Patent ID: 7570010

Claim:
A rechargeable power assembly comprising: at least one lithium ion cell comprising an anode, a cathode, an electrolyte; a battery pack control module for balancing a plurality of cells or groups of cells connected in series, wherein the battery pack control module comprises: a controller assembly comprising an analog controller and a digital controller; a disconnect circuit, comprising a charge switch and a discharge switch connected in series, engaging the controller assembly and the plurality of cells or groups of cells connected in series; a pack sensing circuit comprising a member selected from the group consisting of: means for measuring battery pack system module temperature, means for measuring battery pack system module current, means for measuring cell voltages, or combinations thereof; wherein the pack sensing circuit connects to the controller assembly and the plurality of cells or groups of cells connected in series; a balancing circuit comprising a shunt resistor connected to a by-pass switch, wherein the balancing circuit connects between the plurality of cells or groups of cells connected in series and engages the controller assembly; computer instructions for instructing the controller assembly to control the disconnect circuit and the balancing circuit; and wherein the plurality of cells or groups of cells connected in series are balanced when the battery pack control module operates in a charging phase, a discharging phase, a quiescent phase, or a storage phase; at least two photovoltaic cells connected to the battery pack control module forming an electric circuit, wherein the at least one lithium ion cell is connected to the electric circuit, wherein the at least two photovoltaic cells are connected in series for recharging the at least one lithium ion cell, wherein the at least one lithium ion cell has a cycle depth of discharge of less than empty and a recharge of less than full; an insulating layer between the at least one lithium ion cell and the at least two photovoltaic cells, wherein the at least two photovoltaic cells each have a surface for absorbing solar radiation, wherein the surfaces for absorbing solar radiation are disposed opposite the respective insulating layer forming an apparatus for providing usable DC current directly from the electric circuit connected to the at least one lithium ion cell; and a curable potting coating encapsulating the apparatus excluding the photovoltaic cell surface for absorbing radiation.