Abstract:
A battery pack power system includes a plurality of modular, portable, battery modules having various capacities that can be mixed and matched with one another to suit any of a wide variety applications or provide the desired power to any of a wide variety of loads at off-grid locations. The individual battery modules are stackable or otherwise nestable or connectable with one another to permit multiple users to each separately transport a module to a desired location and then combine the modules to assemble the battery power pack. One or more flexible connectors are provided for electrically chaining the assembled battery modules to one another and that permit only one-way, correct-orientation connection of the battery modules to one another, and have no exposed electrically conductive surfaces. An inverter module is connectable to any one of the battery modules, and operates to deliver 110 VAC in a first mode and 220 VAC in a second mode to provide electrical power to a wide variety of electrical loads. The battery power pack system is rechargeable from a portable solar photovoltaic power generator, wind power generator and/or hydropower generator connectable to one of the battery modules to recharge all of the battery modules.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This patent application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/349,735, having a filing date of May 28, 2010, titled “Modular and Portable Battery Pack Power System,” and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/308,712, having a filing date of Feb. 26, 2010, titled “Modular and Portable Battery Pack Power System,” the complete disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates to a battery pack power system for providing power to a wide variety of electrical loads. The present invention relates more particularly to a modular and portable battery pack power system having individual battery modules of various capacities that are modular, portable, stackable, electrically chainable, reconfigurable, and rechargeable. The present invention relates more particularly to a modular and portable battery pack power system having individual battery modules that are nestable and/or connectable to one another to permit individual modules to be custom connected to one another in a building-block type manner and to be electrically chainable to one another in a plug-and-play type manner. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    This section is intended to provide a background or context to the invention recited in the claims. The description herein may include concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section. 
         [0004]    Rechargeable battery packs for providing power to electrical devices and accessories are generally known. However, many types of rechargeable battery packs come in fixed sizes that are not readily reconfigurable for use in a wide variety of applications. Typically, when a relatively high capacity is required, the corresponding battery pack tends to be prohibitively large and heavy and is not conveniently portable to suit the desired mobility of a user. Certain types of battery power packs are made up from multiple cells, but such cells are usually connected to one another by relatively permanent and inflexible connections, such as bus bars, cable and clamp connectors, and the like, that do not provide a desired degree of modularity and portability. Further, such known battery pack systems typically include electrical connections that are at least partially exposed, which may present shock and/or short circuit hazards. 
         [0005]    Accordingly, It would be desirable to provide an improved battery pack power system that overcomes the disadvantages of the known battery pack power systems. 
         [0006]    It would be desirable to provide an improved battery pack power system that is (among others) modular, portable, stackable, electrically chainable, reconfigurable, and rechargeable. 
         [0007]    It would also be desirable to provide an improved battery pack system having individual modules that are capable of being transported separately (e.g. carried by different members of a group, etc.) to remote off-grid locations or outposts to provide power to electrical devices, and to be recharged by renewable sources, such as a compact, portable solar PV panel, or a portable wind power generator, or a portable hydropower generator. 
         [0008]    It would also be desirable to provide an improved battery pack power system having individual battery modules of various capacities that can be mixed and matched (or otherwise reconfigured) with one another to suit any of a wide variety of applications or to provide the desired power to any of a wide variety of loads (i.e. electrical devices, appliances, tools, portable medical devices, etc.). 
         [0009]    It would also be desirable to provide an improved battery pack power system having individual battery modules that are stackable or otherwise nestable or connectable with one another (e.g. in a ‘building block’ manner or the like) to create an assembly. 
         [0010]    It would also be desirable to provide an improved battery pack power system that is ventilated in a manner that airflow is not obstructed when the modules are connected to one another. 
         [0011]    It would also be desirable to provide an improved battery pack power system that has flexible electrical connectors for “chaining” or otherwise electrically connecting the individual battery modules to one another in a quick-connect manner (e.g. a ‘plug-and-play’ manner or the like) that permits only one-way, correct-orientation connection of modules to one another, and that features no exposed electrically conductive surfaces so that shock hazards to users are minimized and so that possibility of potential damage to the modules from short circuit contacts with external objects is minimized. 
         [0012]    It would also be desirable to provide an improved battery pack power system that has individual battery modules with a charge indicator or meter that readily identifies the real-time remaining charge state of the battery module. 
