Power assembly and methods thereof

A power assembly module provides multiple interfaces for accessing a battery. A power input of the power assembly module can receive power from a variety of external sources. Photovoltaic panels, car batteries, or any other suitable DC power source can be used to charge the battery within the power assembly module. A switch provided on a housing of the module allows for activation or deactivation of power delivery from the battery, at outputs of the power assembly module. In some embodiments, the power assembly module includes a single power output that provides power from the battery using a cabled connector. Additionally, the power assembly module includes a power distribution element that provides power from a standard plug outlet for powering certain appliances that receive power using a standardized electric plug terminal.

FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to the various fields associated with electrical devices; and in particular, to a power assembly for providing power to any electrical device outside of a normal power grid.

BACKGROUND

With recent advancements in computer miniaturization, embedded systems have found applications in various home systems. As an example, many homes are equipped with electronic devices for tracking the health and power consumption of electric appliances within a home, as well as the temperature cycles of a home's interior space. Such smart devices for home system monitoring, though replete in utility, fail to address challenges faced by consumers who live in rural or off-grid environments. Off-grid and minimally developed geographic regions have residential and business opportunities, but may not always have constant or reliable access to central power systems similar to larger urban cities.

Residents and employees who live and work in such settings, therefore, have to contend with challenges that are not addressed by smart devices and are often more fundamental in nature. In some localities or off-grid environments, widespread power generation and transmission may be totally unavailable, or unreliable to the point that the only viable energy sources by which electric energy can be harvested to power electronics are batteries (e.g., non-rechargeable batteries such as a vehicle battery, rechargeable batteries) or sunlight.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to power assemblies that provide multiple charge paths and multiple output discharge paths by which electric devices can be powered.

According to one or more aspects of the disclosure, a power assembly receives and stores power for on-demand use. A module within the power assembly includes a switch for activating power delivery to one or more power outputs of the power assembly. The module housing also includes a display that indicates the battery charge level based on a measured voltage level of the battery.

Within the power assembly module, a battery management system receives power from an input terminal, and manages the charging and power delivery of a battery pack. The battery management system protects the battery pack from overcharging, over-discharging, and excessive current. When the switch for activating power delivery is disengaged, the battery management system and the battery are electrically disconnected from one or more output terminals of the power assembly module.

When the switch for activating power delivery is engaged, the battery management system is connected to at least one output terminal of the power assembly module. One of the output terminals of the power assembly module can include a distribution element that couples with a standardized AC electric plug. As an example, the distribution element can couple to a NEMA connector for devices that ordinarily operate on AC utility power sources (e.g., AC mains electricity sources). The power assembly module can include additional distribution elements that provide different output voltages.

As disclosed herein, the various systems, devices, and processes are described in the context of a “home.” As used herein, the terms “home,” “house,” and/or “building” are used interchangeably and generally refer to a physical structure on a property, including residential homes and commercial buildings. Similarly, “home power sources” can refer to “AC mains electricity” power sources, “grid electricity” power sources, or “utility” power sources. However, it should be understood and appreciated that the power assembly and associated components described herein may be implemented within any vehicle or other environment having input and output components for power delivery.

Referring to the figures,FIG.1Aillustrates a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a power assembly module100. Power assembly module100includes a housing102. Housing102can be a plastic housing, or can be formed from a mixture of plastic and metal components. In some embodiments, housing102is an off-the-shelf housing component that is adapted for mounting within a cavity of a building structure or electrical outlet receptacle box.

An interface region110is located on a front face of housing102. Interface region110includes a display112that graphically indicates a charge level of a battery pack located within housing102. Display112can render a battery graphic with four bars or grids, indicating charge level of the battery pack. In some embodiments, display112illuminates a single bar/grid of the battery graphic when the voltage level of the battery pack is greater than a first threshold voltage level. In such embodiments, display112illuminates two bars/grids of the battery graphic when the voltage level of the battery pack is greater than a second threshold voltage level higher than the first threshold voltage level, illuminates three bars/grids of the battery graphic (as pictured inFIG.1A) when the voltage level of the battery pack is greater than a third threshold voltage level greater than the second threshold voltage level, and illuminates four bars/grids of the battery graphic when the voltage level of the battery pack is greater than a fourth threshold voltage level greater than the third threshold voltage level.

