WO2018202294A1 - Modular electrical power storage device and system - Google Patents

Modular electrical power storage device and system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2018202294A1
WO2018202294A1 PCT/EP2017/060582 EP2017060582W WO2018202294A1 WO 2018202294 A1 WO2018202294 A1 WO 2018202294A1 EP 2017060582 W EP2017060582 W EP 2017060582W WO 2018202294 A1 WO2018202294 A1 WO 2018202294A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
electrical power
power storage
storage device
modular electrical
modular
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2017/060582
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Oleg TRISHKIN
Original Assignee
Wattdock Ug (Haftungsbeschränkt)
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Wattdock Ug (Haftungsbeschränkt) filed Critical Wattdock Ug (Haftungsbeschränkt)
Priority to PCT/EP2017/060582 priority Critical patent/WO2018202294A1/en
Priority to EP17726841.4A priority patent/EP3619788A1/en
Publication of WO2018202294A1 publication Critical patent/WO2018202294A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/0042—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries characterised by the mechanical construction
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/0029—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries with safety or protection devices or circuits
    • H02J7/0031—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries with safety or protection devices or circuits using battery or load disconnect circuits
    • H02J7/0032—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries with safety or protection devices or circuits using battery or load disconnect circuits disconnection of loads if battery is not under charge, e.g. in vehicle if engine is not running
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J2207/00—Indexing scheme relating to details of circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J2207/40—Indexing scheme relating to details of circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries adapted for charging from various sources, e.g. AC, DC or multivoltage
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/34—Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other dc sources, e.g. providing buffering
    • H02J7/342—The other DC source being a battery actively interacting with the first one, i.e. battery to battery charging

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a modular electrical power storage device according to claim 1 and to an electrical power storage system.
  • Such a modular electrical power storage device comprises a housing, the housing having at least one power inlet und at least one AC power outlet; an electrical power storage unit accommodated in the housing; a charging system operatively connected to the AC power inlet and to the electrical power storage unit, the charging system being adapted for charging the electrical power storage unit, in particular when an alternating current is provided to the AC power inlet; and a power supply operatively connected to the electrical power storage unit and to the AC power outlet for supplying electrical power from the electrical power storage unit to the AC power outlet.
  • EP 2 533 392 A1 describes such a modular electrical power storage device, wherein the housing is formed as a shelf housing.
  • the housing is designed in a modular manner in the sense that it has receptacles for modular internal components.
  • electrical power may be buffered and stored for a later use.
  • a disadvantage of the known device is that when large energy storage capacities are required, the housing becomes very heavy and difficult to handle. Furthermore, the scalability of the known device is limited, as the housing only provides a predefined amount of space for accommodating electrical power storage units. It is therefore difficult to adapt the known device to individual needs. It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular electrical power storage device, by means of which individual needs can be more easily met.
  • the object is solved by a modular electrical power storage device having the features of claim 1 .
  • Such a modular electrical power storage device comprises a coupling system for electrically contacting the modular electrical power storage device to another, substantially identical modular electrical power storage device, such that electrical power is transferable between (in particular the electrical power storage unit of) the modular electrical power storage device and (in particular an electrical power storage unit of) the substantially identical modular electrical power storage device via the coupling system.
  • the modular electrical power storage device may be connected with or disconnected from one or more other modular electrical power storage devices for flexibly increasing or decreasing the energy storage capacity. In that way, individual needs, e.g. for a given energy capacity or electrical power, may be easily met.
  • the notions electrical power and electrical energy are used synonymously within this disclosure.
  • the coupling system may comprise a plug and/or a socket, in particular a plug and a mating socket.
  • the plug is connectable with the socket of another (in particular identical) modular electrical power storage device.
  • the socket is connectable with the plug of another (in particular identical) modular electrical power storage device.
  • the plug and/or the socket may be the power inlet and the AC power outlet. In this way, a particularly simple design may be achieved.
  • the plug and the socket may be arranged at the housing. For example, the plug and the socket are arranged at opposing walls of the housing.
  • the plug is connectable with the socket of the other, substantially identical modular electrical power storage device.
  • the coupling system may be adapted to couple the modular electrical power storage device to another, substantially identical modular electrical power storage device without the use of a cable therebetween. By this, a particularly simple connection may be achieved.
  • the housing comprises a first side and a second side, the second side being opposite to the first side.
  • the first and second sides may have mating shapes.
  • the first and second sides are formed such that the modular electrical power storage device can be brought in mating contact to another, substantially identical modular electrical power storage device.
  • the first and second sides may be designed such that the first side of the modular electrical power storage device can be brought in mating engagement with the second side of another, substantially identical modular electrical power storage device.
  • a plurality of three or more modular electrical power storage devices may be brought in mating contact to one another, e.g. forming a stack of modular electrical power storage devices.
  • the first and second sides may comprise the opposing walls.
  • the plug and socket of the modular electrical power storage devices may be connected by bringing the modular electrical power storage devices in mating contact to one another. Therefore, the connection of two modular electrical power storage devices is particularly easy.
  • the modular electrical power storage device may further comprise a control system adapted for controlling a transfer of electrical power via the coupling system.
  • a control system adapted for controlling a transfer of electrical power via the coupling system.
  • control system is adapted to measure a charge level of the electrical power storage unit and/or of the electrical power storage unit of another, substantially identical modular electrical power storage device being electrically contacted to the coupling system (in particular the measurement is performed via the coupling system).
  • control system may be adapted to determine a difference of the charge level of the electrical power storage unit and the charge level of the electrical power storage unit of another, substantially identical modular electrical power storage device electrically contacted to the coupling system.
  • the control system may be adapted to transfer electrical power via the coupling system in dependence on the difference.
  • the control system may balance the charge levels of the modular electrical power storage device and another, substantially identical modular electrical power storage device connected with the coupling system.
  • the electrical power storage unit may have a capacity of at least 0.5 kWh (kilo Watt hours), in particular of at least 1 kWh, in particular of at least 1 .2 kWh. Heavy duty power consumers may be supplied with sufficient energy in this way.
  • the electrical power storage unit may comprise a battery, in particular at least one lithium-ion battery. Such batteries are particularly efficient.
  • the charging system may comprise a rectifier, in particular being adapted for converting an alternating current at a voltage of 1 10 V and/or 220 V to 230 V, in particular of 220 V, to a direct current at a voltage of 48 V.
  • the rectifier may be electrically connected to the power inlet.
  • the power inlet therefore, may be formed as an AC power inlet.
  • the battery may be charged using the alternating current from a conventional power socket.
  • the power supply comprises an inverter, in particular adapted for converting a direct current at a voltage of 48 V to an alternating current at a voltage of 1 10 V and/or 220 V to 230 V, in particular of 220 V.
  • the modular electrical power storage device may comprise a direct current power inlet and/or a direct current power outlet, operationally connected to the electrical power storage unit, e.g. for supplying 5 V for USB devices.
  • the direct current power inlet may be operationally connected to the electrical power storage unit via a DC-to-DC converter of the charging system.
  • the direct current power inlet is adapted to receive current provided by a solar panel.
  • the electrical power storage unit may be operationally connected to the direct current power outlet via a DC-to-DC converter of the power supply.
  • the direct current power outlet may provide current at a voltage of, e.g., 5 V or 12 V.
  • the modular electrical power storage device may comprise a remote control unit adapted for receiving control commands via a wireless data communications network.
  • the remote control unit is adapted to control the charging system and/or the power supply in dependence of the control commands.
  • the remote control unit may be adapted for providing status information.
  • the remote control unit may be designed for bidirectional communication via the wireless data communications network.
  • the wireless data communications network may be a local area network, such as a WiFi network (in particular according to a IEEE 802.1 1 standard) or a public mobile network (in particular a GSM, UMTS and/or LTE network).
  • the control commands may comprise, for example, switching on or off a charge process and/or the provision of electrical power.
  • the object is also solved by a modular electrical power storage system, comprising at least two modular electrical power storage devices according to any aspect or embodiment described herein.
  • the electrical power storage system may comprise a plurality of modular electrical power storage devices, e.g., three, four or more modular electrical power storage devices, that are connectable with each other by means of their coupling systems.
  • the electrical power storage system is designed to support an active balancing of the at least two modular electrical power storage devices. Active balancing means that the charging and decharging of the battery packs of the at least two modular electrical power storage devices comprised by the system is balanced in such a way that the charge of the battery packs is equalized.
  • charge is redistributed from the higher charged battery pack to the lower charged battery pack.
  • the charge is redistributed by a charging current flowing via the coupling system from a first module with a higher charge level of its battery pack to a second module with a lower charge level of its battery pack.
  • the electrical power storage system may be designed such that the battery packs of the at least two modular electrical power storage devices comprised by the system share a common potential point with the coupling system. This way, they also share a common potential point with each other.
  • Fig. 1 shows a schematic drawing of an embodiment of a modular electrical power storage device
  • Fig. 2 shows a schematic drawing of an embodiment of an electrical power storage system comprising a plurality of modular electrical power storage devices according to Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 3 shows a schematic drawing of an embodiment of an electrical power storage system comprising a plurality of modular electrical power storage devices according to Fig. 2 in an exploded view;
  • Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of the modular electrical power storage device according to Fig. 1 ;
  • Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of another embodiment of a modular electrical power storage device
  • Fig. 6A-6C shows schematic drawings of an embodiment of a coupling system of an electrical power storage system.
