CN221597441U

CN221597441U - Portable power supply

Info

Publication number: CN221597441U
Application number: CN202321383120.5U
Authority: CN
Inventors: 唐春建; M·A·巴罗克利夫特; B·M·霍克斯; B·C·特施
Original assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp
Current assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp
Priority date: 2022-06-01
Filing date: 2023-06-01
Publication date: 2024-08-23
Anticipated expiration: 2033-06-01

Abstract

A portable power supply includes an internal power source, a thermal management system configured to control a temperature of one or more internal components of the portable power supply, a power input unit configured to charge the internal power source, a power output unit configured to provide power output by the internal power source, a first sensing circuit configured to detect the temperature of the one or more internal components, an auxiliary power source, and a controller. The controller is configured to receive a first signal from the first sensing circuit, enable the thermal management system based on the temperature of the one or more internal components, and enable charging of the internal power source based on the temperature of the one or more internal components.

Description

Portable power supply

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/347,884 filed on 1 month 6 of 2022 and U.S. provisional patent application No. 63/370,755 filed on 8 months 8 of 2022, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Technical Field

Embodiments described herein relate to portable power supplies.

Background

The portable power supply may disable the discharge power to the user and/or disable the charging function when the power supply reaches predetermined operating conditions, such as: end of discharge ("EOD") where the voltage of the on-board battery is too low to perform adequately (e.g., the battery has reached a low voltage discharge threshold); the charging is completed, wherein the charge state of the on-board battery reaches 100%; an over temperature condition ("OT") in which the on-board battery is too hot to supply discharge power; an under-temperature condition ("UT") in which the on-board battery is too cold to supply discharge power or to be charged, and so on. When the power supply reaches these predetermined operating conditions, it is desirable to restore all functions of the power supply as soon as possible. The speed at which the unit can resume functionality may depend on the situation in which the user has access to power. In addition, the speed at which the unit may be recharged and/or restored to function may depend on the temperature of the on-board battery. Certain battery chemistries and user lifecycles require that the battery be at or below a certain temperature threshold in order to charge or discharge. The over-charge and/or under-temperature threshold may be lower than the over-discharge and/or under-temperature threshold. In addition, the battery chemistry and life cycle requirements of the on-board battery may have a hierarchy(s) of charging capabilities that dictate a maximum rate of charging that decreases depending on cell and ambient temperature.

Disclosure of utility model

Various embodiments of the present disclosure recognize that challenges exist in implementing the functionality of a portable battery cell at cold ambient temperatures. These challenges result in the inability to perform charge and/or discharge functions under cold ambient temperature conditions. Accordingly, there is a need for a portable battery power supply that is capable of quickly heating the on-board battery when the on-board battery is too cold to charge (e.g., the lowest cell temperature is below the charge UT threshold) and is connected to an auxiliary power source in order to begin discharging or charging as soon as possible and to reach a maximum charge rate. Some embodiments of the present disclosure provide for powering a thermal management system by utilizing an auxiliary power source to achieve a charge/discharge function and minimize charge time and/or latency under cold ambient conditions, regardless of the state of charge of the portable battery power supply.

The portable power supply described herein includes: an internal power source configured to provide power to a device connected to the portable power supply; a thermal management system configured to control a temperature of the internal power source; a power input unit configured to charge the internal power supply; a power output unit configured to provide power output by the internal power supply; a first sensing circuit configured to detect a temperature of the internal power supply; an auxiliary power supply; and a controller. The controller includes a processor and a memory. The controller is configured to: the method includes receiving a first signal from the first sensing circuit related to a temperature of the internal power source, enabling the thermal management system based on the temperature of the internal power source, and enabling charging of the internal power source based on the temperature of the internal power source.

In some aspects, the portable power supply is operable to enable charging of the internal power source based on a temperature of the internal power source and a temperature threshold.

In some aspects, the portable power supply is operable to power the thermal management system using the auxiliary power source.

In some aspects, the portable power supply includes a second sensing circuit configured to detect a state of charge ("SOC") of the internal power source, and the portable power supply is operable to receive a second signal from the second sensing circuit related to the SOC of the internal power source and to power the thermal management system using the internal power source in response to determining that the SOC of the internal power source exceeds an SOC threshold.

In some aspects, the portable power supply is operable to include a second sensing circuit configured to detect a state of charge ("SOC") of the internal power source, and to receive a second signal from the second sensing circuit related to the SOC of the internal power source, and to power the thermal management system using the auxiliary power source in response to determining that the SOC of the internal power source is less than a SOC threshold.

In some aspects, the portable power supply is operable to select a charge rate of the internal power source based on a temperature of the internal power source and one or more temperature thresholds, and each of the one or more temperature thresholds is associated with a different charge rate.

In some aspects, the portable power supply is operable to control operation of the thermal management system using the auxiliary power source based on the selected charge rate and the temperature of the internal power source.

In some aspects, the auxiliary power source of the portable power supply is provided by the power input unit from an external power source.

Embodiments described herein provide methods of operating a portable power supply. The methods include receiving, by a controller, a first signal from the first sensing circuit related to a temperature of an internal power source of the portable power supply, enabling, by the controller, a thermal management system of the portable power supply based on the temperature of the internal power source, and enabling, by the controller, charging of the internal power source based on the temperature of the internal power source.

In some aspects, the method further includes enabling, by the controller, charging of the internal power source based on the temperature of the internal power source and a temperature threshold.

In some aspects, the method further comprises powering, by the controller, the thermal management system using an auxiliary power source of the portable power supply.

In some aspects, the method further includes receiving, by the controller, a second signal from the second sensing circuit related to a state of charge ("SOC") of the internal power source, and powering, by the controller, the thermal management system using the internal power source in response to determining that the SOC of the internal power source exceeds a SOC threshold.

In some aspects, the method further includes receiving, by the controller, a second signal from the second sensing circuit related to a state of charge ("SOC") of the internal power source, and powering, by the controller, the thermal management system using an auxiliary power source of the portable power supply in response to determining that the SOC of the internal power source is less than a SOC threshold.

In some aspects, the method further comprises: selecting, by the controller, a charge rate of the internal power source based on a temperature of the internal power source and one or more temperature thresholds, wherein each of the one or more temperature thresholds is associated with a different charge rate; and controlling, by the controller, operation of the thermal management system using an auxiliary power source of the portable power supply based on the selected charge rate and the temperature of the internal power source.

In some aspects, the method further comprises an auxiliary power source of the portable power supply provided by the power input unit from an external power source.

The portable power supply described herein includes: an internal power source configured to provide power to a device connected to the portable power supply; a thermal management system configured to control a temperature of the internal power source; a power input unit configured to charge the internal power supply; a power output unit configured to provide power output by the internal power supply; a first sensing circuit configured to detect a state of charge ("SOC") of the internal power supply; a second sensing circuit configured to detect a temperature of the internal power supply; an auxiliary power supply; and a controller. The controller includes a processor and a memory. The controller is configured to receive a first signal related to an SOC of the internal power supply from the first sensing circuit, receive a second signal related to a temperature of the internal power supply from the second sensing circuit, disable charging of the internal power supply based on one of the SOC of the internal power supply and the temperature of the internal power supply, and power the thermal management system using the auxiliary power supply.

The portable power supply described herein includes: an internal power source configured to provide power to a device connected to the portable power supply; a thermal management system configured to control a temperature of the internal power source; a power input unit configured to charge the internal power supply; a power output unit configured to provide power output by the internal power supply; a first sensing circuit configured to detect a state of charge ("SOC") of the internal power supply; a second sensing circuit configured to detect a temperature of the internal power supply; and a controller. The controller includes a processor and a memory. The controller is configured to receive a first signal related to an SOC of the internal power supply from the first sensing circuit, receive a second signal related to a temperature of the internal power supply from the second sensing circuit, disable charging of the internal power supply based on one of the SOC of the internal power supply and the temperature of the internal power supply, and power the thermal management system using a rebound voltage of the internal power supply after the internal power supply is disabled due to reaching a low voltage discharge threshold.

Before any embodiments are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the embodiments are not limited in their application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The embodiments may be practiced or carried out in a variety of different ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted," "connected," "supported," and "coupled" and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings.

In addition, it should be understood that embodiments may include hardware, software, and electronic components or modules that, for purposes of discussion, may be shown and described as if the majority of the components were implemented solely in hardware. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize, based on a reading of this detailed description, that in at least one embodiment, the electronic-based aspects may be implemented in software (e.g., stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium) executable by one or more processing units (e.g., a microprocessor and/or an application specific integrated circuit ("ASIC")). Thus, it should be noted that embodiments may be implemented using a number of hardware and software based devices as well as a number of different structural components. For example, the terms "server," "computing device," "controller," "processor," and the like as described in the specification may include one or more processing units, one or more computer readable medium modules, one or more input/output interfaces, and various connections (e.g., a system bus) to the components.

Relative terms such as "about," "substantially," and the like, as used in connection with a quantity or condition, will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to encompass the stated value and have the meaning dictated by the context (e.g., the term includes at least the degree of error associated with measurement accuracy, tolerances associated with particular values [ e.g., manufacturing, assembly, use, etc. ], and the like). Such terms should also be considered to disclose ranges defined by the absolute values of the two endpoints. For example, the expression "about 2 to about 4" also discloses the range "2 to 4". Relative terms may refer to percentages (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10%, or more) of the indicated value being added or subtracted.

The functions described herein as being performed by one component may be performed by multiple components in a distributed fashion. Also, functions performed by multiple components may be combined and performed by a single component. Similarly, components described as performing a particular function may also perform additional functions not described herein. For example, a device or structure that is "configured" in some way is configured at least in that way, but may also be configured in ways that are not explicitly listed.

Other aspects of the utility model will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

Drawings

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a portable power supply device.