Interface region110also includes a switch114that has an “ON” or activated/engaged position, and an “OFF” or deactivated/disengaged position. Switch114is a double pole single throw switch that electrically disconnects a battery (and its battery management system) from the output terminals or power distribution elements of power assembly module100, when disengaged in the “OFF” position. When engaged in the “ON” position, switch114electrically connects the battery and its battery management system to the output terminals or power distribution elements of power assembly module100.

Interface region110also includes a power distribution element116that serves as the primary power output of power assembly module100. Power distribution element116can be a female NEMA plug adapter that can couple to male NEMA plugs that are either grounded (3-prong plug) or ungrounded (2-prong plug) connectors. Power assembly module100delivers a first DC output voltage to output terminals within power distribution element116.

In some embodiments, power assembly module100further includes at least one secondary power output194that delivers a second DC output voltage to its output terminals. As an example, secondary power output194can be terminated with a USB, mini-USB, or micro-USB plug that delivers power to portable electronic devices. In some embodiments, the second DC output voltage provided to terminals of secondary power output194is greater than the first DC output voltage provided at terminals of power distribution element116.

Power assembly module100also includes a power input190for charging the battery, using its battery management system. Power input190couples to a charge supply terminal192that can deliver power to the battery within power assembly module100, regardless of the state or position of switch114. Charge supply terminal192can belong to a number of different power sources. As an example, charge supply terminal192can belong to a photovoltaic panel (e.g., a solar panel) that outputs charge in response to receiving incident light or sunlight. Charge supply terminal192can also belong to a vehicle power supply adapter (e.g., a cigarette lighter adapter) that connects to a car battery power supply. Charge supply terminal192can also belong to a USB wall terminal that converts AC mains electricity or utility power to a DC voltage. In general, charge supply terminal192can belong to any charging source capable of delivering power to terminals of power input190of power assembly module100.

In some embodiments, charge supply terminal192is a female USB connector, and power input190is a male USB connector. Conversely, in some embodiments, charge supply terminal192is a male USB connector and power input190is a female USB connector.

FIG.1Billustrates a schematic diagram of power assembly module150. In contrast with power assembly module100ofFIG.1A, module150does not include power distribution element116and instead uses primary power output196as the sole output for power delivery from a battery pack contained in housing102. Housing102, as described above in connection withFIG.1A, can be a plastic housing, or can be formed from a mixture of plastic and metal components. In some embodiments, housing102is an off-the-shelf housing component that is adapted for mounting within a cavity of a building structure or electrical outlet receptacle box.

Module150ofFIG.1Balso includes an interface region110on a front face of housing102. Interface region110or module150includes a display122that graphically indicates a charge level of a battery pack located within housing102. Display122can render a battery graphic with four bars or grids, indicating charge level of the battery pack. In some embodiments, display122illuminates a single bar/grid of the battery graphic when the voltage level of the battery pack is greater than a first threshold voltage level (as pictured inFIG.1B). In such embodiments, display122illuminates two bars/grids of the battery graphic when the voltage level of the battery pack is greater than a second threshold voltage level higher than the first threshold voltage level, illuminates three bars/grids of the battery graphic when the voltage level of the battery pack is greater than a third threshold voltage level greater than the second threshold voltage level, and illuminates four bars/grids of the battery graphic when the voltage level of the battery pack is greater than a fourth threshold voltage level greater than the third threshold voltage level.

Interface region110also includes a switch124that has an “ON” or activated/engaged position, and an “OFF” or deactivated/disengaged position. Switch124is a double pole single throw switch that electrically disconnects a battery (and its battery management system) from the output terminals or power distribution elements of power assembly module100, when disengaged in the “OFF” position. When engaged in the “ON” position, switch124electrically connects the battery and its battery management system to circuitry within module100that causes an output voltage to be produced at output terminals of primary power output196.

As an example, primary power output196can be terminated with a USB, mini-USB, or micro-USB plug that delivers power to portable electronic devices. In some embodiments, the second DC output voltage provided to terminals of secondary power output196is greater than the output voltage provided by the battery of power assembly module150.

