.g., a human) if touched. In some embodiments, in addition to voltage, there may be a considerable amount of current that can be rapidly supplied. In some examples, one solution to reduce the risk of shock when installing or removing the battery 305 may be that the appliance has a mechanical backplane containing a deep, pluggable battery connection within the chassis or housing. In some such examples, the battery installer simply slides the battery 305 into the chassis of the load source 200 and secures the battery 305 against the backplane to establish an electrical connection between the battery 305 and the load source system 300 of the load source 200.

[0149] A pluggable battery connection may include a system that allows the battery 305 to be easily inserted into or removed from the load source 200 without requiring complex wiring or manual electrical connections. For example, in some embodiments, the backplane within the chassis of the load source 200 may include a connector or terminal that aligns with the corresponding connection of the battery 305. When the battery 305 is slid into place, such a connector automatically engages, allowing the battery 305 to deliver power to the load source system 300 without the user having to directly touch or manipulate any wires. In various examples, this not only simplifies installation but also reduces the risk of electric shock by preventing exposure to live electrical contacts.

[0150] In one example, the backplane may have spring-loaded or compression-type contacts that provide a secure electrical connection when the battery 305 is pushed into place. Another example may include a connector in which the battery 305 has a dedicated projection or terminal that mates into a socket embedded in the chassis of the load source 200. In some embodiments, the use of a keyed connector that only allows the battery 305 to be inserted in the correct orientation can improve safety and ease of use.

[0151] In some embodiments, pluggable connections may include industrial-grade connectors such as modular power connectors, quick-connect power terminals, and connectors, which can be designed for high-current applications. In some embodiments, these connections may be protected by insulating material that only exposes the contacts when the battery is fully seated, minimizing the risk of accidental contact with operating electrical components during installation or removal.

[0152] Additional safety features in some embodiments may include a mechanical door that shields the battery contacts when the battery 305 is outside the load source 200 until a mating mechanism in the backplane opens the battery, preventing the battery 305 from retracting. Further safety features may include an interlock mechanism that prevents the battery 305 from being removed while the load source 200 is powered on, thereby reducing the risk of accidental disconnection. Another example may be the use of an automatic cover that slides into place over the battery terminals when the battery 305 is removed, shielding the contacts from dust or accidental contact. Some designs may incorporate a temperature-sensitive lock that prevents the battery from being removed if the battery 305 is too hot, protecting both the user and the system from overheating problems. In addition, the load source system 300 in some examples may include a sensor that detects whether the battery 305 is fully seated and allows power to flow only when the battery 305 is properly seated, further minimizing the possibility of connection problems or shock hazards.

[0153] In various embodiments, the load source system 300 may include a humidity sensor, a liquid sensor, and the like, which can be used to detect the presence of liquid (e.g., water), or to generate data that can be used to notify the load source system 300 to disconnect the battery 305 or take other appropriate safety action, or to enable the load source system 300 to determine whether to do so. In various embodiments, the load source system 300 equipped with a humidity or liquid sensor can continuously monitor environmental conditions to detect the presence of moisture or liquid ingress. For example, in some examples, a humidity sensor can track rapid changes in the moisture level of the ambient air, which may indicate an outflow or leak near the battery 305. If water is detected, the load source system 300 can take action such as cutting off power to the battery 305 or activating a safety protocol to prevent a short circuit or electrical hazard. A liquid sensor placed near a vulnerable component of the load source system 300 can detect direct contact with water and trigger an alert or automatically disconnect the battery 305 to avoid damage. For example, to detect the accumulation of liquids that could pose a risk, a sensor may be installed under the housing of the battery 305 or inside the chassis of the load source 200. Furthermore, if the load source system 300 identifies a sudden spike in humidity near critical components, in some examples, it may notify the user through a notification or autonomously shut down operation to protect the load source 200. Such sensors can work in conjunction with other safety features in various embodiments, such as mechanical locks or shielding mechanisms, to enhance overall safety by preventing electrical hazards in damp or wet conditions.

[0154] In some embodiments, the battery 305 may include multiple individual cells to achieve the voltage required or desired to operate the load source 200. One way to reduce the fire hazard of the battery 305 in various examples is to package a small number of cells in partitions so that if a partition is damaged or otherwise malfunctions, a fire or failure occurs within that partition and is contained without spreading to other partitions of the battery 305. For example, if one partition is damaged or compromised due to physical stress, overheating, a short circuit, etc., the resulting failure or fire may be limited to that particular partition. The partitions can be physically separated by a fire-resistant barrier or insulating material to prevent heat, flame, or battery material from spreading to other sections of the battery 305. In some examples, these partitions can be made from materials such as ceramic, fiberglass, or other suitable flame-retardant composites that can withstand high temperatures. Such a compartmentalization approach can ensure that localized failures are contained and thus protect the overall integrity of the battery. Such a configuration may be desirable in some embodiments of batteries used in a load source 200, where the energy density is high and the consequences of a complete battery failure can be catastrophic. Such a division can simplify maintenance in some examples, as it may be necessary to replace only the damaged partition rather than the entire battery 305.

[0155] In some embodiments, the battery 305 can be electrically split into lower-voltage "subpacks" that remain contained within a larger battery enclosure when triggered during transport, storage, or by an error condition in a larger system. This can reduce the potential for personal injury and electrical fire. Such splitting into subpacks can be implemented in some examples using software-controlled contactors with removable keys.

[0156] Referring to Figure 9, an exemplary battery architecture 900 of battery 305 is illustrated, which shows a battery enclosure 905 comprising three disassemblable subpacks 910A, 910B, and 910C within an enclosure 905 that can be separated using keys 915A, 915B. These keys 915 may be physical and / or, in various embodiments, may be set by software. In this exemplary instantiation, a charger 510 and a DC-DC converter 920, which in various embodiments can restrict exposed high-voltage DC conductors, are also shown within the battery enclosure 905.

[0157] In various embodiments, “disassemblable” can refer to the ability of the subpacks 910 within the battery enclosure 905 to be separated or disassembled into smaller, manageable components or modules. This feature allows for the separation or disconnection of subpacks 910 in various examples from one another, for example, when using a key 915. Thus, in various embodiments, the battery 305 can be modular, and as a result, individual subpacks 910 can be serviced, replaced, or isolated independently without affecting the entire battery system. This can be desirable in various examples for maintenance, fault management, and performance optimization, as a single faulty subpack 910 can be disconnected without shutting down the entire system. The use of a modular architecture can support design flexibility and enable a more efficient and safer approach to battery management.

[0158] The negative terminal 930A can be located outside the enclosure 905 and can be connected internally to the first subpack 910A. This negative terminal 930A can provide a primary output for the negative polarity current of the subpack 910 of the battery 305, facilitating the discharge of electrical energy from the battery 305 to an external system such as an element of the load source system 300.

[0159] Similarly, the positive terminal 930B, located outside the enclosure 905, can be internally connected to a third subpack 910C, a charger 510, and a DC-DC converter 920. The positive terminal 930B can function as the output of the positive current from the battery 305. In various embodiments, by connecting to the charger 510 and the DC-DC converter 920, the positive terminal 930B can enable controlled power distribution and voltage regulation, thereby ensuring that both high and low voltage requirements of the load source system 300 are met. In some examples, the DC-DC converter 920 can facilitate the conversion of the high-voltage output from the battery 305 to a lower voltage suitable for specific components of consumer electronics such as control units or sensors, thereby increasing efficiency and safety.

[0160] The AC input 940 can provide a connection point outside the enclosure 905, allowing the battery 305 to be charged via an external AC power source (e.g., input 505). This AC input can be connected to a charger 510 inside the enclosure, which can be configured to convert the incoming AC power into DC power used to charge the battery 305. By keeping the charger 510 inside the enclosure 905, the various example architectures 900 minimize the exposure of high-voltage DC conductors, reduce the risk of electrical hazards during charging, and make the battery 305 and any load sources 200 that may be associated with the battery 305 safer for users and maintenance personnel.

[0161] An LVDC connection 950 located on the enclosure 905 can provide an external interface to a low-voltage DC power output generated by the DC-DC converter 920. This output via the LVDC connection 950 can, in some embodiments, be configured to supply power to low-voltage systems within the load source system 300, such as for controlling electronics, sensors, or other suitable potentially low-voltage subsystems. In various embodiments, the DC-DC converter 920 can ensure that the battery 305 can supply power at multiple voltage levels, thereby meeting the diverse power requirements of the load source 200 while maintaining safety and operational efficiency.

[0162] Subpacks 910A, 910B, and 910C can be isolated using a physical key and / or software key 915, allowing for maintenance or fault isolation in some examples without compromising the overall integrity of the battery pack 900. Such a modular approach in various embodiments allows for the service or replacement of individual subpacks 910 without affecting the entire battery pack 900, thereby enhancing safety, reliability, and ease of maintenance. In some embodiments, a subpack 910 may include one or more battery cells.

[0163] As shown in Figure 9, the keys 915 extend through the enclosure and are coupled to the key lines 917 of each key connected to the subpack 910. Specifically, the first key 915A extends through the enclosure 905 to the first key line 917A, which electrically couples the first and second subpacks 910A and 910B. The second key 915B extends through the enclosure 905 to the second key line 917B, which electrically couples the second and third subpacks 910B and 910C.

[0164] In various embodiments, the key 915 can be used to configure and control the subpacks 910 within the battery enclosure 905. In various examples, the key 915 can function as a mechanism for selectively coupling or uncoupling subpacks 910A, 910B, and 910C, enabling modular control over the operation of the battery 305. For example, the key 915 can function as a switch or interlock that manages the electrical connections between the subpacks 910 via the key line 917. In one embodiment, the key 915 may be a physical switch that is manually engaged or disengaged to establish or disconnect connections between the subpacks 910 via the key line 917, thereby enabling maintenance, fault isolation, modular battery management, etc. For example, if a fault is detected in subpack 910A, the key 915A can be disengaged to isolate subpack 910A from the rest of the system, ensuring that the other subpacks can continue to operate without interruption.

[0165] In some embodiments, the key 915 can be implemented as software-based control, enabling remote or automatic switching of electrical connections 917 between subpacks 910. Such a software-based key 915 can, in some examples, operate in response to specific triggers, such as safety conditions detected by the battery management system 1160, or during operations where the subpacks 910 need to be isolated for charging, discharging, balancing, maintenance, etc. In addition, in some embodiments, the key 915 may be an electromechanical device integrating physical and software components, providing both manual override and automatic control functions.

[0166] The use of such key 915 in various embodiments allows for greater flexibility and safety in battery management. By providing the ability to uncouple individual subpacks 910, load source system 300, battery management system 1160, users, etc., the risk of electrical hazards can be reduced, maintenance can be performed more efficiently, and the overall performance of load source system 300 can be optimized.

[0167] Some embodiments may include additional power electronics packaged in the battery pack defining the battery 305, thereby reducing potential exposure to hazardous voltages. Examples of such power electronics include a charger 510, a DC-DC converter, an inverter, and the like. In some examples, the number of high-voltage conductors in the load source 200 can be reduced.

[0168] In some embodiments, a temperature sensor inside the battery enclosure 305 can be used to ensure safe operation. In addition to the sensors in some examples, temperature cutouts (e.g., utilizing a bimetallic strip that destroys the circuit when a specified temperature is reached) can be used to facilitate disconnection at a set temperature, independently of or without software. In some examples, fast-acting devices (e.g., pyrofuses) can be used to interrupt contact before damage occurs in a fault condition. Safety features in further embodiments may include a thermal runaway detection system that monitors the temperature of individual cells, the rate at which such temperatures rise, etc., which can enable proactive action before a hazardous event occurs. For example, if the internal temperature of battery 305 begins to rise rapidly due to overcharging or an internal short circuit, the load source system 300 can trigger a response to cool battery 305, such as activating a cooling fan or a liquid cooling loop. Another example may include integrating a redundant layer of temperature monitoring. In addition to physical cutouts such as bimetallic strips, some example electronic temperature management systems can dynamically adjust the battery's charging and discharging rates based on real-time temperature data.

[0169] Pyrofuses, which can be designed to react to sudden spikes in temperature or pressure, can in some examples be placed near high-risk components such as power terminals or within partitions between battery cells. When a certain threshold is reached, the pyrofuse can be configured to disconnect the connection between the battery and the load source 200, preventing the flow of electricity and stopping the potential progression of overheating. Such fuses, along with temperature sensors, cutouts, etc., can form a multi-layered safety approach that can ensure the battery 305 continues to operate under normal conditions while rapidly disconnecting the power in the event of a fault. In some embodiments, a combination of passive and active safety mechanisms can enhance the overall reliability and safety of the load source 200.

[0170] Various embodiments may be equipped with detection circuits for electrical and / or thermal fault detection, which in some examples can maintain the functionality and safety of the load source system 300 and detect malfunctions of components (e.g., oven 360, cooktop 370).

[0171] Impedance spectroscopy (IS) can be used to diagnose battery 305 in some examples by stimulating the battery at a known frequency to detect its health (for example, by detecting dendrite growth). In load source systems 300 of various embodiments, IS can be run continuously or periodically to monitor the health of battery 305 over time. In some embodiments, heating elements such as an oven 360, a cooktop 370, or a water tank 760 can be used as loads for such tests. In some examples, the spectrogram generated by IS can be cross-referenced with the temperature and / or discharge history of battery 305 to construct a predictive dataset of battery health over time. These datasets can then be used to correct the discharge rate and extend the battery life.

[0172] For example, a battery diagnostic and configuration method may include obtaining IS data based on stimulating the battery 305, determining the health status or one or more conditions of the battery 305, determining whether or not to modify the usage configuration of the battery 305, and, if modified, changing the usage configuration of the battery 305 to the determined new usage configuration. For example, determining the usage configuration and determining whether or not to change the usage configuration may be based on the temperature and / or discharge history of the battery 305.

[0173] In various embodiments, the load source system 300 can measure the characteristics of incoming AC electricity from a wall (e.g., via electrical input 505) and report such characteristics via a network connection, a communication system 450, a user interface 460, etc. Such characteristics may include grid information such as voltage amplitude, frequency, and waveform. In some examples, such characteristics can also measure the characteristics of a household electrical system (e.g., via power lines 155 of the power supply building system 100). For example, a voltage drop when charging battery 305 may indicate that a branch circuit of the power supply building system 100 is overloaded.

[0174] In some embodiments, temperature sensors (e.g., associated with an oven 360, a cooktop 370, a water tank 760, etc.) can be used to detect house fires, kitchen fires, etc. In some examples, the load source system 300 can be networked (e.g., via a communication system 450) and can access data from multiple temperature sensors, and the multiple temperature sensors may include temperature sensors from the load source system 300, another load source system 300, another device having one or more temperature sensors, etc. In various embodiments, data from such multiple temperature sensors can be configured to identify and report abnormal temperature-related events in the house, such as fires, overheating, etc. For example, data from such multiple sensors can be used to identify a house fire by recognizing a specific pattern of temperature across multiple sensors that may not occur from the normal operation of the load source 200, another load source 200, other devices, etc. In various embodiments, data from other suitable sensors of one or more load source systems 300 or other devices can be used to detect other problems.

[0175] In one example, data from one or more moisture or liquid sensors can be configured to detect flooding (inundation). In another example, data from one or more smoke sensors in one or more load source systems 300 can be used to detect fine particles in the air, providing an early warning of fire even before the temperature rises. A carbon monoxide (CO) sensor can be used to detect dangerous levels of CO that may indicate a malfunction of a gas stove or heating system. One or more motion sensors can monitor unusual activity around appliances or in the kitchen, identifying possible human error or malfunction, such as a pot left unattended on the stove 125. One or more vibration sensors placed in one or more battery compartments or near mechanical components can be used to detect unexpected movement or vibration that may indicate structural damage, mechanical failure, seismic activity, etc.

[0176] Regarding water-related risks, data from humidity sensors, water sensors, etc., can be used to detect leaks, pipe bursts, etc., before water levels rise high enough to trigger flood sensors. In some examples, gas leak detectors can monitor the surrounding environment for hazardous leaks from gas-powered appliances. By collecting data from one or more sensors, load source systems 300, power supply building systems 100, etc., can generate a more comprehensive understanding of the overall safety of the home in response to a wide range of potential hazards. If networked, such data can be transmitted to the homeowner or emergency services, enabling remote monitoring and a faster response to emergencies.