Fig. 2 to 3 illustrate an embodiment of an internal power supply included in the portable power supply apparatus of fig. 1.

Fig. 4A illustrates a control system for the portable power supply device of fig. 1.

Fig. 4B is a circuit block diagram of a network communication module of the portable power supply of fig. 1.

Fig. 4C is a communication system for the portable power supply device of fig. 1, and an external device.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of the portable power supply device of fig. 1.

Fig. 6A-6B illustrate a case where the thermal management system is disabled.

Fig. 6C-6D illustrate a situation in which the thermal management system is enabled.

Fig. 6E illustrates a case where the thermal management system and charging are enabled.

Fig. 7 shows the voltage response of the battery during a pulse discharge.

Fig. 8 shows the voltage response of the battery during continuous discharge.

Fig. 9 illustrates the power supply apparatus of fig. 1 including an auxiliary power source.

Fig. 10 is a process for charging an internal power source of the power supply apparatus of fig. 1.

Fig. 11 is a process for powering additional features of the power supply apparatus of fig. 1.

Fig. 12 is a process for controlling the temperature management system of the power supply apparatus of fig. 1.

Fig. 13 is a process for controlling the temperature management system of the power supply apparatus of fig. 1.

Fig. 14A to 14B are processes for controlling the temperature management system of the power supply apparatus of fig. 1.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 illustrates a portable power supply device or power supply 100. The power supply 100 includes, among other things, a housing 102. In some embodiments, the housing 102 includes one or more wheels 104 and a handle assembly 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle assembly 106 is a telescoping handle that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. The handle assembly 106 includes an inner tube 108 and an outer tube 110. The inner tube 108 fits within the outer tube 110 and is slidable relative to the outer tube 110. The inner tube 108 is coupled to a horizontal holding member 112. In some embodiments, the handle assembly 106 further includes a locking mechanism to prevent the inner tube 108 from accidentally moving relative to the outer tube 110. The locking mechanism may include a notch, sliding detent, or other suitable locking mechanism to prevent the inner tube 108 from sliding relative to the outer tube 110 when the handle assembly 106 is in the extended and/or retracted positions. In practice, the user holds the holding member 112 and pulls upward to extend the handle assembly 106. The inner tube 108 slides relative to the outer tube 110 until the handle assembly 106 is locked in the extended position. The user may then pull and guide the power supply 100 to a desired location through the handle assembly 106. The wheels 104 of the power supply 100 facilitate this movement.

The housing 102 of the power supply 100 further includes a power input unit 114, a power output unit 116, and a display 118. In the illustrated embodiment, the power input unit 114 includes a plurality of electrical connection interfaces configured to receive power from an external power source. In some embodiments, the external power source is a DC power source. For example, the DC power source may be one or more photovoltaic cells (e.g., solar panels), an Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station, or any other DC power source. In some embodiments, the external power source is an AC power source. For example, the AC power source may be a conventional wall outlet found in north america, such as a 120V outlet or 240V outlet. As another example, the AC power source may be a conventional wall outlet found outside north america, such as a 220V outlet or a 230V outlet. In some embodiments, the power input unit 114 is replaced with or additionally includes a cable configured to plug into a conventional wall outlet. In some embodiments, the power input unit 114 further includes one or more devices, such as an antenna or an inductive coil, configured to wirelessly receive power from an external power source. The power received by the power input unit 114 may be used to charge a core battery or an internal power source 120 disposed within the housing 102 of the power supply 100. Also, the power received by the power input unit 114 may be used to provide power to a thermal management system 122 disposed within the housing 102 of the power supply 100. The thermal management system 122 is configured to reduce the temperature below the high temperature cutoff threshold of the internal power source 120, resulting in a cooling time duration that is shorter than the natural cooling duration of the internal power source 120.

The power received by the power input unit 114 may also be used to provide power to one or more devices connected to the power output unit 116. The power output unit 116 includes one or more power outlets. In the illustrated embodiment, the power output unit 116 includes a plurality of AC power outlets 116A and a plurality of DC power outlets 116B. It should be understood that the number of power outlets included in the power output unit 116 is not limited to the power outlets illustrated in fig. 1. For example, in some embodiments of the power supply 100, the power output unit 116 may include more or fewer power outlets than those included in the illustrated embodiment of the power supply 100.

In some embodiments, the power output unit 116 is configured to provide power output by the internal power source 120 to one or more peripheral devices. In some embodiments, the power output unit 116 is configured to provide power provided by an external power source directly to one or more peripheral devices. The one or more peripheral devices may be a smart phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, portable music player, power tool battery charger, or the like. The peripheral device may be configured to receive DC and/or AC power from the power output unit 116.

In some embodiments, the DC power outlet 116B includes one or more receptacles for receiving and charging a power tool battery pack. In such embodiments, the power tool battery received by or connected to the battery receptacle 116B is charged by power output by the internal power source 120 and/or power received directly from an external power source. In some embodiments, the power tool battery pack connected to the battery pack receptacle 116B is used to provide power to the internal power source 120, the thermal management system 122, and/or one or more peripheral devices connected to the outlet of the power output unit 116. In some embodiments, the power output unit 116 includes a tool-specific power outlet. For example, the power output unit may include a DC power outlet for powering the welding tool.

The display 118 is configured to indicate to a user the status of the power supply 100, such as the state of charge and/or a fault condition of the internal power source 120. In some embodiments, the display 118 includes one or more light emitting diode ("LED") indicators configured to illuminate and display the current state of charge of the internal power source 120. In some embodiments, display 118 is, for example, a liquid crystal display ("LCD"), a light emitting diode ("LED") display, an organic LED ("OLED") display, an electroluminescent display ("ELD"), a surface conduction electron emitter display ("SED"), a field emission display ("FED"), a thin film transistor ("TFT") LCD, an electronic ink display, or the like. In other embodiments, the power supply 100 does not include a display. In these embodiments, the display function implemented by the on-board display may be implemented via the external device 437 (see, e.g., fig. 4C).

Fig. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an internal power source 120 included in the power supply 100, according to some embodiments. As shown in FIG. 2, the internal power supply 120 includes one or more sub-core modules 125A-125N. At least one sub-core module 125 is included in the internal power supply 120. However, the internal power supply 120 may include any desired number N of sub-core modules 125A-125N. Although shown as being connected in series, the sub-core modules 125A-125N may be electrically connected in series, in parallel, and/or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the sub-core modules 125A-125N included in the internal power supply 120 are implemented as rechargeable battery packs, such as power tool battery packs. As will be described in more detail later, the rechargeable battery pack included in the internal power source 120 may be a relatively high voltage (e.g., 72V) battery pack for powering a large power tool.

The following description of the individual sub-core modules 125 is written with respect to sub-core module 125A. However, it should be understood that each individual sub-core module 125 included in the internal power supply 120 may include similar components and include corresponding reference numerals (e.g., 125B, 126B, 127B, 125N, 126N, 127N, etc.). The sub-core module 125A includes a stack or plurality of battery cells 126A. A stack of cells 126A includes at least two cells electrically connected in series. However, a stack of cells 126A may include a desired number of cells. For example, a stack of cells 126A may include two, three, four, ten, twenty-three, twenty-eight, forty-six, seventy, or more cells electrically connected in series. In some embodiments, the stack of cells 126A includes cells electrically connected in parallel. In some embodiments, the stack of cells 126A includes cells electrically connected in series and parallel. For example, fig. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a sub-core module 125A in which a stack of battery cells 126A are electrically connected in series-parallel combinations. In some embodiments, the sub-core module 125A includes a plurality of stacks of battery cells 126A electrically connected in parallel with each other.

The cells included in the stack of cells 126A are rechargeable cells having a lithium ion chemistry such as lithium phosphate or lithium manganese. In some embodiments, the cells included in the stack of cells 126A may have lead acid, nickel cadmium, nickel metal hydride, and/or other chemicals. Each cell in the stack of cells 126A has a separate nominal voltage. The nominal voltage of the individual cells included in the stack of cells 126A may be, for example, 4.2V, 4V, 3.9V, 3.6V, 2.4V, or some other voltage value. For exemplary purposes, it will be assumed that the nominal voltage of the individual cells included in the stack of cells 126A is equal to 4V. Thus, if a stack of cells 126A includes two cells connected in series, the nominal voltage of the stack of cells 126A or the sub-core module 125A is equal to 8.0V. Similarly, if the stack of cells 126A includes twenty-three cells connected in series, the nominal voltage of the sub-core module 125A is 92V. As shown in fig. 3, the ampere-hour capacity or capacity of the sub-core module 125A may be increased by adding cells connected in a parallel-series combination to a stack of cells 126A. In some embodiments, supercapacitors are used in place of or in combination with the battery cells.

The sub-core module 125A further includes a battery or sub-core monitoring circuit 127A and a sub-core housing 128A. The sub-core monitoring circuit 127A is electrically connected to a stack of battery cells 126A and a controller 200 (fig. 4A) included in the power supply 100. During operation of the power supply 100, the sub-core monitoring circuit 127A receives power from a stack of battery cells 126A. The sub-core monitoring circuit 127A is configured to sense a state of charge ("SOC") level or voltage value of the stack of battery cells 126A and transmit the voltage reading to the controller 200. The voltage level of the sub-core module 125A may be determined by measuring the total open circuit voltage of a stack of cells 126A or by summing the open circuit voltage measurements of each parallel cell string in a stack of cells 126A. In some embodiments, the sub-core monitoring circuits 127A-127N transmit the voltage readings of the stack of cells 126A-126N to a separate master monitoring circuit. The separate primary monitoring circuit may send a signal to the secondary core monitoring circuits 127A-127N to initiate sensing of the state of charge ("SOC") level or voltage value of the stack of battery cells 126A-126N. In some embodiments, the SOC level may be determined using various methods, such as open circuit voltage conversion, coulomb counting, highest cell voltage, lowest cell voltage, and the like. In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to use one of the SOC level determination methods over the other methods due to the status of the power supply 100, various constraints, and utilization of the SOC. In addition, SOC is used throughout the disclosure and may be related to calculating SOC by any of the methods described above. In some embodiments, the sub-core monitoring circuit 127A is additionally configured to sense a discharge current of the stack of battery cells 126A (e.g., using a current sensor) and/or a temperature of the sub-core module 125A (e.g., using a temperature sensor) and transmit the sensed current and/or temperature readings to the controller 200. The sub-core monitoring circuit 127A is further configured to receive commands from the controller 200 during operation of the power supply 100.

