Systems and methods for controlled temperature charging

Abstract

Systems, methods and software products for controllably charging at least one energy storage element of an energy storage module. The methods comprise: measuring a temperature of the energy storage module; comparing the temperature to an upper threshold value; allowing a charging current to be supplied to the energy storage module for charging the at least one energy storage element when the temperature is below the upper threshold value; and placing the energy storage module in a charging pause mode when the temperature reaches or rises above the upper threshold value, whereby at least one circuit component of the energy storage module is caused to operate in a low power mode and the charging current is no longer being supplied to the at least one energy storage element.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONTROLLED TEMPERATURE CHARGINGCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application claim priority to and the benefit of European Patent Application No. 24168890.2, filed April 8, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUNDDescription of the Related Art

[0002] Battery cell packs are often used to power electronic devices. Different combinations of the battery cell packs are used to provide different output voltages.SUMMARY

[0003] The present disclosure concerns implementing systems, methods and software products for controllably charging at least one energy storage element of an energy storage module. The methods comprise: measuring a temperature of the energy storage module; comparing the temperature to an upper threshold value; allowing a charging current to be supplied to the energy storage module for charging the at least one energy storage element when the temperature is below the upper threshold value; and placing the energy storage module in a charging pause mode when the temperature reaches or rises above the upper threshold value, whereby at least one circuit component of the energy storage module is caused to operate in a low power mode and the charging current is no longer being supplied to the at least one energy storage element.

[0004] The present disclosure also concerns a controllable output power circuit. The circuit comprising means (e.g., a circuit and / or processor) configured to: measure a temperature of the energy storage module; compare the temperature to an upper threshold value; allow a charging current to be supplied to the energy storage module for charging the at least one energy storage element when the temperature is below the upper threshold value; and place the energy storage module in a charging pause mode when the temperature reaches or rises above the upper threshold value, whereby at least one circuit component of the energy storage module is causedto operate in a low power mode and the charging current is no longer being supplied to the at least one energy storage element.

[0005] The present disclosure further concerns a method for operating a controllable output power circuit in a charging mode. The method comprises: measuring a temperature of at least one energy storage module; calculating a difference between the measured temperature and a set point; calculating a charging current based on the difference; supplying the charging current to the at least one energy storage module; and adjusting the charging current responsive to a measured change in the temperature of the at least one energy storage module, whereby the temperature of the at least energy storage module is maintained within a range of the set point throughout charging.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The present solution will be described with reference to the following drawing figures, in which like numerals represent like items throughout the figures.

[0007] FIG. 1 A provides a schematic diagram of an example energy storage module, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects.

[0008] FIG. IB provides an illustrative block diagram of a circuit in the energy storage module.

[0009] FIG. 1 C provides a circuit diagram of an energy storage module, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects.

[0010] FIG. ID provides a perspective view of an energy storage module.

[0011] FIG. IE provides an illustrative circuit diagram for the transistor active bridge circuit.FIGS. 1 A-1E are collectively referred to as “FIG. 1”.

[0012] FIGS. 2A-2C (collectively referred to as “FIG. 2”) are schematic diagrams of an example energy storage module container of energy storage modules, according to some nonlimiting embodiments or aspects.

[0013] FIGS. 3 A and 3B (collectively referred to as “FIG. 3”) are schematic diagrams of an example power supply system, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects.

[0014] FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram of an example power supply system, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects.

[0015] FIG. 5 provides an illustration that is useful for understanding a novel technique for controlling the energy storage modules in accordance with the present solution.

[0016] FIGS. 6A-6B (“collectively referred to herein as FIG. 6”) provide a flow diagram of an illustrative method in which the energy storage components are charged while the energy storage module’s temperature is within a given range.

[0017] FIG. 7 provides a graph that is useful for understanding the method of FIG. 6.

[0018] FIGS. 8A-8B (“collectively referred to herein as FIG. 8”) provide a flow diagram of another illustrative method for charging a plurality of energy storage modules that are connected in series with each other.

[0019] FIG. 9 provides a block diagram of an illustrative circuit configured to controllably charge energy storage module(s) in accordance with a transfer function based scheme.

[0020] FIG. 10 provides a flow diagram of an illustrative method for controllably charging energy storage module(s) in accordance with a transfer function based scheme.

[0021] FIG. 11 provides a graph that is useful for understanding operations of the circuit shown in FIG. 9 and the method shown in FIG. 10.

[0022] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of an example implementation of a transaction flow in a power supply system, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] The present solution is described with reference to the attached figures. The figures are not drawn to scale and they are provided merely to illustrate the instant solution. Several aspects of the present solution are described below with reference to example applications for illustration. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methodsare set forth to provide a full understanding of the present solution. One having ordinary skill in the relevant art, however, will readily recognize that the present solution can be practiced without one or more of the specific details or with other methods. In other instances, well- known structures or operations are not shown in detail to avoid obscuring the present solution. The present solution is not limited by the illustrated ordering of acts or events, as some acts may occur in different orders and / or concurrently with other acts or events. Furthermore, not all illustrated acts or events are required to implement a methodology in accordance with the present solution.

[0024] It should also be appreciated that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present solution. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "including", "includes", "having", "has", "with", or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and / or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising."

[0025] Further, unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this solution belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0026] Referring now to FIG. 1 A, depicted is a schematic diagram of an example energy storage module 100, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. As shown in FIG. 1, energy storage module 100 may include housing 101, at least one energy storage component 102, module controller 103, connectors 104, top cover 105, and bottom cover 106. The number and arrangement of components shown are provided as an example. In those or other nonlimiting embodiments or aspects, energy storage module 100 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown. Additionally or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components)of energy storage module 100 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of energy storage module 100.

[0027] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, housing 101 may include plastic, metal, any combination thereof, and / or the like. For example, housing 101 may include a plastic housing.

[0028] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, housing 101 may be configured to hold at least one (e.g., a plurality of) energy storage components 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, housing 101 may be shaped to have six energy storage components 102 uniformly distributed in an interior space defined by housing 101.

[0029] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, each energy storage component or element 102 may include at least one of a battery, a rechargeable battery (e.g., a lithium-ion battery), a cell (e.g., battery cell, an electrochemical cell, and / or the like), a rechargeable cell, a capacitor, an ultra-capacitor, any combination thereof, and / or the like. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, each energy storage component 102 may include a cylindrical cell (e.g., lithium-ion battery cell).

[0030] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, module controller 103 may include a controller and associated circuitry. Optionally, module controller 103 may include a microcontroller, a computing device, a processor, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and / or any processing component (e.g., a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.) that can be configured to perform at least one function.

[0031] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, connectors 104 may connect the terminals (e.g., ends) of each energy storage component 102 to module controller 103. Additionally or alternatively, at least one connector 104 may connect at least one terminal (e.g., end) of one energy storage component 102 to another terminal of another energy storage component 102. For example, connectors 104 may include a conductive (e.g., electrically conductive) material, such as metal and / or the like. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, some or all of the connectors 104 may be used for energy storage component 102 (e.g., cell) voltage measurements.

[0032] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, each of top cover 105 and bottom cover 106 may include plastic, metal, any combination thereof, and / or the like. For example, each of top cover 105 and bottom cover 106 may include a plastic cover. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, top cover 105 and bottom cover 106 may be configured to (e.g., sized and shaped to) cover openings at top and bottom ends, respectively, of housing 101. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, top cover 105 may include a first electrical connection (e.g., SI, as described herein), a second electrical connection (e.g., S2, as described herein), and / or at least one communication connection, as described herein. For example, these connections may allow for electrical and / or communicative connection between module controller 103 and external components (e.g., other components of the power supply system external to the energy storage module housing).

[0033] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, energy storage module 100 may include a battery module. For example, the battery module may include at least one energy storage component (e.g., a battery cell, such as a rechargeable battery cell). For the purpose of illustration, as shown in FIG. 1 A, the battery module may include six energy storage components (e.g., rechargeable battery cells, such as lithium-ion cells, super capacitors, and / or the like).

[0034] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, energy storage components 102 (e.g., battery cells) of energy storage module 100 may be connected in series. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, energy storage components 102 (e.g., battery cells) of energy storage module 100 may be connected in parallel.

[0035] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, at least some (e.g., a subset of) energy storage components 102 may be connected in series, for example, so that the combined (e.g., summed and / or the like) voltage of the series-connected components satisfies (e.g., equals, exceeds, and / or the like) the target (e.g., desired) operating voltage of energy storage module 100. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, at least some (e.g., a subset of) energy storage components 102 may be connected in parallel, for example, so that the combined (e.g., summed and / or the like) capacity (e.g., current) of the parallel-connected components satisfies (e.g., equals, exceeds, and / or the like) the target (e.g., desired) a target capacity (e.g., operating current of energy storage module 100). For example, energy storage module 100 may include a plurality of subsets of energy storage components 102 such that energy storagecomponents 102 of each subset are connected in series (e.g., to combine to output the desired module voltage) or connected in parallel (e.g., to combine to output the desired module current).

[0036] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, energy storage module 100 may be the same as or similar to or include at least some components that are the same as or similar to the battery modules described in at least one of U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2022 / 0037891, U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2022 / 0247030, U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2022 / 0359918, and / or U.S. Patent Application Pub. No. 2022 / 0360094, the disclosures of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0037] As shown in FIG. IB, a circuit 120 of the energy storage module 100 comprises voltage and optionally, current sensors 126 connected to the energy storage components 102. The energy storage components 102 may include, but are not limited to, electrical energy storage cells as shown in FIG. IB. These sensors 126 are configured to measure the voltage and / or current of each energy storage component. Circuit 120 may also comprise temperature sensors 128 and a module temperature sensor 130. Each temperature sensor 128 is configured to measure a temperature of one or more energy storage components, while the module temperature sensor 130 is configured to measure an internal temperature of the energy storage module. These sensor measurements are communicated from the sensors 126, 128, 130 to the data processing circuit 132 for processing. The data processing circuit 132 is connected to isolators 138. The data processing circuit 132 can perform operations to communicate sensor measurements as sensor data to the module controller 103 or an external circuit, and / or perform operations to analyze the sensor measurements to determine if certain criteria is met. For example, if a parameter measurement falls outside of defined range at a given time or for a certain amount of time, then the data processing circuit 132 causes the selective circuit interrupt 134 to transition from a closed state to an open state such that the energy storage module 100 is turned off. The parameter measurement can include a voltage measurement, a current measurement or a temperature measurement.

[0038] The data processing circuit 132 may be configured to access datastore(s) 136. Datastore(s) 136 can comprise computer-readable storage medium on which is stored one or more sets of instructions configured to implement one or more of the methodologies, procedures, or functions described herein. The instructions can also reside, completely or at least partially,within the data processing circuit 132 during execution thereof by the data processing circuit 132. Datastore(s) 136 and data processing circuit 132 also can constitute machine-readable media. The term "machine-readable media", as used here, refers to a single medium or multiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and / or associated caches and servers) that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term "machine-readable media", as used here, also refers to any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by the data processing circuit 132 and that cause the data processing circuit 132 to perform any one or more of the methodologies of the present disclosure. Data processing circuit 132 can include, but is not limited to, processor(s).