[0177] Referring to Figure 10, an exemplary embodiment of a load source network 1000 is shown, which includes three load source systems 300A, 300B, and 300C operationally connected via network 1030, a load source server 1010, and a user device 1020. In various embodiments, network 1030 may include a variety of suitable wired and / or wireless networks, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, wired connections, cellular networks, the Internet, local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), and wired connections. In various embodiments, the load source systems 300A, 300B, and 300C can communicate with each other and / or with the load source server 1010 and user device 1020 via a communication system 450 (see Figure 4).

[0178] In some embodiments, the load source system 300 may acquire data from one or both of the battery server 1010 and the user device 1020, transmit data to one or both of the battery server 510 and the user device 520, or be controlled by one or both of the load source server 510 and the user device 520, as described in more detail herein. In some embodiments, the load source server 1010 and / or the user device 1020 may be located away from or close to the load source system 300 of the load source network 1000. For example, in some embodiments, the load source system 300 may be located within or associated with a home load source 200, and the user device 1020 can be used to configure the load source system 300 individually or collectively. The user device 1020 may be a smartphone in some examples and may be used by the user at home or around home, or when the user is away from home. In some examples, the load source server 1010 may be a remote physical or cloud-based server or server system that stores data relating to the load source system 300, or data provided by the load source system 300 and / or user device 1020, or can be configured to set up the load source system 300 and / or user device 1020 as described in more detail herein.

[0179] While the embodiment of the load source network 1000 in Figure 10 is illustrative, it should be clear that numerous suitable additional configurations of the load source network 1000 are within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. For example, in further embodiments, any multiple suitable load source systems 300 may be part of the load source network 1000, including 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 20, 50, 100, 1k, 10k, 100k, 1M, 5M, 10M, 50M, etc. One or more load source systems 300 may be part of one or more load sources 200. Similarly, there may be any suitable number of load source servers 1010 and user devices 1020, or one or both of the load source servers 1010 and user devices 1020 may not exist. In addition, in some examples, the load source servers 1010 and / or user devices may be part of one or more load source systems 300 and do not need to be separate elements as shown in the example in Figure 10. For example, in some embodiments, there may be a network of multiple load source systems 300, each having one or more such load source systems that have the capabilities, functions, elements, etc., of either a load source server 1010 or a user device 1020. For example, a mesh network of multiple load source systems 300 may have a central hub load source system 300 that controls the entire network, stores data for the entire network, or provides data to the entire network.

[0180] In various embodiments, there may be different sets of batteries associated with a given user or administrator of the load source network 1000. For example, in some embodiments, there may be multiple separate power supply building systems 100 (see, for example, Figure 1), each containing multiple load source systems 300, and each of these separate power supply building systems 100 may be associated with a different user or administrator and controlled by different user devices 1020 associated with different users or administrators. However, in some embodiments, all such separate power supply building systems 100 may communicate with the same load source server 1010, which can be configured to store data associated with the accounts of different users or administrators associated with the different power supply building systems 100. Such pooled data can be used to constitute or provide information to multiple different power supply building systems 100, including entire networks, the entire world, the entire country, the entire state, the entire county, the entire town, and the entire block, as will be described in more detail herein.

[0181] In some examples, one or more of the load source server 1010, user device 1020, or load source system 300 may access data from multiple temperature sensors, and the multiple temperature sensors may include one or more temperature sensors from load source systems 300A, 300B, 300C, or another device having one or more temperature sensors (e.g., user device 1020). In various embodiments, data from such multiple load source systems 300 can be used to identify and report abnormal temperature-related events in a house, such as fire or overheating. For example, data from such multiple load source systems 300 can be used to identify a house fire by recognizing a specific pattern of temperature across the load source systems 300 that may not occur from the normal operation of the load source 200.

[0182] Some embodiments of the load source 200 (such as various embodiments of a heat pump water heater or heat pump minisplit, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 818,377, filed August 28, 2024, entitled “BATTERY-INTEGRATED WATER HEATER SYSTEM AND METHOD,” attorney reference no. 0122186-003US0, incorporated herein by reference) may have an onboard heat pump capable of generating a high or low temperature gradient to be submerged in the environment. In some examples, such a thermal gradient can be used to maintain the temperature of the battery 305. For example, while using a battery-compatible heat pump water heater, the battery 305 can be kept at a low temperature and run at a high discharge rate using the low-temperature output from the heat pump. Inflowing domestic water (e.g., via water inline 792A) can also be used to regulate the temperature of the battery 305.

[0183] Referring to Figures 11 and 12, there is an exemplary embodiment of a load source 200 for a stove 125, comprising a load source system 300 having a battery 305 and a battery management system 1160 associated with the battery 305. In some embodiments, the battery management system 1160 may be part of a battery pack defining the battery 305 (e.g., a modular battery pack that allows the battery 305 to be inserted into and / or removed from the load source 200). For example, some embodiments may include a smart battery in which the battery pack has functions such as sensing and communication. Additionally and alternatively, the battery management system 1160 or a part thereof may be part of the load source system 300, while being separate from the battery 305 but associated with the battery 305. For example, some embodiments may include a modular battery 305 or battery pack that can be separated from the battery management system 1160 or a part thereof by being inserted into and / or removed from the load source 200.

[0184] Referring to Figure 11, an exemplary embodiment of the load source system 300 for the stove 125 is shown, which includes a plurality of safety systems 1110, 1120, 1130, and 1140. The load source system 300 in this example includes a first safety system 1110, which includes a first safety circuit 1112 and two switch pairs 1114A and 1114B. The load source system 300 in this example further includes a second safety system 1120, which includes a second safety circuit 1122 and two switch pairs 1124A and 1124B.

[0185] In various embodiments, the first and second safety circuits 1112, 1122 may be connected to the housing 350 of the oven 125 and to a string 1150 connected to the battery 305, the battery management system 1150, the oven 360, the cooktop 370, and the charger 510. The first and second safety circuits 1112, 1122 may be configured to activate a pair of switches 1114A, 1124A arranged in parallel on the string 1150. In various embodiments, activating at least one of the switch pairs 1114A, 1124A on the string 1150 can disconnect the battery 305 from the oven 360, the cooktop 370, and the charger 510, thereby preventing or stopping the flow of power to and from the battery 305 and / or from the oven 360, the cooktop 370, and the charger 510. For example, by activating at least one of the switch pairs 1114A, 1124A on string 1150, it is possible to prevent or stop the charger 510 from charging the battery 350, prevent or stop the battery 305 from supplying power to the oven 360, prevent or stop the battery 305 from supplying power to the cooktop 370, and so on. Such a configuration may be desirable in various embodiments to cut off power to heating elements such as the oven 360 and / or cooktop 370 in response to a safety event determined or detected by the first and / or second safety circuits 1112, 1122. Such a configuration may be desirable in various embodiments to cut off power supplied to the battery 305 in response to a safety event determined or detected by the first and / or second safety circuits 1112, 1122.

[0186] The first and second safety circuits 1112 and 1122 can be configured to activate switch pairs 1114B and 1124B, respectively, located between the AC electrical input 505 and the charger 510. In various embodiments, activating at least one of the switch pairs 1114B and 1124B between the AC electrical input 505 and the charger 510 can disconnect the charger 510 from the AC electrical input 505, thereby preventing or stopping power from flowing from the electrical input 505 to the charger 510. For example, activating at least one of the switch pairs 1114B and 1124B can prevent or stop the charger 510 from charging the battery 350, prevent or stop the charger 510 from supplying power to the oven 360, prevent or stop the charger 510 from supplying power to the cooktop 370, and so on. Such a configuration may be desirable in various embodiments to cut off power to heating elements such as the oven 360 and / or cooktop 370 in response to a safety event determined or detected by the first and / or second safety circuits 1112, 1122. Such a configuration may also be desirable in various embodiments to cut off power supplied to the battery 305 in response to a safety event determined or detected by the first and / or second safety circuits 1112, 1122.

[0187] In various embodiments, the first and second safety circuits 1112, 1122 can respond to electrical hazards such as insulation failure, improper installation, damaged battery, DC isolation failure, and AC hazard. In various embodiments, the first safety circuit 1112 can be configured to trip switch pair 1114A, 1114B simultaneously, and switch pair 714A, 714B can be configured to shut off or prevent power to heating elements such as the oven 360 and / or cooktop 370 based on power from battery 305 and / or electrical input 505. Such a configuration may be desirable in various embodiments to shut off power to heating elements such as the oven 360 and / or cooktop 370, regardless of whether the oven 360 and / or cooktop 370 is powered by one or both of the power from battery 305 and electrical input 505, in response to safety events determined or detected by the first and / or second safety circuits 1112, 1122.

[0188] In various embodiments, the load source system 300 of the stove 125 may include a third safety system 730 associated with a battery 305, and the third safety system 730 may include at least one battery temperature sensor 1132 associated with the battery 305, which may be configured to sense the temperature of the battery 305, which can be used to determine, based on the temperature of the battery 305, that the battery 305 has exceeded a threshold temperature over a threshold period of time. In response, the third safety system 1130 may trigger a battery switch 1134, which may prevent or cut off power being supplied to the battery 305 and / or prevent or cut off power being supplied by the battery 305. Such embodiments may be desirable to identify or determine the presence of a battery overtemperature event and respond by generating a battery cutout.

[0189] In various embodiments, the third safety system 1130 may include any number of battery temperature sensors 1132 of any suitable type(s), which may be located inside, on, or around the battery 305, and in some examples may be located as part of a battery management system 1160 associated with the battery 305. In various embodiments, a battery switch 1134 may be part of the battery management system 1160 or located in any other suitable location.

[0190] In various embodiments, the load source system 300 of the stove 125 may include a fourth safety system 1140 associated with the oven 360, and the fourth safety system 740 may include at least one oven temperature sensor 1142 associated with the oven 360, which may be configured to sense the temperature of the oven 360, which can be used to determine, based on the temperature of the oven 360, that the oven 360 has exceeded a threshold temperature over a threshold time. Accordingly, the fourth safety system 1140 may trigger an oven switch 1144 which can prevent or cut off power to the oven 360. Such embodiments may be desirable to identify or determine the presence of an oven overtemperature event and respond by generating an oven cutout.

[0191] In various embodiments, the fourth safety system 1140 may include any number of oven temperature sensors 1142 of any suitable type(s), which may be located inside the oven 360, on the oven 360, or around the oven 360, and in some examples may be located as part of an oven system associated with the oven 360. In various embodiments, oven switches 1144 may be located in any other suitable location.

[0192] In further embodiments, other elements of the cooktop 125 may include a related temperature safety system, which may include heating elements such as a cooktop 370 and one or more heating zones 372 of the cooktop 370. Such a temperature safety system may be desirable for identifying or determining the presence of overheating events of such elements.

[0193] In some embodiments, the same set of relays can be used to activate multiple safety measures (e.g., not multiple independent pairs of relays), such safety measures include responding to a determined oven temperature overheat event, responding to a determined battery temperature overheat event, and responding to a determined electrical hazard event.

[0194] For example, Figure 12 shows an exemplary embodiment of a load source system 300 for a stove 125, including a relay system 1200 configured to respond to a determined oven overtemperature event and at least a determined battery overtemperature event. For example, the relay system 1200 may extend between one or more respective temperature sensors 1232, 1242 of the battery safety system 1230 and the oven safety system 1240. The relay system 1200 may further extend between switches 1214A, 1214B, 1224A, 1224B. Thus, the relay system 1200 can be configured to respond to both a determined oven overtemperature event and at least a determined battery overtemperature event.

[0195] In some embodiments, switches 1214A and 1224A are part of a 2x single-pole single-throw normally open (SPST-NO) switch assembly located on a string 1250 between the battery 305, oven 360, cooktop 370, and charger 510, and also include a standard oven control switch 1270 and a standard battery switch 1262, which may be part of a battery management system 1160. In some embodiments, switch pairs 1214B and 1224B may be part of a 2x double-pole single-throw normally open (DPST-NO) switch assembly located between the electrical input 505 and charger 510. In some embodiments, switches 1214A and 1214B may be part of a first circuit, and switches 1224A and 1224B may be part of a second circuit. In some embodiments, a relay system 1200 may be configured to respond to a determined electrical hazard event, etc.

[0196] In various embodiments, the load source system 300 (e.g., one or more suitable parts thereof) and / or the battery management system 1160 may generate, display, or indicate error codes. For example, in some embodiments, an error identified by the battery management system 1160 may cause one or more elements of the load source system to stop operating, limit their operation, switch between operating modes, etc., based on factors such as the identity or nature of the error. For example, in some embodiments, an error identified by the load source system 300 may cause one or more elements of the battery management system 1160 and / or the battery 305 to stop operating, limit their operation, switch between operating modes, etc., based on factors such as the identity or nature of the error.

[0197] This may include instances where the battery 305 or the battery management system 1160 associated with the battery 305 reports a health problem in the battery 305, such as when the load source system 300 or any part thereof is faulty, damaged, or defective, or when there is an ID mismatch (e.g., a manufacturer-programmed software key) between the battery 305 or the battery management system 1160 and the load source system 300, or vice versa. For example, the battery module (e.g., battery 305, which may or may not include the battery management system 1160) and the load source system 300 do not recognize or support each other. The battery management system 1160 and the load source system 300 can communicate errors via various appropriate signals, communication protocols, and / or communication systems (e.g., communication system 450), and in some examples, in various embodiments, they may have secondary low-power states dedicated to transmitting and displaying error codes.

[0198] In various embodiments, communication between the management system 1160 and the load source system 300 may be desirable to ensure the seamless operation and safety of the cooktop 125. For example, the battery management system 1160 can be configured to continuously monitor various battery parameters such as temperature, voltage, current, and overall health. If a problem such as poor health or performance failure is detected, the battery management system 1160 in various embodiments may trigger an alert or initiate a safety protocol to mitigate the risk. In some embodiments, this may involve reducing power output, disconnecting the battery, or restricting certain operating functions of the cooktop 125, such as the oven 360 or cooktop 370.

[0199] In some embodiments, various appropriate data points or states can be monitored by the battery management system 1160 or other appropriate system of the load source (e.g., load source computing device) to determine whether the battery 305 is in a "poor health" state. For example, a significant decrease in the overall capacity of the battery 305 can be detected, which may indicate a decrease in its ability to store and supply energy. In some examples, this may be observed by a mismatch between the rated capacity of the battery 305 and the actual output during normal operation of the battery 305. In addition, an increase in the internal resistance within the cells of the battery 305 indicates aging or degradation, which may lead to inefficient energy transfer and increased heat generation during charging or discharging.

[0200] Temperature anomalies, such as consistent overheating or abnormal fluctuations in the thermal profile, can indicate poor health in various cases. Excessive heat can accelerate wear of the battery 350 and may result in an internal short circuit, which is a safety concern. Voltage irregularities, such as the battery 305 cells consistently operating at voltages lower or higher than their rated value, may indicate problems such as overcharging, undercharging, or cell imbalance, which could lead to premature failure of the battery 305.

[0201] In some embodiments, charge / discharge cycles can be tracked, and during normal use, a higher-than-expected number of cycles or rapid charge depletion may be an indication of poor battery health in the battery 305. In some embodiments, even when the load source 200 is not in use, a signal of battery 305 failure can be sent by detecting abnormal energy leakage or parasitic discharge where energy is lost. One or more such conditions, individually or collectively, may prompt the system to flag the battery as unhealthy and trigger corresponding alerts, error reports, etc., which may result in a mode change of the battery 305 or other systems of the load source 200 for safety and performance considerations.

[0202] If battery 305 is determined to be unhealthy, various operational modifications can be initiated to protect the load source 200 and / or battery 305 and prevent further damage or safety risks. For example, in some embodiments, the battery management system 1160 can reduce the power output to battery 305 by limiting the current supplied to the load source 200 or reducing the charging rate, thereby minimizing stress on battery 305. By reducing the operational load on battery 305, the load source system 300 can help prevent thermal runaway or other hazardous conditions related to the function of the battery 305 cells.

[0203] Furthermore, the load source system 300 can switch the load source 300 to a low power consumption mode or selectively disable certain high-energy functions of the load source 200. For example, in the smart 125, the heating element can be throttled or limited from reaching high temperatures, or in the heat pump 120, the load source system 300 can reduce the operation of the compressor to decrease energy requirements. Such responses in various examples can help ensure that the battery 305 continues to function, albeit at a limited capacity, while reducing the risk of overloading the damaged battery 305.

