WO2014093162A1

WO2014093162A1 - Battery charging system and method for an energy system

Info

Publication number: WO2014093162A1
Application number: PCT/US2013/073576
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nigel M CALDER
Original assignee: Electro Technology Holdings, Inc.
Priority date: 2012-12-12
Filing date: 2013-12-06
Publication date: 2014-06-19

Abstract

A battery interface apparatus for completing a battery charging circuit in an energy system including one or more charging sources comprises a first electrical connector configured to receive a connection from a charging source interface. The first electrical connector includes at least two isolated inputs. One of the isolated inputs includes a switched connection between the charging source interface and one or more battery connection points. The other isolated inputs include a power condition between the charging source interface and one or more battery connection points. The one or more battery connection points are electrically connected to the two isolated inputs. Each battery connection point is configured to receive a connection from a battery. A second electrical connector includes one or more outputs to provide direct current power and is configured to receive a load interface. The second electrical connector is electrically connected to one or more battery connection points.

Description

BATTERY CHARGING SYSTEM AND METHOD

FOR AN ENERGY SYSTEM

COPYRIGHT

[0001] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a battery charging system, and more particularly, a battery charging system and method for an energy system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Battery charging systems typically can include engine driven alternators and generators, battery chargers, or solar panels. In lead-acid batteries, sulfation, which results in a shortened battery life, can occur if the batteries are not fully recharged on a regular basis. In more recently developed battery technologies, over charging by a battery charging system can cause a battery to degrade.

SUMMARY

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a battery interface apparatus is described for completing a battery charging circuit in an energy system that includes one or more charging sources. The battery interface apparatus includes a first electrical connector configured to receive a connection from a charging source interface. The first electrical connector includes at least two isolated inputs. One of the isolated inputs includes a switched connection between the charging source interface and one or more battery connection points. The other isolated inputs include a power conditioner between the charging source interface and one or more battery connection points. The one or more battery connection points are electrically connected to the two isolated inputs. Each battery connection point is configured to receive a connection from a battery. A second electrical connector includes one or more outputs to provide direct current power and is configured to receive a load interface. The second electrical connector is electrically connected to one or more battery connection points.

[0005] According to another aspect of the invention, a battery interface apparatus is described for completing a battery charging circuit in an energy system that includes one or more charging sources. The battery interface apparatus includes one or more battery connection points configured to receive a connection from at least one battery. A first electrical connector is configured to receive a connection from a charging source interface. The first electrical connector includes a first input including a first switched connection between the charging source interface and at least one of the one or more battery connection points. A power conditioning circuit includes a power conditioner disposed between at least two secondary battery connection points that are configured to receive secondary connections from at least two batteries connected to different ones of the one or more battery connection points.

[0006] Additional aspects of the invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the detailed description, which is made with reference to the drawings, a brief description of which is provided below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary aspect of declining battery charge acceptance rate according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary engine fuel map for an internal combustion engine according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary alternator output versus specific fuel consumption battery charge according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary charging interface (e.g., charging bus), battery interface (e.g., battery bus), and load interface (e.g., load bus) configuration for a battery charging system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary charging interface, battery interface, and load interface configuration for a battery charging system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary charging interface, battery interface, and load interface configuration for a battery charging system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary charging interface, battery interface, and load interface configuration for a battery charging system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [0014] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary charging interface, battery interface, and load interface configuration for a battery charging system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary charging interface, battery interface, and load interface configuration for a battery charging system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary charging interface, battery interface, and load interface configuration for a battery charging system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary charging interface, battery interface, and load interface configuration for a battery charging system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as described herein and by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. For purposes of the present detailed description, the singular includes the plural and vice versa (unless specifically disclaimed); the words "and" and "or" shall be both conjunctive and disjunctive; the word "all" means "any and all"; the word "any" means "any and all"; and the word "including" means "including without limitation."

[0020] Battery charging systems can include a number of devices including engine driven alternators and generators, battery chargers, battery-to-battery chargers, solar panels, wind and hydro generators, shaft driven generators on sailboats powered by a freewheeling propeller, fuel cells and other devices. [0021] Batteries have a charge acceptance rate (CAR) that determines the maximum amount of charging current they will accept at a given state of charge, charging voltage and temperature. In the example of lead-acid batteries, the CAR can fall rapidly at higher states of charge and as a result can cause extended charging times at ever lower charging currents to fully recharge a lead-acid battery. Some other battery chemistries exhibit similar behavioral characteristics.

[0022] If lead-acid batteries are not fully recharged on a regular basis they can suffer from a condition known as 'sulfation' which results in a progressive loss of battery capacity and, eventually, the battery going dead. This is particularly likely if batteries are operated for any length of time in a partial state of charge (PSOC) condition, which is a common condition for marine batteries and batteries used in other 'off-the-grid' applications.

[0023] Sulfation can often be arrested and reversed by 'conditioning' or 'equalization' charging in which a low charging current is applied for an extended period of time, sometimes at voltages well above normal battery charging voltages, or by using other specialized charging algorithms. Conditioning and equalization charges can lead to specialized voltage regulation being needed that is customized for specific battery chemistries and operating environments.

[0024] If an engine is solely used to drive a charging device (such as an alternator, a DC generator, or an AC generator powering a battery charger) the finishing stages of a 'normal' charging cycle, or a conditioning or equalization cycle, result in long hours of operation at very light engine loads which is extremely fuel inefficient and potentially damaging to the engine (for example, resulting in a condition known as 'wet stacking' in the marine environment).