  • Fig. 1 shows a modular electrical power storage device 1 having a housing 10. All components of the modular electrical power storage device 1 are arranged at or in the housing 10.
  • the housing 10 comprises an upper wall 100 and a lower wall 101 .
  • the upper and lower walls 100, 101 are substantially planar and substantially parallel to one another.
  • the housing 10 has a first side 102 substantially formed by the upper wall 100, and a second side 103, substantially formed by the lower wall 101 .
  • the upper and lower walls 100, 101 are spaced to one another to form a space therebetween.
  • the upper and lower walls 100, 101 are connected to one another by side walls 105.
  • the upper and lower walls 100, 101 have a substantially rectangular shape with rounded edges.
  • An edge 106 encompassing the upper wall 100 (and an edge encompassing the lower wall 101 ) has a substantially rectangular shape with rounded edges.
  • the edge 106 connects the upper wall 100 with the side walls 105.
  • the housing 10 has a rectangular shape with a length L being greater than a width W. Alternatively, the length L may be equal to the width W.
  • the width W and the length L of the upper and lower walls 100, 101 are substantially identical to the width and length of the housing 10.
  • the housing 10 has a height H being smaller than the width W and length L.
  • the edge 106 is notched.
  • the edge 106 has a notch running around the upper wall 100.
  • the edge of the lower wall 101 has a tongue or rib having a shape corresponding to the edge 106 of the upper wall 100, in particular to the notch.
  • the housing 10 further comprises a pair of handles 104.
  • the handles 104 are arranged on opposing sides of the upper wall 100.
  • the handles 104 are at least partially formed by the edge 106 of the upper wall 100, and a recess in the housing, extending between the upper wall 100 and a side wall 105.
  • the handles 104 allow an easy handling of the modular electrical power storage device 1 .
  • a plurality of sockets for electrical connections are integrated.
  • three 220 V AC (alternating current) sockets formed as power outlets 13A are provided.
  • a plurality of 5 V DC (direct current) sockets formed as power outlets 13B, and one 12 V DC socket formed as power outlet 13C are provided.
  • the modular electrical power storage device 1 is adapted to store electrical power. External devices may be connected to the power outlets 13A-13C.
  • the modular electrical power storage device 1 may serve as a power source.
  • the modular electrical power storage device 1 has a weight of 6 to 10 kg, preferably of about 8 kg.
  • Fig. 2 shows an electrical power storage system 2 comprising four modular electrical power storage devices 1 according to Fig. 1 .
  • each modular electrical power storage device 1 being placed on top of (on the upper wall 100) another modular electrical power storage device 1 is securely retained thereon.
  • the mating edges 106 of the upper and lower walls 100, 101 engage with each other. Only the power outlets 13A-13C of the top modular electrical power storage device 1 are accessible.
  • the power outlets 13A-13C of the other modular electrical power storage devices 1 are covered by another modular electrical power storage device 1 . In this manner the total current drawn from the electrical power storage system 2 may be limited.
  • the modular electrical power storage devices 1 are electrically connected to one another by means of a coupling system 16.
  • the electrical power storage system 2 has an electrical power capacity corresponding to the sum of the capacities of the connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 .
  • Fig. 3 shows an electrical power storage system 2 comprising three modular electrical power storage devices 1 according to Fig. 1 .
  • the electrical power storage system 2 further comprises a case 20 accommodating the three modular electrical power storage devices 1 .
  • a base 22 is supporting the case 20 and its content.
  • a lid 21 covers the modular electrical power storage devices 1.
  • the lid 21 closes an upper opening of the case 20.
  • the lid 21 has an integrated LED lighting equipment 210, preferably in the form of a strip running along the edge of the lid 21 , e.g. forming a loop.
  • the lid 21 may be electrically connected with one or more power outlets 13A-13C of the uppermost modular electrical power storage device 1 for providing electrical power to the lighting equipment 210.
  • the electrical power storage system 2 may, e.g., be used as a platform for sculptures and/or for lighting a display case.
  • Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of the modular electrical power storage device 1.
  • the modular electrical power storage device 1 generally comprises an electrical power storage unit 1 1 , a charging system 14, a power supply 15, a coupling control system 17, a control system 18 and a temperature control system 19.
  • the modular electrical power storage device 1 further comprises a coupling system 16 for operationally connecting the modular electrical power storage device 1 with another modular electrical power storage device 1.
  • the coupling can be set up wirelessly without the use of a cable therebetween.
  • the coupling can also be set up by a wired connection between both modular electrical power storage devices.
  • the coupling system 16 will be described in more detail below.
  • the modular electrical power storage device 1 according to Fig. 4 comprises two AC power inlets 12A for connecting each one external power supply 4 in the form of, e.g., a generator and the 220 V power grid.
  • the modular electrical power storage device 1 according to Fig. 4 further comprises one DC power inlet 12B in the form of an MC-4 connector for a solar panel cable.
  • the power inlets 12A-12C are connected with the electrical power storage unit in the form of a lithium-ion battery pack 1 1 by means of the charging system 14.
  • the battery pack may have a nominal voltage of 48 V.
  • the battery pack 1 1 may comprise NMC, NCA, Li Pol and/or LiFeP04.
  • the charging system 14 comprises an overvoltage protection 142 electrically connected with the DC power inlet 12B and a DC-to-DC converter 141.
  • the overvoltage protection 142 limits a voltage from the DC power inlet 12B to a predetermined threshold for protecting the DC-to- DC converter 141.
  • the DC-to-DC converter 141 accepts input voltages from the overvoltage protection 142 in a predetermined range, e.g. between 10 V and 28 V, and provides a predetermined output voltage, in particular the nominal voltage of the battery pack 1 1 , e.g. 48 V, to a charge controller 144.
  • the charge controller 144 further receives electrical power from the two AC power inlets 12A.
  • One AC power inlet 12A is directly electrically connected to the charge controller 144.
  • One AC power inlet 12A is connected to the charge controller 144 via an EMI (electromagnetic interference) filter 143.
  • the EMI filter 143 is adapted to filter electromagnetic interferences that may, for example, originate from a power generator serving as an external power supply 4 and being connected to the AC power inlet 12A.
  • the charge controller 144 may directly charge the battery pack 1 1 by means of a 48 V voltage from the DC-to-DC-converter 141.
  • the charge controller 144 is directly electrically connected to the battery pack 1 1 , and may comprise commercially available charging electronics.
  • the charge controller 144 is connected to the battery pack 1 1 via an AC-to-DC charger 140.
  • the AC-to-DC charger 140 comprises a rectifier (AC-to-DC converter) adapted to convert 220 V AC to the nominal battery pack 1 1 voltage, in the present case 48 V.
  • the AC-to-DC charger 140 may further comprise commercially available charging electronics.
  • the charge controller 144 determines the power supplied on one or more of the power inlets 12A-12B and controls the charging of the battery pack 1 1 by means of power supplied on one or more of the power inlets 12A-12B. When power is supplied on two or more of the power inlets 12A-12B, the charge controller 144 selects in a manner that may be predefined, the power of which power inlet 12A-12B is used for charging the battery pack 1 1.
  • the charge controller 144 may measure a charge level of the battery pack 1 1.
  • the charge controller 144 may control a charging voltage and/or current applied to the battery pack 1 1 in dependence of the charge level of the battery pack 1 1.
  • the power supply 15 comprises a DC-to-AC inverter 150 and two DC-to-DC converters 151.
  • the inverter 150 is electrically connected to the battery pack 1 1 and to the 220 V AC power outlets 13A.
  • the inverter 150 may invert a DC current, e.g. at 48 V, to an AC current, e.g. at 220 V and with 50 Hz.
  • the DC-to-DC converters 151 each are connected to the battery pack 1 1 and to one or more DC power outlets 13B, 13C.
  • a first DC-to-DC converter 151 is adapted to convert 48 V DC to 5 V DC and is electrically connected to a plurality (e.g. two) of 5 V DC power outlets 13B, in particular in the form of USB ports.
  • a second DC-to-DC converter 151 is adapted to convert 48 V DC to 12 V DC and is electrically connected to a 12 V DC power outlet 13C.
  • the power outlets 13A-13C are connectable with external electrical appliances or devices 3, such as a refrigerator, a washing machine, a radio, a light bulb and/or a laptop computer, just to name a few examples.
  • external electrical appliances or devices such as a refrigerator, a washing machine, a radio, a light bulb and/or a laptop computer, just to name a few examples.
  • the modular electrical power storage device 1 is designed as a mobile device. For example, it can be used to provide electrical power on places without connection to a power grid.
  • the temperature control system 19 is provided.
  • the temperature control system 19 comprises a temperature sensor 192 adapted to measure the temperature of the battery pack 1 1.
  • the temperature sensor 192 is operationally and/or electrically connected with a cooling unit 190 having, e.g., a fan.
  • the cooling unit 190 compares the measured temperature with a predefined threshold and starts and/or controls a cooling operation for cooling the battery pack 1 1 , when the temperature exceeds the predefined threshold.
  • the temperature control system 19 further comprises a prestart heater 191 operationally and/or electrically connected with the temperature sensor 192.