[0204] In some examples, the load source system 300 can also effectively recover degraded cells or subpacks 910 by isolating subpacks 910 within the battery, for example, by using one or more keys 915 (see Figure 9), while allowing the remaining healthy subpacks 910 to continue operating. This allows for partial operation of the load source 200 even when a portion of the battery 305 is flagged as damaged in various embodiments. Furthermore, the load source system 300 can initiate a controlled discharge of the battery 305, ensuring that any stored energy is safely dissipated over time, for example, when it is no longer considered safe for the battery 305 to continue charging or holding energy at a high, desirable, or suitable level.

[0205] In response to battery health issues, the load source system 300 in various embodiments may also prioritize user safety by issuing a shutdown sequence or by putting the battery 305 into a low-power or standby mode. Accordingly, in some examples, alerts or notifications indicating that maintenance or battery replacement is required or desirable can be generated for the user, service personnel, user device 1020, or remote load source server 1010. Such actions can be automated based on predefined thresholds of parameters such as voltage drop, internal resistance, or abnormal temperature, thereby ensuring that the load source system 300 responds quickly to any signs of battery 305 degradation. Such actions and other operations described herein may be performed or initiated by one or more appropriate elements or computing devices of the load source system 300, such as the processor 410, the computer 815, or the battery management system 1160.

[0206] In some embodiments, a load source system 300 for a load source 200 such as a stove 125, water heater 140, or heat pump 120 can determine if there is a failure in an element within the load source 200 by monitoring operating parameters and comparing them to expected performance thresholds. For example, a temperature sensor in the stove 125 may detect that the heating element has not reached the desired temperature or is fluctuating outside an acceptable range, indicating a failure in the heating element. In another example of a water heater 140, the load source system 300 may monitor a water temperature sensor and a flow sensor to detect whether the heating element or thermostat is functioning correctly, and discrepancies in water heating time or persistently low water temperature may indicate a potential failure.

[0207] In other examples, electrical sensors within the load source system 300 can monitor current and voltage levels to detect whether a particular circuit or component, such as a control board or relay, is functioning improperly. In some examples, a heat pump 120 can use a pressure sensor to monitor refrigerant levels or compressor performance, and a drop in pressure may indicate a refrigerant leak or compressor failure. Furthermore, a fan motor or circulation pump within the load source system 300 can be monitored through voltage and current draws. If these components draw excessive current or do not operate at expected levels, the load source system 300 can determine that such elements are malfunctioning or experiencing problems.

[0208] In some embodiments, the load source system 300 can use a self-diagnostic protocol to perform checks on critical components during startup or at periodic intervals to identify elements such as sensors, relays, or valves that are unresponsive or returning abnormal data. For example, the stove 125 can perform a diagnostic test to verify that safety interlocks, such as door locks or gas shut-off valves, are functioning as expected. If the diagnostic sequence detects that an interlock is not working or is unresponsive, the load source system 300 can flag the component as faulty and disable certain operations to prevent unsafe conditions.

[0209] In some embodiments, the load source system 300 can exchange data between the battery 305, the battery management system (BMS) 1160, and various sensors and controllers within the load source system 300 using a communication protocol. If the communication system detects missing or corrupted data from a system component such as a power regulator or temperature control module, the load source system 300 can determine that such a component is faulty and trigger a degraded mode or shut down the load source 200 until it is repaired.

[0210] The load source system 300 may include an error handling mechanism for determining when a mismatch occurs between the battery 305 and the load source system 300. For example, if a manufacturer-programmed software key mismatch between the battery 305 and the load source system 300 is detected (e.g., by the battery management system 1160), the battery management system 1160 may restrict the operation of the battery 305 and / or parts of the battery to prevent damage to the battery 305 or other parts of the load source system 300 or to prevent safety hazards. This may be desirable in some examples where batteries 305 and load sources 200 of different brands or models are used interchangeably. The communication system of the load source system 300 and / or the battery management system 1160 (e.g., communication system 450) may enable the transmission of error signals via any suitable communication protocol such as CAN bus, I2C, or proprietary system, which can be used for the load source system 300 and / or the battery management system 1160, or its components, to recognize potential faults or misconfigurations.

[0211] When the load source 200 is in a low-power state (for example, when power is unavailable from the electrical input 505 and / or when the battery 305 has no power or power below a low-power threshold), the load source system 300 may be configured to continue determining and transmitting error codes or status updates to provide diagnostic information, even if other elements of the load source system 300 are inoperable or operating at reduced capacity. For example, when power is unavailable from the electrical input 505 and / or when the battery 305 has no power or power below a low-power threshold, the stove 360, one or more heating zones 372 of the cooktop 370, and similar items may be configured to switch to operation in a reduced-power configuration and become inoperable, but a system that identifies errors, communicates error codes, receives error codes, and / or activates safety functions (e.g., a battery management system 1160) may remain fully or at least sufficiently powered to provide some or all of such functions.

[0212] For example, if the battery 305 falls below a low power threshold, the cooktop elements such as the oven 360 and / or cooktop 370 may be configured to be inoperable or to operate at reduced power so that power from the battery 305 is not consumed by the oven 360 and / or cooktop 370, but the battery 305 may still be configured to supply power to the battery management system 1160 and other appropriate systems that identify errors, communicate error codes, receive error codes, and / or activate safety measures.

[0213] In various embodiments, the battery management system 1160 can function as a safety device for both the battery 305 and the load source 200, ensuring that any detected problem is quickly communicated and appropriate action is taken, whether it involves adjusting the power supply, signaling for maintenance, or shutting down a part of the system to prevent damage.

[0214] In some examples, a communication protocol (e.g., SMBus, I2C, RF, etc.) can be used for one-way or two-way data exchange between the battery management system 1160 and other elements of the load source system 300. Such a communication path can be established wirelessly or via internal circuits or other suitable communication lines, such as those in the load source 200, battery 305, battery management system 1160, etc. In various examples of one-way communication, in some embodiments, communication may be established via partial circuits that may be outside the battery management system 1160, such as an NFC, battery-powered sticker, encoding a battery ID that can be read by a transceiver of the load source 200, on the load source 200, battery 305, and / or on the battery 305 (e.g., on a battery module, battery housing, etc.). Such a battery ID may be a unique identifier, battery model identifier, battery type identifier, etc. In some embodiments, the load source may include an NFC, battery-powered sticker, etc., that can be read to obtain a load source ID, which may be a unique identifier, load source model identifier, load source type identifier. In various embodiments, the battery ID and / or load source ID can be stored and communicated in any suitable manner.

[0215] In some embodiments, a method for determining a battery mismatch may include obtaining a battery ID (e.g., via a transceiver) and determining whether a battery mismatch exists. In some embodiments, such determination may be made at least in part based on the determination that the battery type identified from the battery ID is incompatible with the type of load source. If a battery mismatch is identified, corrective actions may be performed as a result, which may include disconnecting battery 305, preventing power from being drawn from battery 305, reducing power consumption by battery 305, generating an error code, communicating the error code, and so on. In some embodiments, such a battery mismatch may be determined and / or corrected by the load source 200 and / or the battery management system 1160.

[0216] In some embodiments, a method for determining a load source mismatch may include obtaining a load source ID (e.g., via a transceiver) and determining whether a load source mismatch exists. In some embodiments, such determination may be made at least in part on the determination that the load source type identified from the load source ID is incompatible with the type of battery 305. If a load source mismatch is identified, corrective actions may be performed as a result, which may include disconnecting battery 305, preventing power from being drawn from battery 305, reducing power consumption by battery 305, generating an error code, communicating the error code, and so on. In some embodiments, such a load source mismatch may be determined and / or corrected by the load source 200 and / or battery management system 1160.

[0217] Various embodiments may implement mutual authentication to establish trust between the load source 200, the battery 305, and / or the battery management system 1160. Various embodiments may include a robust error signaling mechanism for transmitting and recognizing error codes. In some embodiments, the battery management system 1160 continuously or periodically monitors one or more health parameters of the battery 305, reports such health parameters to the load source system 300, reports battery health problems, and so on. In some embodiments, such reports may be continuous, periodic, and / or triggered based on one or more health parameters exceeding or falling below a health threshold. In some embodiments, such health parameters may include one or more of voltage, current, temperature, state of charge (SOC), state of health (SOH), internal resistance, charge / discharge cycle, capacity degradation, cell balance state, fault state, etc.

[0218] In some embodiments, the load source system 300 can evaluate the state of the load source 200 and communicate such state to the battery management system 1160 continuously, periodically, and / or triggered, based on one or more health parameters that are above or below a health threshold. In some embodiments, the health parameters of the load source may include one or more of the following: temperature, power consumption, energy efficiency, operating voltage, current draw, operating cycle, start and stop behavior, fan speed, sensor accuracy, internal resistance (e.g., of electrical components), error codes, control board diagnostics, motor performance, airflow or cooling water flow, safety switch engagement, connection status (e.g., in the case of a smart device), and indications of wear or deterioration of mechanical parts.

[0219] Some embodiments may include device and battery ID recognition (for example, to ensure compatibility). Some embodiments may use error flags to signal mutual errors (e.g., battery incompatibility, device failure, etc.). In some embodiments, the battery management system 1160 may conserve energy by switching to a low-power state or secondary low-voltage output for error code transmission. In some embodiments, the battery management system 1160 may have a secondary power source (e.g., an AC wall power supply and / or a small secondary battery) for transmitting and displaying error codes while operating in low-power mode.

[0220] The battery management system 1160 can communicate with the load source system 300 in various appropriate ways. For example, some embodiments may include bidirectional data exchange via a communication protocol. Some embodiments may include mutual authentication signals to establish trust. Some embodiments may include flags and error codes indicating battery health, compatibility, battery status, and / or other problems or conditions.

[0221] The battery management system 1160 and / or the load source system 300 can communicate errors and other status indicators to the user in various appropriate ways. For example, some embodiments may include error messages and / or codes displayed on the device screen or on the battery management system 1160 and / or the load source system 300 (e.g., via the stove interface 380, stove screen 384, load source system interface 460, water heater interface 780, water heater screen 782, etc.).

[0222] Some embodiments may include LEDs or flashing patterns that change color to represent different error types. Some embodiments may include sounds or alarms corresponding to specific error conditions. Some embodiments may include vibrations to warn the user of an error (for example, in situations where visual or auditory warnings may not be effective). Such visual, auditory, and / or tactile presentations can be generated by various appropriate elements of the battery management system 1160 and / or load source system 300.

[0223] Some embodiments may include a companion app that sends push notifications detailing error information and providing troubleshooting guidance. For example, referring to Figure 10, in some embodiments such notifications may be generated by one or more load source systems 300A, 300B, 300C and / or load source server 1010 and presented to the user device 1020 as push notifications.

[0224] In various embodiments, both the battery management system 1160 and / or the load source system 300 can incorporate these communication and error signaling functions, and they can operate in a secondary low-power mode, in some examples, dedicated to transmitting and displaying error codes, ensuring comprehensive safety and efficiency. For example, in some embodiments, the battery management system 1160 can operate as a separate computing device or robust subsystem and may include one or more elements shown in Figure 4, which may or may not be redundant with respect to similar elements that are part of the load source system 300 but not part of the battery management system 1160.

[0225] In various embodiments, the load source system can be configured to provide blackout alerts, power restore detection alerts, and the like. For example, an advantage of various energy storage devices is the presence of a battery (e.g., battery 305) that continues to supply power to the load source system 300 during a blackout (e.g., when the primary wall AC power supply 505 becomes unavailable). Using battery power, the load source system 300 can, in some embodiments, power one or more elements (e.g., such elements may be part of the battery management system 1160 or other suitable elements of the load source system 300) that can power circuits that measure or sense voltage along the input path of the primary power supply and inform the user of the status of the primary power supply.

[0226] Use cases for such functionality may include, in some examples, one or more of the following: alerting the user that there is a grid blackout; alerting the user that the grid has recovered after a blackout; alerting the user that the grid is unstable or noisy; alerting the user that the grid is stable or clean; and so on.

[0227] The battery management system 1160 or other appropriate elements of the load source system 300 may notify the user of errors in a variety of appropriate ways. Some embodiments may include error messages and / or codes displayed on a screen. Some embodiments may include LEDs or flashing patterns that change color to represent different error types. Some embodiments may include sounds or alarms corresponding to specific error conditions. Some embodiments may include device vibration to warn the user of an error (for example, in situations where visual or auditory warnings may not be effective). Some embodiments may include a companion app that sends push notifications detailing error information and providing troubleshooting guidance. By knowing the status of the grid, in various embodiments, the user may be able to make safer and more experienced decisions in relation to their household activities and the operation of one or more load source systems 300.

[0228] As discussed herein, the load source 200 in various embodiments may include a water heater 140, a heat pump 120, and the like. Unlike the cooking range 125 in various embodiments, such load sources 200 may not be installed in parts of the house that the user frequently visits, such as a basement or garage. For these “hidden” load sources 200 to communicate their status to the user, communicating through the onboard or local UI (e.g., interface 460) of the load source system 300 of the load source 200 may not be sufficient because the user cannot easily see it. If the user is unaware of a problem detected by the load source 200, it may indicate an undesirable safety issue. Therefore, some embodiments may include a transdevice communication protocol between devices within the ecosystem, thereby allowing the status of the “hidden” load source 200 to be alerted to / easily made visible to the user (e.g., via household appliances or devices that are more frequently observed by the user).

[0229] For example, referring to the example in Figure 10, in some embodiments, one or more of the load source systems 300A, 300B, 300C may be part of a “hidden” load source 200 that can communicate alerts, errors, status, or other information to other load source systems 300, user devices 1020, and / or load source servers 1010 within the load source network 1000 via the network 1030.

[0230] In some embodiments, such communication between such devices may include one or more of the following: communication from one (ESE) appliance to another (ESE) appliance (e.g., the local UI of the cooking range 125 displays the status of the water heater 140); communication from one (ESE) appliance to a user device 1020 such as a mobile phone, smartphone, home automation system, television, or game system (e.g., via SMS, email, apps, LTE, etc.); or communication from one (ESE) appliance to a network via Wi-Fi, etc. (e.g., email, apps).

[0231] One or more load source systems 300, load source servers 1010, user devices 1020, etc., can present error messages, alerts, statuses, etc., in various appropriate ways. Some embodiments may include error messages and codes displayed on the device screen. Some embodiments may include LEDs or flashing patterns that change color to represent different error types. Some embodiments may include sounds or alarms corresponding to specific error conditions. Some embodiments may include device vibration to warn the user of an error (for example, in situations where visual or auditory warnings may not be effective). Some embodiments may include one or more companion apps (e.g., apps on user device 1020 supported by load source server 1010) that send push notifications describing the error information in detail and providing troubleshooting guidance.

[0232] In various embodiments, the load source system 300 may have a variety of functions or capabilities that are useful for activities such as transporting the load source system 300, warehousing the load source system 300, and installing the load source system 300 within the building 105 (e.g., monitoring, tracking, sensing, data logging, diagnostics, remote intervention, low-power mode, etc.).

[0233] For example, various embodiments of the load source 200 have a battery 305 so that data can be collected during times when an external power source (e.g., from power source 505) is unavailable, such as during transport or storage. In various embodiments, the battery 305 can be configured to power a sensor 490 of the load source system 300. For example, such a sensor 490 can continuously or periodically monitor various parameters, states, or aspects of the load source 200 (e.g., to ensure the safety of the load source 200 during transport).

[0234] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to monitor the health of the battery 305, either as a whole or at the cell level, to ensure that the battery 305 remains stable during transport or warehousing. In various examples, battery abnormalities or problems can be quickly detected and addressed. For example, during transport or warehousing, and when the load source is not connected to the electrical input 505, the load source system 300 can monitor the health of the battery 305 solely by power from the battery 305 or other internal power source, and if a problem with the battery 305 is detected, the load source system 300 can send an alert to the load source server 1010, user device 1020, etc., which can alert the transport or warehousing manager of the problem. For example, if battery 305 is determined to be faulty or non-functional (e.g., unable to maintain a proper charge), or to be out of power or below a power threshold, an alert may be sent to the transporter or warehouse manager, who can then replace, repair, recharge, or take other corrective actions as necessary.

[0235] In various scenarios, tracking the location of one or more load sources 200 may be desirable for users such as customers, manufacturers, retailers, transporters, warehouse operators, and installers. For example, providing customers with the ability to track the location of appliances such as stoves 125 and water heaters 140 during manufacturing, transport, delivery, and installation can add transparency and convenience to customers. In some cases, customers can be notified when an appliance "appears" and its location can begin to be reported to them. Users can be notified of and track the location of purchased appliances during transport, and the location can be from the manufacturer, warehouse, store, or third-party retailer, and customers can be notified about and track appliances during delivery to their homes and during installation. Similarly, obtaining location data of load sources 200 for tracking may be desirable for manufacturers, retailers, transporters, warehouse operators, and installers. In various embodiments, the load source system 300 can transmit location data to the load source server 1010 at various appropriate intervals or when triggered by a user, thereby enabling such location data to be provided to the customer or other users via the customer user device 1020.