In some embodiments, a stack of battery cells 126A and a sub-core monitoring circuit 127A are disposed within a sub-core housing 128A of a sub-core module 125A. In some embodiments, a stack of battery cells 126A is disposed within the sub-core housing 128A and the sub-core monitoring circuit 127A is included as part of the controller 200. In some embodiments, the sub-core module 125A does not include a sub-core shell 128A.

As described above, the internal power source 120 of the power supply 100 may include a plurality of sub-core modules 125 electrically connected in series and/or parallel. For example, if the internal power source 120 includes the first and second sub-core modules 125A and 125B electrically connected in series, wherein each of the first and second sub-core modules 125A and 125B has a nominal voltage of 92V, the combined voltage of the first and second sub-core modules 125A and 125B is equal to 184V. Accordingly, the voltage level at which the internal power supply 120 outputs DC power is 184V. Likewise, if the internal power supply 120 includes five sub-core modules 125A-125E connected in series, wherein each of the sub-core modules 125A-125E has a nominal voltage of 56V, the voltage level at which the internal power supply 120 outputs DC power is 280V. Any number of sub-core modules 125A-125N may be electrically connected in series and/or parallel to achieve a desired nominal voltage and/or capacity of the internal power supply 120.

Fig. 4A is a generalized schematic of the controller 200 included in the power supply 100. The controller 200 is electrically and/or communicatively connected to various modules or components of the power supply 100. For example, the controller 200 may be connected to the power input unit 114, the power output unit 116, the display 118, the internal power source 120, and the thermal management system 122. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the electrical and/or communication connection between the controller 200 and the internal power source 120 includes electrical and/or communication connection between the controller 200 and components included in the internal power source 120, such as, but not limited to, the plurality of sub-cores 125A-125N and components included therein (e.g., the battery cells 126A-16N and the sub-core monitoring circuits 127A-127B).

The controller 200 is also in electrical and/or communicative connection with the input power conversion unit 400, the DC bus 405, the AC output power conversion unit 410, and the DC output power conversion unit 415, the user interface 420, the network communication module 425, and the plurality of sensors 430. The input power conversion unit 400, the DC bus 405, the AC output power conversion unit 410, and the DC output power conversion unit 415 will be described in more detail below.

The network communication module 425 is connected to the network 435 to enable the controller 200 to communicate with peripheral devices in the network, such as a smart phone or a server. The sensors 430 include, for example, one or more voltage sensors, one or more current sensors, one or more temperature sensors, and/or one or more additional sensors for measuring electrical and/or other characteristics of the power supply 100. Each of the sensors 430 produces one or more output signals that are provided to the controller 200 for processing and evaluation. A user interface 420 is included to provide user control of the power supply 100. The user interface 420 may include any combination of digital and analog input devices required to achieve a desired level of control of the power supply 100. For example, the user interface 420 may include a plurality of knobs, a plurality of dials, a plurality of switches, a plurality of buttons, and the like. In some embodiments, the user interface 420 is integrated with the display 118 (e.g., as a touch screen display).

The controller 200 includes a combination of hardware and software operable to control, among other things, the operation of the power supply 100, communicate over the network 435, receive input from a user via the user interface 420, provide information to the user via the display 118, and the like. For example, controller 200 includes, among other things, a processing unit 440 (e.g., a microprocessor, a microcontroller, an electronic processor, an electronic controller, or another suitable programmable device), a memory 445, an input unit 450, and an output unit 455. The processing unit 440 includes, among other things, a control unit 460, an arithmetic logic unit ("ALU") 465, and a plurality of registers 470 (shown as a set of registers in fig. 4A), and is implemented using a known computer architecture (e.g., a modified harvard architecture, a von neumann architecture, etc.). The processing unit 440, memory 445, input unit 450 and output unit 455, as well as the various modules or circuits connected to the controller 200, are connected by one or more control buses and/or data buses (e.g., common bus 475). The control and/or data bus is shown generally in fig. 4A for illustrative purposes. Although the controller 200 is illustrated as one controller in fig. 4A, the controller 200 may also include multiple controllers configured to work together to achieve a desired level of control over the power supply 100. Thus, any of the control functions and processes described herein with respect to controller 200 may also be performed by two or more controllers operating in a distributed manner.

Memory 445 is a non-transitory computer readable medium and includes, for example, a program memory area and a data memory area. The program storage area and the data storage area may comprise a combination of different types of memory, such as read only memory ("ROM"), random access memory ("RAM") (e.g., dynamic RAM [ "DRAM" ], synchronous DRAM [ "SDRAM" ], etc.), electrically erasable programmable ROM ("EEPROM"), flash memory, hard disk, SD card, or other suitable magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic memory devices. The processing unit 440 is connected to the memory 445 and is configured to execute software instructions that can be stored in RAM of the memory 445 (e.g., during execution), ROM of the memory 445 (e.g., on a generally permanent basis), or another non-transitory computer-readable medium such as another memory or disk. Software included in the implementation of power supply 100 and controller 200 may be stored in memory 445 of controller 200. The software includes, for example, firmware, one or more application programs, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. Controller 200 is configured to retrieve from memory 445 and execute, among other things, instructions related to the control processes and methods described herein. In other embodiments, the controller 200 includes additional, fewer, or different components.

During operation of the power supply 100, the controller 200 is configured to monitor voltage, current, temperature, and/or other signals received from the various components described above. For example, the controller 200 is configured to monitor a voltage signal received from the internal power supply 120 when the internal power supply 120 is charged by an external power supply connected to the power input unit 114. As another example, the controller 200 is configured to monitor a voltage signal received from the internal power supply 120 while the internal power supply 120 provides power to one or more peripheral devices connected to the power output unit 116. More generally, the controller 200 is configured to monitor and/or control the flow of electrical power into and out of the aforementioned components of the power supply 100 that are electrically and communicatively coupled to the controller 200.

As shown in fig. 4B, the network communication module or wireless communication controller 425 includes a processor 426, a memory 427, an antenna and transceiver 428, and a Real Time Clock (RTC) 429. The wireless communication controller 425 enables the power supply 100 to communicate with an external device 437 (see, e.g., fig. 4C). The radio antenna and transceiver 428 operate together to send and receive wireless messages to and from the external device 437 and the processor 426. The memory 427 may store instructions to be implemented by the processor 426 and/or may store data related to communication between the power supply 100 and the external device 437, and the like. The processor 426 for the wireless communication controller 425 controls wireless communication between the power supply 100 and the external device 437. For example, a processor 426 associated with the wireless communication controller 425 buffers incoming and/or outgoing data, communicates with the controller 200, and determines communication protocols and/or settings to be used in wireless communications. Communication via the wireless communication controller 425 may be encrypted to protect data exchanged between the power supply 100 and the external device 437 from intrusion by a third party.

In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless communication controller 425 isAnd a controller.The controller adoptsThe protocol communicates with an external device 437. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, the external device 437 and the power supply 100 are within communication range of each other (i.e., in proximity to each other) as they exchange data. In other embodiments, the wireless communication controller 425 communicates over a different type of wireless network using other protocols (e.g., wi-Fi, zigBee, proprietary protocols, etc.). For example, the wireless communication controller 425 may be configured to communicate via Wi-Fi over a wide area network (such as the internet) or a local area network, or to communicate over a piconet (e.g., using infrared or NFC communications).

In some embodiments, the network IS a cellular network, such as a global system for mobile communications ("GSM") network, a general packet radio service ("GPRS") network, a code division multiple access ("CDMA") network, an evolution data optimized ("EV-DO") network, an enhanced data rates for GSM evolution ("EDGE") network, a 3GSM network, a 4G LTE network, a 5G new radio, a digital enhanced cordless telecommunications ("DECT") network, a digital AMPS ("IS-136/TDMA") network, or an integrated digital enhanced network ("iDEN") network, or the like.

The wireless communication controller 425 is configured to receive data from the controller 200 and relay information to the external device 437 via the antenna and transceiver 428. In a similar manner, the wireless communication controller 425 is configured to receive information (e.g., configuration and programming information) from the external device 437 via the antenna and transceiver 428 and relay the information to the controller 200.

The RTC 429 increments and maintains time independent of other power supply components. RTC 429 receives power from the internal power supply 120. The use of the RTC 429 as an independently powered clock enables time stamping of the operational data (which is stored in the memory 427 for later export) and implementing a security feature, whereby the user sets a lock time (e.g., via the external device 437) and locks the tool when the time of the RTC 429 exceeds the set lock time.

Fig. 4C illustrates a communication system 436. The communication system 436 includes at least one power supply 100 and an external device 437. Each of the power supply 100 and the external device 437 may perform wireless communication when they are within communication range of each other. Each power supply 100 may communicate power supply status, power supply operation statistics, power supply identification, power supply sensor data, stored power supply usage information, power supply maintenance data, and the like.

Using external device 437, a user may access parameters of power supply 100. Using these parameters (e.g., power supply operation data or settings), a user may determine the manner in which power supply 100 has been used, whether maintenance is recommended or performed in the past, and identify faulty components or other causes of certain performance problems. The external device 437 may also transmit data to the power supply 100 for power supply configuration, firmware update, or send commands. The external device 437 also allows a user to set operating parameters, security parameters, modes of operation, etc. for the power supply 100.

