WO2021130665A1

WO2021130665A1 - Modular power supply system and backpack

Info

Publication number: WO2021130665A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/062321
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mario AGUILERA
Original assignee: Tespack Oy
Priority date: 2019-12-23
Filing date: 2020-12-22
Publication date: 2021-07-01
Also published as: FI20196123A1

Abstract

This document presents a modular power supply system (100) for providing electric power to electronic devices. The system (100) comprises a power module (10) comprising a first housing (11), a display screen (12), a first output (14), a first connecting unit (19), and a power converter unit (16) for converting electrical power to have suitable characteristics for supplying to the an electronic device. The system (100) also comprises a main battery unit (20) comprising a second housing (21), slots (22) for receiving batteries (5), and battery connectors (26) arranged into the slots (22) for connecting with the batteries (5) and connected in parallel with each other, a control unit (24) configured for controlling charging and/or discharging of the batteries (5), and a second connecting unit (29). The first connecting unit (19) and the second connecting unit (29) are arranged to be connected removably to each other.

Description

MODULAR POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM AND BACKPACK

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to systems and devices for providing electric power to power electronic devices. In particular, however, not exclusively, the present invention concerns a modular power supply system capable of utilizing and charging batteries in order to provide electric power to one or more electronic devices.

BACKGROUND

There are known solutions for providing electric power to electronic devices. One known attempt is to back-up power source which can include one or several batteries. Typical back-up power source includes a battery bank and some control electronics by which electric power may be supplied to an electronic device, such as a mobile phone or a personal computer. Such back up power supplies are designed and specified to have particular properties, even if in some range, and, thus, to some specific type of a device or purpose.

The drawback in the known attempts is that they cannot be utilized to power different types of devices and if the type or specification of the devices change, they cannot be adapted to the changed demands.

SUMMARY

An objective of the present invention is to provide a modular power supply system for providing electric power to at least one electronic device and a backpack. Another objective of the present invention is that the system can be easily adapted for powering devices having different specifications such as related to power demand and characteristics.

The objectives of the invention are reached by a modular power supply system as defined by the independent claim.

According to a first aspect, a modular power supply system for providing electric power to at least one electronic device is provided. The system comprises a power module and a main battery unit arranged to be removably connected to each other. The power module comprises a first housing, a display screen, such as a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD), optionally a thin-film-transistor (TFT) LCD screen, at least one first output, such as a USB connector or a single-wire connector, a first connecting unit, such as including a first portion of a connector, and a power converter unit comprising at least one converter arranged between the at least one first output and the first connecting unit for converting electrical power therebetween to have suitable characteristics for supplying via the at least one first output to the at least one electronic device.

The main battery unit comprises a second housing, slots for receiving batteries, and battery connectors arranged into the slots for connecting with the batteries and connected in parallel with each other, a control unit configured for controlling charging and/or discharging of the batteries, and a second connecting unit, such as including a second portion of a connector.

Furthermore, the first connecting unit and the second connecting unit are arranged to be connected removably to each other for providing an electrical connection and, optionally, a data connection between the power module and the main battery unit.

In various embodiments, the system may comprise a further battery unit comprising a third housing, slots for receiving batteries, and second battery connectors arranged into the slots for connecting with the batteries and connected in parallel with each other, and further connecting units arranged to be connected removably to at least one of the following for providing electrical connections and, optionally, data connections therebetween: the main unit, the power module.

In some embodiments, the at least one first output may comprise at least two outputs, such as identical outputs or different types of outputs. In addition, the at least two outputs may comprise at least a USB connector and a single-wire connector, wherein the power converter unit comprises converters arranged between the at least two outputs and the first connecting unit for converting electrical power therebetween to have suitable characteristics for supplying via the at least two outputs to the at least one or two electronic devices. Furthermore, the USB connector may, optionally, be a USB type A connector or a USB type C connector. In various embodiments, the at least one first output may comprise an alternating current (AC), and/or alternating voltage, output, and the power converter unit comprises an inverter arranged between the alternating current output and the first connecting unit for converting electrical power therebetween to have suitable characteristics for supplying via the alternating current output to the at least one electronic device.

In some embodiments, the system may be configured to display, via the display screen, a state of charge of the batteries. Alternatively or in addition, the system may be configured to display, via the display screen, if the batteries are being charged.

In an embodiment, the power module or the main battery unit may comprise an input for connecting a photovoltaic solar panel thereto for providing electric power to charge the batteries. In this case, additionally, the system may be configured to display, via the display screen, a charging voltage of the photovoltaic solar panel.

In some embodiments, the system may comprise at least four slots for batteries in the main battery unit.

In some embodiments, the power converter unit may comprise at least one buck-boost converter, that is, a type of DC-to-DC converter that has an output voltage magnitude that is either greater than or less than the input voltage magnitude. In an embodiment, the input of the buck-boost may be connected to the first connecting unit and the output to one of the at least one first output. Alternatively, the converter may be a flyback converter.

In some embodiments, the control unit may be arranged on a printed circuit board (PCB) in the main battery unit.

In some embodiments, the control unit may comprise at least a processing unit, such as a processor or a microcontroller, and a memory unit, such as non-transitory memory.

In various embodiments, the control unit may be configured to cause the system to charge each one of the batteries at a constant rate.