[0236] In some embodiments, humidity and / or thermal sensors can detect or determine whether the load source 200 has been exposed to extreme environmental conditions, such as high humidity or temperature, which could affect the performance, quality, or safety of the load source 200. Using such determination or data, various users can be alerted to intervene and correct the environmental conditions, remove the load source 200 from the environment, or repair the load source 200. In various embodiments, the load source system 300 can send environmental data or alerts to the load source server 1010 at various appropriate intervals or when triggered, thereby enabling such environmental data or alerts to be provided to the customer or other users via the customer user device 1020.

[0237] Some embodiments may include temperature monitoring via thermal sensors used to monitor temperature fluctuations during manufacturing, transportation, storage, delivery, installation, and use. Since temperature limits may, in some examples, affect the performance and safety of the battery 305, it may be desirable in various embodiments to monitor this temperature (e.g., the environment of the battery 305 or the load source 200). In some cases, in addition to temperature monitoring, active cooling or heating can be used to control the battery temperature range. In various embodiments, the load source system 300 may send temperature data or alerts (of temperatures exceeding or falling below a threshold) to the load source server 1010 or user device 1020 at various appropriate intervals or when triggered, thereby enabling such temperature data or alerts to be provided to the customer or other users via the customer user device 1020. In some embodiments, such temperature data or alerts may be presented to the load source 200 (e.g., via interface 460).

[0238] Some embodiments may include impact data logging, which may be useful for assessing the severity of any shocks or drops experienced by the home appliance during transport. Sensors used to identify motion, velocity, or force associated with impacts may include accelerometers, gyroscopes, vibration sensors, force sensors, pressure sensors, etc. In various embodiments, the load source system 300 may send such data or alerts (of impacts exceeding a threshold) to the load source server 1010 or to a user device 1020 at various appropriate intervals or when triggered, thereby enabling such data or alerts to be provided to the customer or other users via the customer user device 1020. In some embodiments, such data or alerts may be presented to the load source 200 (e.g., via interface 460). Such alerts may provide transparency to the customer for quality assurance purposes, be used to determine whether or not there may be a failure regarding damage to the load source 200, or be used to instruct the customer to order diagnosis or repair of the load source 200.

[0239] In various embodiments, the load source 200 may be configured for remote diagnostics. For example, if one or more problems are detected in the load source 200 (e.g., during manufacturing, transportation, warehousing, delivery, installation, etc.), in various embodiments, the load source 200 can communicate with a central system (e.g., load source server 1010, user device 1020, etc.) to remotely diagnose the problems. This can help a service team prepare necessary or desirable repairs or replacements, for example, before the load source 200 arrives at the customer's location. For example, if it is determined that the battery 305 is faulty, has failed, or is out of power, the appropriate party can be notified and, if necessary, replace, repair, or charge the battery 305. In various embodiments, the load source system 300 can send diagnostic data or alerts (e.g., for one or more problems) to the load source server 1010 or the user device 1020 at various appropriate intervals or when triggered, thereby enabling such diagnostic data or alerts to be provided to the customer or other appropriate users via the user device 1020. In some embodiments, such diagnostic data or alerts may be presented to the load source 200 (for example, via interface 460).

[0240] Various embodiments can be configured to allow remote intervention when addressing issues related to the load source 200. For example, if an unsafe condition of battery 305 is detected by the load source 200 and reported to a central control system such as a load source server 1010 or a user device 1020, in various embodiments, battery 305 can be remotely controlled (automatically or with a person in the loop) to bring it into a safer state more passively or to correct the unsafe condition identified in other ways.

[0241] For example, a method for remotely correcting an undesirable condition of the load source 200 may include determining an undesirable condition of the load source 200, such as an undesirable condition of the battery 305 or other systems, at the load source 200 itself. In some embodiments, such determination can be performed by the battery management system 1160. The method may further include sending an alert of the determined undesirable condition to a remote system, such as a load source server 1010 or a user device 1020, via a network 1030 (see Figure 10). Such a remote system may generate a corrective command and send it to the load source 200 via the network 1030, thereby causing the load source system 300 of the load source 200 to perform one or more corrective actions to correct the determined undesirable condition.

[0242] In another embodiment, a method for remotely correcting undesirable conditions in the load source 200 may include generating condition data in the load source 200 and transmitting the condition data to a remote system such as a load source server 1010 or a user device 1020 (see Figure 10) via the network 1030. Such a remote system can process the condition data and determine whether an undesirable condition exists in the load source 200, such as an undesirable condition in the battery 305 or other system. If one exists, the remote system may generate a corrective command and transmit it to the load source 200 via the network 1030, thereby causing the load source system 300 of the load source 200 to perform one or more corrective actions to correct the determined undesirable condition.

[0243] The load source 200 (e.g., stove 125, water heater 140, or heat pump 120) may be exposed to a variety of undesirable conditions, which may include heating elements that may overheat or malfunction, the battery 305 and its associated circuits that may experience overcharging, undercharging, or other electrical malfunctions, and the control and power regulation circuits that may be overloaded or fail. The ventilation and cooling systems within the load source 200 may experience clogging or insufficient airflow, resulting in excessive heat buildup. Mechanical components such as pumps or fans within the heat pump 120 or water heater 140 may encounter mechanical wear or malfunction. In some cases, sensors or communication systems responsible for network connectivity may also malfunction or degrade, leading to operational inefficiencies. Further examples include water conduits within the water heater 140 that may leak or become clogged, and induction or gas burners in the stove 125 that may experience ignition failures or irregular temperature control.

[0244] Various types of data from the load source 200 can be used to determine whether an undesirable condition exists. For example, a temperature sensor can monitor the internal heat level and detect abnormal rises that indicate overheating or component malfunction. Battery health data such as voltage, charge capacity, and discharge rate can be monitored to identify problems such as overcharging or loss of capacity. A pressure sensor in the water heater 140 or heat pump 120 can provide information about leaks or pressure losses. A humidity sensor can detect the presence of undesirable water, such as in electrical components or control circuits. In addition, vibration or shock sensors can track physical damage such as dropping or misuse of appliances that could lead to structural damage. Energy consumption data, including abnormal spikes or drops in power usage, may indicate component degradation or system inefficiency. Connectivity and diagnostic logs sent to remote devices can, in some examples, provide data about software or network problems, enabling remote diagnosis and possible corrective actions.

[0245] Some embodiments may include low-power modes for manufacturing, transport, warehousing, and delivery, which may be desirable in various examples to ensure that the battery 305 remains healthy by minimizing standby losses, preventing over-discharge, and extending its overall lifespan. This may also reduce risks such as the battery 305 becoming a safety hazard when stored for extended periods, consuming excessive energy, or the battery 305's load source 200 being depleted before accessing the power source 505.

[0246] Instead of relying on manual switching to such low-power modes, in some embodiments, the load source 200 can be designed to automatically enter a low-power mode when stored for an extended period (e.g., a defined period without being connected to the power input 505). In various examples, this can reduce the risk of human error in setting such modes and ensure the health of the battery 305 even if the load source 200 remains in storage and / or transport for extended periods.

[0247] In some embodiments, a transport carrier (e.g., an airline) or warehouse operator may require the battery 305 of the load source 200 to be in a low-charge state in order to enable safe flight, transport, storage, etc., or to comply with applicable regulations. For example, the battery 305 may be required to be charged below a certain threshold. In some embodiments, the safe transport state may be indicated via an interface 460 (e.g., by an externally visible LED) to indicate that the battery 305 is below one or more given charge thresholds. In some embodiments, the battery 305 or the load source system 300 may have a switch or other input to enable a “safe transport mode,” which, when activated, can discharge the battery 305 internally and automatically to a safe level or below at least one or more defined thresholds.

[0248] Some embodiments may include a physical battery interlock that must be activated before the appliance becomes fully powered on and operational, which can be a safety feature in various examples. Such a battery interlock can, in various examples, ensure that the appliance remains at a lower voltage potential until it is ready for installation. This can reduce the risk of accidental electrical contact during transport or installation, making it safer for both users and service personnel.

[0249] In various embodiments, a physical battery interlock can be designed for the load source 200 to ensure that the battery 305 is securely connected and properly engaged before the load source 200 is fully powered on. One example embodiment of such a physical battery interlock may include a mechanical locking mechanism that requires the battery 305 to be physically inserted and secured in place within the housing of the load source 200 before one or more electrical circuits can be closed. This battery interlock may be configured to push or actuate a spring-loaded pin or latch when the battery 305 slides into its compartment, and when fully engaged, allows current to flow from the battery 305 to the power circuits of the load source 200. The appliance remains in a low-voltage or standby state until the battery 305 is properly seated and the interlock is engaged, thereby reducing the risk of accidental discharge or short circuit during installation, transport, or maintenance.

[0250] In some implementations, the battery interlock may be integrated with an electrical switch or sensor that communicates with the control system of the load source system 300 of the load source 200. When the interlock is activated, the sensor can send a signal to the load source system 300 that the battery 305 is ready for use, triggering the load source system 300 to transition from a low-power state to a full operating mode. For added safety, in some examples, the battery interlock may include a secondary mechanism, such as a mechanical lock or an electronic verification system, to prevent the battery 305 from being removed or disconnected while the load source 200 is powered on. This ensures that the battery 305 cannot be removed or disconnected while the load source 200 is in use, thereby protecting the user from potential electrical hazards. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the interlock may be configured to automatically disconnect or shut down the load source 200 if the battery 305 is not properly secured or is loose, preventing unsafe operation in the event of a mechanical or electrical failure.

[0251] Some embodiments may include color-coded interlocks that can provide visual cues to users and service personnel. For example, a red interlock may indicate that the battery is in a high-voltage state, while green indicates that it is safe for installation.

[0252] Some embodiments may include one or more labels on the packaging configured to detect and / or indicate humidity, G (acceleration) load, tilt indication, etc., which in some examples may be a proactive approach to notify the user of potential incidents during transport. This information can help the user assess whether the load source 200 was handled roughly or exposed to abnormal conditions during transport. This awareness can prevent unexpected malfunctions and ensure safe operation during installation.

[0253] In some embodiments, the load source 200 can be designed to generate impact history reports that can be accessed by the user. In some examples, this report may detail significant impacts or tilts (e.g., exceeding a certain threshold) experienced by the load source 200 during transportation, warehousing, delivery, etc., thereby providing the user with more comprehensive information regarding handling conditions and the potential for damage to the load source 200.

[0254] Some embodiments of the load source 200 may include integrating a digital component that enables the load source 200 to communicate the warranty status of the load source 200 to the server manufacturer associated with the load source 200 (e.g., load source server 1010). For example, if the enclosure or housing of the load source 200, such as the battery 305, is tampered with, the load source 200 can automatically send a notification to invalidate the warranty status. This can provide a more unambiguous way to track tampering.

[0255] One example of a method for invalidating a warranty status may include obtaining data related to an activity or state at the load source 200, which can be associated with the warranty of the load source 200; determining that the data indicates an activity or state that invalidates the warranty; and consequently, invalidating the warranty associated with the load source 200. In some examples, such data may be obtained from one or more sensors 490 of the load source system 300, the data may be processed in the load source system 300 to determine the activity or state that invalidates the warranty, and / or such data may be sent to a remote device for such processing, such as the load source server 1010, user device 1020, etc. In some embodiments, the warranty may be invalidated by the load source server 1010, user device 1020, etc., which may trigger an update of the warranty registration associated with the load source system 300 that is associated with the data.

[0256] In some embodiments, the packaging or housing of the load source 200, battery 305, etc., may include shock-absorbing material to reduce the risk of damage during transportation, installation, etc. This can provide an additional layer of protection for the load source 200, battery 305, or other elements or systems of the load source system 300.

[0257] In some embodiments, the load source 200 or battery 305 can have various effects and may have various layers of safety mechanisms or systems that can work independently or in coordination to call for assistance, safely deplete stored energy, and / or prevent the user from accessing the stored energy of the battery 305 or other system in a manner that could cause harm or danger to the user. In some embodiments, the load source 200, battery management system 1160, or other suitable system of the load source system 300 may be configured to detect and / or transmit one or more of the following events, states, or conditions, i.e., thermal or temperature conditions exceeding specified permissible limits, electrical short-circuit conditions, water ingress conditions, etc.

[0258] In some embodiments, such communication of an event, state, or condition may be transmitted to the manufacturer of the load source 200, the owner of the load source 200, the administrator of the load source (e.g., of a company or workplace), safety personnel including fire departments, police or ambulance services, etc. In various examples, such communication may be to a load source server 1010, a user device 1020, etc.

[0259] In some embodiments, the load source 200, the battery management system 1160, the battery 305, or other suitable systems of the load source system 300 may be filled with or include a foaming material that expands when heated or ignited. Such foaming materials in various examples may be configured to fill open spaces within the device, replace oxygen, make continuous ignition more difficult, push apart components that may be electrically short-circuited to stop short-circuit and sparking conditions, and so on.

[0260] In some embodiments, the load source 200, battery management system 1160, battery 305, or other suitable system of the load source system 300 includes a built-in smoke detector that performs one or more of the following: triggering an alarm, triggering other electronic safety systems, triggering an automatic fire suppression system such as a fire bomb.

[0261] The load source 200, battery management system 1160, battery 305, or other suitable system for the load source system 300 may be configured to release or dissipate the stored energy of the battery 305 in the event of a safety condition trigger.

[0262] In various embodiments, such a system for dissipating or releasing energy stored from battery 305 in the event of a safety condition trigger can be configured through one or more preferred methods to ensure rapid and safe energy dissipation. One example may include a resistive load bank integrated into the load source system 300, which is activated when a safety trigger such as an overvoltage, short circuit, or thermal event is detected. In some examples, the battery management system 1160 or the load source system 300 may divert the stored energy from battery 305 to a resistive load bank where the energy can be converted into heat and safely dissipated. The battery management system 1160 may continuously monitor the voltage and current of battery 305 during the process to ensure that the stored energy is completely depleted or reduced to a safe level before allowing the load source system 300 to reset or resume normal operation.

[0263] In another exemplary configuration, the battery management system 1160 may be configured to disconnect the battery 305 from the load source 200 and simultaneously route the energy to a dedicated discharge circuit. This circuit may include high-power resistors or capacitors designed to absorb and neutralize excess energy, preventing hazardous conditions such as overheating, overcharging, or electric shock. In addition, in some examples, the management system 1160 may incorporate a fast-acting relay or pyrofuse that can immediately disconnect the connection between the battery 305 and the load source 200 when it detects a specific fault condition, ensuring that the energy is contained and dissipated in a controlled manner without affecting other components of the load source 200. In some cases, where a temperature sensor or the like detects an unsafe thermal condition, the battery management system 1160 may further restrict or completely shut off the energy supply from the battery 305 to safely dissipate before any serious system failure occurs. In some embodiments, and in some examples, the electrical energy in the battery 305 can be used to heat one or more sufficiently large volumes of air (e.g., using a fan), metal, water, ceramic, phase change material, etc., by being carried out via a passive heating element.

[0264] In some embodiments, such safety systems are active in that they measure temperature and prevent the mass from rising above an ignition or unsafe temperature, and / or passive in that the magnitude of the mass being heated is such that it cannot rise above an unsafe temperature.

[0265] The load source 200, the battery management system 1160, the battery 305, or other suitable systems of the load source system 300 in various embodiments may be configured to hold sufficient energy so that the load source system 300 has enough power to safely shut down and / or lock the energy storage. Such a system may do this by measuring the remaining energy and holding a buffer sufficient to achieve a proper shutdown, and by incorporating a long-term secondary battery sized solely for shutdown, etc., in some examples.

[0266] The load source 200, battery management system 1160, battery 305, or other suitable systems of the load source system 300 may, in some embodiments, have physical interrupts to the battery 305 (e.g., on both the positive and negative sides of the energy storage system). This can enhance safety by making the disconnections redundant.

