APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING POWER

Apparatus for providing power includes a charge controller, an inverter, a power storage subsystem, and a relay control subsystem. The apparatus further includes a first, second, and third input coupling a first power source, a second power source, and the power storage subsystem, respectively, to the inverter. The apparatus further includes a first output coupling the power storage subsystem to the charge controller and inverter, and a second output coupling a load to the inverter. The first power source provides DC power, the second power source provides AC power, and the power storage subsystem provides DC power. The apparatus further includes a housing, which supports the charge controller, inverter, power storage subsystem, relay control subsystem, inputs, and outputs. The relay control subsystem may be coupled to a user device, allowing remote control of the relay control subsystem. A user may control transmission of power to outlets with the user device.

FIELD

This document relates to power supply. More specifically, this document relates to apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing power to loads.

SUMMARY

The following summary is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the detailed description, but not to define or delimit any invention.

Apparatuses for providing power are disclosed. According to some aspects, an apparatus for providing power includes a charge controller coupled to an inverter, a relay control subsystem coupled to the inverter, and a first input for coupling a first power source to the charge controller. The charge controller can receive a first amount of power from the first power source via the first input, and adapt the received first amount of power for storage in a power storage subsystem. The apparatus further includes a second input for coupling a second power source to the inverter. The inverter can receive a second amount of power from the second power source via the second input, and adapt the received second amount of power for storage in the power storage subsystem. The apparatus further includes a third input for coupling the power storage subsystem to the inverter. The inverter can receive a third amount of power from the power storage subsystem, and convert the received third amount of power into alternating current (AC) power. The apparatus further includes a first output for coupling the power storage subsystem to the charge controller and inverter. The charge controller can charge the power storage subsystem with the adapted received first amount of power, and/or the inverter can charge the power storage subsystem with the adapted second amount of power. The apparatus further includes a second output coupled to the inverter. The inverter can transmit the AC power to the second output. The apparatus further includes a housing, which supports the charge controller, inverter, relay control subsystem, first input, second input, third input, first output, and second output.

Methods for providing power are also disclosed. According to some aspects, a method for providing power includes: providing a charge controller coupled to an inverter; providing a relay control subsystem coupled to the inverter; providing a first input for coupling a first power source to the charge controller and enable the charge controller to receive a first amount of power from the first power source via the first input, and adapt the received first amount of power for storage in a power storage subsystem; providing a second input for coupling a second power source to the inverter and thereby enable the inverter to receive a second amount of power from the second power source via the second input, and adapt the received second amount of power for storage in the power storage subsystem; providing a third input for coupling the power storage subsystem to the inverter and thereby enable the inverter to receive a third amount of power from the power storage subsystem, and convert the received third amount of power into alternating current (AC) power; providing a first output for coupling the power storage subsystem to the charge controller and inverter, thereby enabling at the charge controller to charge the power storage subsystem with the adapted received first amount of power, and/or the inverter to charge the power storage subsystem with the adapted received second amount of power; providing a second output coupled to the inverter, wherein the inverter transmits the AC power to the second output; and providing a housing supporting the charge controller, inverter, relay control subsystem, first input, second input, third input, first output, and second output.

Systems for providing power are also disclosed. According to some aspects, a system for providing power includes a first power source, a second power source, a power storage sub-system, and an apparatus for providing power to a load from at least one of the first power source, the second power source, and the power storage sub-system. The apparatus includes a charge controller coupled to an inverter, a relay control subsystem coupled to the inverter, and a first input for coupling the first power source to the charge controller. The charge controller can receive a first amount of power from the first power source via the first input, and adapt the received first amount of power for storage in the power storage subsystem. The apparatus further includes a second input for coupling the second power source to the inverter. The inverter can receive a second amount of power from the second power source via the second input, and adapt the received second amount of power for storage in the power storage subsystem. The apparatus further includes a third input for coupling the power storage subsystem to the inverter. The inverter can receive a third amount of power from the power storage subsystem, and convert the received third amount of power into alternating current (AC) power. The apparatus further includes a first output for coupling the power storage subsystem to the charge controller and inverter. The charge controller can charge the power storage subsystem with the adapted received first amount of power, and the inverter can charge the power storage subsystem with the adapted second amount of power. The apparatus further includes a second output coupled to the inverter. The inverter can transmit the AC power to the second output for providing power to a load. A housing supports the charge controller, inverter, relay control subsystem, first input, second input, third input, first output, and second output.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various apparatuses or processes or compositions will be described below to provide an example of an embodiment of the claimed subject matter. No embodiment described below limits any claim and any claim may cover processes or apparatuses or compositions that differ from those described below. The claims are not limited to apparatuses or processes or compositions having all of the features of any one apparatus or process or composition described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses or processes or compositions described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process or composition described below is not an embodiment of any exclusive right granted by issuance of this patent application. Any subject matter described below and for which an exclusive right is not granted by issuance of this patent application may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicants, inventors or owners do not intend to abandon, disclaim or dedicate to the public any such subject matter by its disclosure in this document.

