Aerosol generation device power system

Abstract

An aerosol generation device (100) comprises an electrical power system (500, 600, 700) and a controller (102). The electrical power system comprises a first energy storage module (104) and a second energy storage module (106). The controller is configured to control a pulse width modulated power flow of the electrical power system to a heater associated with the aerosol generation device. The pulse width modulated power flow comprises one or more pulse width modulation periods each having an on-period and an off-period. The controller is further configured to control the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module during the pulse width modulation period off-period. The first energy storage module can be a supercapacitor module and the second energy storage module can be a battery module.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to aerosol generating devices, and more particularly to aerosol generating device power systems. BACKGROUND

[0002] Aerosol generating devices, such as electronic cigarettes and other aerosol inhalers or vaporization devices, are becoming increasingly popular consumer products.

[0003] Heating devices for vaporization or aerosolization are known in the art. Such devices typically include a heating chamber and a heater. In operation, an operator inserts a product to be aerosolized or vaporized into the heating chamber. The product is then heated with an electronic heater to vaporize the components of the product for inhalation by the operator. In some examples, the product is a tobacco product similar to a traditional cigarette. Such devices are sometimes referred to as "heat-not-burn" devices, as the product is heated to an aerosolization point, but not combusted.

[0004] Known issues with aerosol generating devices include providing fast enough heating and efficient use of energy resources. SUMMARY

[0005] According to a first aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising:

[0006] a power system comprising a first energy storage module and a second energy storage module; and

[0007] a controller, wherein the controller is configured to:

[0008] control a pulse width modulated power flow of the power system to a heater associated with the aerosol generating device, wherein the pulse width modulated power flow comprises one or more pulse width modulation periods each having an on-period and an off-period; and

[0009] control the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module during the pulse width modulation period off-period.

[0010] In this way, the second energy storage module continuously recharges the first energy storage module at the same time as the first energy storage module is powering the heater. This allows the first energy storage module to power the heater for a longer period of time before its charge level is depleted. As the first energy storage module is recharged at the same time as it is powering the heater, it does not need to be able to store as much charge as an energy storage module in a conventional power system which is not recharged at the same time as it is powering the heater. This allows the first energy storage module to be physically smaller, with associated safety improvements.

[0011] In a preferred first embodiment of the first aspect, the first energy storage module is a supercapacitor module and the second energy storage module is a battery module.

[0012] A supercapacitor module can be considered a high power storage module and a battery can be considered a high energy storage module. In this arrangement, the power system does not rely solely on a battery and therefore there is no trade-off between energy requirements and power requirements. Using a high energy battery in combination with a high power supercapacitor allows the energy requirements and power requirements to be considered separately in the power system design, providing greater flexibility to meet the energy requirements and power requirements.

[0013] Recharging the supercapacitor module continuously in the pulse width modulation cycle off period during the aerosolisation process allows the use of a supercapacitor with a smaller energy content (i.e. a smaller supercapacitor). This allows a reduction in size and cost.

[0014] Preferably, the supercapacitor module comprises at least one supercapacitor. Preferably, the supercapacitor module comprises a plurality of supercapacitors connected in series. Preferably, the supercapacitor module comprises two supercapacitors connected in series. Preferably, the battery module comprises at least one battery. Preferably, the battery module comprises a high energy battery. Preferably, the battery module comprises a lithium ion battery.

[0015] Preferably, the controller is further configured to:

[0016] control the power system to provide the pulse width modulated power flow to the heater only from the supercapacitor module during the pulse width modulation cycle on period.

[0017] Powering the heater with only a supercapacitor module reduces losses during operation. For example, a boost converter (such as a DC / DC voltage converter) is not required between the supercapacitor module and the heater. In this way, the aerosol generating device can provide the same energy usage as a conventional system but with a smaller total energy content stored in the power system due to the improvements in losses.

[0018] As the battery module is only used to charge the supercapacitor module and not to power the heater, losses in the battery are reduced. This allows an operator to perform a plurality of aerosolisation processes with a single battery charge as less power is wasted.

[0019] Preferably, the controller is configured to:

[0020] control the battery module to not charge the supercapacitor module during the pulse width modulation cycle on period.

