Energy storage device for starting engines of motor vehicles and other transportation systems

An energy storage device for use in connection with an independently-operable engine of a motor vehicle, the engine including a battery and an engine starter, the energy storage device comprising:

• a DC-DC converter for converting a first voltage provided from the battery to a second voltage;
• at least one capacitor, electrically connected to said DC-DC converter, for storing the second voltage, the second voltage providing energy for starting the engine of the motor vehicle;
• a portable housing for housing said DC-DC converter and said at least one capacitor, said DC-DC converter and said at least one capacitor substantially contained within said portable housing, wherein said energy storage device is separate from and selectively coupleable to said independently-operable engine wherein said housing includes a first area for housing said DC-DC converter and a second area for housing a first and second plurality of capacitors;
• a barrier, positioned within said housing, for substantially separating said first and second areas of said housing from one another, said barrier includes a thermally insulated plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite thereof, said first surface of said plate being positioned within said first area of said housing, and said second surface of said plate being positioned within said second area of said housing, said DC-DC converter is mounted to said first surface of said plate;
• and a heat sink having a first surface and a second surface opposite thereof, said first surface of said heat sink is exposed to said first area of said housing, and said second surface of said heat sink is exposed to an atmosphere exterior to said housing.