Generally disclosed herein is an apparatus for providing power, and related systems and methods. The apparatus can provide a turnkey solution for storage of power from multiple sources (e.g. a solar panel, a fuel-powered generator, a wind turbine, and/or an electrical grid) and/or provision of power from multiple sources to a load (e.g. a house, or a building, or a cottage, or an RV or other vehicle, or a boat, or machinery). The apparatus can be readily installed (e.g. by the consumer), and can enable connection of power sources, power storage systems, and loads in a simple, easy-to-install manner. Furthermore, the apparatus can be pre-inspected and certified, which can obviate the need for additional inspection and can therefore reduce costs.

FIGS. 1 to 5show block diagrams of various features of an example apparatus100for providing power, and related systems.FIGS. 6 to 9show the apparatus100itself. As can be seen most clearly inFIGS. 6 to 9, the apparatus100includes a housing102, which is relatively compact. The housing102encloses certain parts of apparatus100and supports other parts of apparatus100on faces thereof, for access by a user. Providing the components of apparatus100in or on a unitary housing can allow for ready installation and connection.

Referring now toFIG. 1, an example system104is shown, which includes apparatus100. In the example shown, the apparatus100includes a charge controller106, an inverter108, an input110(also referred to as a ‘first input’), and an output112(also referred to as a ‘first output’). The charge controller106is coupled to the inverter108, the input110, and the output112. The input110can connect an external power source114to the charge controller106, thereby enabling the charge controller106to receive power116(also referred to herein as ‘a first amount of power’) from the power source114via input110. The power source114can be, for example, a DC source. In some examples, the DC source is a renewable energy power source such as one or more solar cells or wind turbines. In yet other examples, the power source114is a gas generator. In some examples, the input110includes protection such as breakers (described in further detail below) to protect the charge controller106.

Referring still toFIG. 1, in the example shown, the charge controller106manages the supply of power to charge an external power storage subsystem118. The charge controller106adapts received power116to facilitate or optimize power delivery to charge the power storage subsystem118. The charge controller106can be, for example, a maximum power point tracking (MPPT) controller or a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller. The operation of MPPT and PWM charge controllers is not described in detail herein. The adaptation performed by charge controller106can include, for example, stepping down the voltage received from the power source114so as not to damage the power storage subsystem118. The power storage subsystem118is coupled to charge controller106via output112(and also via input122, described below). The charge controller106supplies power124(also referred to herein as ‘a second amount of power’) to output112for storage in the power storage subsystem118. Power124is adapted from received power116. In some examples, output112includes protection such as breakers or fuses (described in more detail below) to isolate and protect the power storage subsystem118.

The power storage subsystem118can be, for example, one or more batteries such as Absorbent Glass Mat (AGM) batteries, flooded acid batteries, gel type batteries or lithium batteries. In some examples (as described in more detail below), the apparatus100includes a power storage subsystem selector switch to select a type of battery, or stop the charging of the power storage subsystem118from the inverter108. The apparatus100can further include a power storage subsystem switch (as described in more detail below), to disconnect (i.e. isolate) the power storage subsystem118from apparatus100.

Referring still toFIG. 1, the inverter108is coupled to charge controller106, inputs110and122(also referred as a ‘third input’), output112, output126(also referred to as a ‘second output’), and outputs128and130(also referred to herein as a ‘third output’ and a ‘fourth output’, described in further detail below) via a relay control subsystem132.

Referring toFIG. 2, the inverter108includes power board134, a transformer136, and a control board138. The power board134is coupled to transformer136and receives power140from input122. Control board138is coupled to transformer136, inputs122and142, output112, and an automatic generator start (AGS)146(described in further detail below), inverter switches148(described in further detail below), and remote switch ports150(described in further detail below). Control board138receives power152from input142, receives power140via power board134and transformer136, and transmits power154to output112, and transmits AC power156and AC power158.