Power assembly module150also includes a power input190for charging the battery, using its battery management system. Power input190couples to a charge supply terminal192that can deliver power to the battery within power assembly module100, regardless of the state or position of switch114. Charge supply terminal192can belong to a number of different power sources. As an example, charge supply terminal192can belong to a photovoltaic panel (e.g., a solar panel) that outputs charge in response to receiving incident light or sunlight. Charge supply terminal192can also belong to a vehicle power supply adapter (e.g., a cigarette lighter adapter) that connects to a car battery power supply. Charge supply terminal192can also belong to a USB wall terminal that converts AC mains electricity or utility power to a DC voltage. In general, charge supply terminal192can belong to any charging source capable of delivering power to terminals of power input190of power assembly module150.

In some embodiments, charge supply terminal192is a female USB connector, and power input190is a male USB connector. Conversely, in some embodiments, charge supply terminal192is a male USB connector and power input190is a female USB connector.

FIG.1Cillustrates a diagram of configuration170, where power assembly module150ofFIG.1Bis connected in series to power assembly module100ofFIG.1C. At a high level, configuration170illustrates how a power stored within a first battery of module150can be distributed to module100. To aid in the identification of modules100and150, module100may sometimes be referred to as a “dual output power assembly module,” and module150may sometimes be referred to as a “single output power assembly module.” As shown by configuration170, primary power output196of module150provides an output path via a connecting cable180that terminates with a charge supply terminal192(e.g., a male USB connector).

Power input190of dual output power module100receives charge supply terminal192from single output power module150. When switch124of single output power assembly module150is activated or engaged in the “ON” position, power from a battery pack within module150is output via primary power output196. Power from the battery pack within module150is subsequently conveyed over connecting cable180to module100. Connecting cable180terminates with charge supply terminal192, which is connected or otherwise coupled with power input190of module100. Power output via primary power output196may be at an output voltage that is greater than or equal to the nominal voltage level of the battery pack. Importantly, the output voltage of power provided via primary power output196should be substantially equal to a charging voltage associated with the battery within module100.

When switch124of single output power assembly module150is disengaged or deactivated in the “OFF” position, power delivery via primary power output196is halted.

At dual output power assembly module100, the output power from single output power assembly module150is received at power input190and used to charge a battery within module100.FIG.10shows configuration170, where single output power assembly module150is used to charge a battery within dual output power assembly module100. However, in other configurations, dual output power assembly module100can be used to charge a battery within single output power assembly module150. In another configuration, a dual output power assembly module100can be used to charge a battery within another dual output power assembly module100. In yet another configuration, a single output power assembly module150can be used to charge a battery within another single output power assembly module150.

FIG.2illustrates a cross-sectional side view200of the power assembly module100ofFIG.1A, specifically detailing the internal components. With reference to interface region110, display112is coupled to a display driver202. Display driver202can include a microcontroller, or application-specific display driving circuitry capable of driving and adjusting display112. In some embodiments, display driver202receives an input specifying a voltage level corresponding to the charge level of a charge storage device220(e.g., a rechargeable battery pack). Based on the input voltage level corresponding to the charge level of charge storage device220, display driver202selectively illuminates bars/grids of the battery graphic illustrated inFIGS.1A-1C.

In some embodiments, charge storage device220is a lithium ion battery pack that has an output voltage in the range of 3.7 to 4.2 Volts. Display driver202can receive an input specifying the current output voltage of charge storage device220and cause display112to show/output a battery graphic with a single illuminated battery bar when the voltage output by charge storage device220is between 3.3 and 3.5 Volts. Display driver202may cause display112to show/output a battery graphic with two illuminated battery bars when the voltage output by charge storage device220is between 3.5 and 3.7 Volts. Display driver202may cause display112to show/output a battery graphic with three illuminated battery bars when the voltage output by charge storage device220is between 3.7 and 3.9 Volts. Display driver202may cause display112to show/output a battery graphic with four illuminated battery bars when the voltage output by charge storage device220is greater than 3.9 Volts.