[0021] Preferably, the power system comprises the supercapacitor module connected in parallel with the battery module, wherein a voltage converter is connected between the supercapacitor module and the battery module.

[0022] Preferably, the power system comprises the supercapacitor module connected in parallel with the battery module, wherein a voltage converter is connected between the supercapacitor module and the battery module.

[0023] Preferably, the power system further comprises:

[0024] a first switching device connected between the battery module and the supercapacitor module, wherein the first switching device is controlled by the controller to control the battery module to charge the supercapacitor module during the off period of the pulse width modulation cycle; and

[0025] a second switching device configured to be arranged between the supercapacitor module and the heater, wherein the second switching device is controlled by the controller to control the pulse width modulated power flow from the supercapacitor module to the heater.

[0026] This arrangement of the power system allows decoupling of the battery module and the supercapacitor module by power management. The battery can have a higher associated safety risk and a lower lifetime, while the supercapacitor can have a lower safety risk and a higher robustness and reliability. Preferably, only the supercapacitor module powers the heater, and the battery module is only used to recharge the supercapacitor module, wherein the battery module does not directly transfer energy to the heater; this improves the overall safety and reliability of the power system. By not directly powering the heater, the battery requires a lower maximum current requirement, which can reduce the stress put on the battery and improve its lifetime and reliability.

[0027] Preferably, the switching devices are transistors controlled by the controller. In this way, the switching devices can be effectively used to implement control of the power flow in the power system.

[0028] In a preferred second embodiment of the first aspect, the first energy storage module is a first supercapacitor module and the second energy storage module is a second supercapacitor module.

[0029] In this way, by only using supercapacitor-based technology to power the aerosol generating device, no battery is required in the aerosol generating device. This means that, in use during aerosolisation, no battery is positioned in the vicinity of the mouth of the operator. This improves the safety of the aerosol generating device.

[0030] Preferably, the pulsed power flow to the heater only comprises power flow from the first supercapacitor module and not from the second supercapacitor module.

[0031] Preferably, the power system further comprises: a first switching device connected between the first supercapacitor module and the second supercapacitor module, wherein the first switching device is controlled by the controller to control the second supercapacitor module to charge the first supercapacitor module during the off period of the pulse width modulation cycle; and / or a second switching device configured to be arranged between the first supercapacitor module and the heater, wherein the second switching device is controlled by the controller to control the pulsed power flow from the first supercapacitor module to the heater.

[0032] Preferably, the first supercapacitor module comprises at least one supercapacitor, or two or more supercapacitors connected in series. Preferably, the supercapacitor(s) of the first supercapacitor module are conventional supercapacitors. Preferably, the first supercapacitor module comprises two 2.5V supercapacitors connected in series, making the first supercapacitor module overall 5V.

[0033] Preferably, the second supercapacitor module comprises at least one hybrid capacitor (also known as a hybrid supercapacitor). Hybrid capacitors can have a higher operating voltage, higher capacitance and higher energy density compared to conventional supercapacitors. Hybrid capacitors can have a lower power capability than conventional supercapacitors. Preferably, the second supercapacitor module comprises a 3.7V hybrid capacitor, making the second supercapacitor module overall 3.7V.

[0034] In a preferred third implementation of the first aspect, the first energy storage module is a supercapacitor module and the second energy storage module is a battery module; and

[0035] In the on period, the controller controls the battery module and the supercapacitor module to power the heater; and

[0036] In the off period, the controller controls the battery module to charge the supercapacitor module.

[0037] Supercapacitor modules can be considered high power energy storage modules, and batteries can be considered high energy storage modules. In this arrangement, the power system does not rely solely on batteries, and therefore there is no trade-off between energy requirements and power requirements. Using a high energy battery in combination with a high power supercapacitor allows energy requirements and power requirements to be considered separately in the power system design, providing greater flexibility to meet energy requirements and power requirements.

[0038] In another advantage, improved overall system safety is provided due to a reduction in the maximum current flowing through the power system compared to a standard battery-based power system.