The external device 437 is, for example, a smart phone (as illustrated), a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), or another electronic device capable of wirelessly communicating with the power supply 100 and providing a user interface. The external device 437 provides a user interface and allows a user to access and interact with the power supply 100. External device 437 may receive user input to determine operating parameters, enable or disable features, and the like. The user interface of the external device 437 provides an easy-to-use interface for a user to control and customize the operation of the power supply 100. Accordingly, the external device 437 grants the user access to the power supply operation data of the power supply 100 and provides a user interface so that the user can interact with the controller 200 of the power supply 100.

In addition, as shown in fig. 4C, the external device 437 may also share power supply operation data obtained from the power supply 100 with a remote server 438 connected through the network 435. The remote server 438 may be used to store tool operation data obtained from the external device 437, provide additional functions and services to the user, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, storing information on remote server 438 allows a user to access information from a plurality of different locations. In some embodiments, the remote server 438 gathers information about its power supply from individual users and provides statistical data or metrics to the users based on information obtained from different power supplies. For example, the remote server 438 may provide statistics regarding the empirical efficiency of the power supply 100, the typical use of the power supply 100, and other relevant characteristics and/or metrics of the power supply 100. The network 435 may include various networking elements (routers 439A, hubs, switches, cellular towers 439B, wired connectors, wireless connectors, etc.) for connection to, for example, the internet, a cellular data network, a local network, or a combination thereof, as previously described. In some embodiments, the power supply 100 is configured to communicate directly with the remote server 438 through an additional wireless interface or the same wireless interface that the power supply 100 uses to communicate with the external device 437.

In some embodiments, the power supply 100 is configured to provide output power (e.g., from the internal power source 120) until the internal power source 120 reaches a low voltage cutoff threshold. In embodiments where the power supply 100 receives a removable and rechargeable battery pack, the battery pack for providing output power from the power supply 100 may be similarly discharged until a low voltage cutoff threshold is reached. The user may also program the power supply 100 or select an operating mode of the power supply 100 such that the power supply 100 shuts down (e.g., stops outputting power to the power output unit 116) before the power supply 100 or a connected battery pack reaches a low voltage cutoff threshold. For example, using external device 437, the user may enable the power down timer of controller 200. The user can enable the power down timer such that the output of the power supply 100 is disabled if the output power of the power supply 100 is below a threshold (e.g., power threshold, current threshold, etc.) for a selected time interval (e.g., one hour, two hours, six hours, twelve hours, etc.). The user may set the threshold and time interval using external device 437. For example, the user may set a power threshold of 80 watts and a timer interval of one hour. If the power supply 100 does not output 80 watts of power within one hour, the power supply 100 is turned off. In some embodiments, a timer is used as a power saving feature. Rather than powering relatively low power devices for extended periods of time, power is reserved for higher power applications (e.g., wired power tools). When the power down timer is not enabled, the power supply 100 is not turned off until the low voltage cutoff threshold is reached and the low power device may be powered until the low voltage cutoff value is reached.

Fig. 5 illustrates a general schematic of a power supply 100 according to some embodiments. As shown in fig. 5, the power input unit 114 is configured to receive power from an external source and supply the received power to the input power conversion unit 400. Although the power input unit 114 is illustrated as an electrical plug, the power input unit 114 may be implemented as any of the examples described above with respect to the power input unit 114.

The input power conversion unit 400 includes a Power Factor Correction (PFC) circuit 500 and an input DC-DC converter 505.PFC circuit 500 is configured to convert or rectify AC power received from an external source (e.g., 120V wall outlet) to DC power. PFC circuit 500 includes components configured to smooth or improve the power factor of the power rectified by PFC circuit 500. PFC circuit 500 improves operating efficiency by reducing the amount of current drawn from the external power source during operation of power supply 100 when compared to a converter circuit that does not include any PFC components. For example, if the power supply 100 requires 3.6 kilowatts (kW) during operation, the PFC circuit 500 will draw less current from the external power source than the amount of current drawn by a converter circuit that does not include any PFC components to meet the 3.6kW demand. In addition, PFC circuit 500 reduces electromagnetic interference (EMI) requirements of power supply 100 by absorbing differential mode current present within first input DC-DC converter 505. For example, PFC circuit 500 may include a capacitor bank connected to the output side of PFC circuit 500 that supplies a majority of the differential mode transient current to circuitry downstream of PFC circuit 500.

As described above, the input power conversion unit 400 further includes the input DC-DC converter 505. The input DC-DC converter 505 is configured to convert DC power at a first voltage level (e.g., 120V) output by the PFC circuit 500 to a voltage level (e.g., 36V, 72V, 120V, 280V, etc.) for charging the internal power source 120 and/or powering the thermal management system 122. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the internal power source 120 may alternatively or additionally power the thermal management system 122. In some embodiments, the input DC-DC converter 505 is a buck converter configured to reduce the voltage level of the DC power output by the PFC circuit 500 to a voltage level for charging the internal power supply 120. In some embodiments, the input DC-DC converter 505 is a boost converter configured to increase the voltage level of the DC power output by the PFC circuit 500 to a voltage level for charging the internal power supply 120. In some embodiments, the input DC-DC converter 505 is a buck/boost converter. In some embodiments, the input DC-DC converter 505 is a single converter circuit. In some embodiments, the input DC-DC converter 505 is implemented as more than one converter circuit.

The DC bus 405 is configured to transfer DC power between components included in the power supply 100. For example, the DC bus 405 delivers DC power output by the input power conversion unit 400 to the internal power supply 120 for charging the internal power supply 120. As another example, the DC bus 405 delivers DC power output by the internal power source 120 to the AC output power conversion unit 410 and/or the DC output power conversion unit 415. In another example, the DC bus 405 delivers DC power output by the input power conversion unit 400 to the thermal management system 122 for reducing the temperature of the internal power supply 120. However, it should be understood that in some embodiments, the internal power source 120 may alternatively or additionally power the thermal management system 122. In some embodiments, the DC bus 405 transmits DC power from the input power conversion unit 400 directly to the AC output power conversion unit 410 and the DC output power conversion unit 415. The DC bus 405 is implemented as a combination of one or more buses, circuits, wires, and/or terminals for transmitting DC power into and out of the various components of the power supply 100.

The AC output power conversion unit 410 is configured to convert DC power provided by the internal power source 120 and/or the input power conversion unit 400 into AC power for powering one or more peripheral devices connected to the AC outlet 116A. The AC output power conversion unit 410 includes a first DC-DC converter 510 and an inverter 515. The first DC-DC converter 510 is configured to convert DC power from a voltage level (e.g., 36V, 72V, 120V, 280V, etc.) for charging the internal power source 120 to a voltage level (e.g., 120V, 240V, etc.) provided as an input to the inverter 515. In some embodiments, the first DC-DC converter 510 is a boost converter configured to increase the voltage level of the DC power provided by the internal power source and/or the input power conversion unit 400. In some embodiments, the first DC-DC converter 510 is a buck converter configured to reduce a voltage level of DC power provided by the internal power source 120 and/or the input power conversion unit 400. In some embodiments, the input DC-DC converter 505 is a buck/boost converter. In some embodiments, the input DC-DC converter 505 is a single converter circuit. In some embodiments, the input DC-DC converter 505 is implemented as more than one converter circuit.

Referring to fig. 5, DC power output by the first DC-DC converter 510 is provided as an input to the inverter 515. Inverter 515 is configured to convert the DC power output by first DC-DC converter 510 to AC power for powering one or more peripheral devices connected to AC outlet 116A. Inverter 515 may be implemented using a variety of circuit configurations.

The DC output power conversion unit 415 is configured to convert a voltage level of DC power provided by the internal power source 120 and/or the input power conversion unit 400 to one or more voltage levels of DC power for powering one or more peripheral devices connected to the DC outlet 116B. In fig. 5, DC outlet 116B is shown as a receptacle configured to charge a power tool battery pack. However, it should be understood that the DC outlet 116B is not limited in implementation to a battery charger. For example, the DC outlet 116B may additionally or alternatively include a DC power outlet such as a USB outlet, a headphone jack (AUX port), a cigar lighter, or any other type of DC output.

Specifically, the DC output power conversion unit 415 includes a second DC-DC converter 520 configured to convert DC power from a voltage level (e.g., 36V, 72V, 120V, 280V, etc.) for charging the internal power source 120 to a voltage level (e.g., 5V, 12V, 18V, 36V, 72V, etc.) for powering the thermal management system 122 or one or more peripheral devices connected to the DC power outlet 116B. For example, if the DC outlet 116B is a battery outlet 116B configured to charge a power tool battery, the second DC-DC converter 520 converts DC power from a voltage level for charging the internal power source 120 to one or more voltage levels (e.g., 5V, 12V, 18V, 72V, etc.) for charging one or more power tool batteries. In some embodiments, the second DC-DC converter 520 is implemented as one or more of the DC-DC converter configurations described herein. In some embodiments, the second DC-DC converter 520 is implemented as one or more converter configurations not explicitly described herein.

In some embodiments, the second DC-DC converter 520 is implemented using a single DC-DC converter. In such an embodiment, the second DC-DC converter 520 may be a wide output converter capable of outputting DC power at a wide range of voltage levels. In some embodiments, the second DC-DC converter 520 is implemented using a plurality of DC-DC converters, wherein each of the plurality of converters outputs DC power at a different voltage level. For example, the second DC-DC converter 520 may include a first converter that outputs 12V DC power for charging a 12V power tool battery, a second converter that outputs 18V DC power for charging an 18V power tool battery, and a third converter that outputs 72V DC power for charging a 72V battery.