Charge storage device220can include any number of rechargeable battery packs. When charge storage device220includes multiple identical rechargeable battery packs connected in series, the battery packs can produce a boosted output voltage level that is greater than the output of an individual battery pack. When charge storage device220includes multiple identical rechargeable battery packs connected in parallel, the battery packs can produce the same voltage as a single rechargeable battery pack, at a higher current or capacity rating. As an example, a single battery pack of charge storage device220may produce a 4.2 Volt output level and have 11.5 Ah (amp-hours) of capacity. If two such battery packs are wired in series, the resultant charge storage device may produce an 8.4 Volt output level (two times the single-pack output voltage of 4.2 Volts) with 11.5 Ah of capacity at the same current rating as the single battery pack. If two such battery packs are wired in parallel, the resultant charge storage device may produce a 4.2 Volt output level with 23 Ah or capacity (two times the single-pack capacity of 11.5 Ah) at double the current rating as the single battery pack.

Charge storage device220is at least one rechargeable charge storage device, such as a collection of lithium ion (Li-ion) rechargeable battery cells. Charge storage device220can include collections of rechargeable battery cells that receive charge from input power sources, and deliver power to output power sinks or loads.

A printed circuit board (PCB)222is mounted or otherwise secured to and/or positioned along an inner sidewall of housing102, between charge storage device220and display112, switch114, and distribution element116of interface region110. In some embodiments, PCB222is mounted below charge storage device220, at an opposing end of housing102relative to interface region110. PCB222receives a number of power input connections at input terminal wires242, which electrically couple the input terminals of power input190to PCB222. Input terminal wires242contain ground connections that electrically connect corresponding ground terminal wires in charge supply terminal192to PCB222. Input terminal wires242further contain supply voltage connections that electrically connect corresponding supply voltage wires to PCB222. Input terminal wires242connect to one or more contact pads on PCB222, which route the electrical currents to a battery management system204. In some embodiments, PCB222may be excluded from power assembly module100, and the components mounted thereon can be interconnected through wired connectors rather than metallic/conductive traces formed on or within PCB222.

Battery management system204is shown inFIG.2as having two possible placements. A first placement of battery management system204is mounted on an upper surface of PCB222. In such arrangements, battery management system204can include any discrete semiconductor component, microcontroller, or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) that is capable of performing battery management for the rechargeable battery cells of charge storage device220. Alternatively, battery management system204is integrated into the charge storage device220as a separate management component that is associated with the collection of rechargeable battery cells. For simplicity, it will be assumed that battery management system204is mounted on PCB222.

Battery management system204connects to switch114using wires for supply voltage and ground connections associated with the battery output supply voltage and ground terminals. Switch114is in turn connected to distribution element116and boost converter206. Boost converter206has output terminals that are electrically connected to output terminal wires244connected to one or more contact pads on PCB222, which carry the electrical currents from boost converter206. Output terminal wires244electrically connect to secondary power output194. Output terminal wires244contain ground connections that electrically connect corresponding ground terminal wires in secondary power output194to PCB222(namely, the ground output of boost converter206). Input terminal wires242further contain supply voltage connections that electrically connect corresponding supply voltage wires to PCB222(namely, the boosted voltage output of boost converter206).

When switch114is engaged, battery management system204is connected to boost converter206and power distribution element116. A battery voltage level may be output across terminals of power distribution element116when switch114is engaged. A boosted voltage level may be output across terminals of secondary power output194when switch114is engaged. When switch114is disengaged, battery management system204is electrically disconnected from power distribution element116and boost converter206.

FIG.3illustrates a circuit diagram of the charging and display circuit components shown in the cross-sectional side view ofFIG.2. Circuit300may be formed from metal traces and components mounted on or to PCB222. Starting from the left of the circuit300, positive and negative terminals of power input190are illustrated. As described above in connection toFIG.2, the electrical connection between the source supply voltage lines and ground supply voltage lines of power input190and PCB222is facilitated by input terminal wires242.

Battery management system204has an input port and an output port, each with corresponding positive and negative terminals. Battery management system204implements an overcharge release voltage threshold, and thereby prevents or reduces charging voltages exceeding a level that is not well tolerated by the rechargeable battery cells of charge storage device220. In embodiments where charge storage device220is a 3.7 to 4.2 Volt Li-Ion battery, the overcharge release voltage threshold may be 4.23 to 4.25 Volts. Battery management system204also implements an over-discharge voltage threshold that prevents discharge of the battery to voltage levels below a level that is not well tolerated by the rechargeable battery cells of charge storage device220. In embodiments where charge storage device220is a 3.7 to 4.2 Volt Li-Ion battery, the over-discharge release voltage threshold may be 2.44 Volts.