In various embodiments, the system may comprise a position sensor, such as a Global Positioning System (GPS) sensor. According to this invention, there is provided a modular and dynamically configurable power supply system, in terms of output power, for providing electric power to at least one electronic device, said system comprises:

- a main battery unit comprising: o a housing comprising a plurality of, serial-interconnected and / or parallel-interconnected, electrical receiver slots, each slot being configured to receive a power bank; o power banks, configured to be slotted into said housing, each power bank being configured to be electrically coupled to at least one of said electrical receiver slot, thereby providing an ever- expanding power supply system upon connecting and a reducing power supply system upon disconnecting; o a receiver, communicably coupled to said electrical receiver slots, configured to receive control signals in order to effect:

^■ logical manner of connection between said slotted power banks;

^■ charging and/or discharging of each of said slotted power banks; and

^■ control change in voltage outputs of each of said slotted power banks;

- a master control module, with a transmitter, spaced apart from said main battery unit, configured to transmit power requirement, in terms of a master control signal, to said system;

- a power module comprising: o a first controller configured to receive said master control signal and further configured to issue further signals, correlative to said master control signal, in order to effect:

^■ logical manner of connection of said power banks responsive to said master control signal; o a second controller configured to be communicably coupled to said first controller in order to effect: ^■ charging and / or discharging of each of said power banks responsive to said master control signal; and

^■ change in voltage outputs of each of said power banks responsive to said master control signal.

In at least an embodiment, said first control signal, said second control signal, and said third control signal are a part of said further signals from said first controller.

In at least an embodiment, said master control module comprises a multiplexer configured to multiplex said at least a first control signal, said at least a second control signal, and said at least a third control signal into a master control signal.

In at least an embodiment, said first controller is configured to read health of each of said slotted power banks.

In at least an embodiment, said comprises at least an input port, at least an output port, and at least a data communication port.

In at least an embodiment, said logical manner of connection between said slotted power banks is effected through said power bank’s data communication port.

In at least an embodiment, said charging and/or discharging of each of said slotted power banks is effected through said power bank’s input port and output port.

In at least an embodiment, said control change in voltage outputs of each of said slotted power banks is effected through said power bank’s data communication port as well as through said power bank’s input port.

In at least an embodiment, said first controller comprises: i. a first control unit, as a part of said first controller, configured to transmit a first control signal, in response to said master control signal, to determine a logical manner of connection between said slotted power banks, said manner of connection being selected from a serial connection, a parallel connection, and a combination of serial-parallel connections of said electrical receiver slots; ii. a second control unit, as a part of said second controller, configured to transmit a second control signal, in response to said master control signal, to determine charging and/or discharging of said slotted power banks; iii. a third control unit, as a part of said second controller, comprising a one-to-many channel, configured to transmit a third control signal, in response to said master control signal, to control change in voltage outputs, individually, through said many channels wherein a single channel is coupled to a single power bank slotted in said housing, wherein said third control signal channels a voltage commensurate with said master control signal to a specific power bank 5 through said one-to-many channel.

In at least an embodiment, said first controller comprises a demultiplexer configured to demultiplex said multiplexed master control signal into at least the first control signal, at least the second control signal, and at least the third control signal.

In at least an embodiment, said second controller is coupled to an output port, of said at least a power bank, said output port being configured to output power as configured by said master control signal.

In at least an embodiment, said second controller is coupled to an input port, of said at least a power bank, said input port being configured to control voltages in response to said master control signal.

In at least an embodiment, said second controller is coupled to an output port, of said at least a power bank, said output port being configured to channel voltage commensurate with said master control signal to a specific power bank.

In at least an embodiment, said first controller is coupled to a communication port to signal a specific power bank.

In at least an embodiment, said system comprises a third controller is coupled to a GPS module, in that, said third controller receives data relating to location of said system. In at least an embodiment, said system comprising a third controller is coupled to a GPS module, said third controller receives data relating to location of said system, in that, said third controller being communicably coupled to said first controller wherein, data relating to location is fed to said first controller in order to allow said first controller to factor in local conditions derived from said determined location in order to configure:

- at least said first control signal correlative to said determined location;

- at least said second control signal correlative to said determined location; and / or

- at least said third control signal correlative to said determined identified location.

In at least an embodiment, said system comprising a third controller is coupled to a GPS module, said third controller receives data relating to location of said system, in that, said third controller being communicably coupled to said first controller wherein, data relating to location is fed to said first controller in order to allow said first controller to factor in local conditions derived from said determined location in order to determine decay time of at least a power bank in order to be used in determination of location-centric said first control signal, location-centric said second control signal, and location-centric said third control signal.

In at least an embodiment, said system comprising a third controller is coupled to sensors located on said second housing in order to determine parameters to be correlated with location, said sensors and associated parameters being selected from a group of sensors consisting of a temperature sensor for sensing temperature parameter(s), a humidity sensor for sensing humidty parameter(s), an altitude sensor for sensing altitude parameter(s), and sensors for sensing additional atmospheric parameters.

In at least an embodiment, said power module comprises a configuration of relays responsive to said first control signal in order to determine logical manner of interconnection between said slotted power banks in response to a voltage power requirement from said system responsive to said master control signal SGM.

In at least an embodiment, said power module comprising a configuration of digital switches responsive to said first control signal in order to determine logical manner of interconnection between said slotted power banks in response to a voltage power requirement from said system responsive to said master control signal SGM.

In at least an embodiment, said master control module is spaced apart from said main battery unit as well as from said power module.

In at least an embodiment, said transmitter is a wireless transmitter.

In at least an embodiment, said first controller is configured to:

- determine and send control signals to said first control unit to determine logical manner of connection of said slotted power banks;

- determine and send control signals to said second control unit to determine quantum of charging and/or discharging of said slotted power banks; and

- determine and send control signals to said third control unit to control quantum of voltage output per slotted power bank.

In at least an embodiment, said master control signal is a command signal or a data signal, said master control signal being converted into a first control signal, a second control signal, and a third control signal.

In at least an embodiment, said master control signal is a multiplexed master command signal comprising a first control signal, a second control signal, and a third control signal; all multiplexed to form the master command signal.