In some embodiments, the power supply 100 includes fewer power supply modules than are shown. For example, in some embodiments, AC power output conversion unit 410 and DC power output conversion unit 415 are contained in a single power module or housing. In some embodiments, the power supply 100 includes a greater number of power supply modules than shown.

Fig. 6A illustrates a set of operating conditions for the power supply 100 according to some embodiments. As shown in fig. 6A, the thermal management system 122 is configured to receive power from the internal power source 120 of the power supply 100. The controller 200 may disable the discharging and/or charging functions of the internal power supply 120 based on the low voltage cutoff threshold and/or the high temperature cutoff threshold. In this embodiment, the SOC of the internal power supply 120 reaches the low-voltage cutoff threshold, and the temperature reaches the high-temperature cutoff threshold. In this example, the internal power source 120 is the only power source for the thermal management system 122. The low voltage cutoff threshold and/or the high temperature cutoff threshold of the internal power source 120 limit the operation of the thermal management system 122 regardless of the availability of the external power source. Thus, the latency associated with cooling and charging of the internal power source 120 is extended.

Fig. 6B illustrates a set of operating conditions for the power supply 100 according to some embodiments. As shown in fig. 6B, the thermal management system 122 is configured to receive power from the internal power source 120 of the power supply 100. The controller 200 may disable the discharging and/or charging functions of the internal power supply 120 based on the low-voltage cutoff threshold and/or the low-temperature cutoff threshold. In this embodiment, the SOC of the internal power supply 120 reaches the low-voltage cutoff threshold, and the temperature reaches the low-temperature cutoff threshold. In this example, the internal power source 120 is the only power source for the thermal management system 122. The low-voltage cutoff threshold and/or the low-temperature cutoff threshold of the internal power source 120 limit the operation of the thermal management system 122 regardless of the availability of the external power source. Thus, the latency associated with heating and charging of the internal power source 120 is extended.

Fig. 6C illustrates a set of operating conditions for the power supply 100 according to some embodiments. As shown in fig. 6C, the power supply 100 includes an internal power source 120, an auxiliary power source 600, and a thermal management system 122. Auxiliary power supply 600 may also be used to provide power to one or more devices or features of power supply 100. In some embodiments, auxiliary power supply 600 is power input unit 114. For example, the auxiliary power supply 600 is an external power supply connected through an electrical connection interface of the power input unit 114. In some embodiments, auxiliary power source 600 is an auxiliary power source (e.g., auxiliary battery or battery pack, capacitor bank, hybrid supercapacitor, etc.) internal to power supply 100. In this example, thermal management system 122 is configured to receive power from internal power source 120 and/or auxiliary power source 600 of power supply 100. In one scenario, the internal power source 120 reaches a low voltage cutoff threshold and/or a high temperature cutoff threshold. In such a scenario, auxiliary power supply 600 is configured to provide power to thermal management system 122, which reduces the temperature of internal power supply 120 below a high temperature cutoff threshold, resulting in a reduction in cooling time associated with internal power supply 120 (e.g., as compared to natural cooling of internal power supply 120).

As described above, depending on the SOC (e.g., EOD condition and fully charged, respectively) and the temperature (e.g., discharged OT condition and charged UT condition, respectively) of the internal power supply 120, the power supply 100 may disable all discharging and charging operations. When the internal power source 120 is the only power source for the thermal management system 122, then the thermal management system 122 is also limited by the SOC and temperature of the internal power source 120. In one scenario, when the thermal management system 122 is powered only by the internal power source 120 that has reached the EOD condition and is below the low cutoff threshold, the internal power source 120 cannot power the thermal management system 122 to raise the temperature above the low cutoff threshold (e.g., the charge UT threshold). Thus, the user will have to move the power supply 100 into a warmer environment or heat by external means to raise the temperature above the low-temperature cutoff threshold and begin charging the internal power source 120.

Fig. 6D illustrates a set of operating conditions of the power supply 100 according to some embodiments. As shown in fig. 6D, the power supply 100 includes an internal power source 120, an auxiliary power source 600, and a thermal management system 122. Auxiliary power supply 600 may also be used to provide power to one or more devices or features of power supply 100. In some embodiments, auxiliary power supply 600 is power input unit 114. For example, the auxiliary power supply 600 is an external power supply connected through an electrical connection interface of the power input unit 114. In some embodiments, auxiliary power source 600 is an auxiliary power source (e.g., auxiliary battery or battery pack, capacitor bank, hybrid supercapacitor, etc.) internal to power supply 100. In this example, thermal management system 122 is configured to receive power from internal power source 120 and/or auxiliary power source 600 of power supply 100. In one scenario, the internal power source 120 reaches a low voltage cutoff threshold and/or a low temperature cutoff threshold. In such a scenario, auxiliary power supply 600 is configured to provide power to thermal management system 122, which increases the temperature of internal power supply 120 above a low-temperature cutoff threshold, resulting in a reduction in heating time associated with internal power supply 120 (e.g., as compared to naturally warming internal power supply 120 by moving internal power supply 120 to an area where the temperature is higher).

Fig. 6E illustrates a set of operating conditions for the power supply 100 according to some embodiments. As shown in fig. 6E, thermal management system 122 is configured to receive power from internal power source 120 or auxiliary power source 600 of power supply 100. As described above, auxiliary power supply 600 may also be used to provide power to one or more devices or features of power supply 100. In some embodiments, auxiliary power supply 600 is power output unit 116. For example, auxiliary power supply 600 is one or more peripheral devices connected to a receptacle of power output unit 116. In some embodiments, auxiliary power source 600 is an auxiliary power source (e.g., auxiliary battery or battery pack, capacitor bank, hybrid supercapacitor, etc.) internal to power supply 100. In this example, thermal management system 122 is configured to receive power from internal power source 120 and/or auxiliary power source 600 of power supply 100. In another scenario, neither the low-voltage cutoff threshold, the low-temperature cutoff threshold, nor the high-temperature cutoff threshold of the internal power supply 120 is reached. In such a scenario, using auxiliary power supply 600 to power thermal management system 122 is still advantageous because by providing charging power to internal power source 120 (i.e., the charging power of internal power source 120 is not used to power thermal management system 122), the charging time is faster. Once the temperature of the internal power supply 120 drops to or below the high temperature cutoff threshold, or rises above the low temperature cutoff threshold, the internal power supply 120 may be charged (e.g., using the auxiliary power supply 600) or discharged (e.g., resume operation).

In some embodiments, when the internal power source 120 exceeds a low temperature cutoff threshold, it is advantageous to operate the thermal management system 122 using the auxiliary power source 600 because this makes the heating duration and capacity of the thermal management system 122 independent of the SOC, voltage, and capacity of the internal power source 120. In some embodiments, thermal management system 122 may include heating and cooling modes that may continue to operate even when a low-temperature cutoff threshold is exceeded, as it is desirable to maintain internal power source 120 at an optimal temperature to achieve maximum charging current.

In some embodiments, the controller 200 may optimize the heating operation of the internal power source 120. For example, in a cold ambient temperature scenario, the controller 200 may utilize the heating mode of the thermal management system 122 in a hybrid manner to maximize the efficiency of the internal power source 120. While the disadvantage of powering the thermal management system 122 via the internal power source 120 in the heating mode is the reliance on the SOC of the internal power source 120, it is beneficial for the overall heating efficiency to be higher. For example, resistive heating of the individual internal power sources 120 that power the thermal management system 122 may also contribute to heating. In this example, when the SOC is above the low-voltage cutoff threshold and below the low-temperature cutoff threshold, the internal power source 120 initially powers the thermal management system 122 to heat, which results in the highest heating efficiency at the beginning of the heating cycle. Once the SOC is depleted to a low-voltage cutoff threshold (e.g., EOD) or the internal power supply 120 exceeds the low-temperature cutoff threshold and begins to charge the internal power supply 120, the controller 200 may continue to charge and complete heating of the internal power supply 120 using the auxiliary power supply 600, which allows the advantages of both methods to offset the disadvantages of both methods. In these embodiments, the internal power source 120 may optimize the charging operation by selectively powering the thermal management system 122 and charging the internal power source 120 using the auxiliary power source 600. In some embodiments, the maximum capability of auxiliary power supply 600 may be limited when powering thermal management system 122 and charging internal power supply 120. For example, power supply 100 includes an on-board charger that includes a Low Voltage Power Supply (LVPS) for powering thermal management system 122 and separate circuitry for charging internal power source 120. In this example, since the input mains from the auxiliary power supply 600 to the charger is fixed, powering the LVPS will subtract power from the charging circuitry of the internal power supply.

In some embodiments, auxiliary power supply 600 may also be internal power supply 120 (e.g., in addition to a separate auxiliary power supply 600). For example, fig. 7 shows a graph of capacitive and resistive behavior of lithium-ion (Li-ion) cells included in an internal power supply 120. As shown in fig. 7, the Li-ion battery cell exhibits resistive behavior, manifested as a sudden drop and sudden rise in voltage during a pulsed current discharge. In addition, the Li-ion battery cell exhibits capacitive behavior after removal of the load, i.e., gradually rises to a stable no-load value after removal of the load. The difference between the open circuit voltage and the underload voltage (e.g., the overpotential of the Li-ion cell) is based on the ohmic loss of the Li-ion cell, the charge transfer overpotential at the interface, and the mass transfer limit. For example, when a Li-ion cell provides current, the operating or underload voltage shifts from the open circuit voltage due to electrochemical polarization. In this example, when the load is removed from the Li-ion cell, the voltage recovers (e.g., springs back or relaxes) to a resting open circuit voltage at the present state of charge (SOC) of the Li-ion cell. Voltage recovery may occur after internal power supply 120 reaches its end-of-discharge voltage threshold. During this recovery process, the ions of the cell are diffusing back to equilibrium. The diffusion process of battery ions occurs over time (e.g., a gradual capacitive recovery of battery voltage). Thus, even after the internal power supply 120 reaches its end-of-discharge voltage threshold, there may still be energy available in the internal power supply (e.g., to power the thermal management system 122). Hereinafter, for ease of understanding and wording, these phenomena will be referred to simply as resistive and/or capacitive behavior.