         [0013]    It would also be desirable to provide an improved battery pack power system that is rechargeable from a variety of sources including an electric grid connection (where available), and from a portable solar photovoltaic panel, a portable wind power generator, or a portable hydropower generator when an electric grid connection is not available. 
         [0014]    It would also be desirable to provide an improved battery pack power system that is readily usable with loads that operate on both AC and DC power. It would also be desirable to provide an improved battery pack system with an inverter module having a ‘multi-standard’ plug that is configured to receive any of a wide variety of electric plug configurations (such as the various types of AC power cords associated with the AC electric power systems of different countries), or other plug configurations such as USB plugs, 12 VDC cigarette lighter plugs, 12 VDC barrel plugs, and the like. 
         [0015]    It would also be desirable to provide an improved battery pack power system that has a readily accessible fuse box to facilitate troubleshooting of the battery module and permit fuses to be checked and replaced quickly and conveniently. 
         [0016]    It would also be desirable to provide an improved battery pack power system that includes an inverter module that is connectable to any one of the battery modules, where the inverter is capable of operating at either 110 VAC or 220 VAC by activation of a switch, and includes an indicator (e.g. light, meter, etc.) identifying the output voltage, and includes a convenient on/off switch to minimize unintentional drain on the battery module(s). 
         [0017]    It would be desirable to provide an improved battery pack power system that includes any one or more of these advantageous features. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0018]    According to one embodiment, a battery pack power system is provided that is (among others) modular, portable, stackable, electrically chainable, reconfigurable, and rechargeable. The system includes individual battery modules having various capacities that can be mixed and matched with one another to suit any of a wide variety applications or provide the desired power to any of a wide variety of loads (i.e. electrical devices, appliances, tools, portable medical equipment, communication devices, etc.). The individual battery modules are stackable or otherwise nestable or connectable with one another to permit one or more users to each separately carry or transport modules (e.g. in a pocket, or a backpack, or a purse, etc.) to a desired location (e.g. remote outpost, campsite, etc.) and then combine the modules to assemble the battery power pack (e.g. in a ‘building block’ manner or the like). The battery modules and/or an inverter module have a ventilation flow path that permits the free flow of air when the modules are connected to one another. The battery pack power system also includes flexible electrical connectors for “chaining” or otherwise electrically connecting the individual battery modules to one another (e.g. a ‘plug-and-play’ manner or the like) that permits only one-way, correct-orientation connection of modules to one another, and have no exposed electrically conductive surfaces. The modules further includes built-in storage ports or receptacles for retaining the flexible connectors when not in use. The individual battery modules include a charge indicator that identifies the real-time charge state of the module. The battery pack power system is rechargeable from a variety of sources including an electric grid connection, a vehicle  12  VDC connection, and a portable solar photovoltaic panel, portable wind power generator or portable hydropower generator and is readily usable with loads that operate on both AC and DC power. The battery pack power system also includes an inverter module having a ‘multi-standard’ socket configured to receive any of a wide variety of electric plug configurations, and includes sockets configured to receive other plug configurations including USB plugs. The battery modules include a readily accessible fuse box with a spring-biased door (e.g. cover, flap, etc.) to facilitate troubleshooting of the battery module and permit fuses to be checked and replaced quickly and conveniently. The inverter module is connectable to any one of the battery modules, and operates at either 110 VAC or 220 VAC by activation of a voltage selector switch, and includes an indicator light identifying the output voltage level, and includes an on/off switch to minimize unintentional drain on the battery module(s). 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0019]    The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which: 
           [0020]      FIG. 1  is a schematic image of a front perspective view of a battery module for a battery pack power system with independent and stackable battery pack modules according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0021]      FIG. 2  is a schematic image of a front perspective view of an inverter module for a battery pack power system with independent and stackable battery pack modules according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0022]      FIG. 3  is a schematic image of a rear perspective view of the battery module of  FIG. 1 , including the flexible electrical connector and its storage receptacles, and fuse box door according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0023]      FIG. 4  is a schematic image of a rear perspective view of a battery pack power system with different size battery modules and an inverter nested together and interconnected by flexible electrical connectors in a chained, plug-and-play manner, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  is a schematic image of a rear perspective view of a battery pack power system with several same-size battery modules nested together and secured to one another and electrically interconnected by a flexible electrical connector in a chained, plug-and-play manner, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0025]      FIG. 6  is a schematic image of a perspective view of a battery pack power system with several same-size battery modules with nesting receptacles to facilitate nesting the battery modules together. E nested modules are secured to one another and electrically interconnected by a flexible electrical connector in a chained, plug-and-play manner, and providing power to an accessory (shown by way of example as a 3 watt LED lamp module) according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0026]      FIG. 7  is a schematic image of another perspective view of a battery pack power system of  FIG. 6  with several same-size battery modules with nesting elements configured to mate with (and be received within) the nesting receptacles on an adjacent battery module to facilitate nesting the battery modules together. The