  • the prestart heater 191 compares the measured temperature with a predefined threshold and starts and/or controls a heating operation for heating the battery pack 1 1 , when the temperature falls below the predefined threshold.
  • the prestart heater 191 may start and/or control a heating operation when the modular electrical power storage device 1 is switched on and/or activated and/or when an external device 3 is connected to a power outlet 13A-13C and/or draws power therefrom.
  • the modular electrical power storage device 1 may be operated from -30 to +50 degrees Celsius.
  • the control system 18 comprises a remote control unit 180 connected to a wireless local area network module 181 and a public mobile network module 182, and a control panel 183.
  • the wireless local area network module 181 is connectable with a wireless local area network, such as Bluetooth, ZigBee or WLAN (Wi-Fi). Alternatively or in addition, the control system 18 may be adapted to communicate by means of the X10, Modbus and/or KNX protocol.
  • the public mobile network module 182 is connectable with a public mobile network, such as GSM, UMTS and/or LTE. Alternatively or additionally, the remote control system comprises only one of the wireless local area network module 181 and the public mobile network module 182.
  • the remote control unit 180 may receive commands and/or transmit status information via the wireless local area network module 181 and the public mobile network module 182. Status information may include a charge level, a charging current, a drawn current and/or a temperature.
  • a mobile device e.g. a handheld device having a computer program (e.g. in the form of an app) may connect to the remote control unit 180 via the wireless network (optionally via a server computer) for providing commands and receiving status information.
  • the remote control unit 180 may be connected with a smart home network.
  • commands may be entered by means of the control panel 183, e.g. in the form of a touchpad or other input or input/output device.
  • the control panel 183 may output status information.
  • the control system 18 is operationally connected (not shown in Fig. 4) with the charging system 14, the power supply 15, the temperature control system 19 and/or the coupling control system 17, in particular such as to receive status information therefrom and to provide commands thereto.
  • An electrical power provided via the coupling system 16 by another modular electrical power storage device connected therewith may be used to charge the battery pack 1 1 and/or to provide electrical power to the power outlets 13A-13B.
  • the provision of electrical power to the power outlets 13A-13B via the coupling system 16 is controlled by a coordination control unit 171 .
  • the modular electrical power storage device 1 may provide electrical power via the coupling system 16 to be received by another modular electrical power storage device connected therewith.
  • the charging and/or decharging of the battery pack 1 1 by an electrical power provided via the coupling system 16 is controlled by a stacking control unit 170.
  • the battery pack 1 1 is connected to the coupling system 16 such that the battery pack 1 1 and the coupling system 16 share a common potential point.
  • the battery packs 1 1 of all connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 share the common potential point.
  • a first mode, called automatic mode, of the stacking control unit 170 the charging balance between the battery packs 1 1 of the operational connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 is automatically controlled. That means, the charging balance between the battery packs 1 1 are only controlled by their possibly different charging levels. The actual charging level of a battery pack is given by its actual voltage.
  • a first battery pack 1 1 of a first modular electrical power storage device 1 has a lower actual charging level than a second battery pack 1 1 of an operational connected second modular electrical power storage device 1 , then in the automatic mode a charging current flows from the second battery pack 1 1 to the first battery pack 1 1 until the first and the second battery pack 1 1 attain the same charging level.
  • the automatic mode is a charging mode that equalizes possible differences in the charging levels of the battery packs 1 1 . Therefore, the automatic mode supports active charge balancing between the modules 1. In the process of charging, the battery packs 1 1 of all modules 1 are charged in parallel.
  • the charging current flows from the higher charged battery pack to the more discharged battery packs 1 1 .
  • the charging current flows from the higher charged battery packs to the lower charged battery pack 1 1 .
  • the stacking control unit 170 may also operate in a second mode.
  • the stacking control unit 170 may operate in a conditional automatic mode as a second mode.
  • the conditional automatic mode depends on parameters measured by the AC-to-DC-charger 140 of the modular electrical power storage device 1.
  • the stacking control unit 170 separates the first module 1 from the coupling to the other modules of the electrical power storage system 2, if the AC-to-DC-charger 140 of the first module 1 measures a voltage lower than a minimal voltage or higher than a maximal voltage.
  • the minimal voltage is a voltage from approximately 170 Volt.
  • the minimal voltage is a voltage value in the interval from 163 Volt to 177 Volt.
  • the maximal voltage is a voltage from approximately 280 Volt.
  • the maximal voltage is a voltage value in the interval from 273 Volt to 287 Volt.
  • a second modular electrical power storage device 1 is connected to the electrical power storage system 2 and the battery pack 1 1 of the second module 1 has a lower charging level than the charging levels of the battery packs 1 1 of the other modules 1 , that are connected via the coupling system 16, a charging current flows from the other modules 1 to the second module 1.
  • the stacking control unit 170 separates the second module 1 from the coupling to the other modules of the electrical power storage system 2, if the AC-to-DC-charger 140 of the second module 1 measures a voltage lower than a minimal reverse voltage or higher than a maximal reverse voltage.
  • the minimal reverse voltage is a voltage from approximately 180 Volt.
  • the minimal reverse voltage is a voltage value in the interval from 173 Volt to 187 Volt.
  • the maximal reverse voltage is a voltage from approximately 270 Volt.
  • the maximal voltage is a voltage value in the interval from 263 Volt to 277 Volt.
  • the battery management unit 172 conducts an active balancing of the possibly multiple batteries inside the battery pack 1 1 . That means, the battery management unit 172 provides a uniform distribution of charging of the possibly multiple batteries of the battery pack 1 1.
  • the battery pack 1 1 may be an assembly of lithium-ion batteries.
  • a uniform distribution of charging of the possibly multiple batteries increases the service life of the batteries.
  • a uniform distribution of charging of the possibly multiple batteries also supports the reliability of the battery pack 1 1 .
  • a battery pack 1 1 with a nominal voltage of 48 Volt may be an assembly of 13 single batteries.
  • the battery management unit 172 provides a charging voltage from for example 54,6 Volt. The voltage of each single battery is balanced to be for example 4,2 Volt.
  • the stacking control unit 170 controls the exchange of energy between two or more modular electrical power storage devices being coupled.
  • Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of a modular electrical power storage device V. In the following, only the difference with respect to the modular electrical power storage device 1 according to Fig. 1 are described, wherein like reference numbers are used for like components.
  • the modular electrical power storage device V comprises, in addition to two AC power inlets 12A and a DC power inlet 12B, a high-current DC power inlet 12C.
  • the high-current DC power inlet 12C is adapted to receive DC currents corresponding to an electric power of up to 1500 W (or 3000 W, e.g. as peak value) at a voltage of, e.g., 48 V.
  • the high- current DC power inlet 12C is electrically connected with an overvoltage protection 142, being connected, via a switch 184 controlled by the control system 18, with the charge controller 144 for charging the battery pack 1 1.
  • the high-current DC power inlet 12C is connected with a DC-to-DC converter 146 adapted to convert the DC voltage provided on the high-current DC power inlet 12C, e.g. 48 V, to a high voltage, e.g. 400 V.
  • the DC-to-DC converter 146 is electrically connected to the coupling system 16, particularly with a DC power outlet 166B of the coupling system 16, which is adapted to provide a DC power of e.g. 400 V.
  • Electrical power provided to the high-current DC power inlet 12C e.g. by a solar panel, may be provided to another modular electrical power storage device connected by means of the coupling system 16, in particular without being stored in the battery pack 1 1 before.
  • the DC-to-DC converter 146 may be used bidirectional to reconvert a high voltage, e.g. 400 V, to a lower voltage, e.g. 48 V.
  • the DC-to-DC converter 146 may be electrically connected to a DC power inlet 167B of the coupling system 16.
  • the DC power inlet 167B is adapted to receive DC power of e.g.
  • the battery pack 1 1 of the modular electrical power storage device V may be charged by electrical power received through the DC power inlet 167B of the coupling system 16 and converted by the DC-to-DC converter 146. Then, the charging of the battery pack 1 1 is performed in the same way as for electrical power that is received through the high-current DC power inlet 12C.
  • the two AC power inlets 12A are both electrically connected to the EMI filter 143, which is, in turn, electrically connected to the AC-to-DC charger 140.
  • the EMI filter 143 has the same function like the one presented in the embodiment of Fig. 4.
  • the two AC power inlets 12A are electrically connected with the coupling system 16, particularly with an AC power inlet 167A of the coupling system 16.
  • the AC power inlet 167A of the coupling system 16 is adapted to receive an alternating current at a voltage of preferable 220 V from a AC power outlet 166A of the coupling system 16 of another modular electrical power storage device.
  • the both modular electrical power storage devices are electrically connectable by electrically coupling the AC power inlet 167A of the one storage device 1 ' to the AC power outlet 166A of the other storage device.
  • the coupling system 16 is electrically connected with the coupling system 16 of another modular electrical power storage device by coupling the AC power inlet 167A to the AC power outlet 166A
  • electrical power provided by the other modular electrical power storage device at the coupling system 16 may be used to charge the battery pack 1 1 .
  • the battery pack 1 1 may be charged by electrical power received through the AC power inlet 167A of the coupling system 16 in the same way as electrical power that is received through one of the AC power inlets 12A.
  • a bypass 185 may be provided that can be activated by establishing an electrical connection between the output of the EMI filter 143 and one or more of the AC power outputs 13A, e.g. by closing a switch 184.