Fig. 8 shows a graph of voltage behavior of Li-ion cells included in the power internal power supply 120 during continuous discharge. The resistive and capacitive behavior of a Li-ion cell depends on a variety of factors, such as the state of charge (SOC) of the battery. For example, at low SOC, e.g., about the low-voltage cutoff threshold, the resistance of the Li-ion cell may increase significantly. In this example, a large load may significantly shift the voltage at a given SOC, while a small load may cause a negligible shift in the voltage. In one case, when the Li-ion cell is at a low SOC, a medium to large load can cause a significant shift in voltage from an open circuit/no-load voltage (OCV). In contrast, when the Li-ion cell is at a higher SOC, a medium to large load causes a smaller voltage shift. In this case, the displacement of the voltage is a function of the magnitude of the applied load. When the voltage shift causes the SOC of the internal power supply 120 to reach the discharge end voltage threshold, the internal power supply 120 may be inhibited from further discharging. However, there may still be energy available in the internal power source (e.g., to power the thermal management system 122 or a lower load application).

In some embodiments, the power supply 100 is configured to power the thermal management system 122 using the auxiliary power source 600 received from the internal power source 120 of the power supply 100 (e.g., using energy associated with the rebound voltage of the internal power source 120). In some implementations, the power supply 100 powers the thermal management system 122 without power access (e.g., during a brief trip period for an external power source). Precooling is the name associated with the feature of powering thermal management system 122 using the capacitive and resistive behavior of Li-ion cells.

In some embodiments, the internal power supply 120 reaches the low-voltage cutoff threshold, and from the user's perspective, the internal power supply 120 is effectively "dead" (i.e., all discharge operations are suspended until the internal power supply 120 is charged back to some threshold above the low-voltage cutoff threshold). As described above with respect to fig. 7-8, the amount of usable energy of the internal power supply 120 is based on resistive and capacitive voltage recovery. In such a scenario, the internal power supply 120 may include usable energy that depends on the operating conditions (e.g., ambient temperature, number of battery discharge cycles, discharge load, etc.) during which the internal power supply 120 was previously discharged. However, since the battery resistance of the internal power supply 120 is high at low SOC, the usable energy may be used by small or light loads (e.g., the thermal management system 122). In addition, the voltage of the internal power source 120 does not significantly shift when the thermal management system 122 begins to operate because the power required to operate the thermal management system 122 is significantly lower than the standard operating load of the power supply 100, which enables the internal power source to operate the thermal management system 122 using the remaining energy (e.g., recovered voltage), even if the unit is effectively "off" to the user and is operating within the requirements and thresholds of the shelf-life energy requirements at the same time. In some cases, a large to medium load may simply re-shift the voltage of the internal power supply 120 to the low-voltage cutoff threshold and risk over-discharging the internal power supply 120 or violating shelf-life energy requirements. In these cases, pre-cooling firmware of power supply 100 may be designed to ignore voltage shifts at transient start-up because the operating power consumption of thermal management system 122 is controlled, consistent, low.

Fig. 9 is a generalized schematic of the power supply 100. The controller 200 is electrically and/or communicatively connected to various modules or components of the power supply 100. For example, the controller 200 may connect the auxiliary power supply 600, the internal power supply 120, the thermal management system 122, the first feature 905, the second feature 910, and the nth feature 915. The first feature 905, the second feature 910, and the nth feature 915 may be collectively referred to hereinafter as "features". As described above, in some embodiments, the controller 200 utilizes the power of the auxiliary power supply 600 and/or the internal power supply 120 to enable the thermal management system 122 or these features to operate.

In some embodiments, the controller 200 assigns priorities to the features of the power supply 100 using an algorithm. For example, the controller may determine the priority of these features based on the type of function, the voltage required, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the controller 200 assigns the highest priority to the feature associated with cooling the internal power supply 120. In this case, the controller 200 determines the available energy in the auxiliary power supply 600 and enables, for example, the thermal management system 122. If the energy available in auxiliary power supply 600 is only sufficient to cool internal power supply 120, controller 200 will not enable other features. In other cases, the controller 200 may disable some features during operation to ensure that the internal power source 120 may cool to a desired temperature with the available SOC. For example, controller 200 assigns a priority of 1, 2, or 3 and operates thermal management system 122 in a pre-cooling mode to first disable the assigned lower priority feature based on the determined available energy. In some embodiments, these features include a thermal management system 122, a light (e.g., a job site or accent light), a human-machine interface ("HMI") or user input, a personal device charger (e.g., a cell phone charger), a connection to a personal device (e.g., a cell phone), a motorized transport capability (e.g., a powered drive wheel, etc.), a radio (e.g., AM, FM, bluetooth, etc.), and so forth.

Fig. 10 illustrates a method 1000 performed by the controller 200 of the power supply 100. The controller 200 receives or measures the voltage of the internal power source 120, and the controller 200 determines the SOC of the internal power source 120 (step 1005). The controller 200 receives or measures the temperature of the internal power source 120 (step 1010). In some embodiments, the controller 200 determines the temperature of one or more components of the power supply 100. The controller 200 compares the SOC of the internal power supply 120 to a low voltage threshold (step 1015). If, at step 1015, the SOC of the internal power supply 120 is greater than the low voltage threshold, the controller 200 is configured to continue to determine the SOC of the internal power supply 120 (step 1005). If the SOC of the internal power source 120 is less than or equal to the low voltage threshold at step 1015, the controller 200 is configured to determine whether the high temperature threshold of the internal power source 120 is reached. In some implementations, the controller 200 may also disable one or more features or functions of the power supply 100 based on the SOC and low voltage threshold of the internal power source 120.

The controller 200 compares the temperature of the internal power source 120 to a high temperature threshold (step 1020). If, at step 1020, the temperature of the internal power source 120 is less than the high temperature threshold, the controller 200 is configured to continue to determine the temperature of the internal power source 120 (step 1010). If at step 1020, the temperature of the internal power source 120 is greater than or equal to the high temperature threshold, the controller 200 is configured to control one or more functions and/or features of the power supply 100. For example, the controller 200 disables the charging function of the power supply 100 (step 1025). In some embodiments, the controller 200 disables one or more other features of the power supply 100. The controller 200 enables the thermal management system 122 using the auxiliary power supply 600 (step 1030). In some implementations, the operation of thermal management system 122 may not be directly tied to disabling the charging function. One advantage of operating thermal management system 122 prior to disabling the charging function of internal power source 120 is to allow for reduced heat during operation as a precautionary measure. In some embodiments, the controller 200 may use a power source (e.g., the internal power source 120) to enable the thermal management system 122. In some embodiments, the controller 200 may switch use of the power source (e.g., the internal power source 120) or the auxiliary power source 600 to enable the thermal management system 122 to efficiently charge and operate the power source. The controller 200 then proceeds to determine whether the temperature of the internal power source 120 is less than the high temperature threshold. The controller 200 compares the temperature of the internal power source 120 with a high temperature threshold (step 1035). If at step 1035, the temperature of the internal power source 120 is greater than the high temperature threshold, the controller 200 is configured to use the auxiliary power source 600 to continue powering the thermal management system 122 (step 1030). If the SOC of the internal power source 120 is less than the high temperature threshold at step 1035, the controller 200 enables the charging function of the power supply 100 (step 1040). The controller 200 is also configured to enable one or more other functions and/or features of the power supply 100.

Fig. 11 illustrates a method 1100 performed by the controller 200 of the power supply 100. The controller 200 receives or measures the voltage of the internal power source 120, and the controller 200 determines the SOC of the internal power source 120 (step 1105). The controller 200 receives or measures the temperature of the internal power source 120 (step 1110). In some embodiments, the controller 200 determines the temperature of one or more components of the power supply 100. The controller 200 compares the SOC of the internal power supply 120 with a low voltage threshold (step 1115). If, at step 1115, the SOC of the internal power supply 120 is greater than the low voltage threshold, the controller 200 is configured to continue to determine the SOC of the internal power supply 120 (step 1105). If, at step 1115, the SOC of the internal power supply 120 is less than or equal to the low voltage threshold, the controller 200 is configured to determine whether a high temperature threshold of the internal power supply 120 is reached. In some implementations, the controller 200 may also disable one or more other features or functions of the power supply 100 based on the SOC and low voltage threshold of the internal power source 120.

The controller 200 compares the temperature of the internal power source 120 with a high temperature threshold (step 1120). If, at step 1120, the temperature of the internal power source 120 is less than the high temperature threshold, the controller 200 is configured to continue to determine the temperature of the internal power source 120 (step 1110). If the temperature of the internal power source 120 is greater than or equal to the high temperature threshold at step 1120, the controller 200 is configured to control one or more functions and/or features of the power supply 100. For example, the controller 200 disables the charging function of the power supply 100 (step 1125). In some embodiments, the controller 200 also disables one or more features of the power supply 100. The controller 200 receives or measures the voltage of the auxiliary power supply 600, and the controller 200 determines the energy level of the auxiliary power supply 600 (step 1130). In some embodiments, the controller uses the methods discussed above in connection with the sub-core module 125 to determine the energy level of the auxiliary power supply 600. The controller 200 then determines the power requirements of one or more features of the power supply 100 (step 1135). For example, controller 200 receives the power requirements of thermal management system 122 from memory 445. In some embodiments, the controller 200 also determines the power requirements of one or more other features/functions of the power supply 100. The controller 200 selectively enables one or more features of the power supply 100 based on the SOC of the auxiliary power supply 600 and the power requirements of one or more other features/functions of the power supply 100 (step 1140). In some embodiments, features/functions of the power supply 100 are selectively enabled with power from the auxiliary power source 600 based on the determined priority of features/functions.