In at least an embodiment, said master control signal is a multiplexed master command signal, said master control signal being converted into a first control signal, a second control signal, and a third control signal; upon demultiplexing the master command signal.

In various embodiments, the system may comprise communication device or devices, such as a wireless communication device(s). The wireless communication device may be based on, for example, wifi, or short-range communication, such as BlueTooth™, and/or cellular communication, such as Global System for Mobile (GSM), Third Generation (3G), Fourth Generation (4G), or Fifth Generation (5G). According to a second aspect, a backpack comprising a modular power supply system according to the first aspect, or any embodiment thereof, is presented. The backpack further comprises at least one of the following arranged therein: a projector, speakers, a photovoltaic solar panel.

In an embodiment, the photovoltaic solar panel may comprise more than one solar cells or modules connected in series and/or in parallel. In addition, the panel may be foldable, such as between the solar cells or modules, so that the foldable photovoltaic solar panel may be fitted into the backpack.

The present invention provides advantages over known solutions. Due to its modular structure, the system according to various of its embodiments can integrate different technical demands and requirements for powering different electronic devices to one system or device. It’s a scalable design which can integrate different power modules and/or further battery units while the main battery unit may be kept the same. Furthermore, the backpack according to the invention provides a complete portable power supply which is easy to adapt for different purposes.

Various other advantages will become clear to a skilled person based on the following detailed description.

The terms “first”, “second” and “third” are herein used to distinguish one element from other element, and not to specially prioritize or order them, if not otherwise explicitly stated.

The exemplary embodiments of the present invention presented herein are not to be interpreted to pose limitations to the applicability of the appended claims. The verb "to comprise" is used herein as an open limitation that does not exclude the existence of also unrecited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic of the present invention are set forth in particular in the appended claims. The present invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, together with additional objectives and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Some embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example, and not by way of limitation, in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 illustrates schematically a modular power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 illustrates schematically a modular power supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 illustrates schematically a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates schematically a modular and dynamically configurable power supply system, in terms of output power, for providing electric power to at least one electronic device.

Figure 5 illustrates schematically a power bank connected to controllers of the modular and dynamically configurable power supply system of Figure 4.

Figures 6A-6C illustrate schematically foldable photovoltaic solar panels according to some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 7 illustrates schematically a backpack according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS

Figure 1 illustrates schematically a modular power supply system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The modular power supply system 100 may comprise a power module 10 and a main battery unit 20, preferably, arranged to be removably, or alternatively irremovably, connected to each other.

In various embodiments, the power module 10 may comprise a first housing 11. The first housing 11 may be essentially of any suitable material, such as of plastic, composite or metal. One purpose of the first housing 11 may be to protect the electronic components inside the housing 11 against mechanical impacts and/or dirt and moisture from the outside. Furthermore, the power module 10 may comprise a display screen 12. The display screen 12 may be arranged on an outer surface of the first housing 11. The display screen 12 may or may not be a touch screen. Still further, the power module 10 may comprise at least one first output 14, such as a USB connector or a single-wire connector. There may be one or several first outputs 14. Additionally, the power module 10 may comprise a first connecting unit 19, such as including a first portion of a connector. The first connecting unit 19 may, preferably, be arranged to be, preferably removably, connected to a counterpart arranged to the main battery unit 20 or a further battery unit. Furthermore, the power module 10 may comprise a power converter unit 16 comprising at least one converter arranged between the at least one first output 14 and the first connecting unit 19 for converting electrical power therebetween to have suitable characteristics for supplying via the at least one first output 14 to the at least one electronic device.

The power module 10 may have, depending on the embodiment, different configurations of the at least one first output 14. In an embodiment, the at least one first output 14 may include a direct current (DC) output with 150 W maximum output power, three USB Type A outputs with 5 V and 2 A ratings, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) type A Quick Charge (QC) output, and a USB type C QC Power Delivery (PD) 24 W power rating output. This module 10 may comprise a power PCB and a buck-boost converter capable of supplying 180 W to 200 W output.

In another embodiment, the at least one first output 14 may include two DC outputs with 150 W power rating each, three USB Type A QC 2.0 outputs, a USB type A QC 3.0 output, and a USB Type C QC PD 65 W power rating output. This module 10 may comprise a power PCB and buck-boost converter capable of supplying 480 W to 500 W output.

In yet another embodiment, the at least one first output 14 may include a DC output with 150 W power rating, an AC output with 300 W power rating, three USB Type A QC 2.0 outputs, a USB type A QC 3.0 output, and a USB type C QC PD 24 W power rating output. This module 10 may comprise a power PCB and buck-boost converter capable of supplying 480 W to 500 W output. In this embodiment, the power converter unit 16, preferably, also comprises an inverter. In still another embodiment, the at least one first output 14 may include one DC output with 150 W power rating, two AC outputs with 500 W power rating, three USB Type A QC 2.0 outputs, a USB type A QC 3.0 output, and a USB Type C QC PD 24 W power rating output. This module 10 may comprise a power PCB and buck-boost converter capable of supplying 1000 W output. In this embodiment, the power converter unit 16, preferably, also comprises an inverter or inverters.