[0025] A mechanism for maintaining battery life without extended low-load engine operation would be desirable including one for achieving conditioning and equalization cycles when and as necessary.

[0026] Newer battery technologies, especially lithium-ion, are extremely susceptible to overcharging, which can result in a dangerous condition. It would also be desirable for a battery charging mechanism to include system(s) to prevent damaging and/or dangerous overcharging. [0027] The present disclosure relates to battery charging devices used to charge rechargeable batteries, including charging one battery from another.

[0028] In some embodiments and configurations contemplated by the present disclosure, a modified switching feature is interposed between charging devices and batteries in a manner that enables a switching feature to isolate some or all of the batteries being charged and to manipulate the charging regime for the isolated batteries. The charging regime can be customized to achieve maximum life and performance from the batteries and to maintain battery safety.

[0029] In some embodiments and configurations contemplated by the present disclosure, a modified switching feature is interposed between batteries being used for charging and batteries being charged in a manner that enables the switching feature to isolate some or all of the batteries being charged and to manipulate the charging regime for the isolated batteries. The charging regime can be customized to achieve maximum life and performance from the batteries and to maintain battery safety.

[0030] Some aspects of the present disclosure can be included in marine energy systems which contain one or more batteries and one or more battery charging devices.

[0031] Some aspects of the present disclosure can be included in energy systems that are permanently or intermittently disconnected from the grid and which contain one or more batteries and one or more charging devices.

[0032] Some aspects of the present disclosure can be included in energy systems that contain two or more batteries, in which one or more batteries supply a charging current to one or more other batteries.

[0033] Some aspects of the present disclosure can be included in energy systems that contain one or more batteries and one or more charging devices, whether connected to the grid or not, in which specialized charging algorithms or routines are used or desirable to maintain the health and/or safety of the batteries.

[0034] Some aspects of the present disclosure can be included in energy systems that contain two or more batteries in which one or more batteries are used to charge one or more other batteries, whether connected to the grid or not, in which specialized charging algorithms or routines are used or desirable to maintain the health and/or safety of the batteries. [0035] FIG. 1 illustrates the declining charge acceptance rate (CAR) of a lead-acid battery, when being charged, as it approaches a full state of charge. Because of the declining CAR, it can take hours to fully recharge a discharged battery, with ever decreasing charge rates during the last several hours of charging.

[0036] FIG. 2 illustrates a nominal engine fuel map. An engine fuel map provides information on the fuel consumption per unit of output energy produced by an engine over the full operating speed and load profile for the engine. The fuel consumption is typically expressed as grams per kilowatt-hour (g/kWh) or lbs per horsepower-hour (lbs/hp-h) and is known as 'Specific Fuel Consumption' (SFC). The data is typically displayed on a graph of torque versus engine speed, or power versus engine speed. FIG. 2 is an example of a nominal fuel map based on power versus engine speed.

[0037] Peak efficiency for the engine in FIG. 2 occurs between 1300 rpm, and 2000 rpm at a load that increases from 20 kW to 30 kW (1). The fuel consumption is around 230 g/kWh in this operating band. Total fuel consumption at any point equals the load at that point (for example, 25 kW at 1700 rpm) times the fuel consumption at that point (in this case, 230 g/kWh): 25 x 230 = 5750 grams per hour. The standard weight of diesel is 840 grams per liter, in which case this converts to 6.85 liters (1.8 US gallons). The exemplary engine for the exemplary fuel map of FIG. 2 is a 52kW (68 hp) diesel engine. Other engines are contemplated by the present disclosure that would have their own respective engine fuel maps, similar to the fuel map illustrated in FIG. 2.

[0038] If an engine is used solely to power a charging device during the final stages of battery charging when charge rates are low, or during a conditioning or equalization cycle, the load on the engine is extremely low and as a result engine operation is extremely inefficient.

[0039] FIG. 3 illustrates this increasingly inefficient engine operation as battery charge acceptance rates decline during the final stages of battery charging. FIG. 3 shows alternator output (i.e. battery charge acceptance rates) versus specific fuel consumption. The peak efficiency for this engine at the flywheel is 230 g/kWh (e.g., from engine fuel map in FIG. 2). The peak efficiency in terms of alternator output is 750 g/kWh at 2.5 kW of alternator output, declining to 4,000 g/kWh at 0.35 kW of alternator output (i.e. 17 times less efficient than the peak engine efficiency). [0040] In many energy systems, especially those that rely primarily or to any great extent on an engine as the source of power for charging devices, in order to avoid extended hours of inefficient low-load engine operation, optimizing system efficiency can be achieved by operating batteries for extended periods of time in a partial state of charge (PSOC) - e.g. without the extended periods of low level charging that can be required to reach a full state of charge. With many battery chemistries, particularly lead- acid, the result is a condition known as 'sulfation', which in turn results in a progressive loss of battery capacity, a loss of cycle life, and premature battery death.

[0041] Incipient sulfation can frequently be arrested and reversed by periodically charging batteries at higher than normal voltages and/or low levels of constant current, allowing the battery voltage to rise to whatever level it wants to rise to. This is known as a 'conditioning' or 'equalization' cycle. However, most voltage regulation devices on battery chargers, alternators and other charging devices do not have the necessary capabilities for implementing a 'conditioning' or 'equalization' cycle.

[0042] In certain energy systems, notably those that include lithium-ion batteries, overcharging/overvoltage of even one cell in a battery system can result in serious damage to the system and potentially a dangerous situation. Voltage regulation devices on battery chargers, alternators and other charging devices typically do not have the necessary capabilities to recognize these situations and to respond in an appropriate fashion.