[0039] Circuit 120 also comprises a switching circuit, shown here in a non-limiting manner as transistor active bridge circuit 144. Switching circuit comprises at least one switching element. As some non-limiting examples, the switching circuit may be realized as a bridge topology comprising switching elements, e.g., as a full H-bridge or a half H-bridge. The switching circuit may be in any form e.g., which facilitates electrical connection of one or more of the storage components 102 to the electrical connection SI and / or S2. The switching circuit or the transistor active bridge circuit 144 comprises at least one switching element (e.g., first switching element 110-1, second switching element 110-2, third switching element 110-3, and / or fourth switching element 110-4, collectively referred to as “switching elements 110,” and individually referred to as “switching element 110”), first electrical connection SI, and second electrical connection S2.

[0040] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, switching elements 110 may be part of (e.g., integrated on, connected to, and / or the like) module controller 103. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, first electrical connection SI and / or second electrical connection S2 may be part of (e.g., integrated on, connected to, and / or the like) module controller 103 and / or may extend through top cover 105. The number and arrangement of components shown are provided as an example. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, energy storage module 100 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown. Additionally or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of energy storage module 100may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of energy storage module 100.

[0041] As shown in the example in FIG. IB, energy storage module 100 may include six energy storage components 102 (e.g., rechargeable battery cells and / or the like) connected in series. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, energy storage components 102 may be in other arrangements and / or have other connections, as described herein.

[0042] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, switching elements 110 may be switched (e.g., opened, closed, activated, deactivated, and / or the like) to selectively connect energy storage component(s) 102 to first electrical connection SI and / or second electrical connection S2, e.g., to control a module voltage across first electrical connection SI and second electrical connection S2. For example, switching elements 110 may be switched so that (1) first electrical connection SI and second electrical connection S2 are both connected to negative side (e.g., DC minus) of energy storage component(s) 102 (e.g., series connected storage components 102); (2) first electrical connection SI is connected to the negative side (e.g., DC minus) of energy storage component(s) 102 and second electrical connection S2 is connected to the positive side (e.g., DC plus) of energy storage component(s) 102; or (3) first electrical connection SI is connected to the positive side (e.g., DC plus) of energy storage component(s) 102 and second electrical connection S2 is connected to the negative side (e.g., DC minus) of energy storage component(s) 102. As such, the voltage across first electrical connection SI and second electrical connection S2 may be zero, negative, or positive, respectively.

[0043] For the purpose of illustration by way for a few examples, to connect both first electrical connection SI and second electrical connection S2 to the negative side (e.g., DC minus) of energy storage component(s) 102, fourth switching element 110-4 and third switching element 110-3 may both be activated (e.g., closed, set to act as a closed switch, switched ON, and / or the like), while second switching element 110-2 and first switching element 110-1 are deactivated (e.g., open, set to act as an open switch, switched OFF, and / or the like). To connect first electrical connection SI to the negative side (e.g., DC minus) and connect second electrical connection S2 to the positive side (e.g., DC plus) of energy storage component(s) 102, fourth switching element 110-4 and second switching element 110-2 may be activated, while third switching element 110-3 and first switching element 110-1 are deactivated. To connect firstelectrical connection SI to the positive side (e.g., DC plus) and second electrical connection S2 to the negative side (e.g., DC minus) of energy storage component(s) 102, first switching element 110-1 and third switching element 110-3 may be activated, and fourth switching element 110-4 and second switching element 110-2 may be deactivated. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the switching elements 110 may be operated to be in states such as: a high- impedance (Hi-Z) state (e.g., in which all of the switching elements 110 are deactivated), a bypass state (e.g., in which the low-side switching elements 110-3 and 110-4 are activated while the high-side switching elements 110-1 and 110-2 are deactivated), and two polarity states (e.g., in which the energy storage component(s) 102 are connected between the first electrical connection SI and the second electrical connection S2 in opposite polarity manner). Even though in the discussed examples, the storage components 102 are connected between the electrical connections SI, S2 as a stack, it shall be appreciated that individual cell / storage component level connection may also be possible, e.g., by providing additional switching components to the switching circuit. Thus, each, some, or all storage components 102 of the module 100 may be connectable at the electrical connections SI and / or S2.

[0044] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, each switching element 110 may include at least one of a transistor (e.g., bipolar transistor, field-effect transistor (FET), metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), and / or the like), a switch, a contactor, any combination thereof, and / or the like. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the energy storage module 100 may include one or more driver circuits, such as a gate driver circuit, for driving each switching element 110. For example, the driver circuits may be part of (e.g., integrated on, connected to, and / or the like) module controller 103.

[0045] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, each switching element 110 may be driven, or controlled, via the module controller 103. For example, module controller 103 may control the switching elements 110 to selectively connect energy storage component(s) 102 to first electrical connection SI and / or second electrical connection S2, as described herein. For example, module controller 103 may be connected to each switching element 110 in order to drive, or optionally control, such switching element 110. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the module controller 103 provides signals to the gate driver circuit for driving the switching elements 110.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 1C, each energy storage module 100 may be represented by the symbol shown in FIG. 1C (e.g., for brevity and clarity of the following drawings). The symbol is shown on the right-hand side. On the left-hand side, transistor active bridge circuit 144 is shown in a non-limiting manner, for demonstrating a possible relationship between terminals SI, S2 of the symbol 100 and switching circuit which in this example is shown as bridge circuit 144.

[0047] FIG. ID provides an illustration of an energy storage module 100. An assembly view of the energy storage module 100 is provided in FIG. 1A. Energy storage module 100 comprises a housing 101 in which energy storage components 102 are housed so as to maintain certain positions relative to each other. The energy storage components 102 can be arranged in two rows of three energy storage components as shown in FIG. 1A. The present solution is not limited in this regard. The energy storage components can have a different arrangement than that shown in FIG. 1 A. Any number of energy storage components can be provided in the energy storage module in accordance with a given application. Each energy storage component may include, but is not limited to, a lithium-ion cell. The lithium-ion cell may have a cylindrical shape as shown or another shape (e.g., a rectangular shape) not shown.

[0048] A top cover 105 and a bottom cover 106 are provided for the housing 101. The covers 105, 106 may be configured to provide an environment seal with the housing 101. The environmental seal may be facilitated by gaskets (not visible or shown in FIG. ID and / or FIG. 1A) compressed between the covers 105, 106 and the housing’s sidewalls. The module 100 also comprises a power out interface 151. It shall be appreciated that electrical connections SI, S2 may be part of the power out interface 151.

[0049] The safe and reliable operation of the energy storage module 100 may require the constant monitoring of each energy storage component 102, e.g., to detect when its current (optional), voltage and / or temperature fall outside of defined operating range(s). This monitoring may be achieved using a circuit 120 that may also be housed in the housing 101. Conductive connectors 104 are provided to connect the energy storage components 102 to the circuit 120 for at least voltage measurements. In some non-limiting examples, the conductive terminals 104 may also be used for leading operationally generated heat away from the circuit 120 (e.g., heat generated by switching elements 110) preferably away from the module 100. Alternatively or in addition, some non-limiting examples, the circuit 120 may be arranged suchthat the storage components 102 are also used for leading operationally generated heat away from the circuit 120. For example, a thermal coupling (e.g., passive and / or active, such as gas or fluid cooled) may be provided between the circuit 120 and one or more of the storage components 102. Alternatively or in addition, as some non-limiting examples, the power out interface 151 (e.g., via any of the connections SI and / or S2) may be used for leading operationally generated heat away from the circuit 120. For example, conductive terminals 104 and connections SI and S2 are realized in electrically conductive materials such as metal. Usually electrical conductors are also good thermal conductors. This can be leveraged to also act as heat sinks or heat pipes for transporting operationally generated heat (e.g., heat generated when the switching components are conducting current) away from the circuit 120. It shall be appreciated that either alone or in any combination, these measures can make the module 100 more compact, and in some cases also allow hermetically sealing of the module 100. This can further result in a more compact system which uses one or more of such modules 100. These measures can also result in a module and / or system comprising one or more modules that do not require active cooling (e.g., a fan or any other types of additional component or medium used for cooling).

[0050] As shown in a non-limiting example of FIG. IE, the switching circuit or transistor active bridge circuit 144 comprises gate drivers 160i, I6O2, a voltage regulator 164, diodes I661, I662 (collectively referred to as “166”), optional resistors 170i, 1702, 170s, 1704 (collectively referred to as “170”), capacitors 178i, 1782, I8O1, I8O2, and a transistor active bridge 144. The transistor active bridge circuit 144 is supplied a voltage waveform from the energy storage components 102. As such, the transistor active bridge circuit 144 is connected to energy storage components 102 via input lines 152, 154. Input line 152 may be referred to as a high input line, while input line may be referred to as a low input line 154. The transistor active bridge circuit 144 is also connected between a pair of output lines 156, 158. The output lines 156, 158 are connected to the power out interface 151 of FIG. ID. With reference to the previous FIGs and discussion, it shall be appreciated that the high input line 152 may be connected to the positive terminal (e.g., high-polarity terminal) of the storage component stack 102, while the low input line 154 may be connected to the negative terminal (e.g., low-polarity terminal) of the stack of storage components 102.

[0051] The transistor active bridge circuit 144 includes a plurality of switching elements or switches, shown in this example as field-effect transistors (FETs) 110-2, 110-3, 110-1, 110-4 of an N-channel type. Each of the FETs may comprise a metal-oxide semiconductor FET (MOSFET), but other types of switches or FETs (e.g., insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), bipolar junction transistors (BJTs), gate turn-off thyristors (GTOs) or their likes or combinations) instead of the shown type can also be contemplated. Each FET 110-2, 110-3, 110-1, 110-4 has three (3) terminals respectively defined as a source S, a gate G and a drain D. An electrical path is be provided from the source to the drain of each FET 110-2, 110-3, 110-1, 110-4. This path is generally referred to herein as the source-drain path. A source-drain path of first FET 110-2 is connected in series with a source-drain path of the second FET 110-3. The series connected transistor pair 110-2, 110-3 form a first series transistor combination that is connected across the input lines 152, 154. A source-drain path of the third FET 110-1 is connected in series with a source-drain path of the fourth FET 110-4 to form a second series transistor combination connected across the input lines 152, 154.

[0052] The transistor active bridge circuit 144 can have an output defined by output lines 156, 158. A first one of the output lines 156 can be connected to the first series combination 110-2 / 110-3 at an interconnection point 194 between the first and the second fieldeffect transistors 110-2, 110-3. A second one of the output lines 158 can be connected to the second series combination 110-1 / 110-4 at an interconnection point 196 between the third and fourth field-effect transistors 110-1, 110-4.

[0053] Gate driver 160i is provided for driving the gate G of each FET 110-2, 110-3. Similarly, gate driver I6O2 is provided for driving the gate G of each FET 110-1, 110-4. In this regard, the gate drivers are configured to supply a voltage to the gate G of each respective FET at certain times for switching the FET to its “on” state or “off’ state. The gate drivers are also configured to stop supplying the voltage to the gate G of the FET at certain times for switching the FET to its “on” state or “off’ state. Gate driver circuits are well known. Known or to be known gate driver circuit can be used here.

