Backup battery systems for traffic cabinets
Backup battery systems for traffic cabinets that control traffic lights are provided herein. Backup battery systems include a controller operably coupled to 1 or more backup battery panels having rechargeable battery cells. Preferred systems can fit and operate entirely within the traffic cabinet.
1. A backup battery system for a traffic cabinet that supplies power to a traffic light, comprising:
a battery panel comprising a casing containing a plurality of rechargeable non lead-acid battery cells and having a thickness of 2 inches or less, wherein the casing includes at least one slit that defines at least two columns and forming a living hinge between the at least two columns, thereby providing flexibility therebetween along the at least one slit, each column containing a chosen number of the plurality of rechargeable battery cells, and each column individually having an independent charging board for charging and discharging the chosen number of battery cells, and for monitoring a plurality of parameters from its corresponding battery cells;
wherein the batteries in each column of the at least two columns operate independently of the batteries in the other column of the at least two columns; and
an electronic controller operably coupled to the charging board of each of the at least two columns of the battery panel for receiving the monitored plurality of parameters, and for transmitting power from the battery panel to the traffic cabinet in a sufficient amount to power the traffic light when there is a primary power failure;
wherein the battery panel and the controller are configured to be positioned and operably functional within the traffic cabinet.
2. The backup battery system of claim 1 , wherein the traffic cabinet comprises a primary rack, two side walls, a top wall, a front wall, and a back wall, and the battery panel fits within the traffic cabinet between the primary rack and at least one of the side walls of the traffic cabinet.
3. The backup battery system of claim 2 , wherein the traffic cabinet is a 332 traffic cabinet.
4. The backup battery system of claim 2 , wherein the traffic cabinet is a NEMA style traffic cabinet.
5. The battery backup system of claim 1 , wherein the casing comprises a plurality of slits separating columns such that the battery panel as a whole can flex.
6. A traffic cabinet system comprising:
a traffic cabinet having a two side walls, a top wall, a bottom wall, a front wall, a back wall, and an internal rack, and operably coupled to a primary power source for supplying power to a traffic light;
a flexible battery panel comprising a casing for containing a plurality of rechargeable non-lead battery cells, and having a thickness of 2 inches or less, wherein the casing includes at least one slit that defines at least two columns and forming a living hinge between the at least two columns, thereby providing flexibility therebetween along the at least one slit, each column containing a chosen number of the plurality of rechargeable battery cells, and each column individually having an independent charging board for charging and discharging the chosen number of battery cells;
wherein the batteries in each column of the at least two columns operate independently of the batteries in the other column of the at least two columns; and
an electronic controller operably coupled to the charging port of each of the at least two columns of the battery panel for transmitting power from the battery panel to the traffic cabinet in a sufficient amount to power the traffic light when there is a primary power failure;
wherein the controller is positioned and operably functional within the traffic cabinet, and the flexible battery panel is positioned between the internal rack and at least one of the side walls of the traffic cabinet.
7. The traffic cabinet system of claim 6 , wherein the casing comprises a plurality of slits separating columns such that the battery panel as a whole can flex.
8. The traffic cabinet system of claim 6 , wherein the traffic cabinet is a 332 traffic cabinet.
9. The traffic cabinet system of claim 6 , wherein the traffic cabinet is a NEMA style traffic cabinet.
10. The traffic cabinet system of claim 6 , wherein each charging board monitors a plurality of parameters from its battery cells and directs the plurality of monitored parameters to the controller.