[0043] In a conventional electrical system, the voltage on the charging interface (e.g., charging bus) is determined by the voltage of the attached batteries. The output of the charging devices is determined by this voltage - the lower the voltage, the higher the output of charging devices up to their maximum rated output. During charging, battery voltage rises. As the voltage rises, voltage regulators within or external to the charging devices scale back the charging current.

[0044] A switch-like component in a battery interface (e.g., battery bus) can be desirable to disconnect the electrical bus or interface to which charging devices are connected (e.g., the charging bus or charging interface), or the battery being used to supply charging current, from the batteries being charged in order to break the connection between battery voltage and charge rates. In certain aspects, a battery interface or bus of the present disclosure can also include another electrical component - the 'Boosternator', a type of power conditioner, that is electrically connected on its input side to the charging interface, or a battery being used for charging, and on its output side to the battery interface to which the batteries being charged are connected (e.g., see the 'battery bus' element illustrated by the dashed lines in FIGS. 4-11).

[0045] In certain aspects, the input power from a charging interface is directed into the 'Boosternator' where the input power can come from any connected charging device or battery connected to the input side of the battery interface. The 'Boosternator' then converts this input power into a desired voltage and current that optimizes battery charging. The conversion can include performing a conditioning and/or equalization or other battery charging cycle on the connected batteries. The conversion can also include performing steps to maintain battery safety.

[0046] The present disclosure describes systems to optimize battery charging regimes, minimize engine run time, optimize engine efficiency, achieve conditioning and equalization cycles, and, in some aspects, to respond to potential overcharging/overvoltage and other damaging and unsafe conditions. It is contemplated that, either 'standard' 'off-the-shelf charging devices known in the field of the present disclosure or customized charging devices or both (e.g., solar charging device, wind charging device, battery charger, fuel cell charging device, Caldemator electricity generator, regenerative charging device) can be used with the described battery interface without there being a need for any direct communication (e.g., via a controller, communication circuit) between the 'Boosternator' power conditioner and the described charging devices.

[0047] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, the charging interface can be disconnected from one or more batteries or battery packs being charged via a relay or other switching device (see elements 2 in FIG. 4; 7 in FIG. 5; 8 in FIG. 6; 13 in FIG. 7; 14 and 15 in FIG. 8; 16 and 17 in FIG. 9; 20 and 21 in FIG. 10; 23 and 24 in FIG. 11). When disconnected, the sole path for charging current into the disconnected batteries or battery packs is via the 'Boosternator' power conditioner (see 'Boosternator' in FIGS. 4-11).

[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates one exemplary circuit contemplated by the present disclosure.

[0049] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary aspect of a circuit with a battery interface and load interface in common and with both interfaces isolated from the charging source interface. The 'Boostemator' power conditioner is controlling the path from the charging source interface to the battery interface.

[0050] FIG. 6 illustrates an exemplary aspect of the circuit from FIG. 4 with Battery ' 1 ' connected to the 'Boostemator' power conditioner and isolated from the load interface along with Battery '2' connected to the load interface but isolated from the 'Boostemator' power conditioner.

[0051] FIG. 7 illustrates an exemplary aspect of a bi-directional or uni-directional 'Boostemator' power conditioner wired between batteries or battery packs. The switch 13 includes multiple settings for isolating one or, other battery pack (e.g., Bl, B2,) from the charging source interface and the load interface (in FIG. 7, battery pack 1 is isolated from the charging interface and the load interface).

[0052] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary aspect of a bi-directional or uni-directional 'Boostemator' power conditioner wired between batteries or battery packs. Individual switching devices or switch connections (14, 15) can be used to isolate one or other battery or battery pack from the charging source interface and the load interface.

[0053] FIG. 9 illustrates an exemplary aspect of a bi-directional or uni-directional 'Boostemator' power conditioner wired between batteries or battery packs. Battery T is connected to the 'Boostemator' power conditioner output and isolated from the charge source interface and load interface. Battery '2' is connected to the charge source interface and the load interface.

[0054] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary aspect of a circuit with batteries at different voltages, with a separate charge source interface and load interface for each voltage. The 'Boostemator' power conditioner output is connected to Battery T. Battery T is isolated from its charge source interface and the load interface.

[0055] FIG. 11 illustrates an exemplary aspect of a circuit where the input side of the power conditioner (e.g., the side connected to the charging sources via the charging bus, such as solar and wind charging sources) operates in parallel with the output of the charging devices, but with the output of the power conditioner (e.g, the side that connects to Battery Pack 1 and Battery Pack 2 through switches 27 and 28, respectively) connected to an isolated battery such that the power conditioner can supply a conditioning or equalization charge to the isolated battery. In the illustration, Battery Pack 1 is isolated from the charging devices and the loads (e.g., switches 23 and 25 are open) and is being conditioned by the power conditioner (e.g., switch 27 is closed). Battery Pack 2 is connected to the loads (e.g., switch 26 is closed) and is being charged by the charging devices (e.g., switch 24 is closed) which are also powering the power conditioner which is in parallel with Battery Pack 2 on its input side. Battery Pack 2 is isolated from the output of the power conditioner (e.g., switch 28 is open).

[0056] In certain aspects, the 'Boosternator' power conditioner includes intelligent components such as processor(s) and programmed memory device(s) to implement certain processes described below. In certain aspects, some of the processes may be implemented via analog operations. In yet other aspects, some of the power conditioner processes are implemented using both analog and intelligent components.

