Converter for supplying power to a power storage system

A bidirectional converter for interfacing a vehicle electrical system with a portable power storage system, comprising:

• a housing;
• a bidirectional DC-to-DC power conversion stage disposed within the housing;
• a first electrical connector configured to mate with a vehicle power outlet;
• a second electrical connector configured to mate with an inlet of the portable power storage system that is configured to receive power as if from a solar panel array;
• and
• a controller operatively coupled to the bidirectional DC-to-DC power conversion stage;
• wherein the controller is configured to sense voltages at the first electrical connector and the second electrical connector and to automatically select a first mode to step up a vehicle-supplied voltage and provide, at the second electrical connector, a regulated output that emulates a supply voltage from a solar panel array to charge the portable power storage system, or a second mode to step down a voltage from the portable power storage system and provide, at the first electrical connector, a regulated output compatible with the vehicle electrical system to recharge a vehicle battery and enable engine starting.

A system for charging a portable power storage system from a vehicle, comprising:

• a portable power storage system including an inlet configured to receive a supply voltage from a solar panel array, a charging circuit coupled to the inlet, and a rechargeable battery coupled to the charging circuit;
• and
• a converter electrically coupled to the inlet of the portable power storage system, the converter comprising a housing, a DC-to-DC step-up converter disposed within the housing, a first electrical connector configured to mate with a vehicle power outlet and coupled to an input of the DC-to-DC step-up converter, and a second electrical connector configured to mate with the inlet of the portable power storage system and coupled to an output of the DC-to-DC step-up converter;
• wherein the DC-to-DC step-up converter transforms a vehicle supply voltage into a regulated output voltage that emulates the supply voltage and power-voltage characteristics from the solar panel array, thereby enabling the charging circuit of the portable power storage system to charge the rechargeable battery from the vehicle.