  • the output of the DC-to-AC inverter 150 is connected with one or more of the AC power outputs 13A.
  • the output of the DC-to-AC inverter 150 is connected with the coupling system 16, particularly with a first outlet 166A of the coupling system 16.
  • the DC-to-AC inverter 150 is adapted to invert a DC current, e. g. at 48 Volt, to a AC current, e. g. at 220 Volt.
  • the first outlet 166A is adapted to provide the AC current to a first inlet 167A of another modular electrical power storage device, to whom it is electrically coupled.
  • Connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' built an electrical power storage system 2.
  • a communication may be enabled between connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' .
  • the coupling system 16 may enable a communication of the control systems 18 of the connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 '.
  • the connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' may be identical, for example according to an embodiment pursuant Fig. 5.
  • the electrical power storage system 2 represents a scalable solution, where up to ten modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' may be coupled.
  • Each of the modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' may provide a maximal electrical power of for example 15 kW.
  • the battery pack 1 1 of each storage device 1 , 1 ' may store an electrical energy of for example 12 kWh.
  • One of the modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' may act as a master device and control the other devices.
  • the one at the bottom may be the master device.
  • the master device is able to enable and to disable one of the connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' from the electrical power storage system 2. This way, a given electrical energy or electrical power may be easily provided.
  • the work of the system 2 is not impaired, when disabling one modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' from the system 2.
  • the PCM (Power control module) control unit 145 controls the electrical energy stored in the battery pack 1 1 .
  • the PCM control unit 145 is adapted to balance the amount of electrical energy stored in the battery pack 1 1 .
  • the PCM control unit 145 of the master device which controls all of the connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' , is adapted to control and balance the amount of energy stored in each battery pack 1 1 of each of the connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' .
  • the PCM control unit 145 of the master device is adapted to ensure a uniform distribution of electrical energy in the battery packs 1 1 of all connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' .
  • This may be done by decharging a battery pack 1 1 with a load being higher than the loads of the battery packs 1 1 of the other modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' and using the electrical energy derived from the decharging to load one or more of the other battery packs 1 1 of the connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' , wherein the other battery packs 1 1 having a load lower than the decharged battery pack 1 1 .
  • the balancing of the energy loads of the battery packs 1 1 is done by the PCM control unit 145 while maintaining its reliability.
  • the balancing of the energy loads of the battery packs 1 1 is performed by the PCM control unit 145 such that the life of the charged and decharged battery packs 1 1 may be increased.
  • modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' it is possible to conveniently store, buffer and supply electrical energy.
  • two or more modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' can be electrically connected with one another in order to dynamically increase the storage capacity.
  • the modular electrical power storage device 1 , 1 ' may be used to buffer solar power, and to provide electrical power when no power grid is available.
  • the modular electrical power storage device 1 , 1 ' may serve as an uninterruptible power supply.
  • Fig. 6A shows a lateral view of an embodiment of a coupling system 16 between two modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' , a lower module 1 and an upper module 1 ' .
  • the housing
  • the attachment 160 is shown in an open position. In the open position a majority of power contacts 162, which form a plug 167, are arranged on top of a first side 102 of the housing 10.
  • the power contacts 162 are electrically connected to power cables 163, such that electrical energy that is received by the power contacts 102 is transferred to the battery pack 1 1 or to the a power outlet 13A-13C of the lower module 1.
  • the plug 167 is designed to fit inside a socket 166, wherein the socket 166 is constructed of a majority of holes 161 that are embedded inside a second side 103 of a housing 10 of the upper module 1 ' .
  • the plug 167 of the lower module 1 is brought in mating contact to the socket
  • each power contact 162 is inserted into one of the holes 161 , some or all of the power contacts 162 may be electrically connected to an energy source of the upper module 1 ' .
  • the energy source may be electric power received by a power inlet 12A-12C or electric power stored inside the battery pack 1 1 of the upper module 1 ' .
  • the exchange of energy from the upper module 1 ' to the lower module 1 may be controlled by a coupling control system 17 of the lower module in the case of the embodiment according to Fig. 4 and by the PCM control unit 145 of the lower module in case of the embodiment according to Fig. 5.
  • the coupling control system 17 may control the exchange of electrical energy between the lower and the upper module 1 , 1 ' in a way to support a load balancing between the battery packs 1 1 of both modules 1 , 1 ' .
  • the attachment 160 comprises a hinge 165, wherein a turnable part of the attachment that is located on one side of the hinge 165 may be turned around the hinge 165 from the open position, where the turnable part touches the first side 102 of the housing 10, to a closed position, where the turnable part touches the not turnable part of the attachment 160, which is located on the other side of the hinge 165.
  • the turnable part of the attachment comprises the plug 167.
  • the plug 167 is discharged into a cavity 164 of the housing 10 when the turnable part is turned into the closed position. This may be done, in case a physical connection from the lower module 1 to a possible upper module 1 ' is not desired.
  • the length of the turnable part is between 63 and 64 cm, preferable 63,61 cm.
  • the length of the non turnable part is between 41 and 42 cm, preferable 41 ,69 cm.
  • the length of the cavity 164 is between 24 and 25 cm, preferable 24,2 cm.
  • Fig. 6C shows a top view of the attachment 160 in the open position.
  • the attachment 160 is connected to the first side 102 of the housing 10 of a modular electrical power storage device.
  • the attachment 160 is divided by the hinge 165 into a left turnable part and a right non turnable part.
  • the turnable part comprises the plug 167.
  • the plug 167 comprises five pins 162 wherein each pin 162 serves as a possible power contact to an electrical power source, when the plug

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Abstract

The invention relates to a modular electrical power storage device, comprising a housing (10), having an AC power inlet (12A) and an AC power outlet (13A), an electrical power storage unit (11) accommodated in the housing (10), a charging system (14) electrically connected to the AC power inlet (12A) and to the electrical power storage unit (11) for charging the electrical power storage unit (11) when an alternating current is provided to the AC power inlet (12A), and a power supply (15) electrically connected to the electrical power storage unit (11) and to the AC power outlet (13A) for supplying electrical power from the electrical power storage unit (11) to the AC power outlet (13A). Therein, a coupling system (16) is provided for electrically contacting the modular electrical power storage device (1, 1') to another, substantially identical modular electrical power storage device (1, 1'), such that electrical power is transferrable between the modular electrical power storage device (1, 1') and the substantially identical modular electrical power storage device (1, 1') via the coupling system (16). The invention further relates to an electrical power storage system.

Description

Modular Electrical Power Storage Device and System
The invention relates to a modular electrical power storage device according to claim 1 and to an electrical power storage system.
Such a modular electrical power storage device comprises a housing, the housing having at least one power inlet und at least one AC power outlet; an electrical power storage unit accommodated in the housing; a charging system operatively connected to the AC power inlet and to the electrical power storage unit, the charging system being adapted for charging the electrical power storage unit, in particular when an alternating current is provided to the AC power inlet; and a power supply operatively connected to the electrical power storage unit and to the AC power outlet for supplying electrical power from the electrical power storage unit to the AC power outlet.
EP 2 533 392 A1 describes such a modular electrical power storage device, wherein the housing is formed as a shelf housing. The housing is designed in a modular manner in the sense that it has receptacles for modular internal components.
By means of such devices, electrical power may be buffered and stored for a later use.
A disadvantage of the known device is that when large energy storage capacities are required, the housing becomes very heavy and difficult to handle. Furthermore, the scalability of the known device is limited, as the housing only provides a predefined amount of space for accommodating electrical power storage units. It is therefore difficult to adapt the known device to individual needs. It is an object of the present invention to provide a modular electrical power storage device, by means of which individual needs can be more easily met.
The object is solved by a modular electrical power storage device having the features of claim 1 .
Such a modular electrical power storage device comprises a coupling system for electrically contacting the modular electrical power storage device to another, substantially identical modular electrical power storage device, such that electrical power is transferable between (in particular the electrical power storage unit of) the modular electrical power storage device and (in particular an electrical power storage unit of) the substantially identical modular electrical power storage device via the coupling system. By providing the coupling system, the modular electrical power storage device may be connected with or disconnected from one or more other modular electrical power storage devices for flexibly increasing or decreasing the energy storage capacity. In that way, individual needs, e.g. for a given energy capacity or electrical power, may be easily met. The notions electrical power and electrical energy are used synonymously within this disclosure.
The coupling system may comprise a plug and/or a socket, in particular a plug and a mating socket. The plug is connectable with the socket of another (in particular identical) modular electrical power storage device. The socket is connectable with the plug of another (in particular identical) modular electrical power storage device. The plug and/or the socket may be the power inlet and the AC power outlet. In this way, a particularly simple design may be achieved. The plug and the socket may be arranged at the housing. For example, the plug and the socket are arranged at opposing walls of the housing. The plug is connectable with the socket of the other, substantially identical modular electrical power storage device.
The coupling system may be adapted to couple the modular electrical power storage device to another, substantially identical modular electrical power storage device without the use of a cable therebetween. By this, a particularly simple connection may be achieved.