[0057] It is contemplated that the 'Boosternator' power conditioner can either be installed in series between the charging devices and the batteries being charged (e.g., FIGS. 4, 5, 6 or 11) or between batteries or battery packs being charged (e.g., FIGS. 7, 8, 9 or 10).

[0058] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, if the 'Boosternator' power conditioner is installed between charging devices and the batteries being charged (e.g., FIGS. 4, 5, 6 and 11), once the charging interface is disconnected from the batteries (via the relay or other switching device 2, 7, 8, 23, 24) the 'Boosternator' power conditioner can be configured to manipulate the voltage on the charging interface to allow the 'Boosternator' power conditioner to use the voltage regulating devices of the attached charging devices to control the level of power output from these charging devices.

[0059] In certain aspects, if the 'Boosternator' power conditioner is installed between batteries being charged (e.g., FIGS. 7, 8, 9, or 10), once one set of batteries is disconnected from charging devices (via the relay or other switching device 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 20 or 21) the 'Boosternator' power conditioner controls the charging voltage and current into the disconnected battery or batteries.

[0060] If the 'Boosternator' power conditioner is installed between batteries or battery packs (e.g., FIGS. 7, 8, 9, or 10) the nominal voltage on the batteries in some iterations can be the same (e.g., 12 volts), and in other iterations it can be different (e.g. 12 volts and 24 volts). FIG. 10 illustrates an architecture with batteries, or battery packs, at different nominal voltages.

[0061] The 'Boosternator' power conditioner can be uni- directional (i.e., it only charges batteries on its output side - see FIGS. 4, 5, 6, or 11), or it can be bi-directional (i.e., can 'reverse' direction such that the input side becomes the output side and vice versa - see FIGS. 7, 8, 9, or 10). The effect of a bi-directional 'Boosternator' power conditioner can also be achieved by installing two uni-directional 'Boosternators' power conditioners in parallel, but with the inputs and outputs reversed.

[0062] In certain aspects, the 'Boosternator' power conditioner operates according to algorithms for optimized charging, conditioning or equalization, or other battery charging cycles, for the attached batteries. In certain aspects, the output of the 'Boosternator' power conditioner is determined by, and controlled by, these algorithms. These algorithms may be resident in the 'Boosternator' power conditioner or in an external device (not shown).

[0063] In certain aspects, the 'Boosternator' power conditioner may include battery volt and amp tracking, battery state of charge calculations and tracking, battery state of health calculations and tracking, state of charge and health, adaptive learning processes, and any other mechanisms known in the field of battery monitoring systems. The 'Boosternator' control processes can generally include any of the different types of battery management algorithms, including algorithms based on adaptive learning.

[0064] In certain aspects, the 'Boosternator' power conditioner may communicate with battery management systems (BMS) and other monitoring and control devices on lithium-ion and other batteries and may respond to information and/or instructions from the BMS or other monitoring and control devices to optimize battery charging algorithms, protect the batteries from damaging or unsafe conditions, and manipulate the charging voltage and amperage for any other purpose.

[0065] In certain aspects, the 'Boosternator' power conditioner can implement Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) in its manipulation of some charging devices on the charging interface, such as solar panels and wind generators.

[0066] In certain aspects, the 'Boosternator' power conditioner may incorporate algorithms to determine when to stop and start engines in a manner that optimizes engine efficiency, and the use of other charging devices, in relation to battery charging.

[0067] In certain aspects, the 'Boosternator' power conditioner may incorporate predictive functions such as anticipating when solar, wind output, shaft energy, or other energy sources may be available, and may base decisions as to when to stop and start engines for charging purposes, and other charging decisions, on these predictions. [0068] In certain aspects, the 'Boosternator' power conditioner can also be connected to and/or receive navigational and passage-planning data in marine applications and may use predictive functions based on this received data to determine when to stop and start engines for charging purposes, and to make other charging decisions.

[0069] In certain aspects, the 'Boosternator' power conditioner can control charge rates in a manner that protects lithium-ion and other batteries from overcharge/overvoltage conditions.

[0070] In some exemplary embodiments, the 'Boosternator' power conditioner is a standalone device connected, at a minimum, to the relay or switching device (e.g., 2, 7, 8, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 23, 24) that isolates from charging devices the batteries to be charged via the 'Boosternator' power conditioner. In other exemplary embodiments, the relay or switching device(s) can be built into an integrated unit.

[0071] In some exemplary embodiments, the 'Boosternator' power conditioner is not isolated from the battery interface. For example, the relays or other switching devices labeled 3, 4, 5 and 6 in FIG. 4, and 9, 10, 11 and 12 in FIG. 6), may not exist or cannot be operated via the 'Boosternator' power conditioner. In such an exemplary embodiment (see FIG. 5), the 'battery bus' and 'load bus' may or may not be in common.

[0072] In some exemplary embodiments, the 'Boosternator' power conditioner sends a signal to operate one or more relays or other switching devices (3 , 4, 5 and 6 in FIG. 4; 9, 10, 11, and 12 in FIG. 6; 16, 17, 18 and 19 in FIG. 9; and 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, and 28 in FIG. 11) that isolate the battery or batteries being charged, conditioned or equalized from other batteries and from the bus to which connected loads are attached (the 'load bus' or load interface - FIGS. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11). The relays or other switching devices may be external or built into an integrated unit. This operation may be desirable, for example, if a conditioning or equalization cycle raises battery voltages to levels that are potentially damaging to attached electrical and electronic equipment. It may also be desirable for isolating batteries being charged for any number of reasons, including to concentrate limited charging resources on individual batteries or battery packs.