[0054] When the gate drivers communicate gate control signals to the FETs, the FETs 110-2, 110-3, 110-1, 110-4 will be biased and switch to their “on” states. In effect, current will flow between the drain D and source S of these FETs. The FETs transition back to their “off’ stateswhen the gate control signals are no longer being output from the gate drivers. The gate drivers are configured to prevent the two FETs in each series pair 110-2 / 110-3 and 110-1 / 110-4 from being closed simultaneously or concurrently.

[0055] The FETs are switched alternatively by the gate driver to provide a certain power output across lines 156, 158. For example, when the energy storage module is in its “on” state, one of the high side FETs 110-2, 110-1 is transitioned to its “on” state for a given period of time (e.g., 1 microsecond (ps) - 15 milliseconds (ms), as some further non-limiting examples, a few microseconds (ps), 10 ps, 20 ps, 50 ps, 0.1 ms, 2 ms, 5 ms, or even 10 ms). When the energy storage module is in its “off’ state, the two high side FETs 110-2, 110-1 are in their “off’ states and the two low side FETs 110-3, 110-4 are in their “on” states. In effect, the two low side FETs are conducting while the two high side FETs are not conducting.

[0056] The capacitors 178 are provided to store charge for driving the respective FETs 110- 2, 110-1. The respective capacitor 178 is chargeable via their respective diode 166. In this regard, the supply voltage for the high-side gate driver output stages 176i, 176i is stored in capacitors 178i, 1782. Each of the capacitors 178i, 178i is recharged when the corresponding output line 156, 158 is slewing towards the low supply line 154, e.g., when the corresponding low side FETs 110-3 or 110-4 is switched to the “on” state. For example, when FET 110-3 is turned “on”, the potential at output S2 is pulled towards the potential at source S of FET 110-3. At this time, diode I661 becomes conductive such that current flows from the voltage regulator 164 through capacitor 178i and transistor 110-3 to line 154. In effect, capacitor 178i is recharged as the current flows therethrough. When the potential at output S2 is slewing towards the high supply line 152, the diode I661 acts as a blocking diode such that charge on the capacitor 178i is prevented from flowing back towards the voltage regulator 164. Thus, charged capacitor 178i supplies voltage to the high-side gate driver output stage 176i for driving the gate terminal of FET 110-2. At some point, the capacitor will be discharged to a level which may cause the gate driver I6O1 to enter an undervoltage mode in which the gate driver is not operational anymore. The capacitor is recharged before it reaches this level of discharge. An advantage of the preset teachings is that switching of the low-side FETs 110-3, 110-4 can be used to simultaneously charge their corresponding capacitor 178 which is used for driving the high-side FETs 110-2, 110-1.

[0057] It is rather common in gate driver circuits to use charge pumps or transformer isolated (e.g., multi-channel) DC-DC converters to facilitate power supply to the gate driver(s). These circuits tend to be relatively expensive. As evident from FIG. IE, circuit 144 is absent of any charge pumps and therefore is less costly than conventional transistor active bridge circuits. The elimination of the charge pumps was achieved using circuit components 166, 178 to provide the voltage for the high-side gate driver output stages 176 in a controlled manner to avoid or minimize the likelihood that the gate driver 160i enters an undervoltage mode.

[0058] Capacitors 180i, I8O2 have a similar role as capacitors 178i, 1782. However, capacitors I8O1, I8O2 are permanently supplied a voltage signal by the voltage regulator 164. As such, the low-side FETs 110-3, 110-4 can be turned “on” for as long as desired. When low-side FET 110-3 is in its “on” state, the potential at output S2 is equal to the potential at source S of FET 110-3. Likewise, the potential at output SI is equal to the potentiation at source S of FET 110-4 when the FET is in its “on” state.

[0059] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, housing 202 may be configured to hold at least one (e.g., a plurality of, a set of, and / or the like) energy storage modules 100. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, housing 202 may be shaped to have three energy storage modules 100 uniformly distributed in an interior space defined by housing 202. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, there may be any number of energy storage modules 100, as described herein. For example, housing 202 may contain six energy storage modules 100, nine energy storage modules 100, twelve energy storage modules 100, and / or the like. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the arrangement of the energy storage modules 100 such as the one shown in FIG. 2 A may be a multilevel inverter, for example a cascaded multilevel inverter. In cases where switches such as FETs 110-1, 110-2, 110-3, 110-4 are used, the arrangement may be a cascaded H-Bridge multilevel inverter.

[0060] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, bar connections 204 may connect energy storage modules 100 within housing 202. For example, as shown in FIG. 2A, a first (e.g., left) bar connection 204 may connect second electrical connection S2 of a first (e.g., left) energy storage module 100 to first electrical connection SI of a second (e.g., center) energy storage module 100, and a second (e.g., right) bar connection 204 may connect second electrical connection S2 of the second (e.g., center) energy storage module 100 to first electricalconnection SI of a third (e.g., right) energy storage module 100. As such, these energy storage modules 100 may be connected in series. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, energy storage modules 100 and / or bar connections 204 may be in other arrangements and / or have other connections (e.g., to connect energy storage modules 100 in series, in parallel, a combination of series and parallel connections, and / or the like, as described herein). In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, bar connections 204 may include a conductive (e.g., electrically conductive) material, such as metal and / or the like. As it was discussed, previously, in some non-limiting embodiments or aspects, bar connections 204 may also be used for leading operationally generated heat away from the respective module(s) 100 (e.g., from circuit 120 of the corresponding module 100) to which the respective bar connection 204 is connected.

[0061] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, electrical connections 206-1, 206-2 (collectively referred to as “206”) may include a conductive (e.g., electrically conductive) material, such as metal and / or the like. For example, electrical connections 206 may include a wire, a cable, and / or the like. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, electrical connections 206 may allow for electrical connection between energy storage module container 200 (e.g., energy storage modules 100 within energy storage module container 200) and external components (e.g., other components of the power supply system external to housing 202).

[0062] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, first electrical connection 206- 1 may be connected to first electrical connection SI of at least one energy storage module 100. For example, first electrical connection 206-1 may be connected to first electrical connection SI of a first (e.g., left) energy storage module 100 (e.g., of a group of energy storage modules 100 connected in series). In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, second electrical connection 206-2 may be connected to second electrical connection S2 of at least one energy storage module 100. For example, second electrical connection 206-2 may be connected to second electrical connection S2 of a last (e.g., right) energy storage module 100 (e.g., of a group of energy storage modules 100 connected in series).

[0063] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, communication connection 208 may include at least one component that permits communication among other components. For example, communication connection 208 may include a bus connection (e.g., digital bus, such as controller area network bus (CAN-bus), isolated serial port Interface (isoSPI), anyderivatives thereof, any combination thereof, and / or the like). In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, communication connections 208 may allow for communicative connection between container energy storage modules 100 within energy storage module container 200 (e.g., module controllers 103 of such energy storage modules 100) and external components (e.g., other components of the power supply system external to housing 202, such as a system controller and / or the like). The system controller may provide a signal (e.g., command) via communication connection 208 to any of module controllers 103 for operating the switching elements 110 thereof (e.g., via one or more gate driver circuits) in a particular (e.g., controlled) manner.

[0064] FIGS. 2B-2C provide schematic diagrams of an example energy storage module container 200 of energy storage modules, according to those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects. As shown in FIGS. 2A-2C, energy storage module container 200 may include at least one energy storage module 100 (e.g., a plurality or energy storage modules 100, a set of energy storage modules 100, and / or the like of), housing 202 (e.g., including top cover 202a and holder 202b), bar connections 204, first electrical connection 206-1 and second electrical connection 206-2 (collectively referred to as “electrical connections 206” and individually referred to as “electrical connection 206”), and / or communication connection 208. The number and arrangement of components shown are provided as an example. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, energy storage module container 200 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown. Additionally or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of energy storage module container 200 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of energy storage module container 200. In those or other non-limiting examples, container 200 and / or housing 202 may be built from thermally conductive materials, e.g., to lead away operational heat generated in the energy storage modules 100. Especially in combination with earlier discussed measures for heat transfer, this may also allow sealing the container 200 and / or housing 202 such that they can result in a device which can be operated in presence of moisture and / or dust. Furthermore, the requirement of active cooling may be avoided. Optionally, a thermally conductive coupling may be provided (e.g., air and / or fluid-based cooling) at one or more locations, e.g., circuit 120, top cover 155, bottomcover 157, module housing 101, power out interface 151, bar 204, housing 202, and container 200 for improving heat flow.

[0065] Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, shown are schematic diagrams of an example electrical power system, shown here as a power supply system 300, according to those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects. As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, power supply system 300 may include at least one energy storage module container 200 (e.g., each including at least one energy storage module 100), electrical connections 206, communication connections 208, housing 302, system controller 304, input connection 306, at least one output connection (e.g., first output connection 308-1 and / or second output connection 308-2, collectively referred to as “output connections 308,” and individually referred to as “output connection 308”), and / or choke 402. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, power supply system 300 may also include communication connection 310. For brevity and clarity, electrical connections 206 and communication connections 208 inside energy storage module container 200 are not shown in FIG. 3A, but energy storage module(s) 100 may be connected to electrical connections 206 and / or communication connections 208, as described herein. For brevity and clarity, connections between energy storage module container 200 (and / or energy storage module(s) 100 thereof) and input connection 306, output connection(s) 308, and / or communication connection 310 are not shown in FIG. 3A, but energy storage module container 200 (and / or energy storage module(s) 100 thereof) may be connected to input connection 306, output connection(s) 308, and / or communication connection 310, as described herein. For brevity and clarity, connections between system controller 304 and input connection 306, output connection(s) 308, and / or communication connection 310 are not shown in FIG. 3A, but system controller 304 may be connected to input connection 306, output connection(s) 308, and / or communication connection 310, as described herein. The number and arrangement of components shown are provided as an example. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, power supply system 300 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown. Additionally or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of power supply system 300 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of power supply system 300. For example, in those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, choke 402 may be included in and / or a part of system controller 304.

[0066] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, housing 302 may include plastic, metal, any combination thereof, and / or the like. For example, housing 302 may include a metal housing, such as an aluminum housing. Similar to as was discussed before, in some nonlimiting examples, there may be provided a thermal coupling between housing 202 and / or container 200 and the housing 302 for improving heat transfer / dissipation.

[0067] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, housing 302 may be configured to hold at least one (e.g., a plurality of) energy storage container(s) 200 and / or at least one (e.g., a plurality of) energy storage modules(s) 100. For example, housing 302 may be configured to hold two energy storage containers 200, three energy storage containers 200, four energy storage containers 200, and / or the like. For the purpose of illustration, housing 302 may be configured to hold two energy storage containers 200, each of which may hold twelve energy storage modules(s) 100 (e.g., a total of 24 energy storage modules(s) 100). For the purpose of illustration, housing 302 may be configured to hold three energy storage containers 200, each of which may hold eight energy storage modules(s) 100 (e.g., a total of 24 energy storage modules(s) 100). Other non-limiting configurations are also possible, e.g., housing 302 may hold four energy storage containers 200, each of which may hold six energy storage modules(s) 100 (e.g., a total of 24 energy storage module(s) 100). For the purpose of illustration, housing 302 may be configured to hold two energy storage containers 200, each of which may hold three energy storage modules(s) 100 (e.g., a total of 6 energy storage modules(s) 100). In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, energy storage container(s) 200 and / or energy storage module(s) 100 may be in other arrangements within housing 302.