The housing comprises a first side and a second side, the second side being opposite to the first side. The first and second sides may have mating shapes. For example, the first and second sides are formed such that the modular electrical power storage device can be brought in mating contact to another, substantially identical modular electrical power storage device. The first and second sides may be designed such that the first side of the modular electrical power storage device can be brought in mating engagement with the second side of another, substantially identical modular electrical power storage device. In particular, a plurality of three or more modular electrical power storage devices may be brought in mating contact to one another, e.g. forming a stack of modular electrical power storage devices.
The first and second sides may comprise the opposing walls. The plug and socket of the modular electrical power storage devices may be connected by bringing the modular electrical power storage devices in mating contact to one another. Therefore, the connection of two modular electrical power storage devices is particularly easy.
The modular electrical power storage device may further comprise a control system adapted for controlling a transfer of electrical power via the coupling system. By means of the control system, the electrical power storage units of two coupled modular electrical power storage devices may be more efficiently used.
In an embodiment, the control system is adapted to measure a charge level of the electrical power storage unit and/or of the electrical power storage unit of another, substantially identical modular electrical power storage device being electrically contacted to the coupling system (in particular the measurement is performed via the coupling system).
Furthermore, in particular by performing said measurements, the control system may be adapted to determine a difference of the charge level of the electrical power storage unit and the charge level of the electrical power storage unit of another, substantially identical modular electrical power storage device electrically contacted to the coupling system. The control system may be adapted to transfer electrical power via the coupling system in dependence on the difference. The control system may balance the charge levels of the modular electrical power storage device and another, substantially identical modular electrical power storage device connected with the coupling system.
The electrical power storage unit may have a capacity of at least 0.5 kWh (kilo Watt hours), in particular of at least 1 kWh, in particular of at least 1 .2 kWh. Heavy duty power consumers may be supplied with sufficient energy in this way.
The electrical power storage unit may comprise a battery, in particular at least one lithium-ion battery. Such batteries are particularly efficient. The charging system may comprise a rectifier, in particular being adapted for converting an alternating current at a voltage of 1 10 V and/or 220 V to 230 V, in particular of 220 V, to a direct current at a voltage of 48 V. The rectifier may be electrically connected to the power inlet. The power inlet, therefore, may be formed as an AC power inlet. By providing a rectifier, the battery may be charged using the alternating current from a conventional power socket.
Alternatively or in addition, the power supply comprises an inverter, in particular adapted for converting a direct current at a voltage of 48 V to an alternating current at a voltage of 1 10 V and/or 220 V to 230 V, in particular of 220 V. The modular electrical power storage device may comprise a direct current power inlet and/or a direct current power outlet, operationally connected to the electrical power storage unit, e.g. for supplying 5 V for USB devices. The direct current power inlet may be operationally connected to the electrical power storage unit via a DC-to-DC converter of the charging system. For example, the direct current power inlet is adapted to receive current provided by a solar panel.
The electrical power storage unit may be operationally connected to the direct current power outlet via a DC-to-DC converter of the power supply. The direct current power outlet may provide current at a voltage of, e.g., 5 V or 12 V.
The modular electrical power storage device may comprise a remote control unit adapted for receiving control commands via a wireless data communications network. The remote control unit is adapted to control the charging system and/or the power supply in dependence of the control commands. The remote control unit may be adapted for providing status information. The remote control unit may be designed for bidirectional communication via the wireless data communications network. The wireless data communications network may be a local area network, such as a WiFi network (in particular according to a IEEE 802.1 1 standard) or a public mobile network (in particular a GSM, UMTS and/or LTE network). The control commands may comprise, for example, switching on or off a charge process and/or the provision of electrical power.
The object is also solved by a modular electrical power storage system, comprising at least two modular electrical power storage devices according to any aspect or embodiment described herein. The electrical power storage system may comprise a plurality of modular electrical power storage devices, e.g., three, four or more modular electrical power storage devices, that are connectable with each other by means of their coupling systems. The electrical power storage system is designed to support an active balancing of the at least two modular electrical power storage devices. Active balancing means that the charging and decharging of the battery packs of the at least two modular electrical power storage devices comprised by the system is balanced in such a way that the charge of the battery packs is equalized. In case one of the battery packs has a higher charge level than at least one other battery pack, charge is redistributed from the higher charged battery pack to the lower charged battery pack. The charge is redistributed by a charging current flowing via the coupling system from a first module with a higher charge level of its battery pack to a second module with a lower charge level of its battery pack. The electrical power storage system may be designed such that the battery packs of the at least two modular electrical power storage devices comprised by the system share a common potential point with the coupling system. This way, they also share a common potential point with each other.
Embodiments of the invention are shown in the figures, where
Fig. 1 shows a schematic drawing of an embodiment of a modular electrical power storage device;
Fig. 2 shows a schematic drawing of an embodiment of an electrical power storage system comprising a plurality of modular electrical power storage devices according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 shows a schematic drawing of an embodiment of an electrical power storage system comprising a plurality of modular electrical power storage devices according to Fig. 2 in an exploded view;
Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of the modular electrical power storage device according to Fig. 1 ;
Fig. 5 shows a block diagram of another embodiment of a modular electrical power storage device; and Fig. 6A-6C shows schematic drawings of an embodiment of a coupling system of an electrical power storage system.
Fig. 1 shows a modular electrical power storage device 1 having a housing 10. All components of the modular electrical power storage device 1 are arranged at or in the housing 10.
The housing 10 comprises an upper wall 100 and a lower wall 101 .
The upper and lower walls 100, 101 are substantially planar and substantially parallel to one another. In the example shown in Fig. 1 , the housing 10 has a first side 102 substantially formed by the upper wall 100, and a second side 103, substantially formed by the lower wall 101 . The upper and lower walls 100, 101 are spaced to one another to form a space therebetween. The upper and lower walls 100, 101 are connected to one another by side walls 105. According to Fig. 1 , the upper and lower walls 100, 101 have a substantially rectangular shape with rounded edges. An edge 106 encompassing the upper wall 100 (and an edge encompassing the lower wall 101 ) has a substantially rectangular shape with rounded edges. The edge 106 connects the upper wall 100 with the side walls 105. According to Fig. 1 , the housing 10 has a rectangular shape with a length L being greater than a width W. Alternatively, the length L may be equal to the width W.
The width W and the length L of the upper and lower walls 100, 101 are substantially identical to the width and length of the housing 10. The housing 10 has a height H being smaller than the width W and length L.
The edge 106 is notched. In particular, the edge 106 has a notch running around the upper wall 100. The edge of the lower wall 101 has a tongue or rib having a shape corresponding to the edge 106 of the upper wall 100, in particular to the notch. The housing 10 further comprises a pair of handles 104. The handles 104 are arranged on opposing sides of the upper wall 100. The handles 104 are at least partially formed by the edge 106 of the upper wall 100, and a recess in the housing, extending between the upper wall 100 and a side wall 105. The handles 104 allow an easy handling of the modular electrical power storage device 1 .
On the upper wall 100 a plurality of sockets for electrical connections are integrated. According to Fig. 1 , three 220 V AC (alternating current) sockets formed as power outlets 13A are provided. Furthermore, a plurality of 5 V DC (direct current) sockets formed as power outlets 13B, and one 12 V DC socket formed as power outlet 13C are provided.
As will be described below, the modular electrical power storage device 1 is adapted to store electrical power. External devices may be connected to the power outlets 13A-13C. The modular electrical power storage device 1 may serve as a power source. The modular electrical power storage device 1 has a weight of 6 to 10 kg, preferably of about 8 kg.
Fig. 2 shows an electrical power storage system 2 comprising four modular electrical power storage devices 1 according to Fig. 1 .
Due to the configuration of the mating edges 106 of the upper and lower walls 100, 101 , each modular electrical power storage device 1 being placed on top of (on the upper wall 100) another modular electrical power storage device 1 is securely retained thereon. The mating edges 106 of the upper and lower walls 100, 101 engage with each other. Only the power outlets 13A-13C of the top modular electrical power storage device 1 are accessible. The power outlets 13A-13C of the other modular electrical power storage devices 1 are covered by another modular electrical power storage device 1 . In this manner the total current drawn from the electrical power storage system 2 may be limited.
As will be described below, the modular electrical power storage devices 1 are electrically connected to one another by means of a coupling system 16. The electrical power storage system 2 has an electrical power capacity corresponding to the sum of the capacities of the connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 .
Fig. 3 shows an electrical power storage system 2 comprising three modular electrical power storage devices 1 according to Fig. 1 . The electrical power storage system 2 further comprises a case 20 accommodating the three modular electrical power storage devices 1 . A base 22 is supporting the case 20 and its content. A lid 21 covers the modular electrical power storage devices 1. The lid 21 closes an upper opening of the case 20. The lid 21 has an integrated LED lighting equipment 210, preferably in the form of a strip running along the edge of the lid 21 , e.g. forming a loop. The lid 21 may be electrically connected with one or more power outlets 13A-13C of the uppermost modular electrical power storage device 1 for providing electrical power to the lighting equipment 210.
The electrical power storage system 2 according to Fig. 3 may, e.g., be used as a platform for sculptures and/or for lighting a display case. Fig. 4 shows a block diagram of the modular electrical power storage device 1. The modular electrical power storage device 1 generally comprises an electrical power storage unit 1 1 , a charging system 14, a power supply 15, a coupling control system 17, a control system 18 and a temperature control system 19. The modular electrical power storage device 1 further comprises a coupling system 16 for operationally connecting the modular electrical power storage device 1 with another modular electrical power storage device 1. The coupling can be set up wirelessly without the use of a cable therebetween. The coupling can also be set up by a wired connection between both modular electrical power storage devices. The coupling system 16 will be described in more detail below.