[0073] In some embodiments, the 'Boosternator' power conditioner is removed from the charging processes during early charging and high current charging stages and only takes over at relatively high battery states of charge. [0074] In some embodiments, the 'Boosternator' power conditioner is the sole path for charging current throughout the battery charging process.

[0075] It is contemplated that in some embodiments, including any combination of the embodiments and aspects described herein, that the power conditioner (e.g., 'Boosternator') includes a processor and instructions stored on a memory that upon execution by the processor cause the power conditioner to implement one or more power conditioning operations, using signals received by the power conditioner and signals transmitted by the power conditioners, within the battery interface apparatus and/or the battery charging circuit.

[0076] In the exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 4-11 signals may be transmitted between and within the various charging, battery, and load interface apparatuses along the illustrated electrical connections, which may also be or include communications connections. In some embodiments, the power conditioner (e.g., 'Boosternator') is operative to transmit a signal to any one of the switches or switched connections to open or close select switch(s) or switched connection(s) such that batter(ies) or battery pack(s) connected to any one of the one or more battery connection points can be isolated during charging, conditioning, or equalization cycles of the batter(ies) or battery pack(s). In certain aspects, one or more of the switch(s) or switch connection(s) may be integral to the battery interface apparatus. In certain aspects, one or more of the switch(s) or switch connection(s) can also be external to the battery interface apparatus.

[0077] In some aspects, the power conditioner (e.g., 'Boosternator') is operative to transmit a signal to any one of the switches or switched connections to open or close select switch(s) to isolate batteries connected to any one of the one or more battery connection points such that charging resources are concentrated to a select battery or group of batteries. In some aspects, the power conditioner (e.g., 'Boosternator') is operative to transmit a signal to any one of the switches or switched connections to open or close select switch(s) to isolate batteries connected to any one of the one or more battery connection points such that charging resources are removed from a select battery or group of batteries nearing an overload or overcharge condition.

[0078] The drawings are illustrative only and do not illustrate all the contemplated permutations of the battery charging apparatus.

[0079] In alternative embodiment A, a battery interface apparatus for completing a battery charging circuit in an energy system including one or more charging sources comprises a first electrical connector, one or more battery connection points, and a second electrical connector. The first electrical connector is configured to receive a connection from a charging source interface. The first electrical connector includes at least two isolated inputs. One of the isolated inputs includes a switched connection between the charging source interface and one or more battery connection points. The other isolated inputs include a power conditioner between the charging source interface and one or more battery connection points. The one or more battery connection points are electrically connected to the two isolated inputs. Each battery connection point is configured to receive a connection from a battery. A second electrical connector includes one or more outputs to provide direct current power and is configured to receive a load interface. The second electrical connector is electrically connected to one or more battery connection points.

[0080] In alternative embodiment B, the switched connection of the battery interface apparatus of alternate A is a relay.

[0081] In alternative embodiment C, the energy system of one of the battery interface apparatus of alternates A or B is a marine energy system.

[0082] In alternative embodiment D, the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates A to C is a battery bus bar, the charging source interface is a charging bus bar, and/or the load interface is a load bus bar.

[0083] In alternative embodiment E, the charging source interface of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates A to D is connected to multiple charging sources.

[0084] In alternative embodiment F, the multiple charging sources of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates A to E include a solar charging source, a wind charging source, a generator, a fuel cell, a battery charger, a regenerative charging source, or any combinations thereof.

[0085] In alternative embodiment G, the load interface of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates A to F is connected to multiple loads associated with a marine vessel.

[0086] In alternative embodiment H, the load interface of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates A to F is connected to multiple loads associated with any DC powered system. [0087] In alternative embodiment I, the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates A to H includes that at least one of the one or more battery connection points is configured to receive a connection from a battery pack.

[0088] In alternative embodiment J, the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates A to H includes that at least one of the one or more battery connection points is configured to receive a connection from a battery bank.

[0089] In alternative embodiment K, the switched connection of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates A to J, is in an open position such that the one isolated input is disconnected from the one or more battery connection points.

[0090] In alternative embodiment L, any power transmitted from the charging source interface to the first electrical connector of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates A to K, is directed solely through the other isolated input and power conditioner.

[0091] In alternative embodiment M, the power conditioner of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates A to L is configured to receive the input power from one or more charging sources connected to the charging source interface and modify the received input power into a different voltage and current for output to a battery connected to one of the one or more battery connection points.

[0092] In alternative embodiment N, the power conditioner of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates A to M is configured to receive input power from one or more charging sources connected to the charging source interface and perform conditioning on a battery connected to one of the one or more battery connection points.

[0093] In alternative embodiment O, the power conditioner of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates A to N is configured to receive the input power from one or more charging sources connected to the charging source interface and perform equalization on a battery connected to one of the one or more battery connection points.

[0094] In alternative embodiment P, the power conditioner of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates A to O is configured to monitor the input power from one or more charging sources connected to the charging source interface and modify power transmitted to a battery connected to one of the one or more battery connection points such that an overload and/or overcharge condition in a battery is prevented. [0095] In alternative embodiment Q, the power conditioner of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates A to P is installed in series between the charging source interface and the one or more battery connection points.

[0096] In alternative embodiment R, the power conditioner of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates A to Q is configured to modify the voltage on the charging source interface in order to modify voltage regulating devices within charging source devices connected to the charging source interface.