[0068] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, housing 302 may include a plurality of compartments separated by dividers 302d (e.g., walls, barriers, and / or the like). For example, the number of compartments may be equal to the number of energy storage container(s) 200 (e.g., a respective compartment for each respective energy storage container 200). Each compartment may be separated from the adjacent compartment(s) by a divider 302d. For example, one divider 302d may separate an interior space of housing 302 into two compartments, two dividers 302d may separate an interior space of housing 302 into three compartments, and so on. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, divider 302dmay be part of housing 302 and / or may include the same material as housing 302 (e.g., aluminum, metal, plastic, and / or the like).

[0069] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the arrangement such as the one shown in FIG. 3A may be a multilevel inverter, for example a cascaded multilevel inverter, or a cascaded H-Bridge multilevel inverter.

[0070] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, as shown in FIG. 3B, housing 302 may include body 302a, first end cap 302b, second end cap 302c, and / or at least one divider 302d. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, body 302a and / or divider 302d may include a first material (e.g., metal, such as aluminum), and first end cap 302b and / or second end cap 302c may include a second material (e.g., plastic). In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, at least one of first end cap 302b and / or second end cap 302c may include the same material as body 302a and / or divider 302d. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, first end cap 302b and second end cap 302c may be configured to (e.g., sized and shaped to) cover openings at respective ends of body 302a.

[0071] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, first end cap 302b and / or second end cap 302c may include (and / or may have a space to accommodate) input connection 306, output connection(s) 308, and / or communication connection 310. For the purpose of illustration, as shown in FIG. 3B, input connection 306 and communication connection 310 may be located at first end cap 302b, and output connections 308 may be located at second end cap 302c. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, input connection 306, output connection(s) 308, and / or communication connection 310 may be in other arrangements. For example, all of input connection 306, output connection(s) 308, and communication connection 310 may be located at the same end cap (e.g., one of first end cap 302b or second end cap 302c). As another example, input connection 306 may be located at one end cap, and communication connection 310 and output connection(s) 308 may be located at the other end cap. As another example, input connection 306 and output connection(s) 308 may be located at one end cap, and communication connection 310 may be located at the other end cap. As another example, first output connection 308-1 may be located at one end cap, and second output connection 308-2 may be located at the other end cap.

[0072] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, system controller 304 may include a controller and associated circuitry. For example, system controller 304 may include a microcontroller, a computing device, a processor, a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and / or any processing component (e.g., a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.) that can be configured to perform at least one function. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, system controller 304 may be communicatively connected to energy storage module container 200 and / or energy storage module(s) 100 (e.g., module controller(s) 103 thereof) by communication connection 208. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, system controller 304 may be electrically connected to energy storage module container 200 and / or energy storage module(s) 100 (e.g., energy storage component(s) 102 thereof) by electrical connection(s) 206. In those or other nonlimiting embodiments or aspects, choke 402 may be included in and / or a part of system controller 304.

[0073] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, input connection 306 may include at least one connector (e.g., at least one standardized electrical plug connector, e.g., for mains electric power and / or electrical devices compatible therewith). In those or other nonlimiting embodiments or aspects, each output connection 308 may include at least one connector (e.g., at least one standardized electrical plug connector, e.g., for mains electric power and / or electrical devices compatible therewith). For example, first output connection 308-1 may include a connector (e.g., standardized electrical plug connector) suitable for 100-127 V (e.g., at a frequency of 60 Hz suitable for the United States of America, North America, etc.). For example, second output connection 308-2 may include a connector (e.g., standardized electrical plug connector) suitable for 200-240 V (e.g., at a frequency of 50 Hz suitable for the European Union, etc.). In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, communication connection 310 may include at least one connector (e.g., at least one standardized communication plug connector). For example, communication connection 310 may include at least one of a universal serial bus (USB) connector (e.g., USB-A, USB-B, USB-C, USB power delivery (USB-PD), mini-USB, micro-USB, and / or the like), an ethernet connector, a coaxial cable connector, a pin connector, a CAN-bus connector, any combination thereof, and / or the like.

[0074] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, choke 402 may be electrically connected (e.g., coupled and / or the like) to energy storage module container(s) 200 and / or energy storage module(s) 100, as described herein. For example, a first energy storage module container 200 and / or a first set of energy storage modules 100 may be connected to a first connection (e.g., first end, first winding, and / or the like) of choke 402, as described herein. Additionally or alternatively, a second energy storage module container 200 and / or a second set of energy storage modules 100 may be connected to a second connection (e.g., second end, second winding, and / or the like) of choke 402, as described herein.

[0075] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, system controller 304 may command module controller(s) 103 of energy storage module(s) 100 to generate an output voltage based on a combination (e.g., sum and / or the like) of the respective module voltage of each respective energy storage module 100, as described herein. For example, by sequentially connecting multiple energy storage module(s) 100 in series in a time-shifted manner, a combined (e.g., summed) voltage may approximate an AC voltage waveform having a target amplitude (e.g., a voltage substantially equal to the nominal voltage of mains electric power, such as 100- 127 V, 200-240 V, and / or the like) and / or a target frequency (e.g., a frequency substantially equal to the nominal frequency of mains electric power, such as 60 Hz, 50 Hz, and / or the like), as described herein.

[0076] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, system controller 304 may command module controller(s) 103 of energy storage module(s) 100 to cause a respective duty cycle of a respective module voltage of each respective energy storage module 100 to generate an output voltage based on a combination (e.g., sum and / or the like) of the respective module voltage of each respective energy storage module 100, as described herein. For example, by modulating the duty cycle differently for multiple energy storage module(s) 100 connected in series, a combined (e.g., summed) voltage may approximate (e.g., better approximate) an AC voltage waveform having a target amplitude and / or a target frequency, as described herein. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the duty cycle of the respective module voltage may relate to a switched voltage scheme such as a pulse-width modulation (PWM) type waveform. For example, system controller 304 may command module controller(s) 103 of energy storage modules 100 to switch their output voltage with certain frequency and / or duty- 1cycle. The exact number or range of the switching frequency is not essential to the scope or generality of the teachings of the present disclosure. As some non-limiting examples, the switching frequency of the system may be in the kHz range (1 kHz to 999 kHz). For example, the switching frequency and / or PWM frequency of the system may be between 40 kHz and 100 kHz. In some cases, the switching frequency and / or PWM frequency of the system may be at or around 90 kHz. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, module output may be switching (e.g., PWM) at a frequency between 1.5 kHz to 7.5 kHz. For example, module output may be switching (e.g., PWM) at a frequency between 3.5 kHz to 4.5 kHz. As a further example, module output may be switching (e.g., PWM) at a frequency at or around 3.75 kHz. As another example, module output may be switching (e.g., PWM) at a frequency at or around 4 kHz. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the switching frequency or PWM frequency of the system may be proportional to a multiplication of the switching frequency and / or PWM frequency of the energy storage module 100 and the number of energy storage modules 100. It shall be appreciated that duty cycle may be anywhere between 0% and 100%, e.g., depending on the time at which the respective energy storage modules 100 are being operated. For example, 0% duty cycle for a given energy storage module 100 may mean that the energy storage module 100 is instructed to be deactivated or in a bypass mode (energy storage module 100 not contributing to the output voltage, but still able to carry current), and 100% duty cycle may mean that that energy storage module 100 is instructed to be switched on or activated in a given polarity. For example, by sweeping the duty cycle of a given energy storage module 100 over time (e.g., between 0% and 100%), the effective output voltage of that energy storage module 100 can be more finely incremented or decremented between voltage steps associated with full switching between two consecutive energy storage modules 100. Various energy storage modules 100 may be orchestrated, e.g., by system controller 304, to generate an output voltage based on a combination of the respective module voltage of each respective energy storage module 100, as described herein.

[0077] Referring now to FIG. 4, shown is a circuit diagram of an example electrical system, for example, a power delivery system such as a power supply system 400, according to some non-limiting embodiments or aspects. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, power supply system 400 may be the same as or similar to electrical system 300. The number and arrangement of components shown are provided as an example. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, power supply system 400 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown. Additionally or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of power supply system 400 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of power system 400. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, the arrangement such as the one shown in FIG. 4 may be a multilevel inverter, for example a cascaded multilevel inverter, or a cascaded H-Bridge multilevel inverter.

[0078] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, as shown in FIG. 4, input connection 306 may be connected to input choke 416. Input choke 416 may be connected to input capacitor 418 and / or at least one input inductor (e.g., first input inductor 420-1 and / or second input inductor 420-2, collectively referred to as “input inductors 420,” and individually referred to as “input inductor 420”). For example, input choke 416 may be provided for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) reasons. Similarly, input capacitor 418 may be provided as an EMC capacitor (and / or class-X capacitor), which may stabilize the input voltage and / or make the input less impedant at higher frequencies. For example, input inductor(s) 420 may be used to operate the power supply system 400 in a controlled current mode.

[0079] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, first output connection 308-1 may be connected to first output choke 414-1. First output choke 414-1 may be connected to at least one of capacitor 412-1 and / or inductors 410.

[0080] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, second output connection 308- 2 may be connected to second output choke 414-2. Second output choke 414-2 may be connected to capacitor 412-2.

[0081] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, each of the chokes (e.g., input choke 416, first output choke 414-1, and / or second output choke 414-2) may be common-mode chokes and / or the like, e.g., used for EMC performance. It shall be appreciated that further discussion of EMC inductors or capacitors is not essential to the scope or generality of the present teachings.

[0082] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, input switch 424 may selectively connect and / or disconnect input 406 from first set 401-1 and second set 401-2 ofenergy storage modules 100. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, to operate in a third mode of operation (e.g., a charging mode of operation) input switch 424 at input 406 may be switched to a first state (e.g., closed, activated, and / or the like). For example, switching input switch 424 to the first state (e.g., closed, activated, and / or the like) may allow current to flow from input connection 306 through input 406 to first set 401-1 and second set 401-2 of energy storage modules 100 (e.g., to charge energy storage modules 100). In those or other nonlimiting embodiments or aspects, a power source (e.g., mains electric power, generator power, renewable power (e.g., solar, wind, and / or the like), and / or the like) may be connected to input connection 306. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, system controller 304 may control module controllers of energy storage modules 100 to charge energy storage components 102 thereof (e.g., based on power from the power source).

[0083] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, to discontinue the third mode of operation (e.g., stop charging) and / or to prevent current from flowing to input connection 306 when power supply system 400 is not in the third (e.g., charging) mode of operation, input switch 424 at input 406 may be switched to a second state (e.g., open, deactivated, and / or the like).

[0084] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, at least one output switching element (e.g., first output switch 426-1 and / or second output switch 426-2, collectively referred to as “output switches 426,” and individually referred to as “output switch 426”) may selectively connect and / or disconnect outputs 408 from first set 401-1 and second set 401-2 of energy storage modules 100.

[0085] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, to operate in the first mode of operation, in addition to switching of switch 404 to a first state (e.g., closed, activated and / or the like), first output switch 426-1 may be switched to a first state (e.g., closed, activated and / or the like). For example, this may allow current to flow from first set 401-1 and second set 401-2 of energy storage modules 100 through first output 408-1 (and inductors 410 and / or capacitor 412- 1) to first output connection 308-1 (e.g., to supply power to a load connected to first output connection 308-1). In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, to prevent current from flowing to first output connection 308-1 when power supply system 400 is not in the firstmode of operation, first output switch 426-1 may be switched to a second state (e.g., opened, deactivated and / or the like).