Battery management system204also implements an over-current amperage threshold that prevents excessive current draw from the rechargeable battery cells of charge storage device220(current draws in excess of safe-operation ratings of device220). In embodiments where charge storage device220is a 3.7 to 4.2 Volt Li-Ion battery, the over-current amperage threshold may be between 1 and 3 Amperes.

Battery management system204manages charging of charge storage device220using the aforementioned overcharge, over-discharge, and over-current protections. Charges from power input190and charge supply terminal192of a charging source are received at an input port of battery management system204. As charges from power input190and charge supply terminal192are received at battery management system204, charge storage device220is charged. At an output port of battery management system204, a positive supply voltage output port and a ground voltage output port are connected to two respective input poles of switch114, which is a double-pole single-throw switching element. In embodiments where switch114is a single-pole single-throw switching element, only the positive supply voltage output port of battery management system204may be coupled to an input pole of switch114.

When switch114is disengaged (as illustrated inFIG.2), the output port of battery management system204is electrically disconnected from the remainder of circuit300. When engaged, switch114connects the output port of battery management system204to the remainder of circuit300. The output port voltage level of battery management system204is measured by a volt meter302that outputs a signal based on the voltage level of the output port of system204, which outputs the voltage level of charge storage device220. In some embodiments volt meter302outputs a digital signal indicating the voltage level of the output port of battery management system204measured by volt meter302(e.g., a digital voltage measurement value). In other embodiments, volt meter302outputs an analog signal indicating the voltage level of the output port of battery management system204measured by volt meter302(e.g., an analog voltage measurement value).

Volt meter302provides a measured output value to display driver202(e.g., driver202receives an analog or digital signal representing the voltage level of charge storage device220produced at the output of battery management system204). Display driver202interprets the output value from volt meter302and determines a corresponding display graphic to display on charge level display112. As described above in connection withFIG.2, display driver202can receive an input specifying the current output voltage of charge storage device220and cause display112to show/output a battery graphic with one to four illuminated bars, based on the charge level of device220. However, display driver202can alternatively output a numerical percentage value corresponding to an estimated percentage of battery life or charge remaining in charge storage device220. In embodiments where display driver202is adapted to display a graphical battery with illuminated bars corresponding to charge levels, the battery graphic may flash or change color (e.g., from green to red) in response to the output voltage level of charge storage device220output by battery management system204falling below a particular threshold voltage level.

Output terminals of battery management system204are also connected to supply and ground terminals of power distribution element116. The output terminals of system204provide regulated voltage and current from charge storage device220, when switch114is engaged in the “ON” position. A power output of module100is a connector or connection to the regulated voltage and current outputs provided by battery management system204, and can be routed to multiple output or delivery elements. As described above in connection withFIG.1A, power distribution element116can serve as the primary power output of power assembly module100. Power distribution element116can be a female NEMA plug adapter that can couple to male NEMA plugs that are either grounded (3-prong plug) or ungrounded (2-prong plug) connectors.

In this way, terminals of power distribution element116supply a voltage level corresponding to the voltage level of charge storage device220, managed by battery management system204. If, for example, a load device connected at power distribution element116draws an amount of current that exceeds an over-current threshold (e.g., a load that draws 3 Amperes when the over-current threshold is 2 Amperes), battery management system204may halt delivery of power to the load by internally disconnecting charge storage device220from its output terminals. Similarly, if a load device connected at power distribution element116discharges charge storage device220below an over-discharge threshold voltage level, battery management system204may halt delivery of power to the load by internally disconnecting charge storage device220from its output terminals.

When switch114is engaged in the “ON” connection, battery management system204additionally provides regulated voltage and current from charge storage device220to input terminals of boost converter206. Boost converter206is a power converter that produces an increased, or stepped-up voltage at its output terminals. Boost converter206is a DC-to-DC power converter that can be formed using interconnections between discrete components laid out on PCB222. Boost converter206includes any combination of electrical components such as voltage terminals, resistors, inductors, capacitors, and switching components. These components within boost converter206are interconnected using metallic/conductive traces provided on PCB222. The components of boost converter206themselves may be discrete through-hole components, or discrete surface-mount components that are interconnected using metallic traces provided on PCB222.