[0097] In alternative embodiment S, the power conditioner of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates A to R includes a power receiving end and a power output end. The power conditioner is unidirectional such that the battery only receives power at the battery connection transmitted from the power output end of the power conditioner.

[0098] In alternative embodiment T, the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates A to S includes at least a second switched connection between the power conditioner and at least one of the one or more battery connection points. The power conditioner is configured to open and close the second switched connection to connect and disconnect the at least one battery connection point.

[0099] In alternative embodiment U, the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates A to T includes at least a third switched connection between at least one of the one or more battery connection points and the load interface. The power conditioner is configured to transmit a signal to open and close the third switched connection to connect and disconnect the at least one battery connection point.

[00100] In alternative embodiment V, the power conditioner of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates A to U is an integral unit of the battery interface apparatus.

[00101] In alternative embodiment W, one or more of the switch connections of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates A to V are part of an integral unit with the battery interface apparatus.

[00102] In alternative embodiment X, one or more of the switch connections of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates A to V are external to the battery interface apparatus.

[00103] In alternative embodiment Y, the power conditioner of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates A to X includes a processor and instructions stored on a memory that upon execution by the processor, the power condition implements one or more power conditioning operations using signals received by the power conditioner and signals transmitted by the power conditioners within the battery interface apparatus and/or the battery charging circuit. In some aspects, the instructions upon execution by the processor further cause the power conditioner to open and close switches.

[00104] In alternative embodiment Al, a battery interface apparatus for completing a battery charging circuit in an energy system including one or more charging sources comprises one or more battery connection points, a first electrical connector, and a power conditioning circuit. The one or more battery connection points are configured to receive a connection from at least one battery. The first electrical connector is configured to receive a connection from a charging source interface. The first electrical connection includes a first input including a first switched connection between the charging source interface and at least one of the one or more battery connection points. The power conditioning circuit includes a power conditioner disposed between at least two secondary battery connection points configured to receive secondary connections from at least two batteries connected to different ones of the one or more battery connection points.

[00105] In alternative embodiment Bl, the power conditioner of the battery interface apparatus of alternate Al is connected in series between at least two batteries.

[00106] In alternative embodiment CI, the battery interface apparatus of one of alternates Al or Bl includes a second electrical connector configured to receive a load interface and including one or more outputs operative to provide direct current power to a received load interface. The second electrical connector is electrically connected to the one or more battery connection points.

[00107] In alternative embodiment Dl, the first switched connection of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates Al to CI includes a first switch operative to connect and disconnect a direct electrical connection between a charging source on the charging source interface and one or more batteries connected to one or more of the one or more battery connection points.

[00108] In alternative embodiment El, the battery interface apparatus of alternate CI includes one additional switch between each of the one or more battery connection points and the second electrical connector. The one additional switch is operative to connect and disconnect one or more batteries connected to the one or more of the one or more battery connection points. [00109] In alternative embodiment Fl, the power conditioner of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates Al to El is disposed between batteries being charged. The power conditioner is configured to control charging voltage and current into one or more batteries connected to one or more of the one or more battery connection points.

[00110] In alternative embodiment Gl, the power conditioner of the battery interface apparatus of any one of the alternates Al to Fl is disposed between batteries being charged. The batteries are connected to one or more of the one or more battery connection points. The batteries have different nominal voltages.

[00111] In alternative embodiment HI, the power conditioner of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates Al to Gl is bidirectional. The power conditioner includes two connection ends both operative to receive power and to output power to the one or more battery connection points such that the direction of power flow for batteries connected to the one or more battery connection points can be reversed.

[00112] In alternative embodiment II, the power conditioner of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates Al to Gl includes two unidirectional power conditioners in parallel with reversed power input and power output ends.

[00113] In alternative embodiment Jl, any one of the switches or switch connections of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates Al to II includes a relay.

[00114] In alternative embodiment Kl, the power conditioner of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates Al to Jl is operative to transmit a signal to any one of the switches or switched connections to open or close select switch(es) and/or switched connection(s) such that batter(ies) and/or battery pack(s) connected to any one of the one or more battery connection points can be isolated during charging, conditioning, and/or equalization cycles of the batter(ies) and/or battery pack(s).

[00115] In alternative embodiment LI, one or more of the switch(es) and/or switch connection(s) of the battery interface apparatus of alternate Kl are integral to the battery interface apparatus.

[00116] In alternative embodiment Ml, one or more of the switch(es) and/or switch connection(s) of the battery interface apparatus of alternate Kl are external to the battery interface apparatus.

[00117] In alternative embodiment Nl, the power conditioner of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates Al to Ml is operative to transmit a signal to any one of the switches and/or switched connections to open and/or close select switch(es) to isolate batteries connected to any one of the one or more battery connections points such that charging resources are concentrated to a select battery and/or group of batteries.

[00118] In alternative embodiment 01, the power conditioner of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates Al to Ml is operative to transmit a signal to any one of the switches and/or switched connections to open and/or close select switch(es) to isolate batteries connected to any one of the one or more battery connections points such that charging resources are removed from a select battery and/or group of batteries nearing overload and/or overcharge condition.

[00119] In alternative embodiment PI, the power conditioner of the battery interface apparatus of any one of the alternates Al to Ml is configured to monitor the input power from one or more charging sources connected to the charging source interface and/or modify power transmitted to a battery connected to one of the one or more battery connection points such that an overload or overcharge condition in a battery is prevented.