[0086] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, to operate in the second mode of operation, in addition to switching of switch 404 to a second state (e.g., opened, deactivated and / or the like), second output switch 426-2 may be switched to a first state (e.g., closed, activated and / or the like). For example, this may allow current to flow from first set 401-1 and second set 401-2 of energy storage modules 100 through second output 408-2 (and capacitor 412-2) to second output connection 308-2 (e.g., to supply power to a load connected to second output connection 308-2). In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, to prevent current from flowing to second output connection 308-2 when power supply system 400 is not in the second mode of operation, second output switch 426-2 may be switched to a second state (e.g., opened, deactivated and / or the like).

[0087] In those or other non-limiting embodiments, the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation may be used to provide multi- voltage operation via the power supply system 400. For example, in the first mode of operation, the first set 401-1 and second set 401-2 of energy storage modules 100 may be connected in parallel, while in the second mode of operation, the first set 401-1 and second set 401-2 of energy storage modules 100 may be connected in series. It shall be appreciated that the first mode of operation may provide an output voltage which is lower than the output voltage provided in the second mode of operation. However, the output current provided in the first mode of operation may be larger than the output current provided in the second mode of operation. For example, the first mode of operation may provide a 110 V output, while the second mode of operation provides a 220 V output. This can advantageously allow the power supply system 400 for multi-voltage domain operation. For example, 110 V AC mains voltage domain is predominantly used in the US, while 220 V AC mains voltage domain is used in Europe. The power supply system 400 can thus allow flexibility in using electrical appliances rated for any of the voltage domains. A particular advantage of the shown configuration can be that output power can be similar or identical in either mode. For example, assuming identical sets (401-1 and 401-2) operating identically, output current in the first mode can be double of the output current in the second mode even though the output voltage in the first mode is half of the output voltage in the secondmode. This can allow similar power levels to be used despite the voltage domain which the power supply system 400 output is operating in. The examples of 110 V and 220 V are nonlimiting to the teachings as any voltage domain, or operating frequency can be realized with the present structure. Moreover, it is not limiting to have the two domains which are related by an integer factor to each other in terms of voltage and / or current. It shall be appreciated the operating cycle (e.g., order of plurality of modules) can be adapted according to the operating mode of the power supply system 400.

[0088] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, each of input switch 424 and output switches 426 may include at least one of a switch, a contactor, a transistor, any combination thereof, and / or the like. For example, each of the input switch 424 and output switches 426 may include at least one of an SPST switch, a DPDT switch, an SPDT switch, a DPST switch, any combination thereof, and / or the like. For example, each of the input switch 424 and output switches 426 may include at least one of a DPDT switch or a DPST switch. For the purpose of illustration, as shown in FIG. 4, each of the input switch 424 and output switches 426 may include a DPST switch or a DPDT switch.

[0089] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, power supply system 400 may include current sensors 422, which may be in communication with system controller 304 (e.g., a microcontroller). In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, each current sensor 422 may include a shunt amplifier. For example, each shunt amplifier may refer to a common potential (e.g., reference voltage), to which system controller 304 (e.g., a microcontroller) also may refer. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, at least some (e.g., all, a subset, and / or the like) of current sensors 422 may be any other suitable type of current sensor. For example, a current sensor 422 may include measuring voltage drop across a resistor connected in series (e.g., to at least one of first set 401-1 and / or second set 401-2 of energy storage modules 100), e.g., to measure the current flowing through the resistor (and / or any component in series with the resistor). In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, at least one current sensor 422 may be of a different type than another current sensor 422. For example, a current sensor 422 connected to of first set 401-1 of energy storage modules 100 may be of a different type than another current sensor 422 connected to second set 401-2 of energy storage modules 100.

[0090] In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, by measuring current at locations of current sensors 422, the following may be measured (e.g., by system controller 304 and / or the like): output current (e.g., in a redundant manner), input current (e.g., in a redundant manner), circular current (e.g., if strings are connected in parallel). In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, current sensors may measure current flowing through each of first set 401-1 and second set 401-2 of energy storage modules 100. As such, relative measurements may be performed to detect if a circular (e.g., loop) current is flowing between first set 401-1 and second set 401-2 of energy storage modules 100. In other words, such relative measurements may be used to detect that the load current is divided evenly between the sets. Such measurements also may be used for orchestrating the operation of energy storage modules 100, e.g., in such a manner that the circular (e.g., loop) current may be reduced (e.g., eliminated). Additionally or alternatively, such orchestration may also include disabling certain energy storage modules 100 in any of sets 401, even if such disabling causes an unequal number of active energy storage modules 100 between the sets 401. This may help running the power supply system 400, for example, even if energy storage modules 100 between sets 401 have different charge levels. Additionally or alternatively, such orchestration may include first module voltages of first set 401-1 being interleaved with second module voltages of second set 401-2. Interleaving of the module voltages can be done by phase shifting output voltage of one set with respect to the output of the other set. Additionally or alternatively, such orchestration may include tolerating, or even in those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, creating, an imbalance in voltages between the first set 401-1 and the second set 401-2. This may result in the loop current which tends to flow from one set 401 to the other set 401 to be a low frequency current which can be used, e.g., to equalize state of charge between the two sets 401. Choke 402, even in such non-limiting embodiments or aspects, may block the high frequency currents, but may allow low frequency or DC current to flow from the set 401 having a higher voltage than the other set 401. As such, power supply system 400 may be more robust, flexible, and balanced. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, current sensors 422 may be leveraged for making absolute measurements, such as determining total current flowing through first set 401-1 and / or second set 401-2 of energy storage modules 100. It shall be appreciated that said imbalance may be caused by unequal number of energy storage modules 100 operating in one set 401 as compared to the number of energy storage modules 100 operating in the other set 401.Additionally or alternatively, the imbalance may be due to unequal charge level between the two sets 401. Similarly, the power supply system 400 may also include circuit for voltage measurement in one or more networks of the power supply system 400. It is neither essential nor limiting to the present disclosure to specify which voltage measurement circuit or scheme must be used.

[0091] As discussed above, the power supply 100 has an AC input 290 for charging the internal electrical energy storage cells 400. Charging is done in a controlled current mode. In this regard, the power supply 100 comprises control circuitry and filter components to operate at a desired current waveform. The power supply 100 is designed to quickly charge the electrical energy storage cells 400 without overheating.

[0092] For the energy storage modules 100, there may be two modes of operation, namely a first mode and a second mode. The energy storage modules 100 are deactivated in the first mode which results in a lowest self-consumption. The energy storage modules 100 are activated in the second mode which results in significant self-consumption. The transistor active bridge circuit 144 operates in accordance with commands from the system controller 200.

[0093] In one implementation, the energy storage modules 100 are always kept in the second mode during charging, but the root mean square (RMS) value of charging current may vary between two values (e.g., 0 Amps and 4 Amps). So, there are two states for current control. A first state exists when the temperature of an energy storage module reaches a first threshold and current is set to a first value (e.g., zero amps). The energy storage module cools down in the first state. A second state exists when the temperature of the energy storage module falls below a second threshold (which is below the first threshold) and current is set to a higher second value (e.g., four amps).

[0094] In the first state there are two main sources of heat: data processing circuit 132 and transistor active bridge circuit 144. The losses are constant and irrelevant of the current. The following additional sources of heat are added when the energy storage module is operating in the second state: electrical energy storage cells 400 and other resistive components (e.g., traces and connectors). This results in (i) ohmic loss in the electrical energy storage cells 400 plus theother resistive components and (ii) ohmic loss plus switching loss in the power stage. The ohmic losses have a quadratic dependence of the current. Switching loss tends to be roughly linear.

[0095] Ignoring the switching loss and with exemplary values of eleven watts constant losses, 1 R ohmic resistance for the complete system and 3.6 V cell voltage, the percentual loss depending on the current results in the values plotted on graph 500 of FIG. 5.

[0096] From the above, the problem is two-fold. Thus, the present solution is designed to have a dual purpose of (1) charging the energy storage modules as fast as possible and (2) extending the life of the energy storage modules.

[0097] With regard to the above-mentioned purpose (1) of the present solution, the amount of thermal energy, that can be conducted from the device into the environment, is (among other factors) dependent on the temperature difference between the device and the environment. In other words, the higher the temperature of the device the higher is its cooling rate. It is therefore beneficial if the system is charged at a high temperature for the charging time.

[0098] An illustrative method 600 is shown in FIG. 6 in which the electrical energy storage cells 102 are charged while the energy storage module’s temperature is within a given range thrUpper - thriower. Method 600 is provided from the perspective of a single energy storage module being charged in accordance with a local temperature scheme. Another method 800 will be discussed below in relation to a scenario in which a plurality of energy storage modules is being controlled in accordance with a global temperature scheme.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 6A, method 600 begins with 602 where the presence of an AC voltage is detected at an AC input of a power supply system (e.g., power supply system 300 of FIG. 3 or 400 of FIG. 4). This detection is made when the power supply system is connected to an external power source, for example, an AC mains. The power supply system is then optionally placed in a charging mode as shown by block 606.

[0100] Next in block 608, a temperature T of the energy storage module (e.g., energy storage module 100 of FIG. 1) is compared to an upper threshold value thrUpper. The upper threshold value thrUpper can include, but is not limited to, a maximum desired temperature for charging of the energy storage module. If the temperature T is not less than the upper threshold value thrUpper[610:NO], then method 600 continues to block 622, as shown by block 612. If the temperature T is less than the upper threshold value thrUpper [610:YES], then method 600 continues to block 614 where a maximum charging current is allowed to be supplied to the energy storage components (e.g., energy storage components 102 of FIG. 1).

[0101] As the energy storage components are being charged using the maximum charging current, the system continues to monitor the temperature T of the energy storage module in block 616. The temperature T is once again compared to the upper threshold value thrUpper in block 618. If the temperature T is less than the upper threshold value thrupper[620:NO], then method 600 returns to block 616. If the temperature T is greater than or equal to the upper threshold value thrupper[620:YES], then method 600 continues to block 622 where the energy storage module is placed in a charging pause mode of operation. In the charging pause mode of operation, charging of energy storage element(s) is paused or temporarily stopped.