At its input port, boost converter206receives an input supply voltage and a ground voltage the output stage of battery management system204. By operation of the components of boost converter206, a boosted output voltage (e.g., an output voltage that is greater than the input supply voltage) is provided across an output port194of boost converter206. As labeled inFIG.1, output port194may be a “secondary power output.” However, it should be understood that output port194may function as the primary power output of power assembly module100in certain embodiments or arrangements during operation (e.g., when no load device is connected to power distribution element116).

In some embodiments, output port194provides secondary output terminals that provide a boosted voltage output to a male USB connector (illustrated by connector490inFIG.4A). The boosted voltage provided at terminals of output port194is an increased voltage relative to the input supply voltage provided to the input stage of boost converter206(namely, the voltage from charge device220provided by battery management system204). In embodiments where output port194includes a male USB connector, module100containing circuit300can provide charging capabilities to portable electronic devices that charge using 5 Volt supply voltages. The boosted 5 Volt output produced at the terminals of output port194may have a lower maximum current draw, compared to the non-boosted output at terminals of power distribution element116. The non-boosted output at terminals of power distribution element116may be between 3.7 and 4.2 Volts, when charge storage device220is a single Li-Ion battery pack, or multiple parallel connected battery packs.

In some embodiments, a power assembly module, such as the module150ofFIG.1B, does not include power distribution element116. In such embodiments, the primary output of module150is primary power output196, which provides a boosted output voltage at a cable connector. Primary power output196can include a male USB connector or any suitable connector for delivering the output voltage produced by boost converter206.

As described above, circuit300receives charge from terminals supply and ground terminals of power input190, which is an input port for receiving charge supply terminal192from a power source. Power input190connects a positive supply voltage from charge supply terminal192to a corresponding positive input of battery management system204, at an input port. Power input190also connects a ground supply voltage from charge supply terminal192to a corresponding negative or ground input of battery management system204, at the input port. Battery management system also has an output port that is electrically connected to various loads when switch114is engaged in the “ON” position.

Output terminals of battery management system204provide regulated voltage and current from charge storage device220. These output terminals are connected to volt meter302, positive supply voltage and ground terminals of power distribution element116, as well as supply voltage and ground input terminals of boost converter206. Volt meter302produces an analog or a digital voltage reading which is then conveyed to display driver202, which displays a charge level graphic on charge level display112, corresponding to the charge level indicated by the output voltage of battery management system204. Power distribution element116, which can serve as the primary power output of power assembly module100, is a female NEMA plug adapter that can couple to male NEMA plugs that are either grounded (3-prong plug) or ungrounded (2-prong plug) connectors in certain embodiments. Power distribution element116outputs a voltage level that is substantially equal to the output voltage level of charge storage device220. Secondary power output terminals194connected to an output terminal of boost converter206output a boosted voltage level that is substantially greater than the output voltage level of charge storage device220. Boost converter206may provide an adjustable level of boost to the voltage provided at its input port, or a fixed level of boost. In some embodiments, secondary power output terminals194terminate in a male USB connector terminal (pictured inFIG.4A).

As described above in connection toFIG.2, the electrical connection between the boosted supply voltage lines and ground supply voltage lines output by boost converter206and corresponding supply and voltage terminals of secondary power output194is facilitated by output terminal wires244.

FIG.4Aillustrates a schematic block diagram of the power assembly100showing exemplary power sources such as photovoltaic panels402and404, as well as exemplary devices412,414,416,422,424, and426that can be powered by the power assembly. As shown inFIG.4A, a home that receives incident sunlight on its roof has photovoltaic panels402and404that have respective output terminals. A first photovoltaic panel402has a first output labeled Panel 1 output, and a second photovoltaic panel404has a second output labeled Panel 2 output.