Furthermore, the modular power supply system 100 may also comprise the main battery unit 20. The main battery unit 20 may comprise a second housing 21. The second housing 21 may be essentially of any suitable material, such as of plastic, composite or metal. One purpose of the second housing 21 may be to protect the electronic components inside the housing 21 against mechanical impacts and/or dirt and moisture from the outside. Furthermore, the main battery unit 20 may, preferably, comprise slots 22, these slots 22 being electrical receiver slots, for receiving batteries 5 so that the batteries are electrically connected. The slots 22 may or may not comprise hatches for closing and opening the slots 22. There may be battery connectors 26 arranged into the slots 22 for connecting, that is removably, with the batteries 5 and connected in parallel with each other. There may additionally be a sliding system inside the slot 22 for sliding the battery 5 into the slot 22 and for connecting to the battery connector 26 arranged therein. In various embodiments, such as shown in Fig. 1 , the second housing 21 may be adapted to define the slots 22 for receiving batteries 5 thereto. Still further, the main battery unit 20 may comprise a second controller C2 configured for controlling charging and/or discharging of the batteries 5 / power banks 5. Furthermore, the main battery unit 20 may comprise a second connecting unit 29, such as including a second portion of a connector such as to connect with the first portion, wherein the first connecting unit 19 of the power module 10 and the second connecting unit 29 are arranged to be connected removably to each other for providing an electrical connection and, optionally, a data connection between the power module 10 and the main battery unit 20. As can be seen in Fig. 1 , for example, the first connecting unit 19 and the second connecting unit 29 may be arranged on an outer surface of the housings 11 , 21. This is advantageous since the power module 10 may be changed depending on the desired types of connectors and/or voltage/current/power ratings, for instance, while having the same main battery unit 20. For example, in some applications there may be a need to AC connector while in others it is sufficient to have several USB connectors.

In some embodiments, the batteries 5 / power banks 5 may be connected, by the second controller C2, in series for discharging.

In all embodiments, the power bank 5 (or battery) comprises at least an input port 7a, an output port 7b, and a data communication (USB) port 7. The USB port is, generally, a data communication port and can be replaced by ant other mode of communication such as, but not limiting to, - UART, SERIAL, I2C, ETFIERNET, wify, bluethoot, Lora, Sigfox, GSM, satellite.

In various embodiments, the housing 21 comprises a plurality of serial- interconnected and / or parallel-interconnected electrical receiver slots 22, Each slot 22 is configured to receive a power bank 5. Any power bank 5 is configured to be slotted into the receiver slot 22 and housed in the housing 21.

In various embodiments, the main battery unit 20 comprises a receiver, com- municably coupled to the electrical receiver slots 22, by means of a first con troller C1. The receiver is a part of a first controller C1 and receives infomation from a master control module 30.

In at least an embodiment, the master control module 30 is configured with an input mechanism configured to allow a user to input final output required from the system of this invention. This input, of the user, is converted into a master control signal SGM which is transmitted, by means of a transmitter, to the first controller C1 of this system. In preferred embodiment, the master control mod ule 30 is spaced apart from the main battery unit 20 as well as from the power module 10 such that the master control signal SGM is wirelessly (and, there fore, remotely) transmitted. In some embodiments, therefore, the transmitter is a wireless transmitter and the receiver is a wireless receiver. This master con trol signal SGM comprises either multiplexed signals and / or encoded signals. Depending on the input, the master control module 30, automatically (based on pre-defined rules), computes at least the following parameters:

- the logical manner (i.e. serial, parallel, combination of serial-parallel) of inter connection of the power banks required;

- which power bank requires charging (taking into account battery health in terms of battery cycles since it helps determine life left per power bank 5), the charging being done by the input port 7a;

- which power bank requires discharging (taking into account battery health in terms of battery cycles since it helps determine life left per power bank 5).

Based on these automatic computations, multiple control signals are generat ed. These multiple control signals comprise at least a first control signal SG1 (generated by a first control unit CU1), at least a second control signal SG2 (generated by a second control unit (CU2), and at least a third control signal SG3 (generated by a third control unit (CU3); all of which are multiplexed into a master control signal SGM. In at least an embodiment, the first control signal SG1 dictates the logical manner (serial, parallel, combination of serial-parallel, and the like) of interconnection of the slotted power banks 5. In at least an em bodiment, the second control signal SG2 dictates quantum of charging and/or discharging of said slotted power banks 5. In at least an embodiment, the third control signal SG3 dictates quantum of voltage outputs per slotted power bank 5.

In at least an embodiment, the first controller C1 demultiplexes the multiplexed master control signal SGM into at least the first control signal SG1 , at least the second control signal SG2, and at least the third control signal SG3. Essential ly, the first controller C1 acts as a router where, at its input side, it receives the master command signal SGM, through its USB port 7, and, at its output side, it connects to a plurality of power banks 5 through their communication ports 7. Summarily, the first controller C1 received information from the power banks 5 in order to determine health status of each of the power banks and the first controller C1 passes information to a second controller C2 in order to effect changes, through the first controller C1 , per power bank depending on user requirement. In at least an embodiment, the power module 10 comprises a configuration of relays responsive to said first control signal SG1 in order to determine logical manner of interconnection between said slotted power banks 5 in response to a voltage power requirement from said system responsive to said master con trol signal SGM.

In at least an embodiment, the power module 10 comprises a configuration of digital switches responsive to said first control signal SG1 in order to determine logical manner of interconnection between said slotted power banks 5 in re sponse to a voltage power requirement from said system responsive to said master control signal SGM.

In at least an embodiment, a second controller C2 is configured to be coupled to the first controller C1 , as also to the power banks 5. The health of each power bank is read and monitored by the second controller C2 and used as an input in determining the logical connection vide first control signal SG1 and charging (through input port 7a) and / of discharging (through output port 7b) of the power banks vide second control signal SG2. Specifically, the second con troller C2 is a power electronics controller which controls the electronics asso ciated with the power banks.

In at least an embodiment, the second controller C2 is made up of, in at least some part, the first control unit CU1 , the second control unit CU2, and third control unit CU3.

In some embodiments, the first controller C1 may reside at the power module 20.

In some embodiments, the second controller C2 may reside at the main battery unit 20.