Referring back toFIG. 1, the input142(also referred to herein as a ‘second input’) couples an external power source160to the inverter108, thereby enabling the inverter to receive power152via the input142. The power source160can be, for example, an AC source such as a generator or an electrical grid. The inverter108adapts the received power152to produce power154for storage in the power storage subsystem118. The output112couples the power storage subsystem118to the inverter108. Power154is supplied to the power storage subsystem118via the output112. Therefore, power124and or power154is stored in the power storage subsystem118via the output112.

Referring still toFIG. 1, in the example shown, the inverter108is controlled by inverter switches148. The inverter switches148can be used to control one or more settings for the inverter108. These settings include, for example: frequency of operation; battery levels for power source160; choosing between uninterrupted power supply (UPS) and off-grid modes; AC input voltage range; and power saver settings. The inverter switches148can be implemented using, for example, dual in-line package (DIP) switches.

Referring still toFIG. 1, in the example shown, the inverter108has two modes of operation: charging mode and inverting mode. In charging mode, the inverter108monitors a voltage and current corresponding to power152. The input122couples power storage subsystem118to the inverter108, thereby enabling the inverter108to receive power140from the power storage subsystem118via the input122. When the inverter108detects that power152has fallen below a threshold, the inverter108goes into inverting mode. In inverting mode, the inverter108converts received power140into AC power, which is transmitted as AC power156(also referred to herein as ‘a first amount of AC power’) and AC power158(also referred to herein as ‘a second amount of AC power). AC power156is sent to the output126to, for example, supply power to a load such as a house, a recreational vehicle (RV), power tools, kitchen equipment, or any other facility or equipment as necessary. In some examples, the load is a split-phase load.

Referring still toFIG. 1, in the example shown, the apparatus100includes an AGS unit146(mentioned above), which can send a signal162to turn on or turn off the power source160. Furthermore, the inverter108can detect a voltage level associated with the power storage subsystem118. When the voltage level drops below a threshold level, the inverter108can use the AGS unit146to send the signal162to enable the power source160to supply power to charge up the power storage subsystem118. For example, where the power source160is an AC generator, the inverter108can use the AGS unit146to send a signal162to start the generator. For further example, when the power storage subsystem118is charged up, the inverter108can use the AGS unit146to send signal162to switch off power source160.

Referring still toFIG. 1, AC power158is sent to the relay control subsystem132, which is coupled to outputs128and130. The output128and/or the output130can be a receptacle or power outlet to enable plug-in of a device so that it can be powered by AC power158. The relay control subsystem132can control the transmission of AC power158to outputs128and130. In the example shown, this control is done with a user device164(described in further detail below).

Referring still toFIG. 1, in the example shown, the apparatus100includes a temperature control subsystem166. The temperature control subsystem166can include, for example, one or more fans, coolers, heat sinks, temperature sensors, exhaust vents or other components for measuring and/or controlling temperature to facilitate safe, reliable and optimal operation of apparatus100within housing102. In the example shown, the temperature control subsystem166includes two fans (described in further detail below) to provide temperature control within housing102. One of the fans can be an AC fan which begins working once the inverter108goes into inverting mode. One of the fans can be a DC fan. The speed of the DC fan can vary depending on parameters such as temperatures, currents and percentage of maximum load. This variable speed feature can facilitate high reliability and safety.

As mentioned above, the temperature control subsystem166can include one or more temperature sensors. In some examples, the temperature sensors are associated with charge controller106and inverter108respectively. In some examples, these temperature sensors are used to detect the temperature of the power storage subsystem118, and adapt at least one of power124and power154for storage in power storage subsystem118.

Referring still toFIG. 1, in the example shown, the apparatus100includes an AC meter168to measure, for example, AC power156and158. The AC meter168can allow a user to measure levels of output AC voltage and AC current using associated current and voltage sensors. These measured levels can then be displayed to a user. The AC meter168can also enable display of the total power used since the last time the reading was reset.

Referring still toFIG. 1, in the example shown, the apparatus100further includes a DC meter170coupled to the charge controller106. The DC meter170can measure, for example, the state of charge from the power source114to the power storage subsystem118, and/or the present state of the storage level in power storage subsystem118.

