Abstract: In an embodiment, an energy storage system includes one or more storage cells, charge/discharge circuitry, and charger wakeup circuitry. After the storage cells become depleted below an energy level threshold, the charge/discharge circuitry disconnects the storage cells from a main circuit associated with the storage system. The charger wakeup circuitry allows a limited amount of current to bypass the charge/discharge circuitry in order to present a current-limited voltage from the storage cells at the terminals. The voltage presented at the terminals is pulsed on and off when an external device is connected across the terminals. The voltage presented to the terminals is detected by the external device. After detecting the voltage, the external device performs an operation in response to detecting the condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing integrated battery protection for a plurality of series-connected batteries, in which a plurality of controllable switches are used to disconnect or otherwise isolate the respective batteries, substantially simultaneously, from an external circuit in response to certain fault or non-fault battery conditions. When the plurality of controllable switches are synchronously transitioned from a closed or “ON” state to an opened or “OFF” state, the voltages of the respective batteries become distributed among the controllable switches, allowing for the use of switches having a reduced voltage rating as well as a reduced cost. By connecting a balancing resistor across each of a plurality of series-connected battery/switch pairs, a more even distribution of the voltages of the respective batteries among the controllable switches can be achieved, providing the system with more predictable operation.

Abstract: An assembler receives a circuit board. The circuit board includes at least a first node and a second node that are adjacent but electrically isolated from each other. There is a gap between the first node and the second node. The first node is electrically isolated from other components on the circuit board. The second node is electrically coupled to circuitry residing on the circuit board. The assembler initiates positioning of a conductive lead of a battery in a vicinity of the first node. The gap between the first node and second node initially prevents the live conductive lead from being in electrical contact with the second node. Eventually, the assembler bridges the gap to provide an electrical connection between at least the conductive lead and the second node to electrically couple the conductive lead to the second node and thus the circuitry residing on the circuit board.

Abstract: Systems and methods of detecting ground faults in energy storage and/or generation systems that can detect ground faults on the DC and/or AC side of an energy storage/generation system, and generate warning signals and/or shutdown at least part of the system upon detection of such ground faults. The systems and methods can monitor levels of DC voltages and amplitudes of AC voltages occurring on the positive and negative side of a DC bus with respect to ground on the DC side of the energy storage and/or generation system, and process the monitored DC voltage levels and AC voltage amplitudes to detect a ground fault. Having detected such a ground fault, the systems and methods can generate a warning signal and/or shutdown at least part of the system, for example, by disconnecting a DC energy system from the DC bus, and/or by disabling a DC-to-AC bidirectional inverter included in the system.

Abstract: According to example configurations herein, a clamp circuit includes: i) a power dissipation circuit disposed between a first node and a second node of the clamp circuit, and ii) a capacitive element disposed in a control path between the first node and a control input of the power dissipation circuit. During operation, when a voltage spike occurs at the first node, such as caused by opening of a respective switch, the capacitive element in the control path conveys a portion of energy from the first node to control activation of the power dissipation circuit. That is, during the voltage spike, based on conveyance of the energy over the control path, the power dissipation circuit turns ON to dissipate the transient voltage, protecting a main power switch.

Abstract: A method of controlling current in a parallel battery systems includes providing at least two parallel connected batteries, each said battery having an internal resistance and dissipating heat while operating; during operation, measuring at least the temperature and current of each individual battery; and providing instructions to a temperature control system having a temperature control module coupled with each said battery for individually cooling each said battery to adjust temperature of at least one battery in order to maintain the current at a target value.

Abstract: The disclosed system includes a metering device for monitoring electrical power grid conditions, a controller for determining if the metering device is detecting a condition on an electrical grid that is indicative of a delayed voltage recovery event, and a communication device for communicating with one or more remotely located bi-directional power source modules connected to the electrical power grid, wherein the controller is programmed to send a notification via the communication device to the one or more remotely located bi-directional power source modules if the controller detects a condition indicative of delayed voltage recovery event. In some embodiments, the metering device includes a grid metering device. In some embodiments, the metering device measures power factor, and a change in the voltage and ratio of VARs to Watts.