[0102] In the charging pause mode of operation, select circuit components of the energy storage module are placed in a low power mode as shown by block 624. The select circuit components can include, but are not limited to, the data processing circuit 132 of FIG. IB, transistor active bridge circuit 144 of FIG. IB, and / or gate drivers 160 (either whole or output stages 176) and / or voltage regulator 164 of FIG. IE. The circuit components may be pre-selected or dynamically selected during charging and / or each time an upper threshold is reached based on certain criteria. The criteria can include, but is not limited to, measured amount(s) of heat being generated by circuit component(s). Other components that may not be placed in low power mode include, but are not limited to, battery monitoring system (BMS) (e.g., 132 or a second BMS (not shown in FIG. IE)) or circuit, and / or sensors. Thus, in some scenarios, a first portion of the energy storage module is placed in the low power mode (e.g., switched off, or operated with significantly lower power than normal power mode of the first portion), while a second portion of the energy storage module remains in the normal power mode of the second portion. In those or other non-limiting aspects, the second portion may be operated in a normal power mode (e.g., power with which the second portion operates in normal operation), or it may be in non-zero reduced power mode (e.g., lower data rate, lower operating voltage, lower clock frequency their likes or their combinations). An advantage of the latter can be that it may further help faster cooldown of the module 100 while keeping key operations (e.g., safety related) alive.In those or other non-limiting aspects, the first portion of the energy storage module may be those one or more components which are considered main and / or dominant source(s) of heat in that module 100 (e.g., they generate heat at a level or amount to be considered a main (e.g., dominant) source of heat in the energy storage module 100). An advantage of placing the gate drivers 160 (either whole or output stages 176) in low-power mode (e.g., disabling or powering those OFF) can be that monitoring of the energy storage cells 102 is not interrupted such that any undesired state related to those can be detected and acted upon, whilst obtaining faster cooling down of the energy storage cells 102 (e.g., enabling that charging operation can be resumed sooner). To further enhance the drop of undesired temperature, the data processing circuit or BMS 132 can be operated in a reduced power mode (e.g., lower data rate, lower operating voltage, lower clock frequency, sleep mode and wakeup at certain times, their likes or their combinations). In the scope of “sleep mode and wake up”, is also meant to include a power- down / power-up cycling. For example, the data processing circuit or BMS 132 may go into a sleep mode for a first time-period and then wake up for a second time-period to perform one or more measurements (e.g., temperature, voltage, charge, their likes or combinations), optionally transmit those measurements (e.g., to control unit 304) and then go back to sleep mode again. The operation in the second time-period may be in normal power mode (e.g., power with which the second portion operates in normal operation), or it may be in non-zero reduced power mode (e.g., lower data rate, lower operating voltage, lower clock frequency their likes or their combinations). The sequence of first time-period and second time-period may occur at regular time periods, or irregular time periods, may be of different lengths or the same length in each cycle. For example, the circuit 132 may either perform the same measurements in each first time-period, or it may do different measurement in each or some of the first time-periods. For example, the circuit 132 may perform critical measurements more frequently (e.g., in each cycle, or in most cycles), while it may perform other measurements less frequently. The second timeperiod may also be adapted according to the number of measurements and / or data which need to be processed and / or transmitted. In those or other non-limiting aspects, “sleep-mode” may or may not be the same mode as a “power-down” mode. For example, power-down mode may be a mode in which the circuit 132 is entirely powered off, while sleep mode may be in which the circuit 132 is in a significantly reduced power mode, but not entirely switched off. In those or other non-limiting aspects, the control unit 304 and / or any other controller operatively coupled tothe modules 100 facilitates the low power mode of any, some, or all of the components as discussed above. With regard to the transistor active bridge circuit 144, it can be placed in a low power mode of operation, for example, by discontinuing the supply of power to the gate drivers 160i, I6O2 of FIG. IE. Upon completing the operations of block 624, method 600 continues to block 626 of FIG. 6B. Another advantage of placing the gate drivers 160 (e.g., either whole or output stages 176) in low-power mode (e.g., disabling or powering-OFF) can be that it also places the transistor active bridge circuit 144 in a low power mode. In those or other aspects, the data processing circuit or BMS 132 of a module 100 is powered directly via the cells 102 of that module 100. In those or other aspects, other module circuitry (e.g., gate drivers 160 and / or output stages 176) is powered via the voltage regulator 164 of that module 100. In those or other aspects, placing the voltage regulator 164 in a low power mode (e.g., disabling) automatically also places the select circuit components (e.g., non-safety critical components) of the energy storage module 100 in low power mode. Advantageously, the transistor active bridge circuit 144 is also placed in low power mode (e.g., disabled) by placing the voltage regulator 164 in low power mode.

[0103] Block 626 involves monitoring the temperature T of the energy storage module while it is in the charging pause mode of operation. In this regard, it should be noted here that a temperature of the energy storage module may be allowed to decrease while the energy storage module is in the charging pause mode, wherein the charging of the at least one energy storage element (e.g., some or all) is paused in the charging pause mode. The temperature T is compared to the lower threshold value thrower in block 628. If the temperature T is greater than the lower threshold value thriower[630:YES], method 600 return to block 626. If the temperature T is equal to or less than the lower threshold value thriower[630:NO], method 600 continues to block 632 where the select circuit components are transitioned out of the low power mode. The select circuit components may be transitioned out of the low power mode into a normal power mode of operation or another higher power mode of operation.

[0104] Method 600 repeats operations of block 606-622 until the energy storage components are charged or other event occurs, as shown by block 634. In response to the energy storage components being charged or an occurrence of the other event, the power supply unit is transitioned out of the charging mode as shown by block 636. Subsequently, method 600continues to block 638 where it ends or other operations are performed. The other operations can include, but are not limited to, returning to block 602 of FIG. 6A.

[0105] A graph 700 is provided in FIG. 7 that is useful for understanding method 600. At time zero minutes, the temperature of the energy storage module is below the lower threshold value thriimer. As such, a maximum charging current (e.g., 4 Amps) is supplied to the energy storage components of the energy storage module. The maximum charging current continues to be supplied to the energy storage components until a temperature T of the energy storage module reaches the upper threshold value thrUpper. For example, this occurs 5 minutes after the starting time of charging. At this time, supply of the charging current is discontinued such that the output voltage decreases to zero volts. Additionally, the energy storage module is placed in the charging pause mode of operation. These actions are performed so that the energy storage module cool down. Once the temperature T of the energy storage module reaches the lower threshold value thriower, the maximum charging current is once again supplied to the energy storage components of the energy storage module. This process is repeated until, for example, the energy storage components are charged. It can be seen from the graph 500 of FIG. 5 that working with higher currents is relatively efficient. With this solution, it is possible to charge the energy storage module in a relatively efficient way while passive consumers are active.

[0106] This solution has many advantages. For example, a significant amount of temperature input results from the self-heating of the energy storage modules 100. The total energy loss during charging (and therefore the temperature increase) is a function of the selfheating losses and the ohmic-losses, which are dependent on the quadratic current. The minimal energy loss is achieved by using a high charging current. Accordingly, the maximum possible charging current is used while charging and the energy storage module is turned “off’ during a cool-down break. This results in a minimal energy loss and a faster charging time.

[0107] FIG. 8 provides a flow diagram of another method 800 for charging a plurality of energy storage modules in accordance with a global temperature scheme. Method 800 begins with 802 and continues to 804 where the presence of an AC voltage is detected at an AC input of a power supply system (e.g., power supply system 300 of FIG. 3 or 400 of FIG. 4). This detection is made when the power supply system is connected to an external power source, forexample, an AC mains. The power supply system is then optionally placed in a charging mode as shown by block 806.

[0108] Next in block 808, temperatures of a plurality of energy storage modules (e.g., energy storage modules 100 of FIG. 2A) are measured. The energy storage modules are connected in series with each other and are in the charging mode of operation. The system selects, in block 810, a greatest temperature Tgreatest from the measured temperatures. The greatest temperature Tgreatest is compared to an upper threshold value thrUpper, as shown by block 812. If the greatest temperature Tgreatest is greater than or equal to the upper threshold value thrUpper [814:NO], method 800 goes to block 828 of FIG. 8B, as shown by block 816. The operations of block 828 will be discussed below. Otherwise [814:YES], method 800 continues to block 818 where a maximum charging current is allowed to be supplied to the energy storage components of the energy storage modules.

[0109] The system continues to monitor the temperatures of the energy storage modules while the energy storage components are being charged, as shown by block 820. Next in block 822, the greatest temperature Tgreatest is once again selected from the measured temperatures of the energy storage modules. The greatest temperature Tgreatest is compared to the upper threshold value thrupperin block 824. If the greatest temperature Tgreatest is less than the upper threshold value thrupper [826:NO], method 800 return to block 820. Otherwise [826:YES], method 800 continues to block 828 of FIG. 8B.

[0110] Block 828 involves placing at least the energy storage module associated with the selected greatest temperature in a charging pause mode of operation. In some scenarios, all energy storage modules are placed in the charging mode of operation. In other scenarios, only those energy storage modules with temperatures exceeding the upper threshold value thrUpper are placed in the charging pause mode of operation at this time.

[0111] In the charging pause mode of operation, select circuit components of the energy storage module are placed in a low power mode in block 830. The select circuit components can include, but are not limited to, the data processing circuit 132 of FIG. IB and / or transistor active bridge circuit 144 of FIG. IB. With regard to the transistor active bridge circuit 144, it can be placed in a low power mode of operation, for example, by discontinuing the supply of power tothe gate drivers 160i, I6O2 of FIG. IE. Upon completing the operations of block 830, method 800 continues to block 832.

[0112] Block 832 involves monitoring the temperatures of the energy storage modules. A lowest temperature Tiowest of the measured temperatures is selected in block 834. The lowest temperature Ti,met is compared to a lower threshold value thriimerin block 836. If the temperature Ti,met is greater than the lower threshold value thriimer[838:YES], method 800 return to block 832. If the temperature T is equal to or less than the lower threshold value thrower [838:NO], method 800 continues to block 840 where the select circuit components are transitioned out of the low power mode. It should be noted here that block 840 may involve causing the energy storage module to no longer operate in the charging pause mode so that the charging of the at least one energy storage element is resumed, when the temperature reaches or falls below a lower threshold value.

[0113] Method 800 repeats operations of block 806-840 until the energy storage components are charged or other event occurs, as shown by block 842. In response to the energy storage components being charged or an occurrence of the other event, the power supply unit is transitioned out of the charging mode as shown by block 844. Subsequently, method 800 continues to block 846 where it ends or other operations are performed. The other operations can include, but are not limited to, returning to block 802 of FIG. 8A.

[0114] The other operations of block 846 may additionally or alternatively involve: causing the at least one circuit component, that is considered a main source of heat in the energy storage module, to operate in the low power mode while the energy storage module is not fully charged, the energy storage module is in the charging pause mode, and / or at least one other circuit component is not operating in the low power mode (or is operating in a normal power mode); and / or transitioning the at least one circuit component out of the low power mode responsive to said energy storage module no longer operating in the charging pause mode. The other operations may additionally or alternatively involve: selecting a lowest temperature from a plurality of measured temperatures associated with a plurality of energy storage modules; comparing the lowest temperature to a lower threshold value; and / or causing the energy storage module to no longer operate in the charging pause mode so that charging of the at least oneenergy storage element is resumed, when the lowest temperature reaches or falls below the lower threshold value.

[0115] With regard to the above-mentioned purpose (2) of the present solution, it should be understood that high temperature during charging reduces the lifetime of electrical energy storage cells 400. Therefore, the electrical energy storage cells 400 may be operated at a temperature lower than the maximum temperature during charging to extend their lifetime. This may be done by adjusting the charging current in a linear fashion so that generated loss and heat transfer to the environment are in balance at a desired temperature (e.g., 40°C). A reference temperature may be fed into a transfer function G, which regulates the current RMS value. If the temperature rises, the current is reduced. This results in an optimal temperature / charging current when fastest charging time is the goal. The transfer function G can represent a proportional (P) controller, an integral (I) controller, a proportional and integral (PI) controller, and / or a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller.

