Fast switching back-up power supply system employing rechargeable electrochemical cells

摘要

A back-up rechargeable battery supply system comprises communication linkages and a configuration of switches to allow battery back-up power to be provided by cells within a battery unit that are in a ready mode and to by-pass batteries that are in a non-ready mode, or maintenance mode. The unique configuration of switches and communication methods enables the back-up power to be provided very quickly to avoid disruptions in power to a load. Each battery cell has a charge and discharge switch and a power switch. Both the power switch and one of the charge or discharge switches must be closed to allow the battery cell to charge or discharge respectively. The by-pass switch may be controlled by the battery system control or by the cell controller and when closed, the cell may be bypassed from discharging or charging. The battery cells may be electrochemical cells such as metal air batteries.