[0267] The load source 200, the battery management system 1160, the battery 305, or other suitable systems of the load source system 300 can, in some embodiments, perform self-diagnosis and / or predictive maintenance. For example, the load source 200, the battery management system 1160, the battery 305, or other suitable systems of the load source system 300 may include embedded sensors 490 and software that continuously or periodically monitor and record performance metrics of the battery 305 and / or other components of the load source system 300. In some examples, such systems can perform self-diagnosis based on the collected data and predict potential failures. In the event of any irregularity or potential hazard, the load source system 300 in various embodiments may notify the user or relevant agency and recommend preventive maintenance or other necessary actions (e.g., via interface 460, load source server 1010, user device 1020, etc.).

[0268] Some embodiments include a system that continuously or periodically monitors the insulation resistance of an electrical appliance to detect any deterioration. If a significant drop in insulation resistance is detected, indicating a potential short circuit or a damaged component, the system can shut down the battery or the appliance and warn the user. Various examples may include an insulation monitoring device or circuit integrated into the electrical system of a load source system 300. Such a device continuously or periodically assesses the quality of insulation by measuring resistance between conductive elements of the load source system 300 (e.g., wiring, heating elements, or other internal components), grounded or non-conductive parts of the load source system 300, etc. A significant drop in insulation resistance may indicate that the insulating material is degraded or damaged, which could lead to a short circuit or electrical fault.

[0269] For example, such monitoring can be achieved in some embodiments by incorporating an insulation resistance monitoring circuit or a ground fault detection system (see, for example, Figure 11). In some embodiments, such a system may function by applying a small voltage between a conductive part and ground, measuring the resulting current, and calculating the resistance. A significant decrease in insulation resistance (e.g., due to wear, moisture ingress, or mechanical damage) can trigger the load source system 300 to shut down the battery 305 or other highly sensitive electrical components of the load source 200, thereby preventing potential hazards such as electrical shock, fire, or damage to the load source 200. In addition, the battery management system 1160 or other suitable control unit can be programmed to notify the user or service personnel of the problem via a warning system, thereby enabling prompt maintenance or repair, etc.

[0270] In some embodiments, the load source system 300 can determine its location (via GPS or other suitable sensors 460), and based on its location, in some examples, it can determine the environment, area, building, city, state, country, or jurisdiction in which the load source system 300 is located, and adjust the safety protocols of the load source system 300 based on that location. For example, if the load source system 300 is determined to be in a school or hospital, or within a defined vicinity thereof, the load source system 300 can be configured to switch to a higher safety margin mode or disable certain functions of the load source system 300. In another example, in the event of a natural disaster such as a flood, the load source system 300 can enter a shutdown mode, etc., to prevent electrical hazards based on the determination that the load source system 300 is located in or near a defined location where such a natural disaster is occurring or has occurred. In various embodiments, such shutdowns, mode changes, etc., can be determined and / or triggered by the load source system 300, the load source server 1010, the user device 1020, etc.

[0271] In some embodiments, a method for changing the mode of the load source system 300 based on location data may include obtaining location data from the load source system 300, determining whether a mode change is desirable or necessary based on the location of the load source system 300, and, if so, causing the load source system to perform the mode change. For example, in some embodiments, determining whether a mode change is desirable or necessary based on the location of the load source system 300 may be based on identifying specific geographic coordinates or general location data obtained via GPS or other suitable sensors 460. If the load source system 300 determines that it is in a defined area such as a residential zone, school, hospital, or other sensitive environment, the load source system 300 may automatically enter a safer operating mode. This may involve reducing power output, adjusting operating parameters, or even completely disabling certain functions to comply with local safety regulations or to minimize the risk of harm in the event of malfunction. Such location-aware functions can enable the load source system 300 to be more context-aware and operate in a manner that is suited to the specific needs of its environment. For example, near schools where children may be present, the system may automatically limit high-power operation, while in industrial areas, more flexible settings may be permitted. In some cases, specific jurisdictions (e.g., cities, towns, counties, states, countries, etc.) may have specific power or safety requirements, either generally or based on location, such as residential, industrial, school, or hospital areas, and the load source system 300 may be configured to change its configuration to comply with such regulations, both generally and / or specifically based on location.

[0272] In other embodiments, the load source system 300 can adjust its mode based on dynamic environmental factors such as the occurrence of natural disasters or severe weather. For example, if the load source system 300 is determined to be located in a place or area that has experienced a flood, earthquake, or severe weather event, the load source system 300 can enter an emergency shutdown mode to prevent electrical hazards such as short circuits, overheating, or fire. The decision to change the operating mode can be driven by real-time updates from the load source server 1010, location-based weather warnings, or user-provided input via the user device 1020. Such dynamic adaptability in various embodiments ensures that the load source system 300 maintains safety, compliance, and efficiency regardless of its location.

[0273] In some embodiments, a distinctive olfactory compound (e.g., harmless) may be incorporated into the battery 305 or a battery unit or module containing the battery 305. In case of malfunction or overheating, the battery 305 may be configured to emit this odor as an indication of malfunction or overheating. For example, malfunction or overheating may cause a container, bag, pouch, etc. containing the compound to physically rupture, resulting in the release of the odor. In some examples, heat exceeding a certain threshold may trigger a reaction or change of state of the compound, generating an odor. The scent in some examples may be unmistakable, such as freshly baked cookies or something even more pungent. An unexpected smell may indicate that something is wrong and prompt the user to investigate.

[0274] While some examples of load source systems may rely solely on a single type of energy storage (e.g., lithium-ion batteries), in some embodiments, the load source system 300 may utilize a hybrid energy storage system incorporating supercapacitors and / or other types of batteries. This versatility can offer safety advantages in some examples. For instance, supercapacitors can charge and discharge much faster than batteries in some examples, providing an alternative for rapidly releasing energy in emergencies. This also allows the secondary system to be configured to step into various embodiments, thus mitigating the risks associated with a particular type of energy storage failing.

[0275] In various embodiments, the load source system 300, such as the stove 125, can be configured to operate in different operating modes depending on the state of the battery 305. For example, the load source system 300 can be configured to operate the stove 125 in full power mode or in one or more limited power modes (for example, when the battery 305 is down, or when it is desirable to conserve the power stored in the battery 305 and / or drawn from the receptacle 165).

[0276] In various embodiments, an advantage of having a load source system 300, such as a cooktop 125 including a battery 305, may be that the cooktop 125 can be operated even when power from the grid and / or renewable sources is unavailable, intermittent, or limited. To facilitate the uninterrupted use of the cooktop 125 under such conditions, in some examples, an interface 460 may be configured to alert the user about the charge status of the battery 305 and / or the remaining energy in the battery 305, so that the user can make informed decisions about the amount of energy to use while cooking, such as when energy costs from the grid are high or when there is a delay in the recovery of power supply from utilities or renewable sources.

[0277] The display or presentation of energy consumption can be visualized in various appropriate ways (to suit user preferences), such as the absolute percentage of remaining battery capacity, the amount of energy stored in kWh or Wh, the predicted consumption time based on current energy draw-in, or the average of the last X minutes of cooking. In some embodiments, the load source system 300 can determine energy consumption using a machine learning approach based on a cooking training dataset (e.g., data accumulated over the lifespan of the stove 125, including a travel time window within it).

[0278] If the battery 305 is depleted, the user may be notified via the interface 460 (e.g., by a display 384, another visual indicator, an audio indicator, etc.). In various examples, the interface 460 may indicate that the cooktop 125 will operate at a limited capacity based on the amount of energy coming from the receptacle 165 to which the cooktop 125 is connected. In some embodiments, if limited power is available due to a lack of power from the battery 305 or the receptacle 165, the cooktop 125 may be configured to have a functioning oven 360, although in some examples, the cooktop 125 may take longer to reach temperature because it operates below full power. In some embodiments, if limited power is available due to a lack of power from the battery 305 or the receptacle 165, the cooktop 125 may be configured to operate with a reduced number of burners and / or one or more burners below maximum power output.

[0279] In various environments, the load source system 300 of the stove 125 can be configured to operate with any suitable number of power configurations, including one, two, three, four, five, ten, twelve, and so on. For example, some embodiments may include a full-power operating configuration and a minimum operating capacity configuration, the minimum operating power configuration providing less operating capacity than the full-power operating configuration. Some embodiments may include a full-power operating configuration, a first reduced operating power configuration providing less operating capacity than the full-power operating configuration, and a second reduced operating power configuration providing less operating capacity than both the first reduced operating power configuration and the full-power operating configuration.

[0280] The full, reduced, or minimum operating power configurations of the cooktop 125 can provide more or less operating capacity in various appropriate ways. For example, in an embodiment in which the cooktop 125 includes an oven 360, a full-power operating configuration may allow the oven 360 to operate at 100% of its power capacity, while one or more reduced operating power configurations may limit the oven 360 to operate at 80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, 55%, 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5% or less, or in a range between such exemplary values. One embodiment may include a full-power operating configuration that allows the oven 360 to operate at 100% of its power capacity, and a minimum operating power configuration that limits the oven 360 to operate at 50% power or less. Another embodiment may include a full-power operating configuration that allows the oven 360 to operate at 100% power capacity, a first reduced operating power configuration that limits the oven 360 to operate at 65% power or less, and a further reduced operating power configuration that limits the oven 360 to operate at 35% power or less.

[0281] In embodiments in which the stove 125 includes a cooktop 370 having one or more heating areas 372 (e.g., separate induction burners), a full-power operating configuration may allow one or more heating areas 372 to operate at 100% power capacity, and one or more reduced operating power configurations may limit at least one of the one or more heating areas 372 to operate at a range of 80%, 75%, 70%, 65%, 60%, 55%, 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, 5% or less, or between such exemplary values. One embodiment may include a full-power operating configuration that allows one or more heating areas 372 to operate at 100% power capacity, and a minimum operating power configuration that limits one or more heating areas 372 to operate at 50% power or less, individually or collectively. Another embodiment may include a full-power operating configuration that allows one or more heating regions 372 to operate at 100% power capacity, a first reduced operating power configuration that limits one or more heating regions 372 to operate at 65% power or less individually or collectively, and a second reduced operating power configuration that limits one or more heating regions 372 to operate at 35% power or less individually or collectively.

[0282] In some embodiments, if the cooktop includes a cooktop 370 with multiple heating zones 372 (e.g., two, three, four, or five separate induction burners), different power configurations can limit the total number of heating zones 372 that can operate simultaneously. For example, if the cooktop 370 consists of four heating zones 372, a full-power operating configuration may allow up to all four heating zones 372 to operate simultaneously, while one or more reduced-power operating configurations may limit the maximum number of heating zones 372 operating simultaneously to three, two, or one at a time. In some examples, such limitations may apply to specific heating zones 372 or to any set of two, three, or four of the four heating zones 372.

[0283] In various embodiments, when power becomes available from a previously unavailable or unused power source, the stove 125 can switch from a limited operating configuration to a fully operational configuration. For example, after operating in a limited operating configuration using only power from the receptacle 165, if the battery 305 is depleted or below a minimum charge threshold, and as a result the battery 305 is charged to a minimum change state (defined, for example, by a set charge percentage or historical data for how the stove 125 is being used), the stove 125 can return to a fully operational configuration based on power from both the battery 305 and the receptacle 165. Such configuration changes can be presented via the interface 460 in various appropriate ways.

[0284] In another example, after operating in a limited operating configuration using only power from battery 305 as a result of power from receptacle 165 being unavailable or unused, the stove 125 can return to a full operating configuration based on power from battery 305 and receptacle 165 when power from receptacle 165 becomes available or usable (for example, after a blackout, when the cost of power from the grid falls below a cost threshold that makes its use desirable, or when renewable power becomes available via receptacle 165 in an amount sufficient to provide full power instead of grid power).

[0285] In various embodiments, the load source system 300 can determine or predict the time required to achieve different operating capacities. For example, if the stove 125 is operating in a capacity-limited mode due to the battery 305 being depleted or having insufficient power, the system can determine or predict the time required for the battery 305 to charge to the necessary level so that the stove 125 can operate at a greater operating capacity and / or full operating capacity. For example, if the stove 125 requires a minimum charge of 10% to operate at full power, the system can determine the time required for the battery 305 to charge to 10% capacity. Such determinations can be made based on data such as the current charge rate, the current power usage by the stove 125, the predicted power usage by the stove 125, the current charging current, the current charging voltage, and the stage of the charging protocol.

[0286] Similarly, in some embodiments, when the stove 125 is operating in an operating configuration exceeding its full or minimum operating configuration, it is possible to determine or predict the time the battery 305 will have sufficient charge to operate at such a level, and the time until the stove switches to a minimum or lower operating configuration. For example, if the stove 125 requires a minimum charge of 10% to operate at full power, it is possible to determine the time it will take for the battery 305 to drop to below 10% capacity. Such determinations can be made based on data such as the current charge rate, the current power usage by the stove 125, the predicted power usage by the stove 125, the current charging current, the current charging voltage, and the stage of the charging protocol.

[0287] In some embodiments, the interface 460 of the load source system 300 may include a timer that counts down to the point at which the cooktop 125 is expected to be able to operate at full capacity, at the point at which it is expected to be able to operate at a capacity exceeding the minimum capacity configuration, at the point at which it is expected to be required to operate at the minimum operating configuration, and at the point at which it is expected to be required to operate at a capacity below the maximum operating configuration. In various examples, the ability of the load source system 300 to provide information on energy consumption, battery status, and switching between normal mode and one or more limited modes can enhance the user experience by enabling the user to make informed decisions about using the enhanced induction cooktop system, thereby optimizing energy usage and user satisfaction. In various embodiments, the load source system 300 may automatically switch between one or more operating power modes without user interaction, for example, when the battery charge reaches or exceeds one or more thresholds, or when the battery charge reaches or falls below one or more thresholds. In some embodiments, the operating power modes may be configured by the user via the interface 460 of the load source system 300, etc.

[0288] Referring to FIG. 13, an exemplary method 1300 for determining an operational configuration is illustrated, which includes block 1320 where usage data of a load source (for example, usage data of a cooking stove) is acquired, and block 1325 where power availability data is acquired. At block 1330, the operational configuration is determined, and at 1335, a determination is made as to whether the determined operational configuration is different from the current operational configuration. If they are different, at 1340, the current output configuration is modified (for example, to the determined operational configuration). However, if they are not different, the current operational configuration is maintained at 1345. The method 1300 returns to 1320 regardless of whether the current operational configuration is changed or modified, which can enable monitoring of whether a change to the operational configuration is necessary or desirable. Such monitoring may be in real time, or periodic at various intervals (for example, real time, several seconds, several minutes, several hours, several days, etc.).

[0289] In various embodiments, the usage data of the load source may include data relating to elements of the load source 200 that are in use, such as the oven 360 and the heating region 372 of the cooktop 370. For example, the usage data may include the identity of one or more heating regions 372 of the cooktop 370 that are in use, the power level at which the heating regions 372 are set, the amount of power being consumed by the heating regions 372, the mode of the heating regions 372, the power level at which the oven 360 is set, the amount of power being consumed by the oven 360, the mode of the oven 360, the amount of power being consumed by the auxiliary electrical output 540, the mode of the auxiliary electrical output 540, and the like.

[0290] In various embodiments, the power availability data may include an indication of whether power is available from the battery 305, the amount of power available from the battery 305, the voltage and / or current available from the battery 305, an indication of whether power is available from the receptacle 165, the amount of power available from the receptacle 165, the voltage and / or current available from the receptacle 165, one or more sources of power coming from the receptacle 165, the cost of power coming from the receptacle 165, and the like.

[0291] In various embodiments, determining the operating configuration can be based at least in part on whether power is available from the battery 305 and / or the receptacle 165. For example, if it is determined that power from the receptacle 165 is no longer available but power from the battery 305 remains available, it can be determined that the operating configuration should be changed from a full power configuration to a reduced power configuration. In another example, if it is determined that power from the battery 305 is no longer available but power from the receptacle 165 remains available, it can be determined that the operating configuration should be changed from a full power configuration to a reduced power configuration. In a further example, if it is determined that power from both the receptacle 165 and the battery 305 is available after one of them is unavailable, it can be determined that the operating configuration should be changed from a reduced power configuration to a full power configuration.

[0292] In various embodiments, power from battery 305 may be unavailable, such as when battery 305 is uncharged, lacks a charge above a threshold minimum, is damaged, is not present in the load source system 300, is improperly installed in the load source system 300, or when it is undesirable to use power from battery 305. In various embodiments, power from receptacle 165 may be unavailable due to a power grid outage, lack of power generated by renewable sources (e.g., solar or wind), or when it is undesirable for cost reasons to use power from receptacle 165, or when it originates from a non-renewable source.