Fig. 12 illustrates a method 1200 performed by the controller 200 of the power supply 100. The controller 200 receives or measures the temperature of the internal power source 120 (step 1205). In some embodiments, the controller 200 determines the temperature of one or more components of the power supply 100. The controller 200 compares the temperature of the internal power source 120 to a high temperature threshold (step 1210). If at step 1210 the temperature of the internal power source 120 is less than the high temperature threshold, the controller 200 is configured to continue to determine the temperature of the internal power source 120 (step 1205). If the temperature of the internal power source 120 is greater than or equal to the high temperature threshold at step 1210, the controller 200 is configured to control one or more functions and/or features of the power supply 100. For example, the controller 200 provides power to the thermal management system 122 of the power supply 100 to control the pre-chilling feature (e.g., using the rebound voltage of the internal power source 120). The controller 200 then enables the thermal management system 122 of the power supply 100 (step 1215).

The controller 200 compares the temperature of the internal power source 120 with a high temperature threshold (step 1220). If at step 1220 the temperature of the internal power source 120 is greater than or equal to the high temperature threshold, the controller 200 is configured to continue to enable the thermal management system of the power supply 100 (step 1215). If at step 1220, the temperature of the internal power source 120 is less than the high temperature threshold, the controller 200 is configured to control one or more functions and/or features of the power supply 100. For example, the controller 200 disables the thermal management system 122 of the power supply 100 (step 1225).

In various embodiments, the controller 200 controls the thermal management system 122 to perform a "pre-cooling" of the power supply 100 that reduces the temperature of the internal power supply 120 during brief trips to the external power supply or without a separate power supply (e.g., AC mains). Accordingly, once the power supply 100 is connected to an external power source, the time for the recharging of the internal power source 120 is shorter than the natural cooling time, because the power supply 100 has been "pre-cooled". The "pre-cooling" function is not limited to cooling only the internal power supply 120. In some implementations, the controller 200 may operate the thermal management system 122 via "pre-cooling" to reduce the temperature of the on-board electronics, chargers, and the like.

In some embodiments, due to various conditions, the controller 200 may not be able to reduce the temperature of the internal power source 120 below a high temperature threshold, e.g., the remaining energy provided via voltage recovery is insufficient for the period of time required for the thermal management system 122 to operate. In this case, the remaining available energy is sufficient to operate the thermal management system 122, but the ambient conditions are not conducive to rapid cooling (e.g., extreme hot solar radiation in summer). In these embodiments, the controller 200 may utilize an external auxiliary power source in addition to the internal auxiliary power source to reduce the temperature of the internal power source 120 below the high temperature threshold.

Fig. 13 illustrates a method 1300 performed by the controller 200 of the power supply 100. The controller 200 receives or measures the voltage of the internal power source 120, and the controller 200 determines the SOC of the internal power source 120 (step 1305). The controller 200 receives or measures the temperature of the internal power source 120 and/or other internal components of the power supply 100 (step 1310). In some embodiments, the controller 200 determines the temperature of one or more components of the power supply 100. The controller 200 compares the temperature of the internal power source 120 to an under-temperature threshold (step 1315). If at step 1315, the temperature of the internal power source 120 is less than or equal to the under-temperature threshold (e.g., a low-temperature cutoff threshold), the controller 200 is configured to control one or more functions and/or features of the power supply 100. For example, the controller 200 powers the thermal management system 122 of the power supply 100 (step 1320). In some embodiments, controller 200 powers thermal management system 122 with auxiliary power source 600. For example, the controller 200 enables a heating mode of the thermal management system to increase the temperature of one or more components of the power supply 100. Additionally, the controller 200 may continue to compare the temperature to the under-temperature threshold to determine whether the operating conditions of the power supply 100 are met to enable the charging function. In some embodiments, the controller 200 may also enable one or more heat generating features of the power supply 100.

If, at step 1315, the temperature of the internal power source 120 is greater than the under-temperature threshold, the controller 200 is configured to control one or more functions and/or features of the power supply 100. For example, the controller 200 enables the charging function of the power supply 100 (step 1325). In some embodiments, the controller 200 may also enable one or more features of the power supply 100. The controller 200 continues to receive or measure the voltage of the internal power source 120 while the internal power source 120 is charged until the SOC of the internal power source 120 reaches the SOC threshold value (step 1330).

Fig. 14A illustrates a method 1400 performed by the controller 200 of the power supply 100. The controller 200 determines the presence of an auxiliary power source (step 1405). The controller 200 receives or measures the temperature of the internal power source 120 (step 1410). In some embodiments, the controller 200 determines the temperature of one or more components of the power supply 100. The controller 200 compares the temperature of the internal power supply 120 to the under-temperature threshold (step 1415). If, at step 1415, the temperature of the internal power source 120 is greater than an under-temperature threshold (e.g., a low-temperature cutoff threshold), the controller 200 is configured to control one or more functions and/or features of the power supply 100. For example, the controller 200 enables the charging function of the power supply 100 (step 1420). In some embodiments, the controller 200 may also enable one or more features of the power supply 100.

The controller 200 then selects a charge rate of the internal power source 120 of the power supply 100 (step 1425). In some embodiments, the controller selects the charge rate of the internal power source 120 based on the temperature of the power supply 100. For example, the controller 200 may select a charge rate of the power supply 100 from a set of charge rates (e.g., a first rate, a second rate, and a third rate). Each charge rate in the set of charge rates is different and associated with a tier (e.g., tier 1, tier 2, and tier 3). Each tier may be defined by a minimum temperature threshold. In this example, the controller 200 may compare the temperature of the internal power supply 120 to a minimum temperature threshold for each tier. In one scenario, the controller 200 determines that the temperature of the internal power supply 120 is below a lowest temperature threshold of tier 1 and selects a first rate associated with tier 1. In another scenario, the controller 200 determines that the temperature of the internal power supply 120 is greater than or equal to the lowest temperature threshold of tier 1, but less than the lowest temperature threshold of tier 2, and selects a second rate associated with tier 2. In yet another scenario, the controller 200 determines that the temperature of the internal power supply 120 is greater than or equal to the lowest temperature threshold of level 2 and selects a third rate associated with level 3.

The controller 200 then controls the operation of the thermal management system 122 of the power supply 100 (step 1430). For example, the controller 200 may use the auxiliary power supply 600 to power the thermal management system 122. In this example, the controller 200 controls the heating and cooling modes of the thermal management system 122 to increase or decrease the temperature of one or more components of the power supply 100. The controller 200 may enable one or more modes of the thermal management system 122 using closed loop control to maintain a maximum charge rate (e.g., a third rate).

Fig. 14B illustrates a continuation of the method 1400 performed by the controller 200 of the power supply 100. After comparing the temperature of the internal power source 120 to the under-temperature threshold at step 1415, if the temperature of the internal power source 120 is less than the under-temperature threshold (e.g., a low-temperature cutoff threshold), the controller 200 is configured to control one or more functions and/or features of the power supply 100. In some embodiments, the controller 200 receives or measures the voltage of the internal power source 120, and the controller 200 determines the SOC of the internal power source 120.

The controller 200 compares the SOC of the internal power supply 120 to a low voltage threshold (step 1435). If, at step 1435, the SOC of the internal power supply 120 is greater than the low voltage threshold, the controller 200 is configured to power the thermal management system 122 with the internal power supply 120 (step 1440). As described above, using the internal power source 120 to power the thermal management system 122 advantageously increases the heating efficiency of the power supply 100. If, at step 1435, the SOC of the internal power supply 120 is less than or equal to the low voltage threshold, the controller 200 is configured to power the thermal management system 122 with the auxiliary power supply 600 (step 1445).

In various embodiments, the controller 200 may enable the "pre-cool" feature and provide benefits to the user without the need for the internal power supply 120 to reach EOD. For example, controller 200 may activate the "pre-chill" feature if a user turns off power supply 100 and internal power source 120 above a charge OT threshold. This ensures that the power supply 100 is as ready as possible for a charging event in a variety of scenarios. For example, if the user partially discharges the internal power source 120, the internal power source 120 reaches a temperature above the charge OT threshold, and the power supply 100 is turned off, the controller 200 may activate the "pre-cool" feature to accelerate cooling of the power supply 100 to a temperature below the charge OT threshold. In this case, the run time of the "pre-cool" feature is not limited to the small amount of available energy that exists via the rebound voltage (i.e., the battery has not reached EOD) because the internal power supply 120 has sufficient remaining battery capacity available for use.

Representative features

Representative features are set forth in the following clauses which are independent or can be combined in any combination with one or more features disclosed in the text and/or drawings of the specification.

1. A portable power supply, comprising:

an internal power source configured to provide power to a device connected to the portable power supply;

A thermal management system configured to control a temperature of the internal power source;

A power input unit configured to charge the internal power supply;

a power output unit configured to provide power output by the internal power supply;

A first sensing circuit configured to detect a temperature of the internal power supply;

an auxiliary power supply; and

A controller comprising a processor and a memory, the controller configured to:

Receiving a first signal from the first sensing circuit related to a temperature of the internal power source, enabling the thermal management system based on the temperature of the internal power source, and

Charging of the internal power supply is achieved based on the temperature of the internal power supply.

2. The portable power supply of clause 1, wherein the controller is further configured to:

Charging of the internal power supply is achieved based on the temperature of the internal power supply and a temperature threshold.

3. The portable power supply of clause 2, wherein the controller is further configured to:

the auxiliary power supply is used to power the thermal management system.

4. The portable power supply of any one of clauses 1-3, wherein the portable power supply comprises a second sensing circuit configured to detect a state of charge ("SOC") of the internal power source, and

Wherein the controller is further configured to:

A second signal related to the SOC of the internal power supply is received from the second sensing circuit,

In response to determining that the SOC of the internal power source exceeds the SOC threshold, power is supplied to the thermal management system using the internal power source.