On the left side of the block diagram the power inlets 12A-12B are shown, while the power outlets 13A-13C are shown on the right side of the block diagram. The modular electrical power storage device 1 according to Fig. 4 comprises two AC power inlets 12A for connecting each one external power supply 4 in the form of, e.g., a generator and the 220 V power grid. The modular electrical power storage device 1 according to Fig. 4 further comprises one DC power inlet 12B in the form of an MC-4 connector for a solar panel cable. The power inlets 12A-12C are connected with the electrical power storage unit in the form of a lithium-ion battery pack 1 1 by means of the charging system 14. The battery pack may have a nominal voltage of 48 V. The battery pack 1 1 may comprise NMC, NCA, Li Pol and/or LiFeP04. The charging system 14 comprises an overvoltage protection 142 electrically connected with the DC power inlet 12B and a DC-to-DC converter 141. The overvoltage protection 142 limits a voltage from the DC power inlet 12B to a predetermined threshold for protecting the DC-to- DC converter 141. The DC-to-DC converter 141 accepts input voltages from the overvoltage protection 142 in a predetermined range, e.g. between 10 V and 28 V, and provides a predetermined output voltage, in particular the nominal voltage of the battery pack 1 1 , e.g. 48 V, to a charge controller 144. The charge controller 144 further receives electrical power from the two AC power inlets 12A. One AC power inlet 12A is directly electrically connected to the charge controller 144. One AC power inlet 12A is connected to the charge controller 144 via an EMI (electromagnetic interference) filter 143. The EMI filter 143 is adapted to filter electromagnetic interferences that may, for example, originate from a power generator serving as an external power supply 4 and being connected to the AC power inlet 12A.
The charge controller 144 may directly charge the battery pack 1 1 by means of a 48 V voltage from the DC-to-DC-converter 141. For this purpose, the charge controller 144 is directly electrically connected to the battery pack 1 1 , and may comprise commercially available charging electronics. Additionally, the charge controller 144 is connected to the battery pack 1 1 via an AC-to-DC charger 140. The AC-to-DC charger 140 comprises a rectifier (AC-to-DC converter) adapted to convert 220 V AC to the nominal battery pack 1 1 voltage, in the present case 48 V. The AC-to-DC charger 140 may further comprise commercially available charging electronics.
The charge controller 144 determines the power supplied on one or more of the power inlets 12A-12B and controls the charging of the battery pack 1 1 by means of power supplied on one or more of the power inlets 12A-12B. When power is supplied on two or more of the power inlets 12A-12B, the charge controller 144 selects in a manner that may be predefined, the power of which power inlet 12A-12B is used for charging the battery pack 1 1.
The charge controller 144 may measure a charge level of the battery pack 1 1. The charge controller 144 may control a charging voltage and/or current applied to the battery pack 1 1 in dependence of the charge level of the battery pack 1 1.
The power supply 15 comprises a DC-to-AC inverter 150 and two DC-to-DC converters 151. The inverter 150 is electrically connected to the battery pack 1 1 and to the 220 V AC power outlets 13A. The inverter 150 may invert a DC current, e.g. at 48 V, to an AC current, e.g. at 220 V and with 50 Hz.
The DC-to-DC converters 151 each are connected to the battery pack 1 1 and to one or more DC power outlets 13B, 13C. Presently, a first DC-to-DC converter 151 is adapted to convert 48 V DC to 5 V DC and is electrically connected to a plurality (e.g. two) of 5 V DC power outlets 13B, in particular in the form of USB ports. A second DC-to-DC converter 151 is adapted to convert 48 V DC to 12 V DC and is electrically connected to a 12 V DC power outlet 13C.
The power outlets 13A-13C are connectable with external electrical appliances or devices 3, such as a refrigerator, a washing machine, a radio, a light bulb and/or a laptop computer, just to name a few examples.
The modular electrical power storage device 1 is designed as a mobile device. For example, it can be used to provide electrical power on places without connection to a power grid. In order to protect the battery pack 1 1 against too high or too low operating temperatures, the temperature control system 19 is provided.
The temperature control system 19 comprises a temperature sensor 192 adapted to measure the temperature of the battery pack 1 1. The temperature sensor 192 is operationally and/or electrically connected with a cooling unit 190 having, e.g., a fan. The cooling unit 190 compares the measured temperature with a predefined threshold and starts and/or controls a cooling operation for cooling the battery pack 1 1 , when the temperature exceeds the predefined threshold. The temperature control system 19 further comprises a prestart heater 191 operationally and/or electrically connected with the temperature sensor 192. The prestart heater 191 compares the measured temperature with a predefined threshold and starts and/or controls a heating operation for heating the battery pack 1 1 , when the temperature falls below the predefined threshold. In particular, the prestart heater 191 may start and/or control a heating operation when the modular electrical power storage device 1 is switched on and/or activated and/or when an external device 3 is connected to a power outlet 13A-13C and/or draws power therefrom. In particular by means of the temperature control system 19 the modular electrical power storage device 1 may be operated from -30 to +50 degrees Celsius.
The control system 18 comprises a remote control unit 180 connected to a wireless local area network module 181 and a public mobile network module 182, and a control panel 183.
The wireless local area network module 181 is connectable with a wireless local area network, such as Bluetooth, ZigBee or WLAN (Wi-Fi). Alternatively or in addition, the control system 18 may be adapted to communicate by means of the X10, Modbus and/or KNX protocol. The public mobile network module 182 is connectable with a public mobile network, such as GSM, UMTS and/or LTE. Alternatively or additionally, the remote control system comprises only one of the wireless local area network module 181 and the public mobile network module 182.
The remote control unit 180 may receive commands and/or transmit status information via the wireless local area network module 181 and the public mobile network module 182. Status information may include a charge level, a charging current, a drawn current and/or a temperature. For example, a mobile device, e.g. a handheld device having a computer program (e.g. in the form of an app) may connect to the remote control unit 180 via the wireless network (optionally via a server computer) for providing commands and receiving status information. The remote control unit 180 may be connected with a smart home network.
Alternatively or additionally, commands may be entered by means of the control panel 183, e.g. in the form of a touchpad or other input or input/output device. The control panel 183 may output status information.
The control system 18 is operationally connected (not shown in Fig. 4) with the charging system 14, the power supply 15, the temperature control system 19 and/or the coupling control system 17, in particular such as to receive status information therefrom and to provide commands thereto.
An electrical power provided via the coupling system 16 by another modular electrical power storage device connected therewith may be used to charge the battery pack 1 1 and/or to provide electrical power to the power outlets 13A-13B. The provision of electrical power to the power outlets 13A-13B via the coupling system 16 is controlled by a coordination control unit 171 . Alternatively or in addition, the modular electrical power storage device 1 may provide electrical power via the coupling system 16 to be received by another modular electrical power storage device connected therewith. The charging and/or decharging of the battery pack 1 1 by an electrical power provided via the coupling system 16 is controlled by a stacking control unit 170. In a preferred embodiment the battery pack 1 1 is connected to the coupling system 16 such that the battery pack 1 1 and the coupling system 16 share a common potential point. In case of an electrical power storage system 2 with several modular electrical power storage devices 1 being operational connected via the coupling system 16, the battery packs 1 1 of all connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 share the common potential point. In a first mode, called automatic mode, of the stacking control unit 170, the charging balance between the battery packs 1 1 of the operational connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 is automatically controlled. That means, the charging balance between the battery packs 1 1 are only controlled by their possibly different charging levels. The actual charging level of a battery pack is given by its actual voltage. If a first battery pack 1 1 of a first modular electrical power storage device 1 has a lower actual charging level than a second battery pack 1 1 of an operational connected second modular electrical power storage device 1 , then in the automatic mode a charging current flows from the second battery pack 1 1 to the first battery pack 1 1 until the first and the second battery pack 1 1 attain the same charging level. This is due to the design, whereby the battery packs 1 1 share a common potential point. The automatic mode is a charging mode that equalizes possible differences in the charging levels of the battery packs 1 1 . Therefore, the automatic mode supports active charge balancing between the modules 1. In the process of charging, the battery packs 1 1 of all modules 1 are charged in parallel. In case one of the battery packs 1 1 attains a charging level higher than the charging level of the other battery packs 1 1 , the charging current flows from the higher charged battery pack to the more discharged battery packs 1 1 . In case one of the battery packs 1 1 attains a charging level lower than the charging level of the other battery packs 1 1 , the charging current flows from the higher charged battery packs to the lower charged battery pack 1 1 .
The stacking control unit 170 may also operate in a second mode. For example the stacking control unit 170 may operate in a conditional automatic mode as a second mode. The conditional automatic mode depends on parameters measured by the AC-to-DC-charger 140 of the modular electrical power storage device 1. In case a first modular electrical power storage device 1 , shortly called first module 1 , is connected to a AC power inlet 12A, the stacking control unit 170 separates the first module 1 from the coupling to the other modules of the electrical power storage system 2, if the AC-to-DC-charger 140 of the first module 1 measures a voltage lower than a minimal voltage or higher than a maximal voltage. The minimal voltage is a voltage from approximately 170 Volt. For example the minimal voltage is a voltage value in the interval from 163 Volt to 177 Volt. The maximal voltage is a voltage from approximately 280 Volt. For example the maximal voltage is a voltage value in the interval from 273 Volt to 287 Volt. In case the first module 1 is separated from the other modules of the system 2, the first module 1 is not connected to the other modules of the system 2 via the coupling system any more. In this way, the first module 1 does not contribute any more to the charging and/or decharging of the other modules 1 of the system 2, that are connected via the coupling system 16.