[0293] For example, in some embodiments, if the cost of electricity from the electric grid obtained via the receptacle 165 exceeds a cost threshold, a decision can be made to change from a full power configuration to a reduced power configuration, based on price data, time, user selection, etc. For example, in some embodiments, if the cost of electricity from the electric grid obtained via the receptacle 165 falls below a cost threshold, a decision can be made to change from a reduced power configuration to a full power configuration, based on price data, time, user selection, etc.

[0294] In some embodiments, a decision can be made to change from a full power configuration to a reduced power configuration when electricity from renewable sources becomes available, or when the amount of electricity from renewable sources exceeds a threshold. In some embodiments, a decision can be made to change from a reduced power configuration to a full power configuration when electricity from renewable sources becomes unavailable, or when the amount of electricity from renewable sources falls below a threshold.

[0295] In various embodiments, the operating configuration can be selected based on the mode of the load source system 300, and in some examples, it can be selected by the user, set based on a timer, set based on acquired data, etc. In some embodiments, the mode may include a battery charge priority mode, a renewable energy mode that prioritizes the use of renewable energy sources in supplying power to the load source and / or charging the battery 305, a cost reduction mode that prioritizes the use of free energy sources such as renewable energy and / or when the cost of electricity from the grid is more affordable, or a performance mode that prioritizes higher functionality of the load source 200 over battery charge, use of renewable energy, cost of electricity from the grid, etc.

[0296] In some embodiments, when the user switches from performance mode to battery charge priority mode, a determination can be made to change from a full power configuration to a reduced power configuration. In some embodiments, when the user switches from battery charge priority mode to performance mode, a determination can be made to change from a reduced power configuration to a full power configuration.

[0297] In some embodiments, when a user switches from performance mode to cost-saving or renewable energy priority mode, a determination can be made to change from a full power configuration to a reduced power configuration. In some embodiments, when a user switches from cost-saving or renewable energy priority mode to performance mode, a determination can be made to change from a reduced power configuration to a full power configuration.

[0298] In some embodiments, the reduced power configuration may include limiting, stopping, or preventing the operation of one or more elements of the load source system 300, and the cooktop 125 may include limiting, stopping, or preventing the operation of one or more elements of the oven 360, the heating zone 372 of the cooktop 370, and the auxiliary electrical output 540.

[0299] In some embodiments, such method 1300 in Figure 13 can be performed by one or more load source systems 300, user devices, or battery servers to configure one or more load source systems 300. For example, using Figure 4 for illustrative purposes, in some embodiments, a load source system 300 can control its own configuration (e.g., via method 1300). In some embodiments, individual load source systems 300 may exist as groups, one for each other device or set of load source systems 300 (e.g., primary load source system 300). Thus, load source usage data and power availability data can be obtained from multiple load source systems 300 or from a single load source system 300, which may or may not include communication of such data over a network (e.g., via a communication system 450).

[0300] As described herein, determining the output configuration may serve a variety of appropriate purposes, such as maximizing the use of renewable energy sources (e.g., solar panels 115), maximizing the storage of electricity from renewable energy sources, maximizing the storage of electricity from the power grid 110 when such electricity is low cost or less cost, maximizing the performance of load sources 200, maximizing the energy efficiency of load sources, maximizing energy storage by one or more batteries 305, and minimizing the charging time of one or more batteries 305. For example, in some cases, shorter nighttime cooking sessions can be fully covered by onboard or associated batteries 305 charged with sufficient solar resources during the day, while longer, more demanding nighttime cooking sessions will be powered jointly by batteries 305 and low-capacity outlets (e.g., receptacles 165). In this way, the charging and discharging control laws of the system and / or network can, in some cases, maximize the use of renewable generated electricity without affecting the user experience.

[0301] In various embodiments, the load source system 300 may include settings that allow a user to control functional and usability-related aspects of the load source system 300 (e.g., via interface 460), which in some examples may include the selection of a charging mode based on user preference, based on external factors, etc. One embodiment may include a charging mode configured to charge the battery 305 via receptacle 165 during off-peak hours for lower costs and less grid strain. For example, such a charging mode may be based on time of day, day of the week, month, season, etc., and may be set by the user based on historical patterns, etc. In some examples, such a charging mode may be based on electricity price data (e.g., obtained from a power company) in which charging takes place when the price falls below a threshold.

[0302] Another exemplary charging mode may be configured to keep the battery 305 fully charged at all times in preparation for a commercial power interruption or other desired use of the battery 305. Yet another exemplary charging mode may be configured to charge the battery 305 during times when charging is prioritized when the electricity supplied to the receptacle 165 comes from a renewable resource such as solar power, or at least renewable power is supplied to the receptacle (e.g., charging the battery 305 via renewable power as long as the battery 305 does not reach or fall below a charging threshold). In various examples, such charging modes may be based on data acquired with respect to the power supply and may include a residential server that provides information on the amount of energy generated by one or more renewable sources and / or supplied by the power grid.

[0303] To provide the user with information about one or more such charging modes, the interface 460 of the load source system 300 can display such charging modes on a digital display, along with a brief description of each charging mode. In this way, the user can obtain information about the options available to them and select the charging mode that best suits their needs or preferences.

[0304] In a home with multiple appliances having built-in batteries 305 that are networked together, one or more of the appliances may include an integrated control interface. Using the integrated control interface, a global energy policy for the appliance network can be set, for example, to charge after 9 p.m. or to always remain charged in the event of a blackout. For example, if a stove is on a lower floor than an air conditioner and cooking is already underway, it may be desirable to instruct the stove to turn off the connected mini-split air conditioner. The ability to control appliances from other appliances may enable embodiments of such appliances that do not have their own interfaces and rely on other nodes in the appliance network to control them.

[0305] In some embodiments, a cooktop 125 including a load source system 300 may include a temperature cruise control function that allows a user of the cooktop 125 to dynamically control and maintain a substantially constant temperature on one or more heating zones 372 of the cooktop 370. In some examples, such a cruise control function may allow a hybrid approach that mixes power-based control inputs for the heating zones 372 with temperature control inputs to the heating zones 372. Such a temperature cruise control function in some examples may include a power level-based input mode that delivers a substantially consistent amount of continuous heating adjusted based on the power level (e.g., low, medium-low, medium, medium-high, and high). This can emulate a conventional gas cooktop in an open-loop heating situation where the user needs to measure the temperature based on the state of the heated object in the pot or pan and adjust the power level accordingly. Interface 460 may include a mechanism for enabling the temperature cruise control mode. When in temperature cruise control mode, one or more sensors 490 (e.g., temperature sensors) can be used to maintain a substantially constant temperature on the heated pot or pan or cooking element. For example, in some embodiments, each heating zone 372 of the cooktop 370 may be associated with one or more sensors 490 (e.g., temperature sensors) configured to determine the temperature of a pot or pan or frying pan in the heating zone 372, the temperature of the cooktop 370 in the heating zone 372, and so on.

[0306] In one embodiment, a method for maintaining a temperature in the heating zone 372 may include obtaining an indication that the heating zone 372 of the cooktop 370 is entering a temperature maintenance mode, and in response, entering the temperature maintenance mode in the heating zone 372 of the cooktop 370. The method may further include determining the temperature to be maintained, which may be based on user input, user settings, default settings, etc. The method may further include obtaining associated temperature data from one or more sensors 490 associated with the heating zone 372 and determining whether the temperature is outside a defined range of temperatures to be maintained (e.g., + / - 0°C, 0.5°C, 1.0°C, 1.5°C, 2.0°C, 5.0°C, 10.0°C, 25.0°C, 50.0°C, etc., or a range between values ​​in such examples). If the temperature is determined to be within that range, the current power level of the heating zone 372 may be maintained. However, if the temperature is determined to be outside the range, the power of the heating zone 372 may be increased or decreased to raise or lower the temperature so that it is within the temperature range. Such temperature sensing and power adjustment can be performed automatically at any appropriate time interval while the temperature maintenance mode is active. The method may further include receiving an indication to stop the temperature maintenance mode in the heating zone 372 of the cooktop 370 and return to the normal or default heating mode. In various embodiments, each of the multiple heating zones 372 of the cooktop 370 may be configured to be set to a different temperature in order to maintain according to a separate temperature maintenance mode for the separate heating zone 372.

[0307] In one variation, the knob 382 used to set the power level may also serve as a trigger to engage and / or disengage a temperature cruise control mode. For example, each burner control knob 382 may have a temporary push button that allows the user to turn on a “temperature hold” mode once the user has identified a desired temperature for a given heating zone 372. In some examples, the user may be presented with a desired temperature setting and be able to select it (e.g., interface 460 presents a temperature such as 200°C that the user can select), or the user may be able to select a temperature without an explicit temperature being indicated by interface 460. In some variations, the knob 382 not only has a rotating element but also a latching push button to enable the “temperature hold” mode. Once this mode is enabled, the heating zone 372 may be configured to maintain a specified temperature without the user having to continuously check and adjust the specified temperature. In one example, once the user has identified an ideal temperature based on tangible feedback, such as cooking a perfect pancake, the user can enable a “cruise control” mode to consistently maintain that temperature, similar to how a car maintains speed. In some embodiments, the "cruise control" mode is deactivated as soon as the user rotates the knob 382 (or performs another appropriate action), thereby allowing the user to control the burner temperature and power level. The temperature control cruise control function in various embodiments can improve the user experience by maintaining a consistent burner temperature and providing an intuitive interface to optimize cooking quality and user satisfaction. While the example of the knob 382 on interface 380 is described as an example, the initiation, control, and termination of the cruise control mode can be performed in various preferred ways, such as using various preferred elements of interface 460.

[0308] In various embodiments, the oven 360 of the cooktop 125 may include a cruise control mode. For example, the oven 360 of the cooktop 125 may include one or more temperature sensors and a digital temperature control loop that can enable the oven 360 to maintain a temperature within a desired range. In some embodiments, the heating zones 372 of the oven 360 and / or cooktop 370 may include a preheating mode that overshoots a set temperature point during preheating of the oven 360 and / or one or more heating zones 372. In some embodiments, multiple temperature sensors can better determine the uniformity of temperature within the cavity of the oven 360. The average temperature can be determined in some examples based on data from multiple sensors 490, and a suitable operational adjustment can be applied based on the determined value. In some examples, if data from multiple temperature sensors identify a temperature difference that exceeds a threshold, the load source system 300 may enable the convection fan of the oven 360 to mix air within the cavity of the oven 360 to produce uniform temperature rise within the cavity of the oven 360.

[0309] For example, a method for heating the inside of the oven 360 may include acquiring data from multiple temperature sensors, determining whether the difference between one or more detected temperatures exceeds a threshold, and if so, turning on the fan of the oven 360. If the difference between one or more detected temperatures does not exceed the threshold, the fan may be automatically turned off or not turned on. Data sampling from the temperature sensors can be performed at any appropriate interval.

[0310] In some embodiments, a method for allocating power for a local power grid including battery-powered home appliances may include providing power to an appliance, which may include providing battery power to the appliance in response to appliance startup; providing power to an external power use, which may include providing battery power to an external power use in response to external power use; and providing power to a battery in response to battery depletion.

[0311] Methods in various examples can provide dynamic power allocation to a local energy grid connected to a high power consumption load source 200, such as a stove 125 including an energy storage device (e.g., battery 305). The methods can function with the load source system 300 described in the present specification, but can additionally or alternatively be incorporated with any applicable system. Exemplary use cases of such methods include office buildings, local residences, residential-type buildings (e.g., multi-family dwellings, hotels), local communities (e.g., HOAs, condominium communities, gated communities, etc.), data farms, and / or any other type of local energy grid.

[0312] Providing power to the load source 200 can enable the operation of the load source 200 by supplying power to the load source 200 when the load source 200 is activated. In some embodiments, the load source 200 may include a high power consumption stove 125 that may not be able to operate when directly powered by a local power grid (e.g., a 220V household appliance such as the stove 125 connected to a 110V receptacle 165). In some embodiments, the load source 200 is a high power consumption stove 125 that may not be able to fully operate when directly powered by the local power grid, for example, a 220V household appliance such as the stove 125 connected to a 110V receptacle 165, which is configured to fully function with 220V power, configured to fully operate with power exceeding 110V, configured to operate in a limited power configuration of 110V, or configured to operate in a minimum power configuration of 110V.

[0313] In other words, some embodiments may include a load source 200 such as a stove 125, which includes a load source system 300 that cannot operate in a full power configuration based solely on power from a receptacle 165 into which the load source 200 is plugged. In some embodiments, such a load source 200 may not be able to operate solely via power from the receptacle 165 into which the load source 200 is plugged, and may require a combination of power from the receptacle 165 and a battery 305 of the load source system 300 to operate in a full power configuration (e.g., over 110V, 220V, etc.). In some embodiments, such a load source 200 may not be able to operate in a full power configuration solely through power from the receptacle 165 into which the load source 200 is plugged in, and may require a combination of power from the receptacle 165 and the battery 305 of the load source system 300 to operate in a full power configuration (e.g., above 110V, 220V, etc.), but the load source 200 may operate in a reduced, low, or minimum power configuration solely through power from the receptacle 165 into which the load source 200 is plugged in. In some embodiments, the load source system 300 can operate in a first reduced power configuration via power only from the receptacle 165 into which the load source 200 is plugged in; in a second reduced power configuration via power only from the battery 305 of the load source 200; in a third reduced power configuration via a combination of power from the receptacle 165 and the battery 305; and in a full power configuration via power from the receptacle 165 and the battery 305. In various embodiments, the first, second, and third reduced power configurations may have a reduced power capacity of the load source 200 compared to the full power configuration.

[0314] In various examples, such embodiments may be desirable to provide the operability of the load source 200 when power from battery 305 is unavailable or undesirable to use, when power from receptacle 165 is unavailable or undesirable to use, and / or when power from both receptacle 165 and battery 305 is available and desirable to use.

[0315] In various embodiments, providing power to the load source 200 from the battery 305 can function to provide auxiliary power to the load source 200 in addition to, or as an alternative to, the power from the receptacle 165, thereby allowing the load source 200 to operate with one or more power supply configurations. In some modifications, not all functions of the load source 200 may require auxiliary power, and therefore, power from the battery 305 may be provided only when, in some examples, the load source 200 requires additional power to function.

[0316] In some variations, the method can be implemented using a system that includes multiple battery-integrated load sources 200. In some such variations, power may be supplied separately to each load source 200, and supplying battery power to the load sources 200 can function independently for each load source 200. For example, a battery 305 integrated with a single load source 200 can provide auxiliary power for the function of that single load source 200.

[0317] Providing power for external power use can function to power devices connected to a local power grid. In various examples, providing power for external power use can provide devices with enough power to enable them to function within their device specifications. Some examples can power multiple devices, and in some embodiments of home energy grids, it can function to allocate power to dozens of devices / operations as needed or desired.

[0318] Providing power to external power use may include providing power to external power use from battery 305. Providing battery power to external power use may, in some examples, depend on the external power use and the battery charge level (e.g., the current amount of energy stored in battery 305). Providing battery power to external power use can enable auxiliary power to external power use when more power is being used and battery 305 is fully charged. In addition, if battery 305 is integrated into the load source 200, providing battery power to external power use in some examples may be reserved for when the load source 200 is not running and battery 305 is not providing (e.g., auxiliary) power to the load source 200. Thus, providing battery power to external power use can, in various examples, function to provide auxiliary power for general power use in the local power grid when power needs increase and / or when the load source 200 has reduced its power needs or has no power needs.

[0319] In some variations, including multiple load sources 200 and multiple batteries 305 integrated together, each battery 305 may have a separate call to provide battery power for external power use, each unactivated load source 200 may have its integrated battery 305 provide power for external power use, while each activated load source 200 may have its integrated battery 305 provide power for use by each activated load source 200.

[0320] Providing power to battery 305 can function to charge battery 305 from an external power source. In various examples, power can be provided to battery 305 whenever it needs to be charged, but in some examples, charging of battery 305 can be initiated during periods of low power consumption in the local power grid (e.g., when load source 200 is not in use and external power usage is lower than usual). For example, in the case of a household power grid, this could be done at night.

[0321] In some embodiments, the load source 200 may include a cooktop 125 with a load source system 300 that operates with a standard 120V, 20-amp receptacle 165, while still providing the functionality and quality of the cooking experience available with a cooktop 125 that plugs into and operates with a standard 240V, 20-amp, 30-amp, or 50-amp receptacle 165. Various embodiments may include a cooktop 125 with a load source system 300 that does not require skilled labor beyond what is needed to perform an electrical upgrade (e.g., installing a new 220V receptacle in place of a 110V receptacle) or a standard cooktop replacement, allowing the cooktop 125 to be installed in an apartment in use while limiting disruption to the residence.