5. The portable power supply of any one of clauses 1-4, wherein the portable power supply comprises a second sensing circuit configured to detect a state of charge ("SOC") of the internal power source, and

Wherein the controller is further configured to:

In response to determining that the SOC of the internal power source is less than the SOC threshold, the auxiliary power source is used to power the thermal management system.

6. The portable power supply of any one of clauses 1-5, wherein the controller is further configured to:

A charge rate of the internal power source is selected based on a temperature of the internal power source and one or more temperature thresholds, wherein each of the one or more temperature thresholds is associated with a different charge rate.

7. The portable power supply of clause 6, wherein the controller is further configured to:

The auxiliary power supply is used to control operation of the thermal management system based on the selected charge rate and the temperature of the internal power supply.

8. The portable power supply of any of clauses 1-7, wherein the auxiliary power source of the portable power supply is a renewable energy source.

9. The portable power supply of any one of clauses 1-8, wherein the auxiliary power source of the portable power supply is provided by the power input unit from an external power source.

10. The portable power supply of any one of clauses 1-9, wherein the auxiliary power supply of the portable power supply is provided by a peripheral device connected to the power output unit.

11. The portable power supply of any one of clauses 1-10, wherein the controller is further configured to:

The energy level of the auxiliary power supply is determined,

Determining a power demand of a feature of the portable power supply, and

The auxiliary power supply is used to selectively power the feature.

12. A portable power supply, comprising:

A thermal management system configured to control a temperature of one or more internal components of the portable power supply;

a power input unit configured to charge an internal power supply;

an auxiliary power supply; and

A controller comprising a processor and a memory, the controller configured to:

A first signal related to a temperature of the one or more internal components is received from the first sensing circuit,

The thermal management system is enabled based on the temperature of the one or more internal components, and charging of the internal power source is achieved based on the temperature of the one or more internal components.

13. The portable power supply of clause 12, wherein the controller is further configured to:

14. The portable power supply of clause 13, wherein the controller is further configured to:

the auxiliary power supply is used to power the thermal management system.

15. The portable power supply of any of clauses 11-14, wherein the portable power supply comprises a second sensing circuit configured to detect a state of charge ("SOC") of the internal power source, and

Wherein the controller is further configured to:

16. The portable power supply of any one of clauses 11-15, wherein the portable power supply comprises a second sensing circuit configured to detect a state of charge ("SOC") of the internal power source, and

Wherein the controller is further configured to:

17. The portable power supply of any one of clauses 11-16, wherein the controller is further configured to:

The charge rate of the internal power source is selected based on the temperature of the one or more internal components and one or more temperature thresholds, wherein each of the one or more temperature thresholds is associated with a different charge rate.

18. The portable power supply of clause 17, wherein the controller is further configured to:

The auxiliary power source is used to control operation of the thermal management system based on the selected charge rate and the temperature of the one or more internal components.

19. The portable power supply of any of clauses 11-18, wherein the auxiliary power source of the portable power supply is a renewable energy source.

20. The portable power supply of any one of clauses 11-19, wherein the auxiliary power source of the portable power supply is provided by the power input unit from an external power source.

21. The portable power supply of any one of clauses 11-20, wherein the auxiliary power supply of the portable power supply is provided by a peripheral device connected to the power output unit.

22. The portable power supply of any one of clauses 11-22, wherein the controller is further configured to:

The energy level of the auxiliary power supply is determined,

Determining a power demand of a feature of the portable power supply, and

The auxiliary power supply is used to selectively power the feature.

23. A method of operating a portable power supply, the method comprising:

Receiving, by a controller, a first signal from a first sensing circuit related to a temperature of an internal power source of the portable power supply;

Enabling, by the controller, a thermal management system of the portable power supply based on a temperature of the internal power source; and

Charging of the internal power supply is achieved by the controller based on the temperature of the internal power supply.

24. The method of clause 23, further comprising:

Charging of the internal power supply is achieved by the controller based on the temperature of the internal power supply and a temperature threshold.

25. The method of clause 24, further comprising:

The thermal management system is powered by the controller using an auxiliary power source of the portable power supply.

26. The method of any one of clauses 23 to 25, further comprising:

Receiving, by the controller, a second signal from a second sensing circuit related to a state of charge ("SOC") of the internal power source; and

The thermal management system is powered by the controller using the internal power source in response to determining that the SOC of the internal power source exceeds an SOC threshold.

27. The method of any one of clauses 23 to 26, further comprising:

The method further includes, in response to determining that the SOC of the internal power source is less than the SOC threshold, powering the thermal management system using an auxiliary power source of the portable power supply.

28. The method of any one of clauses 23 to 27, further comprising:

Selecting, by the controller, a charge rate of the internal power source based on a temperature of the internal power source and one or more temperature thresholds, wherein each of the one or more temperature thresholds is associated with a different charge rate; and

The operation of the thermal management system is controlled by the controller using an auxiliary power source of the portable power supply based on the selected charge rate and the temperature of the internal power source.

29. The method of any one of clauses 23 to 28, wherein the auxiliary power source of the portable power supply is provided by the power input unit from an external power source.

30. The method of any of clauses 23 to 29, wherein the auxiliary power source of the portable power supply is a renewable energy source.

31. The method of any of clauses 23 to 30, wherein the auxiliary power source of the portable power supply is provided by a peripheral device connected to the power output unit.

32. The method of any one of clauses 23 to 31, further comprising:

the energy level of the auxiliary power source is determined by the controller,

Determining, by the controller, a power demand of a characteristic of the portable power supply, and

The auxiliary power source is used by the controller to selectively power the feature.

33. A method of operating a portable power supply, the method comprising:

Receiving, by a controller, a first signal from a first sensing circuit related to a temperature of one or more internal components of the portable power supply;

Enabling, by the controller, a thermal management system of the portable power supply based on the temperature of the one or more internal components; and

Power is supplied to the internal power source of the portable power supply by the controller based on the temperature of the one or more internal components.

34. The method of clause 33, further comprising:

35. The method of clause 34, further comprising:

36. The method of any one of clauses 33 to 35, further comprising:

37. The method of any one of clauses 33 to 36, further comprising:

38. The method of any one of clauses 33 to 37, further comprising:

Selecting, by the controller, a charge rate of the internal power source based on the temperature of the one or more internal components and one or more temperature thresholds, wherein each of the one or more temperature thresholds is associated with a different charge rate; and

The operation of the thermal management system is controlled by the controller using an auxiliary power source of the portable power supply based on the selected charge rate and the temperature of the one or more internal components.

39. The method of any of clauses 33 to 38, wherein the auxiliary power source of the portable power supply is provided by the power input unit from an external power source.

40. The method of any of clauses 33 to 39, wherein the auxiliary power source of the portable power supply is a renewable energy source.

41. The method of any of clauses 33 to 40, wherein the auxiliary power source of the portable power supply is provided by a peripheral device connected to the power output unit.

42. The method of any one of clauses 33 to 41, further comprising:

the energy level of the auxiliary power source is determined by the controller,

Accordingly, among other things, embodiments described herein provide a power supply that includes an auxiliary power source that powers a thermal management system. Various features and advantages are set forth in the following claims.

Claims

1. A portable power supply, comprising:

A power input unit configured to charge the internal power supply;

an auxiliary power supply; and

A controller comprising a processor and a memory, the controller configured to:

a first signal related to a temperature of the internal power supply is received from the first sensing circuit,

Enabling the thermal management system based on a temperature of the internal power source, and

2. The portable power supply of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to:

3. The portable power supply of claim 2, wherein the controller is further configured to:

the auxiliary power supply is used to power the thermal management system.

4. The portable power supply of claim 1, wherein the portable power supply comprises a second sensing circuit configured to detect a state of charge ("SOC") of the internal power source, and

Wherein the controller is further configured to:

5. The portable power supply of claim 1, wherein the portable power supply comprises a second sensing circuit configured to detect a state of charge ("SOC") of the internal power source, and

Wherein the controller is further configured to:

6. The portable power supply of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to:

7. The portable power supply of claim 6, wherein the controller is further configured to:

8. The portable power supply of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary power source of the portable power supply is a renewable energy source.

9. The portable power supply of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary power source of the portable power supply is provided by the power input unit from an external power source.

10. The portable power supply of claim 1, wherein the auxiliary power source of the portable power supply is provided by a peripheral device connected to the power output unit.

11. A portable power supply, comprising:

a power input unit configured to charge an internal power supply;

an auxiliary power supply; and

A controller comprising a processor and a memory, the controller configured to:

Enabling the thermal management system based on the temperature of the one or more internal components, and

Charging of the internal power source is achieved based on the temperature of the one or more internal components.

12. The portable power supply of claim 11, wherein the controller is further configured to:

13. The portable power supply of claim 12, wherein the controller is further configured to:

the auxiliary power supply is used to power the thermal management system.

14. The portable power supply of claim 11, wherein the portable power supply comprises a second sensing circuit configured to detect a state of charge ("SOC") of the internal power source, and

Wherein the controller is further configured to:

15. The portable power supply of claim 11, wherein the portable power supply comprises a second sensing circuit configured to detect a state of charge ("SOC") of the internal power source, and

Wherein the controller is further configured to:

16. The portable power supply of claim 11, wherein the controller is further configured to:

17. The portable power supply of claim 16, wherein the controller is further configured to:

18. The portable power supply of claim 11, wherein the auxiliary power source of the portable power supply is a renewable energy source.

19. The portable power supply of claim 11, wherein the auxiliary power source of the portable power supply is provided by the power input unit from an external power source.

20. The portable power supply of claim 11, wherein the auxiliary power source of the portable power supply is provided by a peripheral device connected to the power output unit.