nested battery modules are secured to one another and electrically interconnected by a flexible electrical connector in a chained, plug-and-play manner, and providing power to an accessory (shown as a lamp module) according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0027]      FIG. 8  is a schematic image of a perspective view of an off-grid solar photovoltaic recharging system for the battery pack power system according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0028]      FIG. 9  is a schematic image of a perspective view of a grid-accessible recharging system for the battery pack power system according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0029]      FIG. 10  is a schematic image of a top view and several perspective views of a battery pack power system including a stack of different-sized battery pack modules and an inverter module nested with one another according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0030]      FIG. 11  is a schematic image of several elevation views of a battery pack power system including a stack of different-sized battery pack modules and an inverter module nested with one another according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0031]      FIG. 12  is a schematic image of several elevation views and bottom views of a battery pack power system including a stack of different-sized battery pack modules and an inverter module nested with one another according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0032]      FIG. 13  is a schematic image of a top view and several perspective views of a first-size battery pack module according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0033]      FIG. 14  is a schematic image of side and end elevation views of a first-size battery pack module according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0034]      FIG. 15  is a schematic image of a top view and a bottom views of a first-size battery pack module according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0035]      FIG. 16  is a schematic image of top and bottom views of another-size battery pack module, showing nesting receptacles and nesting elements according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0036]      FIG. 17  is a schematic image of several perspective views of another-size battery pack module according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0037]      FIG. 18  is a schematic image of side and end elevation views of another-size battery pack module according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0038]      FIG. 19  is a schematic image of a top view, a bottom view and several perspective views of an inverter module according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0039]      FIG. 20  is a schematic image of a side and end elevation views of an inverter module according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0040]      FIG. 21  is a schematic image of a perspective view of a battery pack power system with independent and stackable battery pack modules according to another exemplary embodiment. 
           [0041]      FIG. 22  is a schematic image of a perspective view of the battery pack power system of  FIG. 21  with a flexible connector interconnecting individual battery modules according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0042]      FIG. 23  is a schematic image of a perspective view of the battery pack power system of  FIG. 21  with an inverter coupled to one of the individual battery modules according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0043]      FIG. 24  is a schematic image of a perspective view of the battery pack power system of  FIG. 21  with an inverter coupled to one of the individual battery modules and a flexible connector interconnecting the individual battery modules according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0044]      FIG. 25  is a schematic image of another perspective view of the battery pack power system of  FIG. 21  with an inverter coupled to one of the individual battery modules and a flexible connector interconnecting the individual battery modules according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0045]      FIG. 26  is a schematic image of another perspective view of the battery pack power system of  FIG. 21  with an inverter coupled to one of the individual battery modules and a flexible connector interconnecting the individual battery modules according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0046]      FIG. 27  is a schematic image of a perspective view of an individual battery module for the battery pack power system of  FIG. 21  according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0047]      FIG. 28  is a schematic image of a front elevation view of an individual battery module for the battery pack power system of  FIG. 21  according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0048]      FIG. 29  is a schematic image of a rear elevation view of an individual battery module for the battery pack power system of  FIG. 21  according to another exemplary embodiment. 
           [0049]      FIG. 30  is a schematic image of a right side elevation view of an individual battery module for the battery pack power system of  FIG. 21  according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0050]      FIG. 31  is a schematic image of a left side elevation view of an individual battery module for the battery pack power system of  FIG. 21  according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0051]      FIG. 32  is a schematic image of a top view of an individual battery module for the battery pack power system of  FIG. 21  according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0052]      FIG. 33  is a schematic image of a bottom view of an individual battery module for the battery pack power system of  FIG. 21  according to an exemplary embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0053]    Before turning to the Figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting. 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 1-20 , a battery pack power system  10  is shown according to a first exemplary embodiment. The battery pack power system  10  is shown to include a plurality of individual battery modules  20  (shown for example as two in  FIGS. 4-12 ). The individual battery modules  20  may be provided in any of a variety of capacities so that a suitable number of battery modules  20  can be selected and combined to provide a desired power pack to suit an intended application and load device. According to one embodiment, a first-size battery module has a capacity of 120 watt-hours, and another-size battery module has a capacity of 50 watt-hours, and each battery module comprises a lithium ion phosphate battery material. However, according to alternative embodiments, other battery materials may be used, and any of a wide variety of capacities may be provided. 