In case a second modular electrical power storage device 1 , shortly called second module 1 , is connected to the electrical power storage system 2 and the battery pack 1 1 of the second module 1 has a lower charging level than the charging levels of the battery packs 1 1 of the other modules 1 , that are connected via the coupling system 16, a charging current flows from the other modules 1 to the second module 1. In case the second module 1 is connected to a AC power inlet 12A and the stacking control unit 170 is operated in the second mode, the stacking control unit 170 separates the second module 1 from the coupling to the other modules of the electrical power storage system 2, if the AC-to-DC-charger 140 of the second module 1 measures a voltage lower than a minimal reverse voltage or higher than a maximal reverse voltage. The minimal reverse voltage is a voltage from approximately 180 Volt. For example the minimal reverse voltage is a voltage value in the interval from 173 Volt to 187 Volt. The maximal reverse voltage is a voltage from approximately 270 Volt. For example the maximal voltage is a voltage value in the interval from 263 Volt to 277 Volt. In case the second module 1 is separated from the other modules of the system 2, the second module 1 is not connected to the other modules of the system 2 via the coupling system any more. In this way, the second module 1 is not charged any more by the other modules 1 of the system 2, that are connected via the coupling system 16.
The battery management unit 172 conducts an active balancing of the possibly multiple batteries inside the battery pack 1 1 . That means, the battery management unit 172 provides a uniform distribution of charging of the possibly multiple batteries of the battery pack 1 1. For example, the battery pack 1 1 may be an assembly of lithium-ion batteries. A uniform distribution of charging of the possibly multiple batteries increases the service life of the batteries. A uniform distribution of charging of the possibly multiple batteries also supports the reliability of the battery pack 1 1 . For example, a battery pack 1 1 with a nominal voltage of 48 Volt may be an assembly of 13 single batteries. The battery management unit 172 provides a charging voltage from for example 54,6 Volt. The voltage of each single battery is balanced to be for example 4,2 Volt.
The stacking control unit 170 controls the exchange of energy between two or more modular electrical power storage devices being coupled. Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of a modular electrical power storage device V. In the following, only the difference with respect to the modular electrical power storage device 1 according to Fig. 1 are described, wherein like reference numbers are used for like components.
The modular electrical power storage device V according to Fig. 5 comprises, in addition to two AC power inlets 12A and a DC power inlet 12B, a high-current DC power inlet 12C. The high-current DC power inlet 12C is adapted to receive DC currents corresponding to an electric power of up to 1500 W (or 3000 W, e.g. as peak value) at a voltage of, e.g., 48 V. The high- current DC power inlet 12C is electrically connected with an overvoltage protection 142, being connected, via a switch 184 controlled by the control system 18, with the charge controller 144 for charging the battery pack 1 1. Additionally, the high-current DC power inlet 12C is connected with a DC-to-DC converter 146 adapted to convert the DC voltage provided on the high-current DC power inlet 12C, e.g. 48 V, to a high voltage, e.g. 400 V. The DC-to-DC converter 146 is electrically connected to the coupling system 16, particularly with a DC power outlet 166B of the coupling system 16, which is adapted to provide a DC power of e.g. 400 V. Electrical power provided to the high-current DC power inlet 12C, e.g. by a solar panel, may be provided to another modular electrical power storage device connected by means of the coupling system 16, in particular without being stored in the battery pack 1 1 before. This is achieved by electrically coupling the DC power outlet 166B to a DC power inlet 167B of a coupling system 16 of another modular electrical power storage device, which is adapted to receive DC power of e.g. 400 V. The DC-to-DC converter 146 may be used bidirectional to reconvert a high voltage, e.g. 400 V, to a lower voltage, e.g. 48 V. Thus, the DC-to-DC converter 146 may be electrically connected to a DC power inlet 167B of the coupling system 16. The DC power inlet 167B is adapted to receive DC power of e.g. 400 V from a DC power outlet 166B of a coupling system 16 of another modular electrical power storage device, when DC power inlet 167B and DC power outlet 166B are electrically connected. The battery pack 1 1 of the modular electrical power storage device V may be charged by electrical power received through the DC power inlet 167B of the coupling system 16 and converted by the DC-to-DC converter 146. Then, the charging of the battery pack 1 1 is performed in the same way as for electrical power that is received through the high-current DC power inlet 12C.
The two AC power inlets 12A are both electrically connected to the EMI filter 143, which is, in turn, electrically connected to the AC-to-DC charger 140. The EMI filter 143 has the same function like the one presented in the embodiment of Fig. 4. Additionally, the two AC power inlets 12A are electrically connected with the coupling system 16, particularly with an AC power inlet 167A of the coupling system 16. The AC power inlet 167A of the coupling system 16 is adapted to receive an alternating current at a voltage of preferable 220 V from a AC power outlet 166A of the coupling system 16 of another modular electrical power storage device. In a first embodiment the both modular electrical power storage devices are electrically connectable by electrically coupling the AC power inlet 167A of the one storage device 1 ' to the AC power outlet 166A of the other storage device. When the coupling system 16 is electrically connected with the coupling system 16 of another modular electrical power storage device by coupling the AC power inlet 167A to the AC power outlet 166A, electrical power provided by the other modular electrical power storage device at the coupling system 16 may be used to charge the battery pack 1 1 . The battery pack 1 1 may be charged by electrical power received through the AC power inlet 167A of the coupling system 16 in the same way as electrical power that is received through one of the AC power inlets 12A.
Optionally, a bypass 185 may be provided that can be activated by establishing an electrical connection between the output of the EMI filter 143 and one or more of the AC power outputs 13A, e.g. by closing a switch 184.
The output of the DC-to-AC inverter 150 is connected with one or more of the AC power outputs 13A. In addition, the output of the DC-to-AC inverter 150 is connected with the coupling system 16, particularly with a first outlet 166A of the coupling system 16. Preferably the DC-to-AC inverter 150 is adapted to invert a DC current, e. g. at 48 Volt, to a AC current, e. g. at 220 Volt. The first outlet 166A is adapted to provide the AC current to a first inlet 167A of another modular electrical power storage device, to whom it is electrically coupled.
Connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' built an electrical power storage system 2. A communication may be enabled between connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 '. The coupling system 16 may enable a communication of the control systems 18 of the connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 '. The connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' may be identical, for example according to an embodiment pursuant Fig. 5. The electrical power storage system 2 represents a scalable solution, where up to ten modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' may be coupled. Each of the modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' may provide a maximal electrical power of for example 15 kW. The battery pack 1 1 of each storage device 1 , 1 ' may store an electrical energy of for example 12 kWh. One of the modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' may act as a master device and control the other devices. For example, when the connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' are stacked over each other, the one at the bottom may be the master device. The master device is able to enable and to disable one of the connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' from the electrical power storage system 2. This way, a given electrical energy or electrical power may be easily provided. The work of the system 2 is not impaired, when disabling one modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' from the system 2. The PCM (Power control module) control unit 145 controls the electrical energy stored in the battery pack 1 1 . In particular, the PCM control unit 145 is adapted to balance the amount of electrical energy stored in the battery pack 1 1 . Having an electrical power storage system 2 of two or more connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' the PCM control unit 145 of the master device, which controls all of the connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ', is adapted to control and balance the amount of energy stored in each battery pack 1 1 of each of the connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 '. The PCM control unit 145 of the master device is adapted to ensure a uniform distribution of electrical energy in the battery packs 1 1 of all connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 '. This may be done by decharging a battery pack 1 1 with a load being higher than the loads of the battery packs 1 1 of the other modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' and using the electrical energy derived from the decharging to load one or more of the other battery packs 1 1 of the connected modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ', wherein the other battery packs 1 1 having a load lower than the decharged battery pack 1 1 . The balancing of the energy loads of the battery packs 1 1 is done by the PCM control unit 145 while maintaining its reliability. The balancing of the energy loads of the battery packs 1 1 is performed by the PCM control unit 145 such that the life of the charged and decharged battery packs 1 1 may be increased.
Using the modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' described herein, it is possible to conveniently store, buffer and supply electrical energy. By means of the coupling system 16, two or more modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ' can be electrically connected with one another in order to dynamically increase the storage capacity. The modular electrical power storage device 1 , 1 ' may be used to buffer solar power, and to provide electrical power when no power grid is available. The modular electrical power storage device 1 , 1 ' may serve as an uninterruptible power supply.
Fig. 6A shows a lateral view of an embodiment of a coupling system 16 between two modular electrical power storage devices 1 , 1 ', a lower module 1 and an upper module 1 '. The housing
10 of the lower modular electrical power storage device 1 is furnished with an attachment 160.
The attachment 160 is shown in an open position. In the open position a majority of power contacts 162, which form a plug 167, are arranged on top of a first side 102 of the housing 10.