One or more outputs from photovoltaic panels402and404can be connected as the charge supply terminal192that couples to power input190of power assembly module100. When a single output from panels402and404is used, the corresponding output from the panels (e.g., Panel 1 output or Panel 2 output) may be terminated with a charge supply terminal192connector. Power input190receives an input charge supply from panels402and/or404(e.g., Panel 1 output and/or Panel 2 output) and couples positive and ground supply voltage terminals of one or more of the panels to PCB222via input terminal wires242(illustrated inFIG.2). In some embodiments, Panel 1 output and Panel 2 output from panels402and404may be connected in parallel and both provided in a single charge supply terminal192to power input190. Power received at power input190terminals may be associated with a voltage level Vin (e.g., Panel 1 output and/or Panel 2 output supply a voltage level Vin).

Power distribution element116outputs a voltage Vout1at its output terminals. Appliances such as exemplary light bulbs412,414, and416may connect to power distribution element116using a respective plug480. As described above, power distribution element116can be a female NEMA plug adapter. Though plug480is illustrated as associated with exemplary home appliances such as light bulbs412,414, and416, any home appliance that receives power through a male NEMA terminated plug can connect to power distribution element116. Plug480is also illustrated as a three prong plug (grounded NEMA connector) but can also be a two prong plug (ungrounded NEMA connector).

Secondary power output produces a boosted voltage Vout2at its output terminals. Devices such as smartphone422, wearable electronic device424, and tablet426connect to, and be charged by, the boosted voltage Vout2received via connector490of secondary power output192. As described above, secondary power output192can be a male USB plug adapter. Though plug480is illustrated as associated with exemplary electronic devices such as smartphone422, wearable electronic device424, and tablet426, any electronic device that requires a boosted voltage Vout2to charge can connect to secondary power output192. Connector490is illustrated as a male USB-A plug but can alternatively be a mini-USB or micro-USB connector.

FIG.4Billustrates a schematic block diagram of power assembly module150ofFIG.1Band power assembly module100ofFIG.1Abeing powered by an external power source, and delivering power to client devices. External power source420may include any combination of: both photovoltaic panels401and402with their outputs connected in parallel (e.g., Panel 1 output and Panel 2 output ofFIG.4Aconnected in parallel), a single one of photovoltaic panels401and402, an automobile battery, an electric car battery, or even another power assembly module (as shown in the example ofFIG.1C). External power source420has a power output that includes a connecting wire terminated in one or more charge supply terminals192. As shown inFIG.4B, each of the two charge supply terminals192of external power source420is connected to a respective power input190of power assembly module100and power assembly module150.

In this way, power assembly module100and power assembly module150both receive input power from external power source420to charge their respective charge storage devices220(not pictured inFIG.4B, but described above in connection withFIG.2). Primary power output196outputs power from the charge storage device220of module150when its switch is activated in the “ON” position, to any device such as smartphone422, wearable electronic device424, or tablet426. Secondary power output194similarly outputs power from the charge storage device220of module100when its switch is activated in the “ON” position, to any device such as smartphone422, wearable electronic device424, or tablet426. Power distribution element116of module100outputs power from charge storage device220of module100when its switch is activated in the “ON” position, to any household appliance or device such as light bulbs412,414, and416, or generally any home appliance that receives power through a male NEMA terminated plug can connect to power distribution element116.

FIG.5Aillustrates a modified light-emitting device500that can be powered by the power assembly module ofFIG.1. An exemplary light bulb502may represent one of the home appliances such as light bulbs412,414, and416ofFIG.4A. To produce light using the Vout1DC voltage output by power distribution element116, light bulb502may be modified. Specifically, light bulb502may be provided with an inline resistor522, as a series resistance added to a light emitting element512of bulb502. Inline resistor522can have a nominal resistance value of 1 Ohm.

FIG.5Billustrates the modified light-emitting device500ofFIG.5A, specifically highlighting light-emitting element512of bulb502. As shown inFIG.5A, an inline resistor522can be connected in series with light-emitting element512to limit or specifically bias the current flowing through one of multiple light-emitting diodes524contained within element512. Taken together, the light-emitting diodes524of element512may have an operating voltage between 3 and 4 Volts, may consume 1 to 3 Watts of power, may be rated for current between 350 to 700 milli-Amperes (mA), and may emit 110 to 280 lumens of light.