Referring still toFIG. 1, in the example shown, the apparatus includes displays172to enable users to view, for example, the status of apparatus100and/or system104, and the levels of different parameters within the apparatus100and/or system104. Such parameters can include, for example, measurements from the DC meter170, and measurements from the AC meter168. The displays172can also include indicators to indicate different conditions, for example: whether the inverter108is on, whether the apparatus100is in power saver mode, the stage of charging, whether the inverter108is overloaded, whether the inverter108is in an over temperature state, and whether there is a fault. The displays172are described in further detail below with reference toFIGS. 6 to 9.

Referring still toFIG. 1, in the example shown, the apparatus100further includes alarms174for indicating different conditions or a need for user intervention. These could be, for example, temperature overloads and low or high battery voltages.

Referring still toFIG. 1, as mentioned above, in the example shown the apparatus100further includes remote switch ports150. Remote switch ports150can include one or more connection points for a user to plug in a remote switch. This can allow the user to turn apparatus100on or off from a distance.

Referring now toFIG. 3, apparatus100and system104can be part of a larger power management system176. System176can enable a user such as user178to remotely view, monitor, provide feedback and control apparatus100and system102. In system176, interconnections180perform the function of communicatively coupling the various components of system176to each other. Interconnections180may be implemented in a variety of ways. For example, interconnections180can include one or more networks, which can include one or more subnetworks. The networks can include, for example, wireless networks, wired networks, Ethernet networks, local area networks, metropolitan area networks and optical networks. The networks can include a private network such as a virtual private network, or a public network such as the Internet. Interconnections180can also include one or more direct connections between the components of system176. Various wired or wireless communications protocols may be used to implement interconnections180. These include, for example, near field communications (NFC), Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH®, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), 3G, Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G, LORA and Universal Serial Bus (USB). As shown inFIGS. 1 and 3, the user device164can send information182via interconnections180to monitor and control relay control subsystem132.

Referring toFIG. 4, in the example shown, the user device164is associated with user178. User device164can be, for example a smartwatch, smartphone, tablet, laptop, or another computing and network-enabled device. In the example shown, user device164includes a processor184, which performs processing functions and operations necessary for the operation of user device164, using data and programs stored in storage186. An example of such a program is application or “app”188which will be discussed in more detail below. App188allows user178to interact with apparatus100, system104, and system176via user device164. The user device164further includes a display190, which performs the function of displaying data and information for user178. The user device164further includes input device192, which allow user178to enter information. Input device192can be, for example, a touch screen, mouse, keypad, keyboard, microphone, camera, and/or video camera. Optionally, display190and input device192can be combined in a touchscreen.

Referring still toFIG. 4, the user device164further includes a communications module194, which allows user device164to communicate with devices and networks external to user device164. For example, user device164can communicate with the other components of apparatus100via interconnections180and communications module194. Communications module194can support one or more wired or wireless communications via protocols and technologies such as BLUETOOTH®, Wi-Fi, Near Field Communications (NFC), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), 3G, Long Term Evolution (LTE), 5G, LORA and Universal Serial Bus (USB) and other protocols and technologies.

Referring still toFIG. 4, in the example shown, the user device164further includes sensors196, which can sense or detect environmental or locational parameters. Sensors196can include, for example, accelerometers, gyroscopes, magnetometers, barometers, Global Positioning System (GPS), proximity sensors and ambient light sensors.

Referring now toFIG. 5, in the example shown, apparatus100can be in communication with a power analysis subsystem198, which can store, analyse and monitor data relating to system104and apparatus100. The power analysis subsystem198includes interconnection200, which connects the various components of power analysis subsystem198to each other. Interconnection200can be implemented using, for example, network technologies such as wireless networks, wired networks, Ethernet networks, local area networks, metropolitan area networks and optical networks. Interconnection200can include one or more subnetworks. Interconnection200can include other technologies to connect multiple components to each other including, for example, buses, coaxial cables, and/or USB connections.

Referring still toFIG. 5, in the example shown, the power analysis subsystem198includes a communications subsystem202, which receives information from and transmits information to the other components of system176via interconnections180. The power analysis subsystem198further includes a database204, which stores information and data for use by power analysis subsystem198. This information can include, for example measurement data received from system104and/or apparatus100; power consumption data calculated based on the received measurement data; storage of authentication data such as usernames and passwords to enable users to log in via app188; and/or data related to power consumption. This data can include, for example cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) and total costs over one or more periods of time, and/or carbon taxes per unit of emissions.

