Reliable, high quality power is one of the most important, yet tactically difficult tools the Marine uses. In many locations, grid reliability and power quality are uncertain, and battery use, where the grid isnt available, is even more challenging. Thus, a solution that provides uninterruptible power supply (UPS) functionality, uses currently deployed batteries as building blocks, intelligently charges batteries, and provides high quality AC and DC power would be extremely useful. This UPS solution, however, must also be light enough to be portable and rugged to withstand tough Marine environments. The proposed UPS solution will provide 1kW of 120VAC backup power for up to three hours, charge 12V and 24V batteries, and provide DC power. Thus, the AC and DC power flow will be bi-directional and the batteries hot-swappable. While the design and packaging is challenging, and will require an innovative effort, AeroVironment has developed a charger it currently uses for its unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that can be adapted for the DC battery portion. In addition, AeroVironment uses patented technology for charging multiple electric vehicles (PosiCharge®) that can be adapted for strategically directing power flow to the batteries. We also have extensive experience developing bi-directional grid-tied equipment.
Keywords: Battery Charging, Lithium Battery, Ups, Power Electronics