         [0055]    The battery modules  20  are also provided with electronic components including (among others) an input protection circuit, and output protection circuit, a charge controller, an LCD display controller and a temperature controller. The input protection circuit includes an input port that will shut down when the temperature exceeds a predetermined level (e.g. approximately 50 degrees C., etc.) to protect the battery from being overcharged, overheated or otherwise damaged. The output protection circuit includes output connection ports (e.g. inverter connection port, 12 VDC connectors, etc.) and other suitable electronic components for delivering electrical power from the battery to the outlet ports. The input and output ports are protected by a fuse having a suitable rating (e.g. 20 amps, etc.). The charge controller circuit regulates the charge to the battery module and includes protection by a readily accessible fuse, and also high temperature protection. The LCD display circuit detects the voltage of the battery and controls the LCD display that indicates the real-time charge of the battery module (e.g. 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, Full, etc.). The Temperature controller includes a temperature detector that monitors the ground and DC input, such that when the temperature sensed by the detector exceeds a predetermined setpoint (e.g. approximately 50 degrees C. for example), it will cut power off. According to other embodiments, other control circuits, devices and components may be provided to suit particular applications and functions for the battery modules. An AC wall outlet adapter may also be provided that is operable to receive an electrical power input within the range of 100-240V AC, 50/60 Hz, and provide an output of approximately 15.3V DC, 3000 mA. A DC adapter may also be provided that provides power from a source such as a cigarette type lighter in a motor vehicle. 
         [0056]    According to the illustrated embodiment of  FIGS. 1-20 , the modular nature of the individual battery modules  20  permits the modules to be custom-assembled into any desired configuration to power a desired load, and then readily disassembled and then reassembled in a different configuration to power another load application. The modular nature of the individual battery modules  20  permits the battery pack power system  10  to be separated into individual components or modules that are each more readily transported (e.g. by a single individual). For example, when desired for use at locations where transport of the assembled battery power pack system is impractical, such as (for example) hiking, camping, exploring, expeditioning, rafting, canoeing, search and rescue missions, providing power to electrical devices in areas where power is unavailable (e.g. temporarily lost—such as following storms or other natural disasters; or non-existent—such as in certain underdeveloped regions in the world, etc.), the disassembled modules  20  may each be carried or otherwise transported by separate members of a group to the location, where the modules  20  of the system  10  may then be quickly and conveniently assembled into a particular battery pack power system that is suited for the intended electrical loading conditions or devices to be powered. According to the embodiment of  FIGS. 6-7 , the device may be a light  30 , such as a high-intensity 3 watt LED lamp  32  shown to include a stiff bendable wire  32  that may be provided at the end of a long cord, or may be plugged directly into the battery  20  (as shown), or other desirable size or type of lamp. According to other embodiments, the device may be any suitable device intended for use in locations without ready access to a grid-based source of electricity. For example, the device to be powered may be a portable medical device such as (for example) a continuous positive airway pressure breathing machine (C-PAP) that would permit a user with a medical condition (e.g. sleep apnea, etc.) to be able to enjoy outdoor or other activities that involve sleeping away from home and without access to grid-based electricity. According to other embodiments, the medical device may be any portable device intended to assist with any medical condition that might permit the user to gain mobility by having a readily transportable and remotely rechargeable battery pack power supply system. 
         [0057]    Referring further to the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-20 , the battery modules  20  are shown to include a housing  40  having a uniquely designed shape that is intended to facilitate transport, nesting or connection to one another, ventilation, and electrical chaining to one another. The housing  40  includes a generally rectangular shape with elongated recesses  42  (e.g. nesting receptacles—shown for example as two receptacles) on one side, and corresponding nesting elements  44  (e.g. feet, projections, etc.) on the opposite side that are configured to mate with, or otherwise be received and retained within the receptacles  42  of an adjacent battery module  20 . According to one embodiment, the nesting elements  44  are made from a resilient material (e.g. rubber, etc.) and may include ‘tacky’ or other non-slip properties or characteristics to cushion the battery modules  20  against one another, and help minimize relative movement of the modules  20  with respect to one another when the modules  20  are nested and secured together as an assembly. 