In at least an embodiment, a third controller C3 is configured to be coupled to a GPS module, in that, the third controller C3, tracks a location of the system of this invention at all times. Upon polling the third controller C3, location of this system can be determined. Additionally, in some embodiments, the third con troller C3 is communicably coupled to the first controller C1 . Data relating to location is fed to the first controller C1 in order to allow the first controller C1 to factor in local conditions (temperature, humidity, altitude, atmospheric parame ters, and the like) - all of which are derived from the GPS location - in order to configure at least the first control signal SG1 correlative to the identified loca tion, at least the second control signal SG2 correlative to the identified loca tion, and / or at least the third control signal SG3 correlative to the identified lo cation. Specially, decay time of a power bank 5 can be determined from the lo cal conditions and used as a useful input in determination of first control signal SG1 , second control signal SG2, and third control signal SG3. Thus, for the first time, power bank 5 conditions are monitored (vide the second controller C2) and correlated to a location as also, for the first time, power bank 5 per formance is controlled (vide the first controller C1) and correlated to a location; thereby, enhancing power bank, and system, performance Also, customised, location-centric, performance is achieved since, now, all the control signals SG1 , SG2, SG3 are location-centric control signals.

In some embodiments, sensors are located on the second housing 21 in order to determine parameters to be correlated with location, these sensors and as sociated parameters being temperature sensor for sensing temperature pa rameters), humidity sensor for sensing humidty parameter(s), altitude sensor for sensing altitude parameter(s), and the like sensors for sensing additional atmospheric parameters.

In various embodiments, the housings 19, 29 may be shaped or adapted such that interlocking joints (having suitable corresponding shapes on, for example, outer surfaces thereof) are formed between the power module 10 and the main battery unit 20 thus preventing them to move with respect to each other at least in the lateral direction, or in some embodiments at least reducing degrees of freedom, when being removably connected to each other.

In an embodiment, the second controller C2 may be arranged on a PCB in the main battery unit 20. Alternatively or in addition, the second controller C2 may comprise at least a processing unit (or be coupled to the first controller C1), such as a processor or a microcontroller, and a memory unit, such as non- transitory memory. In various embodiments, the second controller C2 may be configured to cause the system 100 to charge each one of the batteries 5 at a constant rate and, optionally, to avoid overcharging such as by having over charge protection implemented therein. The overcharge protection may be based on a known method to a skilled person, such as based on measuring open-circuit voltage of the battery 5 or batteries 5. In various embodiments, the PCB having the second controller C2 may be able to support maximum of 16 batteries. The PCB having the second controller C2 will make sure that all the batteries are being charged and discharged at a constant rate and in synchro nised way.

As can be seen, for example, in Fig. 1 , the at least one first output 14 may comprise at least two outputs 14, or even more outputs 14 which may be iden tical or different with respect to each other. Additionally, the at least two out puts 14 may comprise at least a USB connector and a single-wire connector, for example, a banana connector, wherein the power converter unit 16 may comprise converters arranged between the at least two outputs 14 and the first connecting unit 19 for converting electrical power therebetween to have suita ble characteristics for supplying via the at least two outputs 14 to the at least one or two electronic devices. The USB connector(s) may be USB type A con nectors) or a USB type C connector(s), being optionally of Quick Charge type.

In some embodiments, the at least one first output 14 may comprise an AC output (current and/or voltage), and the power converter unit 16 may then comprise an inverter arranged between the AC output and the first connecting unit 19 for converting electrical power therebetween to have suitable charac teristics for supplying via the AC output to the at least one electronic device.

In various embodiments, the system 100 may be configured to display, via the display screen 12, a state of charge of the batteries 5, or if the batteries 5 are being charged.

In some embodiments, the power module 10 or the main battery unit 20 may comprise an input for connecting a photovoltaic solar panel thereto for provid ing electric power to charge the batteries 5. This provides the advantage that the system 100 may be completely portable because the batteries 5 may be charged wherever there is solar radiation available. Alternatively, the batteries 5 may be charged by utilising chargers, such as providing electric power from a power grid or other electric power source, being portable or not. Further more, the system 100 may be configured to display, via the display screen 12, a charging voltage of the photovoltaic solar panel, if any.

Figure 2 illustrates schematically a modular power supply system 100 accord ing to an embodiment of the present invention. The system 100 in Fig. 2 may mostly be identical to the one shown in Fig. 1 , however, the system 100 further comprises a further battery unit 30. The further battery unit 30 may comprise a third housing 31 , slots 22 for receiving batteries 5, and battery connectors 26 arranged into the slots 22 for connecting with the batteries 5 and connected in parallel with each other. Still further, the further battery unit 30 may comprise at least one further connecting unit 39 arranged to be connected removably to at least one of the following for providing electrical connection or connections and, optionally, data connection or connections therebetween: the main unit, the power module. In Fig. 2, the further battery unit 30 is connected only to the main battery unit 20, however, it could also be connected between the main battery unit 20 and the power module 10, that is, to both of them. In an embod iment, there may be two or more further battery units 30 in the system 100. Further battery units 30 are advantageous since they may easily be utilized to increase the capacity of the system 100 with respect to the charge, voltage, current and/or power. By adding more further battery units 30 into the system 100, the power module 10 having even more connectors and, optionally, hav ing higher power ratings may be conveniently used.

In a preferable embodiment, the further battery unit 30 does not include con trollers or other processing units but merely electrical connection(s) and con nectors). Thus, the further battery unit 30 may be essentially dummy and merely provides more charge storing capacity, such as in form of battery slots 22.

In various embodiments, the main battery unit 20 and the one or several of the further battery units 30, if any, may be arranged to support charging through them.

Furthermore, the main battery unit 20 and the one or several of the further bat tery units 30, if any, may be arranged to comprise at least one DC input, at least one DC output and one data output to provide battery information of each battery 5 connected to the unit 20, 30.