[0322] Various embodiments may include a cooktop 125 with at least three cooking zones 372, of which at least two use induction coils, and an electric heating oven 360, and may be configured to operate by plugging into a standard three-prong household wall socket (e.g., a 120VAC+ / -10%, single-phase, 60Hz socket on a 20-amp circuit breaker), may be configured for installation that can be completed by asset management staff within two hours without requiring an electrician or other skilled worker, may have a form factor that matches a width of 24 or 30 inches and a standard slide-in range, may be able to obtain relevant UL certification and meet all other applicable industry standard safety requirements, and may be a cost-effective electrification renovation option for apartment buildings, etc.

[0323] In various embodiments, the load source 200 (e.g., stovetop 125) may be configured to pass one or more of the following standards: ASTM F1496: Standard test method for the performance of convection ovens, ASTM F1521: Standard test method for the performance of range tops, UL858: Standard for household electric ranges, UL2595: Safety standard for general requirements for battery-powered household appliances, UL1642: Standard for lithium batteries (cells), UL2054: Standard for household and commercial batteries, UL / IEC62133-2: Safety standard for secondary batteries and batteries containing alkaline or other non-acidic electrolytes - Safety requirements for portable sealed secondary batteries and batteries manufactured from them for portable applications, UL1973: Standard for batteries for use in stationary, vehicle auxiliary power and light electric rail (LER) applications, UL9540A: Standard for test methods for evaluating fire propagation in case of thermal runaway in battery energy storage systems.

[0324] Various embodiments may include a load source 200 (e.g., cooktop 125) having one or more of the following features: a maximum power of the load source 200 operating from an electric panel not exceeding 1,800W; a maximum amperage used by the load source 200 during use not exceeding 16A; at least three cooking zones 372, of which at least two include induction coils; one induction coil having a diameter of at least 8 inches and positioned at the front of the range to facilitate its preferred use; a glass cooktop 370; no exposed resistance coils for the cooking zones 372; the ability to combine two or more cooking zones into a larger single zone; and a water heating time of 7 minutes or less in the cooking zones 372 of the cooktop 370 (e.g., ASTM standards for range top performance). In accordance with the F1521 standard test method; cooking zone 372 having a turndown ratio of at least 6:1 in increments of at least 10 steps from lowest to highest heat (e.g., via the knob 382 of interface 380); control of cooktop 370 and / or oven 360 including a clock, timer, oven temperature display and oven / broiler presets (e.g., via interface 380); control of interface 380 in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA); having a set of control devices (e.g., knob 382) located in front of the cooktop 125 and no more than 48 inches from the ground so that the user does not need to go past or over the cooking zone 372 to control the cooking zone 372; minimum volume of 2.5 cubic feet for 24-inch width or 4.5 cubic feet for 30-inch width.The oven 360 has a capacity of 5 cubic feet; the oven 360 has a minimum of 3 rack positions; the oven 360 has a broiler; the oven 360 has a convection fan; the oven 360 has an oven light; the oven 360 has performance that meets or exceeds ASTM F1496; the oven 360 and / or broiler are capable of operating at full power simultaneously with the largest heating zone 372 of the cooktop 370 for at least 10 minutes; the battery 305 is integrated into the stovetop 125 and is not removable by the user but can be replaced by a trained technician using the appropriate tools; the battery 305 has a minimum of 5,000 charge cycles; and the ability to operate two or more heating zones 372 of the cooktop at full power simultaneously with the oven 360 at full power for at least 10 minutes.

[0325] It should be clear that the embodiments described herein are only some exemplary embodiments of the load source system 300, and that load source systems 300 having fewer or more elements, or more or less complexity, are within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. For example, one or more elements of Figures 3 to 8 may not be present in some embodiments, or may be present in any suitable multiple. In some embodiments, the communication system 450 may not be present, and the load source system 300 may not be able to operate for wired and / or wireless communication with other devices. In some embodiments, elements such as the processor 410 and clock 430 may not be present. The interface 460 may, in some examples, include multiple interface elements or a complex interface, while in some embodiments it may be a simple interface 460 or may not be present. In some embodiments, the interface of the load source system 300 can be embodied in a separate device such as a user device (e.g., a smartphone, laptop, home automation system, or other suitable device). Furthermore, the load source system 300 can be of various appropriate sizes, including systems with weights of 1-5 pounds, 10-30 pounds, 50-100 pounds, 150-500 pounds, 500-1,500 pounds, and so on.

[0326] In addition, in some embodiments, onboard or network control laws can be adapted to usage patterns, thereby enabling a given battery capacity to match expected demand. Furthermore, these laws in various embodiments can be configured to adapt to local usage rate, enabling confidential energy arbitrage. The implementation of these control laws may be based on reinforcement learning and control techniques, accompanied by a best-practice user interface that allows homeowners to monitor and adjust.

[0327] Various embodiments can be configured to manage the thermal requirements of the battery 305 of the load source 200. Due to their high energy density, thermal runaway of lithium batteries can be a safety concern in various cases and must be prevented in various cases. In addition, at less catastrophic levels, batteries operating at elevated temperatures can affect battery life. Due to these factors, the battery management system 760 may have integrated temperature sensing and thermal interlocks. Thus, various embodiments may include the battery management system 760 along with careful thermal design to isolate the battery compartment from areas or local environments of appliances that have unsafe operating temperatures. For example, an effective design strategy for thermal management in various embodiments is to construct high aspect ratio packs adjacent to the surrounding environment. Another strategy may be to incorporate fire suppression at the appliance level within the individual load source system 300. For example, in some embodiments, the load source system 300 may include a fire suppression system that includes sensors capable of determining whether a fire is occurring in the battery and, if a fire is occurring, performing fire suppression measures such as foam, liquid, gas release or vacuum generation to extinguish the fire.

[0328] Some embodiments involve obtaining appropriate safety certifications by directly installing batteries in home appliances and obtaining sufficient consent from home appliance manufacturers to adopt this technology. Mitigation strategies may include one or more of the following: Firstly, some embodiments may include data analysis and software modeling to estimate the most effective home appliance targets and quantify the value proposition. For example, some examples may include local estimates of the value per watt-hour capacity for each home appliance based on the electricity price during usage time, the size of the power grid, and the enabled distributed renewable energy, as well as the electricity upgrade costs avoided. Secondly, some embodiments may include hardware units that can be located between existing home appliances and electrical outlets before integration with the home appliances. These hardware units can validate the value proposition in terms of the demand response achievable during real-world use and test the robustness of the hardware, networking, and control electronics, and can be used in place of battery-integrated home appliances, such as with conventional home appliances before replacement with battery-integrated home appliances, along with battery-integrated home appliances. Thirdly, various embodiments may include safety certifications by UL or another organization, as well as green certifications such as the new ENERGY STAR Connected Functionality program.

[0329] In various embodiments (see, for example, Figure 3), the battery can reside within the appliance itself, regardless of whether the appliance is a stove, refrigerator, HVAC system, washing machine, clothes dryer, television, game console, tools, barbecue, lighting, lawnmower, grass trimmer, vacuum cleaner, blender, juicer, food processor, basement freezer, speaker, audio equipment, cooling fan, or other household appliance. In some examples, these batteries may be installed at the factory and directly integrated with the appliance's control electronics.

[0330] In various embodiments, the control scheme for such appliances may operate in several modes, including one or more of the following examples. Firstly, such appliances may effectively share the load between the wall plug and the battery without interfering with the user experience, based on estimated usage requirements. This scheme may be used in some examples to maximize the energy used from solar equipment or other alternative energy sources, or to enable the use of high-capacity devices operating from a 110V socket, or to enable the use of electricity rates for extended periods. Another control scheme may operate when the appliance is not in use or is not expected to be used in the near future, and the appliance provides an energy arbitrage service that allows the home to absorb and store cheap electricity from the grid for later use.

[0331] In various embodiments, the control scheme for a battery-integrated home appliance may function using several levels of data, including one or more of the following examples: Firstly, the control scheme may rely solely on calendar and time to predict load and supply. Secondly, the control scheme may incorporate historical usage data to tailor the algorithm to user habits. Thirdly, the control scheme may report data to a central system where the data is aggregated and used to provide control rules. Fourthly, the central system may accept user input to switch control modes (e.g., the user can press a button to prepare the stove for cooking a large meal, while the stove is pre-charged to full capacity and / or shares the load between the battery and the plug during operation). Fifthly, the control scheme may use data about electricity rates from the power company (e.g., hourly rates) to tailor the control rules to use the cheapest electricity from the grid. Sixthly, the control scheme may use data from a rooftop solar array to predict and maximize the use of available solar electricity.

[0332] Additional benefits may be provided to home appliances by batteries according to further embodiments. For example, many conventional home appliances have their performance limited by the peak power provided by wall outlets. Batteries can enable much higher peak power that can be used to improve the performance of home appliances. For example, induction cooktops may have extremely fast temperature rise, higher peak output, and lower noise. On-demand water heating may have higher capacity, enabling higher-power, no-storage water heaters. Electric kettles can boil water faster. In the case of devices with motors, these motors can operate at higher peak power and, if desired, at a more optimal voltage than AC from the wall. In some cases, battery thermal management may have a synergistic effect with home appliance performance. For example, heat from a battery pack can increase the performance coefficient of heat pump devices such as electric dryers.

[0333] In home electrical systems, many costs can be proportional to peak power. Installing batteries on the demand side reduces peak power and therefore these costs can be lowered. By enabling hybrid AC / DC systems, battery-integrated home appliances can also allow for the use of more efficient solid-state power conversion, including inverters and DC / DC voltage converters.

[0334] Various embodiments of battery-integrated home appliances can provide flame retardant functionality to protect against thermal runaway of lithium batteries and may include a fire alarm to warn of emergencies. Device health monitoring may be incorporated to monitor the health status of the battery pack. This can be implemented by capacity monitoring, internal resistance measurement, or impedance spectroscopy. Such devices may also be waterproofed to protect the battery and electronic circuitry. These devices may also provide voltage regulation services to the home's electrical system.

[0335] In various embodiments, the battery can enable the use of high-power appliances with a 120V receptacle (outlet), in contrast to the need to install a 240V power supply. In some examples, the battery may have a storage capacity of 4 to 24 hours. In some embodiments, real-time or historical usage data can be obtained for rooms, houses, buildings, blocks, cities, states, etc. In various examples, it may be beneficial to minimize the number of inverter conversions (for example, multiple conversions can be prevented by an inverter of a battery module located on a DC bus). In some embodiments, power can be shared between appliances (for example, via extension cords, existing or new in-wall wiring, Ethernet, etc.). In some examples, the appliance may have a battery module that is built into or replaceable. Such a battery module can be configured as a self-contained unit with waterproofing, heat resistance, etc., and can provide shallow-cycle operation of the battery, fire suppression, battery monitoring, etc. Since control systems may be less expensive than batteries, the entire module including the control system may be a replaceable unit.

[0336] In various examples, battery modules can acquire and use different types of data to control battery usage. This may depend on network connectivity or system complexity. A simple battery module might simply include a clock and a lookup table, and the battery module operates based on time, day of the week, season, etc. Another more complex version might store usage history from the battery module itself or only from local battery modules and use the clock to control battery operation. Yet another more complex version may have network connectivity (e.g., to the internet), providing access to data from the power grid and allowing the use of data from remote modules.

[0337] Various embodiments can be configured to predict usage based on the data described above. Some embodiments can be configured to operate based on user input (for example, the user indicates whether they are cooking a meal now or will cook a meal later or at a later date). The prediction may be based on data such as a user calendar or a user-defined schedule.

[0338] Some devices may have high ramp-up requirements, and having a local battery 305 can reduce this, resulting in faster and better appliances (e.g., faster heating). Appliances can be configured to dial up the voltage as needed to provide improved appliance performance. Other advantages may include quieter operation from static electricity and ultrasonic induction in washer / dryer machines, and improved inverter efficiency.

[0339] While specific examples are described herein, these examples should not be construed as limiting the various alternative and additional embodiments within the scope and spirit of this disclosure. For example, a household appliance, device, or system may be associated with one or more batteries described herein. Also, while residential examples are the focus of some of the examples herein, further embodiments may include apartment buildings, commercial buildings, vehicles, and the like.

[0340] As used herein, terms such as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc., are used to characterize and distinguish various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. The use of numerical terms may be used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, and / or section from another element, component, region, layer, and / or section. The use of such numerical terms does not imply order or sequence unless explicitly indicated by the context. Such numerical references may be used interchangeably without departing from the teachings of embodiments and variations herein.

[0341] Embodiments of this disclosure can be described in view of the following clauses. 1. A computer implementation method for operating a load source, To obtain data associated with the load source, wherein the load source is An interface configured to control the load source and to indicate one or more errors, The power cord connected to the 120V receptacle, A charger that obtains power from the aforementioned 120V receptacle, Housing and A rechargeable 230VDC-250VDC lithium-ion battery integrally disposed within the housing, wherein the battery is configured to receive power from the charger and be charged by the charger, Load source computing device and A battery management system associated with the aforementioned battery, Includes, The battery management system is configured to identify a first error based at least partially on a first dataset associated with the load source, and to report the first error to the load source computing device to cause a change in the operation of the load source. The load source computing device is configured to identify a second error based at least partially on a second dataset associated with the load source, and to report the second error to the battery management system to cause a change in the operation of the battery. To obtain, The battery management system identifies the first error based at least partially on the first dataset associated with the load source, reports the first error to the load source computing device, and causes a change in the operation of the load source. The load source computing device identifies the second error based at least partially on the second dataset associated with the load source, reports the second error to the battery management system, and causes a change in the operation of the battery. Computer implementation methods, including those mentioned above.

[0342] 2. The first error identified by the battery management system is: The aforementioned battery is in poor condition. The load source system is malfunctioning, or There is an ID mismatch between the aforementioned battery and the load source. A computer implementation method as described in Clause 1, including one or more of the following.

[0343] 3. The second error identified by the load source computing device is: The aforementioned load source system has a failure, Environmental conditions are causing damage or danger to the load source, The location of the load source is associated with a location identified as causing or potentially causing damage or danger to the load source, A computer implementation method as described in Clause 1 or 2, including one or more of the following.

[0344] 4. The load source is, A cooktop having multiple heating regions, wherein each of the multiple heating regions includes an induction heating coil, An induction driver for driving the induction heating coil of the heating region of the cooktop, including a first configuration that provides power only from the battery, a second configuration that provides power only from the 120V receptacle, and a third configuration that provides power from both the battery and the 120V receptacle, An electric oven is configured to be powered by a first configuration that provides power only from the battery, a second configuration that provides power only from the 120V receptacle, and a third configuration that provides power from both the battery and the 120V receptacle. It is an induction cooktop, The change in the operation of the load source, which is at least partially based on the first error reported to the load source computing device, At least a portion of the aforementioned cooktop operates in a low-power configuration, At least a portion of the aforementioned cooktop is disabled, The electric oven operates in a low-power configuration, The aforementioned electric oven is disabled, Including one or more of the following: A computer implementation method as described in any one of clauses 1 to 3.

[0345] 5. The computer implementation method according to any one of Clauses 1 to 4, wherein the load source is configured to operate in a low-power error reporting mode, and one or more systems of the load source are disabled or operating in a low-power configuration as a result of power not being available from either or both of the battery and the 120V receptacle, but sufficient power is supplied to the battery management system and the load source to still enable the reporting of the first error to the load source by the battery management system and the reporting of the second error to the battery management system by the load source.

[0346] 6. The aforementioned battery is Battery enclosure and, The battery charger inside the aforementioned battery enclosure, The DC-DC converter inside the aforementioned battery enclosure, A plurality of disassemblable subpacks within the battery enclosure, wherein each disassemblable subpack is configured to be separated using one or more keys, the keys being configured to be physically actuated and / or actuated by the battery management system, A computer implementation method as described in any one of clauses 1 to 5, including the above.