         [0058]    Referring to  FIGS. 5-9 , the modules  20  may also include a suitable recess  46  along the opposite side walls and a retainer link  46  (e.g. loop, bar, wire, etc.), that is configured to receive a retainer strap  50  that may be configured to extend substantially around all of the modules  20  in the battery pack system and then tightened and secured to hold the modules  20  in a desired nested configuration. 
         [0059]    According to an alternative embodiment, the modules may include additional interlocking (or interconnecting) structure, such as by way of example, dovetail slide-locks or the like. According to other alternative embodiments, the modules may include a suitable device, such as a latch, catch, clasp, etc. to lock one module to another module, until released by a user. Although the assembled configuration of the modules is shown by way of example to be a vertically stacked and nested arrangement, the modules of the battery pack power system are also capable of being configured in horizontally nested configurations. The housing may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials, such as plastic, aluminum, etc. 
         [0060]    Referring further to  FIGS. 3-5 , the individual battery modules  20  also include a readily accessible fuse box  54  with a spring-biased door (e.g. cover, flap, etc.) to facilitate troubleshooting of the battery module and permit fuses to be checked and replaced quickly and conveniently. FIGS.  1  and  6 - 9  illustrate that the individual battery modules  20  include a charge indicator  56  that identifies the real-time charge state of the module  20 . The battery modules  20  of the battery pack power system  10  are rechargeable via input connector  79  from a variety of sources including an electric grid connection (where available) using a suitable AC to DC converter  58  that plugs into a standard 110/220 V wall outlet (see  FIG. 9 ), or off-grid sources such as a vehicle  12  VDC connection (where available), and renewable sources such as a portable solar photovoltaic panel  60  (shown by way of example as a folding, portable PV module in  FIG. 8 ), a portable wind power generator, and/or a portable hydropower generator (not shown, e.g. when other sources are unavailable). 
         [0061]    Referring further to  FIGS. 3-5 , the battery pack power system is shown to include a flexible connection device  64  (e.g. cable, etc.) that facilitates rapid and convenient electrical interconnection (e.g. “chaining”) of the battery modules  20  to one another, and to an individual module  20 . According to the illustrated embodiment, the corresponding sockets  66 ,  68  on the modules have recessed electrical contacts that receive the mating barrel-type connector plugs  70 ,  72  on the flexible connection device  64 , so that all live electrical contact surfaces are recessed to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent or unintentional contact that may cause shock or injury, or cause short circuits leading to damage of the components. The configuration of the plugs  70 ,  72  on the flexible connection device  64  permits only one-way, correct-orientation connection of modules  20  to one another. For example, the illustrated flexible connection device  64  has a first end with an in-line (e.g. coaxial) type connector  72 , and a second end with a button-type connector  70  that extends generally perpendicular to the axis of the flexible connection device  64 . When the flexible connection device  64  on one (or more) modules  20  is not in use, the button-type connector  70  on the second end can be safely stowed in a storage receptacle  74  to prevent loss or damage. The modules  20  are quickly and conveniently “chained” together electrically by simply removing the button-type connector  70  from the storage receptacle  74  and mating it with the corresponding chaining socket  66  on an adjacent unit  20 . The next battery module  20  in the stack may then be chained to its next adjacent battery  20  in a similar manner (and so-on). The profile of the flexible electrical connector  64  is maintained at all times within the bottom boundary of the battery module  20  by strategic placement of a chaining recess  76  that contains the chaining socket  66  and the socket  68  for the first end of the flexible connection device. 
         [0062]    The battery modules  20  of the system  10  may be used directly to provide DC power via output connector  78  to a wide variety of loads, and include suitable output connectors, such as (but not limited to) USB connectors, 12V barrel connectors, 12V cigarette lighter connectors, etc. 