The power contacts 162 are electrically connected to power cables 163, such that electrical energy that is received by the power contacts 102 is transferred to the battery pack 1 1 or to the a power outlet 13A-13C of the lower module 1.
The plug 167 is designed to fit inside a socket 166, wherein the socket 166 is constructed of a majority of holes 161 that are embedded inside a second side 103 of a housing 10 of the upper module 1 '. When the plug 167 of the lower module 1 is brought in mating contact to the socket
166 of the upper module 1 ', that means, each power contact 162 is inserted into one of the holes 161 , some or all of the power contacts 162 may be electrically connected to an energy source of the upper module 1 '. The energy source may be electric power received by a power inlet 12A-12C or electric power stored inside the battery pack 1 1 of the upper module 1 '. The exchange of energy from the upper module 1 ' to the lower module 1 (or also vice versa) may be controlled by a coupling control system 17 of the lower module in the case of the embodiment according to Fig. 4 and by the PCM control unit 145 of the lower module in case of the embodiment according to Fig. 5. The coupling control system 17 may control the exchange of electrical energy between the lower and the upper module 1 , 1 ' in a way to support a load balancing between the battery packs 1 1 of both modules 1 , 1 '.
The attachment 160 comprises a hinge 165, wherein a turnable part of the attachment that is located on one side of the hinge 165 may be turned around the hinge 165 from the open position, where the turnable part touches the first side 102 of the housing 10, to a closed position, where the turnable part touches the not turnable part of the attachment 160, which is located on the other side of the hinge 165. The turnable part of the attachment comprises the plug 167. The plug 167 is discharged into a cavity 164 of the housing 10 when the turnable part is turned into the closed position. This may be done, in case a physical connection from the lower module 1 to a possible upper module 1 'is not desired. In a possible embodiment the length of the turnable part is between 63 and 64 cm, preferable 63,61 cm. The length of the non turnable part is between 41 and 42 cm, preferable 41 ,69 cm. The length of the cavity 164 is between 24 and 25 cm, preferable 24,2 cm. The turning of the turnable part of the attachment 160 from the open position to the closed position is shown in Fig. 6B.
Fig. 6C shows a top view of the attachment 160 in the open position. The attachment 160 is connected to the first side 102 of the housing 10 of a modular electrical power storage device. The attachment 160 is divided by the hinge 165 into a left turnable part and a right non turnable part. The turnable part comprises the plug 167. The plug 167 comprises five pins 162 wherein each pin 162 serves as a possible power contact to an electrical power source, when the plug
167 is brought into mating contact with a designated socket 166.
List of Reference Numbers
1 , 1 ' modular electrical power storage device 10 housing
100 upper wall
101 lower wall
102 first side
103 second side
104 handle
105 side wall
106 edge 1 1 battery pack (electrical power storage
12A AC power inlet
12B DC power inlet
12C high-current DC power inlet
13A AC power outlet
13B DC power outlet
13C DC power outlet 14 charging system
140 AC-to-DC charger
141 DC-to-DC converter
142 overvoltage protection
143 EMI filter
144 charge controller
145 PCM control unit
146 DC-to-DC converter
15 power supply
150 inverter
151 DC-to-DC converter
16 coupling system
160 attachment
161 hole
162 power contacts
163 power cable
164 cavity
165 hinge 166 socket
166A AC power outlet
166B DC power outlet
167 plug
167A AC power inlet
167B DC power inlet
17 coupling control system
170 stacking control unit
171 coordination control unit
172 battery management unit
18 control system
180 remote control unit
181 wireless local area network module
182 public mobile network module
183 control panel
184 switch
185 bypass temperature control system cooling unit
prestart heater
temperature sensor
2 electrical power storage system
20 case
21 lid
210 lighting equipment
22 base
3 external device
4 external power supply
H height
L length
W width

Claims

Patent Claims
1 . Modular electrical power storage device, comprising
- a housing (10), having a power inlet (12A-12C) and an AC power outlet (13A),
- an electrical power storage unit (1 1 ) accommodated in the housing (10),
- a charging system (14) electrically connected to the AC power inlet (12A) and to the electrical power storage unit (1 1 ) for charging the electrical power storage unit (1 1 ) when a current is provided to the power inlet (12A-12C), and
- a power supply (15) electrically connected to the electrical power storage unit (1 1 ) and to the AC power outlet (13A) for supplying electrical power from the electrical power storage unit (1 1 ) to the AC power outlet (13A), characterized by a coupling system (16) for electrically contacting the modular electrical power storage device (1 , 1 ') to another, substantially identical modular electrical power storage device (1 , 1 '), such that electrical power is transferrable between the modular electrical power storage device (1 , 1 ') and the substantially identical modular electrical power storage device (1 , 1 ') via the coupling system (16).
2. Modular electrical power storage device according to claim 1 , characterized in that the coupling system (16) comprises a plug (167) and a socket (166).
3. Modular electrical power storage device according to claim 2, characterized in that the plug (167) and the socket (166) are arranged at opposing walls (100, 101 ) of the housing (10), wherein the plug (167) is connectable with the socket (166) of another, substantially identical modular electrical power storage device (1 , 1 ').
4. Modular electrical power storage device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the coupling system (16) is adapted to couple the modular electrical power storage device (1 , 1 ') to another, substantially identical modular electrical power storage device (1 , 1 ') without the use of a cable.
5. Modular electrical power storage device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (100) comprises a first side (102) and a second side (103) opposite to the first side (102), wherein the first and second sides (102, 103) have mating shapes such that the modular electrical power storage device (1 , 1 ') can be brought in mating contact to a substantially identical modular electrical power storage device (1 , 1 '). Modular electrical power storage device according to claim 5, characterized in that the first and second sides (102, 103) comprise the opposing walls (100, 101 ).
Modular electrical power storage device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a coupling control system (17) controlling a transfer of electrical power via the coupling system (16).
Modular electrical power storage device according to claim 7, characterized in that the coupling control system (17) is adapted to measure a charge level of the electrical power storage unit (1 1 ) and/or of the electrical power storage unit (1 1 ) of another, substantially identical modular electrical power storage device (1 , 1 ') electrically contacted to the coupling system (16).
Modular electrical power storage device according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the coupling control system (17) is adapted to determine a difference of a charge level of the electrical power storage unit (1 1 ) and a charge level of the electrical power storage unit (1 1 ) of another, substantially identical modular electrical power storage device (1 , 1 ') electrically contacted to the coupling system (16), and to transfer electrical power via the coupling system (16) in dependence on the difference.
10. Modular electrical power storage device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical power storage unit (1 1 ) has a capacity of at least 1 kWh, in particular of at least 1 .2 kWh.
Modular electrical power storage device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electrical power storage unit (1 1 ) comprises at least one lithium- ion battery.
12. Modular electrical power storage device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the charging system (14) comprises a rectifier (140), in particular adapted for converting an alternating current at a voltage of 220 V to 230 V to a direct current at a voltage of 48 V, the rectifier (140) being electrically connected to the power inlet (12A) being formed as AC power inlet.
3. Modular electrical power storage device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the power supply (15) comprises an inverter (150), in particular adapted for converting a direct current at a voltage of 48 V to an alternating current at a voltage of 220 V to 230 V.
4. Modular electrical power storage device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a direct current power inlet (12B), and a direct current power outlet (13B), operationally connected to the electrical power storage unit (1 1 ).
15. Modular electrical power storage device according to claim 14, characterized in that the direct current power inlet (12B) is operationally connected to the electrical power storage unit (1 1 ) via a DC-to-DC converter (141 ) of the charging system (14).
16. Modular electrical power storage device according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the electrical power storage unit (1 1 ) is operationally connected to the direct current power outlet (13B) via a DC-to-DC converter (151 ) of the power supply (15). 17. Modular electrical power storage device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by a remote control unit (180) adapted for providing status information and/or for receiving control commands via a wireless data communications network for controlling the charging system (14) and/or the power supply (15). 18. Electrical power storage system (2), comprising at least two modular electrical power storage devices (1 , 1 ') according to one of the preceding claims.
19. Electrical power storage system (2) according to claim 18, characterized in that the electrical power storage system (2) is designed to support an active balancing of the at least two modular electrical power storage devices (1 , 1 ') comprised by the system (2).
20. Electrical power storage system (2) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the battery packs (1 1 ) of the at least two modular electrical power storage devices (1 , 1 ') comprised by the system (2) share a common potential point.
PCT/EP2017/060582 2017-05-03 2017-05-03 Modular electrical power storage device and system WO2018202294A1 (en)

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WO2021043401A1 (en) * 2019-09-05 2021-03-11 Modul-System Hh Ab Lithium power supply box
EP4311071A1 (en) * 2022-06-01 2024-01-24 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Power supply including control of a thermal management system

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EP2533392A1 (en) 2011-06-07 2012-12-12 E3/DC GmbH Dispositif d'alimentation d'une habitation en énergie électrique
EP2698896A2 (en) * 2012-08-17 2014-02-19 LG Electronics, Inc. Energy storage device, power management device, mobile terminal and method for operating the same
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WO2021043401A1 (en) * 2019-09-05 2021-03-11 Modul-System Hh Ab Lithium power supply box
EP4311071A1 (en) * 2022-06-01 2024-01-24 Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation Power supply including control of a thermal management system

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