[0116] This solution has many advantages. For example, controlled temperature charging allows for operating at a given temperature to extend cell lifetime.

[0117] FIG. 9 provides a block diagram of an illustrative circuit 900 implementing a transfer function based scheme for controlling the charging of energy storage modules. Circuit 900 comprises a difference operator 902, a transfer function operator 904 and a charge controller 906. The difference operator 902 is configured to compute the difference between a set point value and a measured temperature of an energy storage module (e.g., energy storage module 100 of FIG. 1). The result of this computation is referred to as a temperature error. The temperature error is provided as an input to the transfer function operator 904. The transfer function operator 904 is configured to compute or otherwise determine a charge current value based on the temperature error. The charge current value is passed to the charge control 906 for controlling the charging current being supplied to the energy storage module. This control may cause the charging current to remain at its current value or cause the charging current to be adjusted so that the temperature of the energy storage module remains at or near a set point. The set point can be any value selected in accordance with a given application. For example, the set point may be 50°C. The present solution is not limited to this particular set point value.

[0118] FIG. 10 provides a flow diagram of an illustrative method 1000 that is implemented by a circuit (e.g., circuit 900 of FIG. 9) of a power supply unit (e.g., power supply unit 300 of FIG. 3 or 400 of FIG. 4). Method 1000 begins with 1002 and continues with 1004 where the power supply unit is placed in a charging mode. A temperature of the energy storage module is measured in 1006. In 1008, the system computes a difference between the measured temperature and a set point. A charging current value is calculated or otherwise determined in 1010 using the computed difference. Accordingly, the charging current value is dependent on the computed difference. A transfer function may be used for the charging current calculation. Next in 1012, the charging current is supplied to the energy storage components of the energy storage module. Method 1000 then continues with 1014 where it returns 1006 so that the process can be repeated until the energy storage components are charged or other event occurs. Subsequently, method 1000 ends or other operations are performed as shown by block 1016.

[0119] A graph 1100 is provided in FIG. 11 that is useful for understanding the operations of circuit 900 of FIG. 9 and method 1000 of FIG. 10. In the scenario of FIG. 11, a charging current of four amps is supplied to the energy storage components until the temperature of the energy storage modules reaches the set point. The charging current is then linearly decreased to a value that is selected to cause the energy storage module’s temperature to remain at or close to the set point. The value of the charging current may be adjusted (e.g., increased or decreased) depending on temperature changes of the energy storage module.

[0120] Referring now to FIG. 12, shown is a diagram of example components of a device 1200 according to non-limiting embodiments. Device 1200 may correspond to at least one of module controller 103 and / or system controller 304, as an example. In those or other nonlimiting embodiments or aspects, such controllers may include at least one device 1200 and / or at least one component of device 1200. The number and arrangement of components shown are provided as an example. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, device 1200 may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown. Additionally or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of device 1200 may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of device 1200.

[0121] As shown in FIG. 12, device 1200 may include bus 1202, processor 1204, memory 1206, storage component 1208, input component 1210, output component 1212, and communication interface 1214. Bus 1202 may include a component that permits communication among the components of device 1200. In those or other non-limiting embodiments or aspects, processor 1204 may be implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. For example, processor 1204 may include a microcontroller, a processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), an accelerated processing unit (APU), etc.), a microprocessor, a digital signal processor (DSP), and / or any processing component (e.g., a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), etc.) that can be programmed to perform a function. Memory 1206 may include random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), and / or another type of dynamic or static storage device (e.g., flash memory, magnetic memory, optical memory, etc.) that stores information and / or instructions for use by processor 1204.

[0122] With continued reference to FIG. 12, storage component 1208 may store information and / or software related to the operation and use of device 1200. For example, storage component 1208 may include a hard disk (e.g., a magnetic disk, an optical disk, a magneto-optic disk, a solid-state disk, etc.) and / or another type of computer-readable medium. Input component 1210 may include a component that permits device 1200 to receive information, such as via user input (e.g., a touch screen display, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a switch, a microphone, etc.). Additionally or alternatively, input component 1210 may include a sensor for sensing information. Output component 1212 may include a component that provides output information from device 1200 (e.g., a display, a speaker, one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs), etc.). Communication interface 1214 may include a transceiver-like component (e.g., a transceiver, a separate receiver and transmitter, etc.) that enables device 1200 to communicate with other devices, such as via a wired connection, a wireless connection, or a combination of wired and wireless connections. Communication interface 1214 may permit device 1200 to receive information from another device and / or provide information to another device. For example, communication interface 1214 may include an Ethernet interface, an optical interface, a coaxial interface, an infrared interface, a radio frequency (RF) interface, a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a Wi-Fi® interface, a cellular network interface, and / or the like.

[0123] Device 1200 may perform one or more processes described herein. Device 1200 may perform these processes based on processor 1204 executing software instructions stored by a computer-readable medium, such as memory 1206 and / or storage component 1208. A computer- readable medium may include any non-transitory memory device. A memory device includes memory space located inside of a single physical storage device or memory space spread across multiple physical storage devices. Software instructions may be read into memory 1206 and / or storage component 1208 from another computer-readable medium or from another device via communication interface 1214. When executed, software instructions stored in memory 1206 and / or storage component 1208 may cause processor 1204 to perform one or more processes described herein. Additionally or alternatively, hardwired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions to perform one or more processes described herein. Thus, embodiments described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software. The term “configured to,” as used herein, may refer to an arrangement of software, device(s), and / or hardware for performing and / or enabling one or more functions (e.g., actions, processes, steps of a process, and / or the like). For example, “a processor configured to” may refer to a processor that executes software instructions (e.g., program code) that cause the processor to perform one or more functions. It shall be appreciated that the present teachings also disclose a software program product comprising instructions which when executed by a suitable computer processor cause the computer processor to perform the methods herein disclosed.

[0124] Such methods include, for example: controllably charging at least one energy storage element of an energy storage module by: measuring a temperature of the energy storage module; comparing the temperature to an upper threshold value; allowing a charging current to be supplied to the energy storage module for charging the at least one energy storage element when the temperature is below the upper threshold value; placing the energy storage module in a charging pause mode to pause the charging of the at least one energy storage element_when the temperature reaches or rises above the upper threshold value; and selecting and / or causing at least one circuit component of the energy storage module to operate in a low power mode, while the energy storage module is not fully charged and is in the charging pause mode.

[0125] Additionally or alternatively, such methods include: measuring a temperature of the energy storage module; comparing the temperature to an upper threshold value; allowing a charging current to be supplied to the energy storage module for charging the at least one energy storage element when the temperature is below the upper threshold value; placing the energy storage module in a charging pause mode to pause the charging of the at least one energy storage element and placing at least one circuit component of the energy storage module in a low power mode, responsive to or_when the temperature reaches or rises above the upper threshold value; transitioning (i) the energy storage module out of the charging pause mode and back into a changing mode and or (ii) the at least one circuit component out of the low power mode, responsive to or when the temperature of the energy storage module reaches or falls below a lower threshold value; and / or selecting the at least one circuit component from a plurality of circuit components of the energy storage module based on relative amounts of heat generated thereby, wherein the at least one circuit component comprises one of the plurality of circuit components that is generating an amount of heat to be considered a main source of heat in the energy storage module. The at least one circuit component may be in the low power mode when the energy storage module is not fully charged and is in the charging pause mode. The at least one circuit component may comprise one of a plurality of circuit components of the energy storage module that generates heat at a level or amount to be considered a main source of heat in the energy storage module.

[0126] Although the present solution has been illustrated and described with respect to one or more implementations, equivalent alterations and modifications will occur to others skilled in the art upon the reading and understanding of this specification and the annexed drawings. In addition, while a particular feature of the present solution may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present solution should not be limited by any of the above described scenarios. Rather, the scope of the present solution should be defined in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. The present teachings also disclose systems comprising means for performing the herein disclosed methods (e.g., executing steps of any of the herein disclosed methods). It is also disclosed software comprising instructions which when executed via a suitable system, cause the system to perform the hereindisclosed methods (e.g., executing steps of any of the herein disclosed methods). It shall be appreciated that the electrical systems or methods as proposed may either be realized as standalone products, or they may be part of a larger system (e.g., a hybrid vehicle, an electric vehicle (“EV”), machine, power tool, or their likes). For example, it is disclosed a system or arrangement (e.g., an inverter, a vehicle, a machine, a power tool, any other types or their likes) comprising at least one or more of the herein disclosed circuits and / or electrical systems.

[0127] Without excluding further possible embodiments, certain example embodiments are summarized in the following clauses.

[0128] Clause 1 : A method for controllably charging at least one energy storage element of an energy storage module (e.g., comprising one or more electrical storage component, such as a battery). The method comprises: measuring a temperature of the energy storage module; comparing the temperature to an upper threshold value; allowing a charging current to be supplied to the energy storage module for charging the at least one energy storage element when the temperature is below the upper threshold value; and placing the energy storage module in a charging pause mode when the temperature reaches or rises above the upper threshold value, whereby at least one circuit component of the energy storage module is caused to operate in a low power mode and the charging current is no longer being supplied to the at least one energy storage element.

[0129] Clause 2: The method of Clause 1, wherein the charging current is a maximum charging current for the energy storage module.

[0130] Clause 3: The method of any of the preceding method clauses, wherein an output voltage for the energy storage module drops to zero volts when the energy storage module in placed in the charging pause mode.

[0131] Clause 4: The method of any of the preceding method clauses, further comprising allowing a temperature of the energy storage module to decrease while the energy storage module is in the charging pause mode.

[0132] Clause 4a: The method of any of the preceding method clauses, further comprising allowing a temperature of the energy storage module to decrease while the energy storagemodule is in the charging pause mode, wherein the charging of the at least one energy storage element (e.g., some or all) is paused in the charging pause mode.

[0133] Clause 5: The method of any of the preceding method clauses, further comprising: causing the energy storage module to no longer operate in the charging pause mode when the temperature reaches or falls below a lower threshold value.

[0134] Clause 5a: The method of any of the preceding method clauses, further comprising causing the energy storage module to no longer operate in the charging pause mode so that the charging of the at least one energy storage element is resumed, when the temperature reaches or falls below a lower threshold value.

[0135] Clause 6: The method of any of the preceding method clauses, further comprising transitioning the at least one circuit component out of the low power mode responsive to said energy storage module no longer operating in the charging pause mode.

[0136] Clause 6a: The method of any of the preceding method clauses, further comprising: causing the at least one circuit component, that is considered a main source of heat in the energy storage module, to operate in the low power mode while the energy storage module is not fully charged, the energy storage module is in the charging pause mode, and / or at least one other circuit component is not operating in the low power mode (or is operating in a normal power mode); and / or transitioning the at least one circuit component out of the low power mode responsive to said energy storage module no longer operating in the charging pause mode.

[0137] Clause 7: The method of any of the preceding method clauses, further comprising allowing the charging current to once again be supplied to the energy storage module after said transitioning.

[0138] Clause 8: The method of any of the preceding method clauses, wherein the at least one circuit component comprises a data processing circuit and / or a transistor active bridge circuit.