         [0063]    The battery modules  20  of the system may also be used with an inverter module  80  (see  FIGS. 2 and 4 ) to  provide AC power (e.g. 110 VAC, 220 VAC, etc.) to a wide variety of electrical load devices. The inverter module  80  is shown to nest directly any size battery module  20  and is retained in place by the nesting elements  44  and recesses  42  and secured by a retainer strap  50  (in a similar manner as previously described for the battery modules). The inverter module  80  includes a selector switch for operation at either 110 VAC or 220 VAC, and includes an indicator light identifying the output voltage level, and includes an on/off switch  82  to minimize unintentional drain on the battery module(s)  20 . The inverter module  80  includes a number of output connectors, including a ‘multi-standard’ socket  84  configured to receive any of a wide variety of AC electric plug configurations, and includes sockets configured to receive other DC plug configurations including USB plugs, 12V barrel connectors, 12V cigarette lighter connectors, etc. 
         [0064]    Referring to  FIGS. 21-33 , another battery pack power system  100  is shown by way of example as a relatively larger (yet still modular and portable) battery pack power system, according to an exemplary embodiment. The battery pack power system  100  of  FIGS. 21-33  is shown to include a plurality of individual battery modules  120  (shown for example as two in  FIGS. 21-26 ). The individual battery modules  120  may be provided in any of a variety of capacities so that a suitable number of battery modules  120  can be selected and combined to provide a desired power pack to suit an intended application and load device. According to one embodiment, the battery modules  120  have a capacity of approximately 400 watt-hours and comprise a lead-acid battery material. However, according to alternative embodiments, other battery materials may be used, and any of a wide variety of capacities may be provided. 
         [0065]    The battery modules  120  are also provided with electronic components including (at least) an input protection circuit, and output protection circuit, a charge controller, an LCD display controller and a temperature controller. The input protection circuit includes an input port that will shut down when the temperature exceeds a predetermined level (e.g. approximately 50 degrees C., etc.) to protect the battery from being overcharged, overheated or otherwise damaged. The output protection circuit includes output connection ports (e.g. inverter connection port, 12 VDC connectors, etc.) and other suitable electronic components for delivering electrical power from the battery to the outlet ports. The input and output ports are protected by a fuse having a suitable rating (e.g. 20 amps, etc.). The charge controller circuit regulates the charge to the battery module and includes protection by a readily accessible fuse, and also high temperature protection. The LCD display circuit detects the voltage of the battery and controls the LCD display that indicates the real-time charge of the battery module (e.g. 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, Full, etc.). The temperature controller includes a temperature detector that monitors the ground and DC input, such that when the temperature sensed by the detector exceeds a predetermined setpoint (e.g. approximately 50 degrees C. for example), it will cut power off. According to other embodiments, other control circuits, devices and components may be provided to suit particular applications and functions for the battery modules  120 . 
         [0066]    According to the illustrated embodiment, the modular nature of the individual battery modules  120  permits the modules to be custom-assembled into any desired configuration to power a desired load, and then readily disassembled and then reassembled in a different configuration to power another load application. The modular nature of the individual battery modules  120  permits the battery pack power system to be separated into individual components or modules that are each more readily transported (e.g. by a single individual). For example, when used in locations where transport of the assembled battery power pack system is impractical e.g. hiking, camping, exploring, expeditioning, search and rescue missions, providing power to electrical devices in areas where power is unavailable (e.g. temporarily lost—such as following storms or other natural disasters; or non-existent—such as in certain underdeveloped regions in the world, etc.), the disassembled modules  120  may each be transported by separate members of a group to the location, where the modules  120  of the system may then be quickly and conveniently assembled into a particular battery pack power system that is suited for the intended electrical loading conditions. 
         [0067]    Referring further to  FIGS. 21-33 , the battery modules  120  are shown to include a housing  140  having a uniquely designed shape that is intended to facilitate transport, nesting or connection to one another, ventilation, and electrical chaining to one another. The housing  140  includes a generally rectangular shape with an elongated handle  144  extending lengthwise and projecting above the top surface of the module  120 . The housing  140  also includes a recess  142  (e.g. pocket, well, receptacle, socket, etc. see  FIG. 33 ) on a bottom surface of the module that is configured (e.g. shaped and sized, etc.) to securely receive the handle  144  from another module  120 . The recess  142  may receive a handle  144  from an adjacent module  120  in any suitable manner, such as an interference fit, that is intended to keep the modules  120  connected to one another once assembled during normal usage. According to an alternative embodiment, the modules may include additional interlocking (or interconnecting) structure, such as by way of example, dovetail slide-locks or the like. According to other alternative embodiments, the modules may include a suitable device, such as a latch, catch, clasp, etc. to lock one module to another module, until released by a user. According to yet another alternative embodiment, the modules may also include a suitable recess along the front and rear walls, or the opposite side walls, that is configured to receive a retainer strap that may be configured to extend substantially around all of the modules in the battery pack system and then tightened and secured to hold the modules in a desired configuration. Although the assembled configuration of the modules is shown by way of example to be a vertically stacked and nested arrangement, the modules of the battery pack power system are also capable of being configured in horizontally nested configurations. The housing may be formed from any suitable material or combination of materials, such as plastic, aluminum, etc. 