Figure 3 illustrates schematically a battery 5 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The battery 5 may, preferably comprise third connect ors) 7 for connecting removably with the battery connectors 26 in the slots 22. The battery 5 itself may comprise electronics such as processing unit(s) or the like. The battery 5 may in some embodiments be of a known type of a portable backup power supply or “powerbank”. The battery 5 may even have its own battery management system to charge the battery in a constant speed and/or avoid over charge and discharge. In an embodiment, the battery 5 may have 3000 to 7000 milliampere hours, or preferably 5000 milliampere hours capaci ty. In some embodiments, the batteries 5 may provide nominally 12 V output voltage and 3 A current output.

Figure 7 illustrates schematically a backpack 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The backpack 200 may comprise a modular power supply system 100, for example, such as in accordance with an embodiment described herein. The backpack 200 may further comprise at least one of the following arranged therein: a projector 60, speakers 70, a photovoltaic solar panel 50. One or several of the projector 60 and the speakers 70, as well as other electronic devices which may have been connected to the system 100 of the backpack 200 may be powered by the system 100, that is, by electrical charge stored in the batteries 5 arranged therein. The projector 60 and/or the speakers 70 may be connected removably to the connectors in the power module 10 or, alternatively, may be provided a designated connector, either for removable connection or essentially permanent.

In various embodiments, different devices, such as a projector 60, speakers 70, and/or a photovoltaic solar panel 50, have dedicated pouches or positions within the backpack 200. Furthermore, in addition, said devices may have been attached to the backpack 200 by attaching means, for example, by straps, screws, and/or attaching mechanism, the mechanism which may com prise a chassis being attached to the backpack 200 for receiving one or sever al of said devices. The mechanism may be based on a sliding mechanism.

In Fig. 7, the photovoltaic solar panel 50 is shown to be arranged to the back pack 200 in essentially permanent manner, such as to the side of the back pack 200. Flowever, in some embodiments, the panel 50 may be removably connectable. In preferable embodiments, the panel 50 may be foldable, such as illustrated in Figs. 6A-6C. The panel 50 may thus be folded and placed, for example, into a pocket or pouch of the backpack 200 for storing and/or trans portation.

Figures 6A-6C illustrate schematically foldable photovoltaic solar panels 50 according to some embodiments of the present invention. Fig. 6A illustrates a foldable photovoltaic solar panel 50 comprising three photovoltaic modules 55. In various embodiments, the foldable panel 50 may be folded between the modules 55.

The modules 55 may be comprised of one or several photovoltaic solar cells being connected in series and/or in parallel. Fig. 6B illustrates a panel 50 com prising six modules 55. The modules 55 may, in an embodiment, be connected such that three modules 55 are connected in series so that two sets of three series-connected modules 55 may be formed. Then the two sets are further connected in parallel. On the other hand, the modules 55 may alternatively be connected in series and/or in parallel in any way in order to obtain desired properties. Furthermore, Fig. 6C illustrates the panel 50 in a folded state. Of course, the halves of the panel 50 may also be folded against each other in order to obtain a planar element which may be easily arranged into the back pack 200.

The photovoltaic solar panel 50 according to various embodiments is prefera bly planar, that is, has significantly larger dimensions in two perpendicular di rections, such as x and y, compared to the third perpendicular direction, such as z. In an embodiment, the panel 50 of Fig. 6A may have dimensions: width 28 centimetres, length 47 centimetres. Thus, the width of a module 55 may be about 24-26 centimetres and the length about 13-15 centimetres. In an embod iment, the panel 50 of Fig. 6B may have dimensions: width about 57 centime tres, length 47 centimetres. The modules 55 may have a maximum power point (MPP) power rating of 7 W.

In various embodiments, such as shown in Figs. 1 , 2, and/or 7, or in some oth er embodiments in accordance with the present invention, the modular power supply system 100 may comprise a position sensor, such as a GPS sensor or the like, for determining the position of the system 100 and/or the backpack 200. The position sensor may, preferably, be arranged to the main battery unit 20, however, may alternatively be arranged into other parts of the system 100 or the backpack 200. The position sensor is advantageously arranged in con nection with the second controller C2 of the main battery unit 20 regardless of the position of the position sensor in the system 100 or the backpack 200. Thus, second controller C2 may be arranged to receive position information determined by the position sensor. In some embodiments, the position sensor may be utilized to track the system 100 and/or the backpack 200. In some embodiments, the position sensor may be utilized in establishing and operating an anti-kidnapping feature in which the position of the system 100 and/or backpack 200 may be utilized.

Still further, the position sensor may be utilized to set up a virtual area or are as, that is a geofence(s), and configured the system 100 to prevent access of devices to the system 100 outside the virtual area. The virtual area may refer herein to virtual area which represents some actual geographic area. Thus, an external device that tries to connect to the system 100 may need to be inside the virtual area in order to connect. This is based on the external device providing its position or location to the system 100 so that it may be deter mined if the external device is inside the virtual area.

Furthermore, alternatively or in addition to the position sensor, the second con troller C2 may be configured to determine and store real-time data of the ener gy fed from the batteries 5 to at least one electronic device, such as the projec tor 60, or a laptop or a smart phone, etc.

In at least an embodiment, the system comprises an anti-theft feature config ured by multiplexing a disabling signal through the master control signal SGM, the disabling signal configured, via the second controller C2 to block at least an output port 7b of each of the power banks 5.

In various embodiments, the system may comprise communication device or devices, such as a wireless communication device(s). The wireless communi cation device may be based on, for example, Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) or Wi-Fi, or short-range communication, such as BlueTooth™, and/or cellular communication, such as Global System for Mobile (GSM), Third Gen eration (3G), Fourth Generation (4G), or Fifth Generation (5G).