[0139] Clause 9: The method of any of the preceding method clauses, further comprising selecting a greatest temperature from a plurality of measured temperatures associated with a plurality of energy storage modules, and using the greatest temperature as the temperature duringsaid comparing. E.g., measured temperature may be determined from a plurality of measured temperatures (e.g., greatest temperature) associated with at least some, or all, of the energy storage components (e.g., electrical batteries) of at least one energy storage module.

[0140] Clause 10: The method of any of the preceding method clauses, further comprising: selecting a lowest temperature from a plurality of measured temperatures associated with a plurality of energy storage modules; comparing the lowest temperature to a lower threshold value; and causing the energy storage module to no longer operate in the charging pause mode when the lowest temperature reaches or falls below the lower threshold value.

[0141] Clause 10a: The method of any of the preceding method clauses, further comprising: selecting a lowest temperature from a plurality of measured temperatures associated with a plurality of energy storage modules; comparing the lowest temperature to a lower threshold value; and causing the energy storage module to no longer operate in the charging pause mode so that charging of the at least one energy storage element is resumed, when the lowest temperature reaches or falls below the lower threshold value.

[0142] Clause 11 : System comprising means for performing the method steps of any of the herein disclosed methods, e.g., method steps.

[0143] Clause 12: A software product comprising instructions which when executed by a suitable processor or electrical unit, causes the processor or the electrical unit to perform the herein disclosed methods, e.g., method steps.

[0144] Clause 13: A controllable output power circuit, e.g., comprising means (e.g., a circuit and / or a processor), configured to: measure a temperature of the energy storage module; compare the temperature to an upper threshold value; allow a charging current to be supplied to the energy storage module for charging the at least one energy storage element when the temperature is below the upper threshold value; and place the energy storage module in a charging pause mode when the temperature reaches or rises above the upper threshold value, whereby at least one circuit component of the energy storage module is caused to operate in a low power mode and the charging current is no longer being supplied to the at least one energy storage element. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium may optionally be provided that comprises programming instructions configured to cause the processor to implement a method forcontrollably charging at least one energy storage element of an energy storage module. The programming instructions may comprise instructions to perform the listed operations.

[0145] Clause 14: The controllable output power circuit according to Clause 13, wherein the charging current is a maximum charging current for the energy storage module.

[0146] Clause 15: The controllable output power circuit according to any of the preceding circuit clauses, wherein an output voltage for the energy storage module drops to zero volts when the energy storage module in placed in the charging pause mode.

[0147] Clause 16: The controllable output power circuit according to any of the preceding circuit clauses, wherein a temperature of the energy storage module decreases while the energy storage module is in the charging pause mode.

[0148] Clause 17: The controllable output power circuit according to any of the preceding circuit clauses, wherein the means (e.g., the circuit and / or the processor) is further configured to (e.g., via the programming instructions comprising instructions to) cause the energy storage module to no longer operate in the charging pause mode when the temperature reaches or falls below a lower threshold value.

[0149] Clause 18: The controllable output power circuit according to any of the preceding circuit clauses, wherein the means (e.g., the circuit and / or processor) is further configured to (e.g., via programming instructions comprising instructions to) to transition the at least one circuit component out of the low power mode responsive to said energy storage module no longer operating in the charging pause mode.

[0150] Clause 19: The controllable output power circuit according to any of the preceding circuit clauses, wherein the means (e.g., the circuit and / or processor) is further configured to (e.g., via programming instructions comprising instructions to) to allow the charging current to once again be supplied to the energy storage module after said transitioning.

[0151] Clause 20: The controllable output power circuit according to any of the preceding circuit clauses, wherein the at least one circuit component comprises a data processing circuit and / or a transistor active bridge circuit.

[0152] Clause 21 : The controllable output power circuit according to any of the preceding circuit clauses, wherein the means (e.g., the circuit and / or processor) is further configured to (e.g., via programming instructions comprising instructions to) to select a greatest temperature from a plurality of measured temperatures associated with a plurality of energy storage modules, and using the greatest temperature as the temperature during said comparing.

[0153] Clause 22: The controllable output power circuit according to any of the preceding circuit clauses, wherein the means (e.g., the circuit and / or processor) is further configured to (e.g., via programming instructions comprising instructions to) to: select a lowest temperature from a plurality of measured temperatures associated with a plurality of energy storage modules; compare the lowest temperature to a lower threshold value; and cause the energy storage module to no longer operate in the charging pause mode when the lowest temperature reaches or falls below the lower threshold value.

[0154] Clause 23 : A method for operating a controllable output power circuit in a charging mode, comprising: measuring a temperature of at least one energy storage module; calculating a difference between the measured temperature and a set point; calculating a charging current based on the difference; supplying the charging current to the at least one energy storage module; and adjusting (e.g., automatically) the charging current responsive to a measured change in the temperature of the at least one energy storage module, whereby the temperature of the at least energy storage module is maintained within a range of the set point throughout charging.

[0155] Clause 24: A method comprising controllably charging at least one energy storage element of an energy storage module by: measuring a temperature of the energy storage module; comparing the temperature to an upper threshold value; allowing a charging current to be supplied to the energy storage module for charging the at least one energy storage element when the temperature is below the upper threshold value; placing the energy storage module in a charging pause mode to pause the charging of the at least one energy storage element_when the temperature reaches or rises above the upper threshold value; and selecting and / or causing at least one circuit component of the energy storage module to operate in a low power mode, while the energy storage module is not fully charged and is in the charging pause mode.

[0156] Clause 25: A method comprising controllably charging at least one energy storage element of an energy storage module by: measuring a temperature of the energy storage module; comparing the temperature to an upper threshold value; allowing a charging current to be supplied to the energy storage module for charging the at least one energy storage element when the temperature is below the upper threshold value; placing the energy storage module in a charging pause mode to pause the charging of the at least one energy storage element and placing at least one circuit component of the energy storage module in a low power mode, responsive to or when the temperature reaches or rises above the upper threshold value; and or transitioning (i) the energy storage module out of the charging pause mode and back into a changing mode and or (ii) the at least one circuit component out of the low power mode, responsive to or when the temperature of the energy storage module reaches or falls below a lower threshold value.

[0157] Clause 26. The method according to preceding method clause 25, wherein the at least one circuit component is in the low power mode when the energy storage module is not fully charged and is in the charging pause mode.

[0158] Clause 27. The method according to any preceding method clause, further comprising selecting the at least one circuit component from a plurality of circuit components of the energy storage module based on relative amounts of heat generated thereby, wherein the at least one circuit component comprises one of the plurality of circuit components that is generating an amount of heat to be considered a main source of heat in the energy storage module.

[0159] Clause 28. The method according to any preceding method clause, wherein the at least one circuit component comprises one of a plurality of circuit components of the energy storage module that generates heat at a level or amount to be considered a main source of heat in the energy storage module.

[0160] Clause 29. The method according to any preceding method clause, wherein the energy storage module comprises: a first portion which comprises the at least one circuit component; and a second portion (e.g., comprising at least one other component), and wherein the method comprises:placing the first portion in the low power mode, and operating the second portion in a normal power mode.

[0161] Clause 30. The method according to any preceding method clause, wherein the energy storage module comprises: a first portion which comprises the at least one circuit component; and a second portion (e.g., comprising at least one other component), and wherein the method comprises: switching off (e.g., disabling) the first portion, and operating the second portion in a normal power mode or non-zero reduced power mode (e.g., not switched off).

[0162] Clause 31. The method according to Clause 29 or 30, wherein the second portion comprises a battery monitoring system (BMS) circuit of the energy storage module.

[0163] Clause 32. The method according to any of Clauses 29 - 31, wherein the first portion comprises at least one component which is a main (e.g., dominant) source of heat (e.g., it generates heat at a level or amount to be considered a main source of heat in the energy storage module).

[0164] Clause 33. System (e.g., multi-level inverter, vehicle, power tool, construction machinery, their likes of their combinations) comprising means for performing the method steps of any of the above method clauses.

[0165] Clause 33a. System (e.g., multi-level inverter, vehicle, power tool, construction machinery, their likes of their combinations) comprising a plurality of energy storage modules, wherein each energy storage module is operated according to the method steps of any of the above method clauses.

[0166] Clause 34. A software product comprising instructions which when executed by a suitable processor or system (e.g., circuit or electrical unit), causes the processor or the electrical unit to perform the steps of any of the above method clauses.

[0167] The breadth and scope of this disclosure should not be limited by any of the abovedescribed example embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for controllab ly charging at least one energy storage element of an energy storage module, the method comprising: measuring a temperature of the energy storage module; comparing the temperature to an upper threshold value; allowing a charging current to be supplied to the energy storage module for charging the at least one energy storage element when the temperature is below the upper threshold value; and placing the energy storage module in a charging pause mode when the temperature reaches or rises above the upper threshold value, whereby at least one circuit component of the energy storage module is caused to operate in a low power mode and the charging current is no longer being supplied to the at least one energy storage element.

2. The method according to claim 1 , wherein the charging current is a maximum charging current for the energy storage module.

3. The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein an output voltage for the energy storage module drops to zero volts when the energy storage module in placed in the charging pause mode.

4. The method according to any of the above claims, further comprising allowing a temperature of the energy storage module to decrease while the energy storage module is in the charging pause mode, wherein the charging of the at least one energy storage element is paused in the charging pause mode.

5. The method according to claim 4, further comprising causing the energy storage module to no longer operate in the charging pause mode so that the charging of the at least one energy storage element is resumed, when the temperature reaches or falls below a lower threshold value.

6. The method according to claim 5, further comprising: causing the at least one circuit component, that is considered a main source of heat in the energy storage module, to operate inthe low power mode while the energy storage module is not fully charged and is in the charging pause mode; and transitioning the at least one circuit component out of the low power mode responsive to said energy storage module no longer operating in the charging pause mode.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising allowing the charging current to once again be supplied to the energy storage module after said transitioning.

8. The method according to any of the above claims, wherein the at least one circuit component comprises a data processing circuit and / or a transistor active bridge circuit.

9. The method according to any of the above claims, further comprising selecting a greatest temperature from a plurality of measured temperatures associated with a plurality of energy storage modules, and using the greatest temperature as the temperature during said comparing.

10. The method according to any of the above claims, further comprising: selecting a lowest temperature from a plurality of measured temperatures associated with a plurality of energy storage modules; comparing the lowest temperature to a lower threshold value; and causing the energy storage module to no longer operate in the charging pause mode so that charging of the at least one energy storage element is resumed, _when the lowest temperature reaches or falls below the lower threshold value.

11. The method according to any of the above claims, wherein the energy storage module comprises a plurality of electrical storage components, and preferably the temperature is determined from a plurality of measured temperatures associated with at least some of the electrical storage components.

12. Method according to any of the above claims, wherein the energy storage module comprises: a first portion which comprises the at least one circuit component; and a second portion, and wherein the method comprises:placing the first portion in the low power mode, and operating the second portion in a normal power mode.

13. The method according to any above claims 1 - 11, wherein the energy storage module comprises: a first portion which comprises the at least one circuit component; and a second portion, and wherein the method comprises: switching off the first portion, and operating the second portion in a normal power mode or non-zero reduced power mode.

14. A system comprising means for performing the steps of any of the above method claims.

15. A software product comprising instructions which when executed by a suitable circuit or system cause the circuit or system to perform the steps of any of the above method claims.

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