[0347] 7. A computer implementation method for operating a load source, To obtain data associated with the load source, wherein the load source is The power cord connected to the 120V receptacle, Housing and A rechargeable battery integrally disposed within the housing, Load source computing device and A battery management system associated with the aforementioned battery, Includes, The aforementioned load source is The battery management system is configured to identify a first error based at least partially on a first dataset associated with the load source, and to report the first error to the load source computing device to cause a change in the operation of the load source. The load source computing device is configured to identify a second error based at least partially on a second dataset associated with the load source, and to report the second error to the battery management system to cause a change in the operation of the battery. Composed for one or both of the following, including obtaining The aforementioned computer implementation method further includes: The battery management system identifies the first error based at least partially on the first dataset associated with the load source, reports the first error to the load source computing device, and causes a change in the operation of the load source. The load source computing device identifies the second error based at least partially on the second dataset associated with the load source, reports the second error to the battery management system, and causes a change in the operation of the battery. Including one or both of the following: Computer implementation method.

[0348] 8. The computer implementation method according to Clause 7, wherein the load source further includes a charger that obtains power from the 120V receptacle, and the battery is configured to receive power from the charger and be charged by the charger.

[0349] 9. The first error described above is identified by the battery management system, The aforementioned battery is in poor condition. The load source system is malfunctioning, or There is an ID mismatch between the aforementioned battery and the load source. A computer implementation method as described in Clause 7 or 8, including one or more of the following:

[0350] 10. The second error described above is identified by the load source computing device, The aforementioned load source system has a failure, Environmental conditions are causing damage or danger to the load source, The location of the load source is associated with a location identified as causing or potentially causing damage or danger to the load source, A computer implementation method described in any one of the clauses 7 to 9, including one or more of the above.

[0351] 11. The load source is, A cooktop having multiple heating regions, wherein each of the multiple heating regions includes an induction heating coil, An induction driver for driving the induction heating coil of the heating region of the cooktop, including two or more of the following: a first configuration that is powered only by the battery; a second configuration that is powered only by the 120V receptacle; and a third configuration that is powered by both the battery and the 120V receptacle. An electric oven is configured to be powered by two or more of the following: a first configuration that provides power only from the battery; a second configuration that provides power only from the 120V receptacle; and a third configuration that provides power from both the battery and the 120V receptacle. It is an induction cooktop, The changes in the operation of the load source, which are at least partially based on the aforementioned changes in error reporting and operation, At least a portion of the aforementioned cooktop operates in a low-power configuration, At least a portion of the aforementioned cooktop is disabled, The electric oven operates in a low-power configuration, The aforementioned electric oven is disabled, Including one or more of the following: A computer implementation method as described in any one of clauses 7 to 10.

[0352] 12. The computer implementation method according to any one of Clauses 7 to 11, wherein the load source is configured to operate in a low-power error reporting mode, and one or more systems of the load source are disabled or operating in a low-power configuration as a result of power not being available from either or both of the battery and the 120V receptacle, but sufficient power is still available to the battery management system and the load source to enable both the reporting of the first error to the load source by the battery management system and the reporting of the second error to the battery management system by the load source.

[0353] 13. The aforementioned battery is Battery enclosure and, A plurality of disassemblable subpacks within the battery enclosure, each disassemblable subpack configured to be separated using one or more keys, the keys configured to be actuated physically and / or by one or both of the battery management system and the load source computing device, A computer implementation method as described in any one of clauses 7 to 12, including the method described in any one of the clauses 7 to 12.

[0354] 14. A computer implementation method for operating a load source, To obtain data associated with the load source, wherein the load source is Housing and A battery integrally disposed within the housing, Load source computing device and A battery management system associated with the aforementioned battery, Includes, The aforementioned load source is The battery management system is configured to identify a first error based at least partially on a first dataset associated with the load source, and to report the first error to the load source computing device to cause a change in the operation of the load source. The load source computing device is configured to identify a second error based at least partially on a second dataset associated with the load source, and to report the second error to the battery management system to cause a change in the operation of the battery. Composed for one or both of the following, including obtaining The aforementioned computer implementation method further includes: The battery management system identifies the first error based at least partially on the first dataset associated with the load source, reports the first error to the load source computing device, and causes a change in the operation of the load source. The load source computing device identifies the second error based at least partially on the second dataset associated with the load source, reports the second error to the battery management system, and causes a change in the operation of the battery. Including one or both of the following: Computer implementation method.

[0355] 15. The computer implementation method according to Clause 14, wherein the load source further includes a charger that obtains power from a receptacle, and the battery is configured to receive power from the charger and be charged by the charger.

[0356] 16. The first error described above is identified by the battery management system, The aforementioned battery is in poor condition. The load source system is malfunctioning, or There is an ID mismatch between the aforementioned battery and the load source. A computer implementation method described in either paragraph 14 or 15, including one or more of the following:

[0357] 17. The second error described above is identified by the load source computing device, The aforementioned load source system has a failure, Environmental conditions are causing damage or danger to the load source, The location of the load source is associated with a location identified as causing or potentially causing damage or danger to the load source, A computer implementation method described in any one of the clauses 14 to 16, including one or more of the above.

[0358] 18. The load source is, A cooktop having multiple heating regions, wherein each of the multiple heating regions includes an induction heating coil, An induction driver for driving the induction heating coil of the heating region of the cooktop, including at least one of a first configuration having power only from the battery, a second configuration having power only from the receptacle, and a third configuration having power from both the battery and the receptacle, An electric oven is configured to be powered by at least one of the following: a first configuration having power only from the battery; a second configuration having power only from the receptacle; and a third configuration having power from both the battery and the receptacle. It is an induction cooktop, Error reporting, and the changes in the operation of the load source, which are at least partially based on the changes in operation, At least a portion of the aforementioned cooktop operates in a low-power configuration, At least a portion of the aforementioned cooktop is disabled, The electric oven operates in a low-power configuration, The aforementioned electric oven is disabled, Including one or more of the following: A computer implementation method as described in any one of clauses 14 to 17.

[0359] 19. The computer implementation method according to any one of Clauses 14 to 18, wherein the load source is configured to operate in a low-power error reporting mode, and one or more systems of the load source are disabled or operating in a low-power configuration as a result of power not being available from one or both of the receptacles to which the battery and the load source are coupled, but sufficient power is still available to at least one of the battery management system and the load source to enable both of the first errors to be reported by the battery management system to the load source and the second errors to be reported by the load source to the battery management system.

[0360] 20. The aforementioned battery is Battery enclosure and, A plurality of subpacks within the battery enclosure, each subpack configured to be isolated using one or more keys, the keys configured to be physically actuated and / or actuated by one or both of the battery management system and the load source computing device, Computer implementation methods as described in any one of clauses 14 to 19, including the above.

[0361] The embodiments described are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific examples of which are shown as examples in the drawings and described in detail herein. However, the embodiments described should not be limited to any particular form or method disclosed; rather, it should be understood that this disclosure includes all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives. In addition, elements of a given embodiment should not be construed as applicable only to its exemplary embodiment; therefore, elements of one exemplary embodiment may be applicable to other embodiments as well. Furthermore, elements specifically shown in an exemplary embodiment should be construed as encompassing embodiments that include, are essentially derived from, or consist of such elements, or such elements may not be expressly present in further embodiments. Therefore, the description of elements present in an example should be construed as supporting some embodiments in which such elements are not expressly present.

Claims

1. A computer implementation method for operating a load source, To obtain data associated with the load source, wherein the load source is An interface configured to control the load source and to display one or more error indications, The power cord connected to the 120V receptacle, A charger that obtains power from the aforementioned 120V receptacle, Housing and A rechargeable 230VDC to 250VDC lithium-ion battery integrally disposed within the housing, wherein the battery is configured to receive power from the charger and be charged by the charger, Load source computing device and A battery management system associated with the aforementioned battery, Includes, The battery management system is configured to identify a first error based at least partially on a first dataset associated with the load source, and to report the first error to the load source computing device to cause a change in the operation of the load source. The load source computing device is configured to identify a second error based at least partially on a second dataset associated with the load source, and to report the second error to the battery management system to cause a change in the operation of the battery. To obtain, The battery management system identifies the first error based at least partially on the first dataset associated with the load source, reports the first error to the load source computing device, and causes a change in the operation of the load source. The load source computing device identifies the second error based at least partially on the second dataset associated with the load source, reports the second error to the battery management system, and causes a change in the operation of the battery. Computer implementation methods, including those mentioned above.

2. The first error identified by the battery management system is, The aforementioned battery is in poor condition. The load source system is malfunctioning, or There is an ID mismatch between the aforementioned battery and the load source. The computer implementation method according to claim 1, comprising one or more of the above.

3. The second error identified by the load source computing device is, The aforementioned load source system has a failure, Environmental conditions are causing damage or danger to the load source, The location of the load source is associated with a location identified as causing or potentially causing damage or danger to the load source, The computer implementation method according to claim 1, comprising one or more of the above.

4. The aforementioned load source is A cooktop having multiple heating regions, wherein each of the multiple heating regions includes an induction heating coil, An induction driver for driving the induction heating coil of the heating region of the cooktop, including a first configuration that provides power only from the battery, a second configuration that provides power only from the 120V receptacle, and a third configuration that provides power from both the battery and the 120V receptacle, An electric oven is configured to be powered by a first configuration that provides power only from the battery, a second configuration that provides power only from the 120V receptacle, and a third configuration that provides power from both the battery and the 120V receptacle. It is an induction cooktop, The change in the operation of the load source, which is at least partially based on the first error reported to the load source computing device, At least a portion of the aforementioned cooktop operates in a low-power configuration, At least a portion of the aforementioned cooktop is disabled, The electric oven operates in a low-power configuration, The aforementioned electric oven is disabled, Including one or more of the following: The computer implementation method according to claim 1.

5. The computer implementation method according to claim 1, wherein the load source is configured to operate in a low-power error reporting mode, and one or more systems of the load source are disabled or operating in a low-power configuration as a result of power not being available from one or both of the battery and the 120V receptacle, but sufficient power is supplied to the battery management system and the load source to still enable the reporting of the first error to the load source by the battery management system and the reporting of the second error to the battery management system by the load source.

6. The aforementioned battery is Battery enclosure and, The battery charger inside the aforementioned battery enclosure, The DC-DC converter inside the battery enclosure, A plurality of disassemblable subpacks within the battery enclosure, each disassemblable subpack configured to be separated using one or more keys, the keys configured to be physically actuated and / or actuated by the battery management system, The computer implementation method according to claim 1, including the method described in claim 1.

7. A computer implementation method for operating a load source, To obtain data associated with the load source, wherein the load source is The power cord connected to the 120V receptacle, Housing and A rechargeable battery integrally disposed within the housing, Load source computing device and A battery management system associated with the aforementioned battery, Includes, The aforementioned load source is The battery management system is configured to identify a first error based at least partially on a first dataset associated with the load source, and to report the first error to the load source computing device to cause a change in the operation of the load source. The load source computing device is configured to identify a second error based at least partially on a second dataset associated with the load source, and to report the second error to the battery management system to cause a change in the operation of the battery. Composed for one or both of the following, including obtaining The aforementioned computer implementation method further includes: The battery management system identifies the first error based at least partially on the first dataset associated with the load source, reports the first error to the load source computing device, and causes a change in the operation of the load source. The load source computing device identifies the second error based at least partially on the second dataset associated with the load source, reports the second error to the battery management system, and causes a change in the operation of the battery. Including one or both of the following: Computer implementation method.

8. The computer implementation method according to claim 7, wherein the load source further includes a charger that obtains power from the 120V receptacle, and the battery is configured to receive power from the charger and be charged by the charger.

9. The first error is identified by the battery management system, The aforementioned battery is in poor condition. The load source system is malfunctioning, or There is an ID mismatch between the aforementioned battery and the load source. The computer implementation method according to claim 7, comprising one or more of the above.

10. The second error is identified by the load source computing device, The aforementioned load source system has a failure, Environmental conditions are causing damage or danger to the load source, The location of the load source is associated with a location identified as causing or potentially causing damage or danger to the load source, The computer implementation method according to claim 7, comprising one or more of the above.

11. The aforementioned load source is A cooktop having multiple heating regions, wherein each of the multiple heating regions includes an induction heating coil, An induction driver for driving the induction heating coil of the heating region of the cooktop, including two or more of the following: a first configuration that is powered only by the battery; a second configuration that is powered only by the 120V receptacle; and a third configuration that is powered by both the battery and the 120V receptacle. An electric oven is configured to be powered by two or more of the following: a first configuration that provides power only from the battery; a second configuration that provides power only from the 120V receptacle; and a third configuration that provides power from both the battery and the 120V receptacle. It is an induction cooktop, The changes in the operation of the load source, which are at least partially based on the aforementioned changes in error reporting and operation, At least a portion of the aforementioned cooktop operates in a low-power configuration, At least a portion of the aforementioned cooktop is disabled, The electric oven operates in a low-power configuration, The aforementioned electric oven is disabled, Including one or more of the following: The computer implementation method according to claim 7.

12. The computer implementation method according to claim 7, wherein the load source is configured to operate in a low-power error reporting mode, and one or more systems of the load source are disabled or operating in a low-power configuration as a result of power not being available from either or both of the battery and the 120V receptacle, but sufficient power is still available to the battery management system and the load source to enable both the reporting of the first error to the load source by the battery management system and the reporting of the second error to the battery management system by the load source.

13. The aforementioned battery is Battery enclosure and, A plurality of disassemblable subpacks within the battery enclosure, each disassemblable subpack configured to be separated using one or more keys, the keys configured to be actuated physically and / or by one or both of the battery management system and the load source computing device, The computer implementation method according to claim 7, including the method described in claim 7.

14. A computer implementation method for operating a load source, To obtain data associated with the load source, wherein the load source is Housing and A battery integrally disposed within the housing, Load source computing device and A battery management system associated with the aforementioned battery, Includes, The aforementioned load source is The battery management system is configured to identify a first error based at least partially on a first dataset associated with the load source, and to report the first error to the load source computing device to cause a change in the operation of the load source. The load source computing device is configured to identify a second error based at least partially on a second dataset associated with the load source, and to report the second error to the battery management system to cause a change in the operation of the battery. Composed for one or both of the following, including obtaining The aforementioned computer implementation method further includes: The battery management system identifies the first error based at least partially on the first dataset associated with the load source, reports the first error to the load source computing device, and causes a change in the operation of the load source. The load source computing device identifies the second error based at least partially on the second dataset associated with the load source, reports the second error to the battery management system, and causes a change in the operation of the battery. Including one or both of the following: Computer implementation method.

15. The computer implementation method according to claim 14, wherein the load source further includes a charger that obtains power from a receptacle, and the battery is configured to receive power from the charger and be charged by the charger.

16. The first error is identified by the battery management system, The aforementioned battery is in poor condition. The load source system is malfunctioning, or There is an ID mismatch between the aforementioned battery and the load source. The computer implementation method according to claim 14, comprising one or more of the above.

17. The second error is identified by the load source computing device, The aforementioned load source system has a failure, Environmental conditions are causing damage or danger to the load source, The location of the load source is associated with a location identified as causing or potentially causing damage or danger to the load source, The computer implementation method according to claim 14, comprising one or more of the above.

18. The aforementioned load source is A cooktop having multiple heating regions, wherein each of the multiple heating regions includes an induction heating coil, An induction driver for driving the induction heating coil of the heating region of the cooktop, including at least one of a first configuration that is powered only by the battery, a second configuration that is powered only by the receptacle, and a third configuration that is powered by both the battery and the receptacle, An electric oven is configured to be powered by at least one of the following: a first configuration that provides power only from the battery; a second configuration that provides power only from the receptacle; and a third configuration that provides power from both the battery and the receptacle. It is an induction cooktop, Error reporting, and the changes in the operation of the load source, which are at least partially based on the changes in operation, At least a portion of the aforementioned cooktop operates in a low-power configuration, At least a portion of the aforementioned cooktop is disabled, The electric oven operates in a low-power configuration, The aforementioned electric oven is disabled, Including one or more of the following: The computer implementation method according to claim 14.

19. The load source is configured to operate in low-power error reporting mode. The computer implementation method according to claim 14, wherein one or more systems of the load source are disabled or operating in a low-power configuration as a result of power not being available from one or both of the receptacles to which the battery and the load source are coupled, but sufficient power is still available to at least one of the battery management system and the load source to enable both of the first error reports to the load source by the battery management system and the second error reports to the battery management system by the load source.

20. The aforementioned battery is Battery enclosure and, A plurality of subpacks within the battery enclosure, each subpack configured to be isolated using one or more keys, the keys configured to be physically actuated and / or actuated by one or both of the battery management system and the load source computing device, The computer implementation method according to claim 14, including the method described in claim 14.

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