Abstract: An intrinsically safe battery power supply for electrical equipment in underground mining includes a battery housing having a first end with a first opening and a second end having a pressure-resistant second opening. The battery housing defines a first space. At least one storage battery cell is provided in the first space, and a lid is coupled to the battery housing near the first end providing access to the storage battery cell through the first opening. An envelope housing is coupled near the second end of the battery housing and has a charging socket and a consumption socket and defines a second space. A circuit board having intrinsically-safe circuits is provided in the second space, the circuit board electrically coupled to the storage battery cell through the pressure resistant second opening in the battery housing, and electrically coupled to the charging socket and the consumption socket on the envelope housing.

Abstract: An intrinsically-safe battery power supply for electrical equipment in underground mining and in other areas exposed to the danger of explosion is disclosed. The power supply includes at least one chargeable storage battery cell disposed in a battery housing. At least one storage battery cell comprises a chargeable lithium storage battery cell and the battery housing is configured to be pressure-resistant and to receive all lithium storage battery cells in a manner so as to be protected from explosion. The pressure-resistant configuration of the battery housing enables the use of lithium storage battery cells in underground mining. Once the battery power supply fulfills all requirements of ignition protection certification, even modern types of lithium storage battery cell can be disposed in the battery housing.