Users such as user178can input data to database204using, for example, app188running on user device164. Alternatively, data can be uploaded to database204from other components of system176such as apparatus100.

In some examples, database204can further include a database server. The database server can receive one or more commands from, for example, processing subsystems206and208and communication subsystem202, and can translate these commands into appropriate database language commands to retrieve and store data into database204. Database204can be implemented using one or more database languages known to those of skill in the art, including, for example, Structured Query Language (SQL). Database204can store data for a plurality of users. In some examples, there may be a desire to keep the data from a given user separate from the data relating to other users. To achieve this, database204can be partitioned so that data related to each user is separate from the other users. Each user can have an account with a login and a password or other appropriate security measures to ensure that they are able to access only their data, and unauthorized access of their data is prohibited. Optionally, when data is entered into database204, associated metadata is added so as to make it more easily searchable. The metadata can include one or more tags. The database204can present an interface to enable the entering of search queries. The data stored within database204can be encrypted for security reasons.

Referring still toFIG. 5, processing subsystems206and208can perform processing and analysis within power analysis subsystem198, using one or more algorithms and programs residing on power analysis subsystem198, data received from communications subsystem202, and one or more portions of calculation data and/or other data retrieved from database204. The algorithms and programs can be stored in, for example, database204as explained above, or within processing subsystems206and208.

Examples of operations performed by processing subsystems206and208include calculation of consumption data based on measurement data received from communications subsystem202; determination, based on the received measurement data and retrieved calculation data stored in database202, of at least one of energy available, energy expenditure per output of apparatus100, a cost associated with the consumption of power, cost savings from consumption of power, carbon emissions reductions due to the use of renewable power sources, carbon credits due to the use of renewable power sources, and tax credits due to the use of renewable power sources; presenting the results of the calculations and determinations performed above via, for example, app188or other interfaces for user178to view on user device164; and alerting of user178via transmission of alerts to app188running on user device164.

Various implementations are possible for power analysis subsystem198and its components. Power analysis subsystem198can be implemented using a cloud-based approach. Power analysis subsystem198can be implemented across one or more facilities, where each of the components are located in different facilities and interconnection200is then a network-based connection. Power analysis subsystem198can be implemented within a single server or computer. Power analysis subsystem198can be implemented across multiple servers or computers. Power analysis subsystem198can implemented in software. Power analysis subsystem198can be implemented using a combination of software and hardware.

Referring now toFIGS. 6 to 9, certain features of apparatus100will be explained in more detail. As described above, apparatus100includes housing102, which supports the components of the apparatus100(i.e. the charge controller, inverter, relay control subsystem, first input, second input, third input, first output, second output, and third output, as well as additional features of the apparatus100). The charge controller106, inverter108, and relay control subsystem132are enclosed within the housing102, and are not visible inFIGS. 6 to 9. The inputs110,122,142and outputs112,126,128,130are provided on faces of the housing, for access by a user, as described in further detail below.

Referring toFIG. 6, the housing102includes a plurality of faces, three of which—i.e. face210,212, and214are shown in detail. Various arrangements of the components on the different faces of the housing102are possible. These arrangements include, for example: having all DC and DC-related inputs/outputs on one face of the housing, and all AC and AC-related inputs/outputs on another face of the housing; having all inputs on one face and having all outputs on another face; and having all inputs and outputs on a single face of the housing.

Referring toFIG. 7, in the example shown, displays174are provided on face210, and include a display174afor charge controller106; an AC display174b;and indicators174c.The display174afor charge controller106can be used to display measurements taken by DC meter170(shown inFIG. 1). Examples of displayed measurements include: the state of charge from the solar panels to the batteries; and the present state of charge of the battery voltage level. The AC display174bcan display measurements taken by AC meter168(shown inFIG. 1). Examples of displayed measurements include: the level of output AC voltage; load current; and total power used since the last reading was reset. The indicators174care in the form of an LED strip, which can inform the user when a specific event has occurred or when a specific function has been carried out. The LED strip can show the user the status of the system104and/or apparatus100, and can include: charging LEDs, fault LEDs, fast charge LEDs, overload LEDs, over temperature LEDs, and power saver LEDs.

Referring still toFIG. 7, in the example shown, the apparatus includes a system switch216, which allows the apparatus100to be turned on and off.