The wireless communication device may be configured to transmit data, such as data related to the produced energy by the photovoltaic solar panel 50, and/or electrical energy being drawn from the batteries 5, and/or related to the position data of the system 100 or the backpack 200, and/or related to new firmware, etc. The wireless communication device may be utilized for estab lishing internet-of-things (loT) solution by the system 100 or the backpack 200.

The specific examples provided in the description given above should not be construed as limiting the applicability and/or the interpretation of the appended claims. Lists and groups of examples provided in the description given above are not exhaustive unless otherwise explicitly stated.

Claims

CLAIMS,

1. A modular and dynamically configurable power supply system (100), in terms of output power, for providing electric power to at least one electronic device, said system comprising:

- a main battery unit (20) comprising: o a housing (21) comprising a plurality of, serial-interconnected and / or parallel-interconnected, electrical receiver slots (22), each slot (22) being configured to receive a power bank (5); o power banks (5), configured to be slotted into said housing (21), each power bank (5) being configured to be electrically coupled to at least one of said electrical receiver slot (22), thereby providing an ever-expanding power supply system upon connecting and a reducing power supply system upon disconnecting; o a receiver, communicably coupled to said electrical receiver slots (22), configured to receive control signals in order to effect:

^■ logical manner of connection between said slotted power banks (5);

^■ charging and/or discharging of each of said slotted power banks (5); and

^■ control change in voltage outputs of each of said slotted power banks (5);

- a master control module (30), with a transmitter, spaced apart from said main battery unit (20), configured to transmit power requirement, in terms of a master control signal (SGM), to said system;

- a power module (10) comprising: o a first controller (C1 ) configured to receive said master control signal (SGM) and further configured to issue further signals, correlative to said master control signal (SGM), in order to effect:

^■ logical manner of connection of said power banks (5) responsive to said master control signal (SGM); o a second controller (C2) configured to be communicably coupled to said first controller (C1) in order to effect:

^■ charging and / or discharging of each of said power banks (5) responsive to said master control signal (SGM); and

^■ change in voltage outputs of each of said power banks (5) responsive to said master control signal (SGM).

2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said first control signal (SG1), said second control signal (SG2), and said third control signal (SG3) being a part of said further signals from said first controller (C1).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said master control module (30) comprises a multiplexer configured to multiplex said at least a first control signal (SG1), said at least a second control signal (SG2), and said at least a third control signal (SG3) into a master control signal (SGM).

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said first controller (C1) being configured to read health of each of said slotted power banks (5).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said comprises at least an input port 7a, at least an output port 7b, and at least a data communication port 7.

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said logical manner of connection between said slotted power banks (5) being effected through said power bank’s data communication port (7).

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said charging and/or discharging of each of said slotted power banks (5) being effected through said power bank’s input port (7a) and output port (7b).

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said control change in voltage outputs of each of said slotted power banks (5) being effected through said power bank’s data communication port (7) as well as through said power bank’s input port (7a).

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said first controller (C1) comprising: i. a first control unit (CU1 ), as a part of said first controller (C1 ), configured to transmit a first control signal (SG1), in response to said master control signal (SGM), to determine a logical manner of connection between said slotted power banks (5), said manner of connection being selected from a serial connection, a parallel connection, and a combination of serial-parallel connections of said electrical receiver slots (22); ii. a second control unit (CU2), as a part of said second controller (C2), configured to transmit a second control signal (SG2), in response to said master control signal (SGM), to determine charging and/or discharging of said slotted power banks (5); iii. a third control unit (CU3) , as a part of said second controller (C2), comprising a one-to-many channel, configured to transmit a third control signal (SG3), in response to said master control signal (SGM), to control change in voltage outputs, individually, through said many channels wherein a single channel is coupled to a single power bank (5) slotted in said housing (21 ), wherein said third control signal (SG3) channels a voltage commensurate with said master control signal (SGM) to a specific power bank 5 through said one-to-many channel.

10. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said first controller (C1) comprises a demultiplexer configured to demultiplex said multiplexed master control signal (SGM) into at least the first control signal (SG1), at least the second control signal (SG2), and at least the third control signal (SG3).

11. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said second controller (C2) being coupled to an output port (7b), of said at least a power bank (5), said output port (7b) being configured to output power as configured by said master control signal (SGM).

12. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said second controller (C2) being coupled to an input port (7a), of said at least a power bank (5), said input port (7a) being configured to control voltages in response to said master control signal (SGM).

13. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said second controller (C2) being coupled to an output port (7b), of said at least a power bank (5), said output port (7b) being configured to channel voltage commensurate with said master control signal (SGM) to a specific power bank (5).

14. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said first controller (C1) being coupled to a communication port (7) to signal a specific power bank (5).

15. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said system comprising a third controller (C3) being coupled to a GPS module, in that, said third controller (C3) receives data relating to location of said system.

16. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said system comprising a third controller (C3) being coupled to a GPS module, said third controller (C3) receives data relating to location of said system, in that, said third controller (C3) being communicably coupled to said first controller (C1) wherein, data relating to location is fed to said first controller (C1) in order to allow said first controller (C1) to factor in local conditions derived from said determined location in order to configure:

- at least said first control signal (SG1) correlative to said determined location;

- at least said second control signal (SG2) correlative to said determined location; and / or

- at least said third control signal (SG3) correlative to said determined identified location.

17. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said system comprising a third controller (C3) being coupled to a GPS module, said third controller (C3) receives data relating to location of said system, in that, said third controller (C3) being communicably coupled to said first controller (C1) wherein, data relating to location is fed to said first controller (C1) in order to allow said first controller (C1) to factor in local conditions derived from said determined location in order to determine decay time of at least a power bank (5) in order to be used in determination of location centric said first control signal (SG1 ), location-centric said second control signal SG2, and location-centric said third control signal (SG3).

18. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said system comprising a third controller (C3) being coupled to sensors located on said second housing (21 ) in order to determine parameters to be correlated with location, said sensors and associated parameters being selected from a group of sensors consisting of a temperature sensor for sensing temperature parameter(s), a humidity sensor for sensing humidty parameter(s), an altitude sensor for sensing altitude parameter(s), and sensors for sensing additional atmospheric parameters.

19. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said power module (10) comprising a configuration of relays responsive to said first control signal (SG1) in order to determine logical manner of interconnection between said slotted power banks (5) in response to a voltage power requirement from said system responsive to said master control signal SGM.

20. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said power module (10) comprising a configuration of digital switches responsive to said first control signal (SG2) in order to determine logical manner of interconnection between said slotted power banks (5) in response to a voltage power requirement from said system responsive to said master control signal SGM.

21. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said master control module (30) being spaced apart from said main battery unit (20) as well as from said power module (10).

22. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said transmitter is a wireless transmitter.

23. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said first controller (C1) being configured to:

- determine and send control signals to said first control unit (CU1) to determine logical manner of connection of said slotted power banks (5);

- determine and send control signals to said second control unit (CU2) to determine quantum of charging and/or discharging of said slotted power banks (5); and

- determine and send control signals to said third control unit (CU3) to control quantum of voltage output per slotted power bank (5).

24. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said master control signal being a command signal or a data signal, said master control signal being converted into a first control signal, a second control signal, and a third control signal.

25. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said master control signal being a multiplexed master command signal comprising a first control signal, a second control signal, and a third control signal; all multiplexed to form the master command signal.

26. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said master control signal being a multiplexed master command signal, said master control signal being converted into a first control signal, a second control signal, and a third control signal; upon demultiplexing the master command signal.

27. A modular and dynamically configurable power supply system (100), in terms of output power, for providing electric power to at least one electronic device, characterized in that it comprises:

- a power module (10) comprising o a first housing (11), o a display screen (12), o at least one first output (14), such as a USB connector or a single-wire connector, wherein the at least one first output (14) comprises an alternating current output, o a first connecting unit (19), such as including a first portion of a connector, o a power converter unit (16) comprising at least one converter arranged between the at least one first output (14) and the first connecting unit (19) for converting electrical power therebetween to have suitable characteristics for supplying via the at least one first output (14) to the at least one electronic device, wherein the power converter unit (16) comprises an inverter arranged between the alternating current output and the first connecting unit (19) for converting electrical power therebetween to have suitable characteristics for supplying via the alternating current output to the at least one electronic device; and - a main battery unit (20) comprising o a second housing (21), o slots (22) for receiving batteries (5), and battery connectors (26) arranged into the slots (22) for connecting with the batteries (5) and connected in parallel with each other, o a second controller (C2) configured for controlling charging and/or discharging of the batteries (5), and o a second connecting unit (29), such as including a second portion of a connector, wherein the first connecting unit (19) and the second connecting unit (29) are arranged to be connected removably to each other for providing an electrical connection and, optionally, a data connection between the power module (10) and the main battery unit (20); wherein the first connecting unit (19) is arranged on an outer surface of the first housing (11) and the second connecting unit (29) is arrange on an outer surface of the second housing (12) thereby allowing the power module (10) characteristics to be changed depending on desired types of connectors and / or voltage / current / power ratings while having the same main battery unit (20).

28. The modular power supply system (100) of claim 27, comprising

- a further battery unit (30) comprising o a third housing (31), o slots (22) for receiving batteries (5), and battery connectors (26) arranged into the slots (22) for connecting with the batteries (5) and connected in parallel with each other, and o at least one further connecting unit (39) arranged to be connected removably to at least one of the following for providing electrical connection or connections and, optionally, data connection or connections therebetween: the main battery unit, the power module.

29. The modular power supply system (100) of claim 27 or 28, wherein the at least one first output (14) comprises at least two outputs (14).

30. The modular power supply system (100) of claim 29, wherein the at least two outputs (14) comprise at least a USB connector and a single-wire connector, wherein the power converter unit (16) comprises converters arranged between the at least two outputs (14) and the first connecting unit (19) for converting electrical power therebetween to have suitable characteristics for supplying via the at least two outputs (14) to the at least one or two electronic devices.

31. The modular power supply system (100) of claim 27, wherein the USB connector is a USB type A connector or a USB type C connector.

32. The modular power supply system (100) of any one of the preceding claims, configured to display, via the display screen (12), a state of charge of the batteries (5).

33. The modular power supply system (100) of any one of the preceding claims, configured to display, via the display screen (12), if the batteries (5) are being charged.

34. The modular power supply system (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power module (10) comprises an input for connecting a photovoltaic solar panel thereto for providing electric power to charge the batteries (5).

35. The modular power supply system (100) of claim 31 , configured to display, via the display screen (12), a charging voltage of the photovoltaic solar panel.

36. The modular power supply system (100) of any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least four slots (22) for batteries (5) in the main battery unit (20).

37. The modular power supply system (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the power converter unit (16) comprises at least one buck-boost converter.

38. The modular power supply system (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second controller (C2) is arranged on a printed circuit board in the main battery unit (20).

39. The modular power supply system (100) of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second controller (C2) comprises at least a processing unit, such as a processor or a microcontroller, and a memory unit, such as non-transitory memory.

40. A backpack (200) characterised in that it comprises a modular power supply system (100) of any one of the preceding claims, and the backpack (200) further comprises at least one of the following arranged therein: a projector (60), speakers (70), a photovoltaic solar panel (50), such as a foldable photovoltaic solar panel (50).