         [0068]    Referring further to  FIG. 33 , the housing  140  includes a number of apertures  146  (e.g. vents, slots, ports, etc.) that define a ventilation air flow path for the battery modules. The apertures are shown for example as arranged in a pattern on a recessed portion  148  of the bottom surface of the module (see  FIG. 33 ), so that once nested with, or connected to, an adjacent module  120 , a space is provided that permits air flow between the top of one module  120  and the bottom of another module  120  to be drawn in through the bottom of the module  120  and then out through apertures  149  arranged along the walls of the module. The ventilation design is intended to minimize openings on the top of the module to enhance resistance to weather elements, and to permit unimpeded air flow when the modules are nested one atop another. 
         [0069]    Referring further to  FIGS. 27 and 32 , the individual battery modules also include a readily accessible fuse box  154  with a spring-biased door (e.g. cover, flap, etc.) to facilitate troubleshooting of the battery module  120  and permit fuses to be checked and replaced quickly and conveniently.  FIGS. 27 and 32  also illustrate that the individual battery modules  120  include a charge indicator  156  that identifies the real-time charge state of the module. The battery modules  120  of the battery pack power system are rechargeable from a variety of sources including an electric grid connection (where available), or off-grid sources such as a vehicle  12  VDC connection (where available), and renewable sources such as a portable solar photovoltaic panel, a portable wind power generator, and/or a portable hydropower generator (e.g. when other sources are unavailable). 
         [0070]    Referring further to  FIGS. 22 ,  24 ,  25 , the battery pack power system  100  is shown to include a flexible connection device  164  (e.g. cable, etc.) that facilitates rapid and convenient electrical interconnection (e.g. “chaining”) of the battery modules  120  to one another. According to the illustrated embodiment, the corresponding sockets on the modules  120  have recessed electrical contacts that receive the mating barrel-type connector plugs on the flexible connection device, so that all live electrical contact surfaces are recessed to reduce the likelihood of inadvertent or unintentional contact that may cause shock or injury, or cause short circuits leading to damage of the components. The configuration of the plugs on the flexible connection device permits only one-way, correct-orientation connection of modules to one another. 
         [0071]    The battery modules  120  of the system may be used directly to provide DC power to a wide variety of loads, and include suitable output connectors, such as (but not limited to) USB connectors, 12V barrel connectors, 12V cigarette lighter connectors, etc. 
         [0072]    The battery modules  120  of the system may also be used with an inverter module  180  to provide AC power (e.g. 110 VAC, 220 VAC, etc.) to a wide variety of electrical load devices. The inverter module  180  attaches directly to a side wall of the battery module  120  and is retained in place by a snug-fit electrical connection  162  with the battery module  120 , and connectors (e.g. projections, tabs, etc.) that engage suitable recesses or slots on the wall of the module. The inverter module  180  includes a selector switch for operation at either 110 VAC or 220 VAC, and includes an indicator light identifying the output voltage level, and includes an on/off switch  182  to minimize unintentional drain on the battery module(s). The inverter module includes a number of output connectors, including a ‘multi-standard’socket  184  configured to receive any of a wide variety of AC electric plug configurations, and includes sockets configured to receive other DC plug configurations including USB plugs, 12V barrel connectors, 12V cigarette lighter connectors, etc. 
         [0073]    It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the elements of the battery pack power system as shown schematically in the embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. 
         [0074]    Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
         [0075]    Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending at least upon the specific analytical technique, the applicable embodiment, or other variation according to the particular configuration of the battery pack power system. 
         [0076]    The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. In the claims, any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the spirit of the present invention as expressed in the appended claims.