Referring still toFIG. 7, as described above, the apparatus100can include a power storage subsystem selector switch. In the example shown, the power storage subsystem selector switch is provided by battery selector218. Battery selector218can allow the user to make the following selections: type of battery, de-sulphation mode, and turn on and turn off charging of the battery.

Referring now toFIG. 8, features of the temperature control subsystem166are shown in greater detail. A first fan, i.e. fan220, serves to control the temperature within the housing102. A second fan (not shown in the drawings) is also provided on the opposed face of the housing102. As described above, the first fan220can be a DC fan and the second fan can be an AC fan. The temperature control subsystem166further includes battery temperature sensor222, which is used to measure the temperature of the one or more batteries connected to the apparatus100, and charge controller temperature sensor224, which is used to measure the temperature of the one or more batteries connected to the apparatus100.

Optionally, the apparatus100can further include one or more heat sinks to control the temperature within the housing102.

Referring still toFIG. 8, in the example shown, the output112(described above in regards toFIG. 1and not labeled inFIG. 8) includes DC terminal226, which can supply the one or more batteries coupled to the apparatus100, and battery breaker228, which serves to protect the one or more batteries coupled to the apparatus100. The apparatus100further includes a power storage subsystem switch, in the form of battery switch229, which is provided on face212of the housing102. Battery switch229can be used to disconnect the battery from the apparatus100. This can allow for the battery to be easily safely disconnected from the apparatus100, for example for servicing or for safety.

Also shown inFIG. 8is AGS146. As previously described, the AGS146can be used to send a signal to an AC generator to either turn on or off to charge up one or more batteries.

Referring still toFIG. 8, in the example shown, input110(described above in regards toFIG. 1and not labeled inFIG. 8) includes solar cell input230as well as solar cell input breaker232, which protects solar cell input230.

Referring still toFIG. 8, in the example shown, inverter switches148include dual in-line package (DIP) switches. DIP switches can be used to select the following settings: frequency of operation of either 50 or 60 Hz, battery voltage thresholds for starting the generator, whether the apparatus100is an uninterrupted power supply (UPS) or an off-grid device, AC input voltage range, and power saver setting.

Referring still toFIG. 8, in the example shown, the remote switch port150described above is in the form of an LCD port. The LCD port can allow for the user to couple a remotely controlled switch to apparatus100. The user can use this to remotely turn apparatus100on or off from a distance.

Referring now toFIG. 9, the input142and output126(described above in regards toFIG. 1and not labeled inFIG. 9) are provided by an AC terminal strip234, which includes an AC input and an AC output. Input142further includes AC input breaker236, which serves to protect the input portion of AC terminal strip234. The outputs128and130(described above in regards toFIG. 1and not labeled inFIG. 9) include AC power outlets238and240, as well as AC output breakers242, which serve to protect the output portion of AC terminal strip234, and AC power outlets238and240. The AC power outlets238and240can be controlled by the relay control subsystem132, which can be IoT-enabled, and can be remotely controlled by a user device as described previously.

Referring back toFIG. 6, in the example shown, housing102further includes mounting rails244, so as to enable mounting of housing102on a surface such as a wall.

The apparatus100above can be provided and sold in various versions. For example, a 3 kilowatt (kW), 4 kW and 10 kW version can be provided or sold. The 3 kW unit can house four (4) 12 volt AGM batteries for smaller applications such as cottages. The 3 kW unit operates at 12 volts DC and has an PWM controller rated at 40 amperes (A). The 4 kW unit is for medium applications and can be mounted on a wall. The 4 kW unit operates at 24 volts DC and has an MPPT controller. The 10 kW unit is for large applications, and can be mounted on a wall. The 10 kW unit has a 60 A MPPT charge controller, can operate at 48 V DC and can accept 3 kW of input from a solar cell. The housing for the 10 kW unit is 34 inches (86.36 cm) wide, 34 inches (86.36 cm) high and has a depth of 10 inches (25.4 cm).

While the above description provides examples of one or more processes or apparatuses or compositions, it will be appreciated that other processes or apparatuses or compositions may be within the scope of the accompanying claims.

To the extent any amendments, characterizations, or other assertions previously made (in this or in any related patent applications or patents, including any parent, sibling, or child) with respect to any art, prior or otherwise, could be construed as a disclaimer of any subject matter supported by the present disclosure of this application, Applicant hereby rescinds and retracts such disclaimer. Applicant also respectfully submits that any prior art previously considered in any related patent applications or patents, including any parent, sibling, or child, may need to be re-visited.