[00120] In alternative embodiment Ql, the first electrical connector of the battery interface apparatus of any one of the alternates Al to PI includes a second input including a second switched connection between the charging source interface and another of the one or more battery connection points. The second switched connection includes a second switch operative to connect and disconnect one or more batteries at one of the one or more battery connection points.

[00121] In alternative embodiment Rl, the energy system of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates Al to Ql is a marine energy system.

[00122] In alternative embodiment SI, the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates Al to Rl is a battery bus bar, the charging source interface is a charging bus bar, and/or the load interface is a load bus bar.

[00123] In alternative embodiment Tl, the charging source interface of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates Al to SI is connected to multiple charging sources.

[00124] In alternative embodiment Ul, the multiple charging sources of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates Al to Tl include a solar charging source, a wind charging source, a generator, a fuel cell, a battery charger, a regenerative charging source, or any combinations thereof. [00125] In alternative embodiment VI, the load interface of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates Al to Ul is connected to multiple loads associated with a marine vessel.

[00126] In alternative embodiment Wl, the load interface of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates Al to VI is connected to multiple loads associated with an DC powered system.

[00127] In alternative embodiment XI, at least one of the one or more battery connection points of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates Al to Wl is configured to receive a connection from a battery pack.

[00128] In alternative embodiment Yl, at least one of the one or more battery connection points is configured to receive a connection from a battery bank.

[00129] In alternative embodiment Zl, the power conditioner of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates Al to Yl includes a processor and instruction stored on a memory that upon execution by the processors causes the power conditioner to implement one or more power conditioning operations, using signals received by the power conditioner and signals transmitted by the power conditioners, within the battery interface apparatus and/or battery charging circuit. In some aspects, the instructions upon execution by the processor further cause the power conditioner to open and close switches.

[00130] In alternative embodiment A2, the energy system of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates Al to Zl is an off-grid energy system.

[00131] In alternative embodiment B2, the energy system of the battery interface apparatus of any one of alternates A to Y is an off-grid energy system.

[00132] Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims. Moreover, the present concepts expressly include any and all combinations and subcombinations of the preceding elements and aspects.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A battery interface apparatus for completing a battery charging circuit in an energy system including one or more charging sources, the battery interface apparatus comprising:

a first electrical connector configured to receive a connection from a charging source interface, the first electrical connector including at least two isolated inputs, one of the isolated inputs including a switched connection between the charging source interface and one or more battery connection points, the other of the isolated inputs including a power conditioner between the charging source interface and one or more battery connection points;

the one or more battery connection points electrically connected to the two isolated inputs, each battery connection point configured to receive a connection from a battery; and

a second electrical connector including one or more outputs operative to provide direct current power and configured to receive a load interface, the second electrical connector electrically connected to the one or more battery connection points.

2. The battery interface apparatus of claim 1, wherein the switched connection is a relay.

3. The battery interface apparatus of one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the energy system is a marine energy system.

4. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the battery interface apparatus is a battery bus bar, the charging source interface is a charging bus bar, and/or the load interface is a load bus bar.

5. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the charging source interface is connected to multiple charging sources

6. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 1-5, wherein the multiple charging sources include at least one of a solar charging source, a wind charging source, a generator, a fuel cell, a battery charger, or a regenerative charging source.

7. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the load interface is connected to multiple loads associated with a marine vessel.

8. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 1-6, wherein the load interface is connected to multiple loads associated with any DC powered system.

9. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 1-8, wherein at least one of the one or more battery connection points is configured to receive a connection from a battery pack.

10. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 1-8, wherein at least one of the one or more battery connection points is configured to receive a connection from a battery bank.

11. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the switched connection is in an open position such that the one isolated input is disconnected from the one or more battery connection points

12. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 1-11, wherein any power transmitted from the charging source interface to the first electrical connector is directed solely through the other isolated input and the power conditioner.

13. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the power conditioner is configured to receive the input power from one or more charging sources connected to the charging source interface and modify the received input power into a different voltage and current for output to a battery connected to one of the one or more battery connection points.

14. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 1-13, wherein the power conditioner is configured to receive the input power from one or more charging sources connected to the charging source interface and perform conditioning on a battery connected to one of the one or more battery connection points.

15. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 1-14, wherein the power conditioner is configured to receive the input power from one or more charging sources connected to the charging source interface and perform equalization on a battery connected to one of the one or more battery connection points.

16. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 1-15, wherein the power conditioner is configured to monitor the input power from one or more charging sources connected to the charging source interface and modify power transmitted to a battery connected to one of the one or more battery connection points such that an overload or overcharge condition in a battery is prevented.

17. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 1-16, wherein the power conditioner is installed in series between the charging source interface and the one or more battery connection points.

18. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 1-17, wherein the power conditioner is configured to modify the voltage on the charging source interface in order to modify voltage regulating devices within charging source devices connected to the charging source interface.

19. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 1-18, wherein the power conditioner includes a power receiving end and a power output end, the power conditioner being unidirectional such that a battery only receives power at the battery connection transmitted from the power output end of the power conditioner.

20. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 1-19, further comprising at least a second switched connection between the power conditioner and at least one of the one or more battery connection points, the power conditioner configured to open and close the second switched connection to connect and disconnect the at least one battery connection point.

21. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 1-20, further comprising at least a third switched connection between at least one of the one or more battery connection points and the load interface, the power conditioner configured to transmit a signal to open and close the third switched connection to connect and disconnect the at least one battery connection point.

22. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 1-21, wherein the power conditioner is an integral unit of the battery interface apparatus.

23. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 1-22, wherein one or more of the switch connections are part of an integral unit with the battery interface apparatus.

24. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 1-23, wherein the power conditioner includes a processor and instructions stored on a memory that upon execution by the processor cause the power conditioner to implement one or more power conditioning operations, using signals received by the power conditioner and signals transmitted by the power conditioners, within the battery interface apparatus and/or the battery charging circuit.

25. A battery interface apparatus for completing a battery charging circuit in an energy system including one or more charging sources, the battery interface apparatus comprising:

one or more battery connection points configured to receive a connection from at least one battery;

a first electrical connector configured to receive a connection from a charging source interface, the first electrical connector including a first input including a first switched connection between the charging source interface and at least one of the one or more battery connection points; and

a power conditioning circuit including a power conditioner disposed between at least two secondary battery connection points configured to receive secondary connections from at least two batteries connected to different ones of the one or more battery connection points.

26. The battery interface apparatus of claim 25, wherein the power conditioner is connected in series between the at least two batteries.

27. The battery interface apparatus of one of claims 25 or 26, further comprising a second electrical connector configured to receive a load interface and including one or more outputs operative to provide direct current power to a received load interface, the second electrical connector electrically connected to the one or more battery connection points.

28. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 25-21, wherein the first switched connection includes a first switch operative to connect and disconnect a direct electrical connection between a charging source on the charging source interface and one or more batteries connected to one or more of the one or more battery connection points.

29. The battery interface apparatus of claim 27, further comprising one additional switch between each of the one or more battery connection points and the second electrical connector, the one additional switch further operative to connect and disconnect one or more batteries connected to the one or more of the one or more battery connection points.

30. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 25-29, wherein the power conditioner is disposed between batteries being charged, the power conditioner configured to control charging voltage and current into one or more batteries connected to one or more of the one or more battery connection points.

31. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 25-30, wherein the power conditioner is disposed between batteries being charged, the batteries connected to one or more of the one or more battery connection points, the batteries having different nominal voltages.

32. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 25-31, wherein the power conditioner is bidirectional, the power conditioner including two connection ends both operative to receive power and to output power to the one or more battery connection points such that the direction of power flow for batteries connected to the one or more battery connection points can be reversed.

33. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 25-31, wherein the power conditioner includes two unidirectional power conditioners in parallel with reversed power input and power output ends.

34. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 25-33, wherein any one of the switches or switched connections includes a relay.

35. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 25-34, wherein the power conditioner is operative to transmit a signal to any one of the switches or switched connections to open or close select switch(s) or switched connection(s) such that batter(ies) or battery pack(s) connected to any one of the one or more battery connection points can be isolated during charging, conditioning, or equalization cycles of the batter(ies) or battery pack(s).

36. The battery interface apparatus of claim 35, where one or more of the switch(s) or switch connection(s) are integral to the battery interface apparatus.

37. The battery interface apparatus of claim 35, wherein one or more of the switch(s) or switch connection(s) are external to the battery interface apparatus.

38. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 25-37, wherein the power conditioner is operative to transmit a signal to any one of the switches or switched connections to open or close select switch(s) to isolate batteries connected to any one of the one or more battery connection points such that charging resources are concentrated to a select battery or group of batteries.

39. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 25-37, wherein the power conditioner is operative to transmit a signal to any one of the switches or switched connections to open or close select switch(s) to isolate batteries connected to any one of the one or more battery connection points such that charging resources are removed from a select battery or group of batteries nearing an overload or overcharge condition.

40. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 25-37, wherein the power conditioner is configured to monitor the input power from one or more charging sources connected to the charging source interface and modify power transmitted to a battery connected to one of the one or more battery connection points such that an overload or overcharge condition in a battery is prevented.

41. The battery interface of claim 25-40, wherein the first electrical connector includes a second input including a second switched connection between the charging source interface and another of the one or more battery connection points, the second switched connection includes a second switch operative to connect and disconnect one or more batteries at one of the one or more battery connection points.

42. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 25-41, wherein the energy system is a marine energy system.

43. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 25-42, wherein the battery interface apparatus is a battery bus bar, the charging source interface is a charging bus bar, and/or the load interface is a load bus bar.

44. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 25-43, wherein the charging source interface is connected to multiple charging sources

45. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 25-44, wherein the multiple charging sources include at least one of a solar charging source, a wind charging source, a generator, a fuel cell, a battery charger, or a regenerative charging source.

46. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 25-45, wherein the load interface is connected to multiple loads associated with a marine vessel.

47. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 25-45, wherein the load interface is connected to multiple loads associated with any DC powered system.

48. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 25-47, wherein at least one of the one or more battery connection points is configured to receive a connection from a battery pack.

49. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 25-47, wherein at least one of the one or more battery connection points is configured to receive a connection from a battery bank.

50. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 25-49, wherein the power conditioner includes a processor and instructions stored on a memory that upon execution by the processor cause the power conditioner to implement one or more power conditioning operations, using signals received by the power conditioner and signals transmitted by the power conditioners, within the batter interface apparatus and/or the battery charging circuit.

51. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 25-50, wherein the energy system is an off-grid energy system.

52. The battery interface apparatus of any one of claims 1-24, wherein the energy system is an off-grid energy system.

53. The systems, mechanisms, apparatuses, features, operations, and/or configurations disclosed herein or referred to or indicated in the specification and/or claims of this application, individually or collectively, and any and all combinations of any two or more of said systems, mechanisms, devices, features, operations, and/or configurations.