Battery Pack Including Multiple Battery Cell Technologies

• US 20080102352A1
• Filed: 01/08/2008
• Published: 05/01/2008
• Est. Priority Date: 04/30/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Dell Products LP (Dell Technologies Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Dell Products LP (Dell Technologies Inc.)
• Inventors: Bui, Vinh, Kehoe, Dan
• Granted Patent: US 7,570,016 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 429/90
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 10/4207 for several batteries or cells simultaneously or sequentially
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/209 adapted for prismatic or rectangular cells H01M50/216 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/213 adapted for cells having curved cross-section, e.g. round or elliptic H01M50/209, H01M50/216 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

A battery pack includes a housing. A first battery is located in the housing, the first battery using a first cell technology. A second battery is located in the housing, the second battery using a second cell technology that is different from the first cell technology. The battery pack can be connected to a portable computer chassis to provide an extended life power source.

Claims

1. An information handling system comprising:

a chassis;

a processor located in the chassis;

a battery pack coupled to the processor, the battery pack including a housing, the housing including a first housing section and a second housing section, wherein the first housing section comprises a battery connector, and the second housing section being larger in volume than the first housing section;

a first battery located in the first housing section, the first battery using a first cell technology and coupled to the battery connector; and

a second battery located in the second housing section, the second battery using a second cell technology that is different from the first cell technology and coupled to the battery connector, wherein the second housing section is capable of housing the second battery being of a second battery volume that is larger than a first battery volume of the first battery.

2. The information handling system of claim 1 further comprising:

a battery management unit coupled to the first battery and the second battery and operable to monitor and control the first battery and the second battery.

3. The information handling system of claim 1 further comprising:

a first battery management unit coupled to the first battery and operable to monitor and control the first battery; and

a second battery management unit coupled to the second battery and operable to monitor and control the second battery.

4. The information handling system of claim 1 wherein the first cell technology is selected from the group consisting of prismatic, cylindrical, polymer, and nickel metal hydride.

5. The information handling system of claim 1 wherein the second cell technology is selected from the group consisting of prismatic, cylindrical, polymer, and nickel metal hydride.

6. The information handling system of claim 1 wherein the first cell technology is selected from the group consisting of prismatic, cylindrical, polymer, and nickel metal hydride, and the second cell technology is selected from members of the group not selected for the first cell technology.

7. The information handling system of claim 1 wherein the battery pack is situated partially within the chassis and partially external to the chassis.