[0039] Recharging the supercapacitor module continuously in the pulse width modulation cycle off period during the aerosolisation process allows the use of a supercapacitor with a smaller energy content (i.e. a smaller supercapacitor). This allows a size reduction and a cost reduction. Since the capacity of the supercapacitor module is much lower than the capacity of the battery module, the supercapacitor module can be charged very quickly, which means that the discharge current of the battery module is only high for a short period of time.

[0040] Preferably, the supercapacitor module comprises at least one supercapacitor. Preferably, the supercapacitor module comprises a plurality of supercapacitors connected in series. Preferably, the supercapacitor module comprises two supercapacitors connected in series. Preferably, the battery module comprises at least one battery. Preferably, the battery module comprises a high energy battery. Preferably, the battery module comprises a lithium ion battery.

[0041] Preferably, the power system further comprises a switching device configured to switch the power system between a second configuration in the on period and a first configuration in the off period, wherein in the second configuration the supercapacitor module is connected in series with the battery module and in the first configuration the supercapacitor module is connected in parallel with the battery module.

[0042] Advantageously, no control of the recharging of the supercapacitor module is required when the supercapacitor module and the battery module are in the first configuration. The high charge acceptance of the supercapacitor module allows the recharging to happen naturally and no voltage converter is required. This reduces losses in the power system.

[0043] This arrangement allows high power to be delivered to the heater (and in particular a high resistance (>1 ohm) heater or an alternative heating technology such as an inductive heater) without the need for a step-up voltage converter. In this way, losses that would otherwise be incurred by such a converter are avoided.

[0044] Preferably, the switching device is a transistor controlled by the controller. In this way, the switching device can be used effectively to implement control of the power flow in the power system.

[0045] Preferably, the power system is configured to apply the total potential of the battery module and the supercapacitor module to the heater in the on period.

[0046] Compared to a standard single cell power system, the total potential of the battery module and the supercapacitor module provides a higher voltage. This allows the same power to be delivered with a lower current. In this way, the losses in the system are significantly reduced, as P 损耗 = I 2 R 系统 Additionally, compared to a standard power system for an aerosol generating device, a higher degree of flexibility is achieved in the type of battery used due to the lower maximum current required.

[0047] Preferably, the power system of each of the preceding embodiments is operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes of an aerosolisation process, including a float mode, wherein the controller is configured to:

[0048] control the power system to apply the pulse width modulated power flow to the heater at a first duty cycle regime to substantially maintain the heater at an aerosol generation temperature.

[0049] In this way, power can be applied to the heater to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating consumable, which can be controlled using pulse width modulation, whilst also recharging the first energy storage module during the pulse width modulation cycle off period, thereby increasing the length of time the first energy storage module is able to power the heater.

[0050] Preferably, the plurality of operating modes further includes a pre-heat mode, wherein the controller is configured to:

[0051] control the power system to apply the pulse width modulated power flow to the heater at a second duty cycle regime different to the first duty cycle regime during a pre-heat mode preceding the float mode to heat the heater to the aerosol generation temperature.

[0052] Preferably, the first duty cycle regime comprises one or more pulse width modulation cycles having a first duty cycle ratio D1, the second duty cycle regime comprises one or more pulse width modulation cycles having a second duty cycle ratio D2, wherein D2 = D1 x K, where K is a coefficient >> 1.

[0053] In this way, the heater can be rapidly heated to the aerosol generation temperature during the pre-heat mode and then maintained at the aerosol generation temperature with lower power consumption within the float mode.

[0054] In an example, D1 is much less than 1 and D2 is close to but less than 1. In another example, D1 << 0.5 and D2 > 0.5. In another example, the first duty cycle is configured such that < 3W is applied in the float mode and the second duty cycle is configured such that approximately 16W is applied in the pre-heat mode.

[0055] Preferably, the plurality of operating modes includes a post float mode in which the controller is configured to:

[0056] disable the pulse width modulated power flow to the heater for a remaining period of time in the aerosolisation process after the float mode; and

[0057] control the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module.

[0058] In this way, after the pulse width modulated power flow has been disabled, residual heat remaining in the heater can continue to aerosolise the aerosol generating consumable without the need for power to be directly applied to the heater. At the same time, the second energy storage module can at least partially recharge the first energy storage module during the remainder of the current aerosolisation process for a subsequent aerosolisation process. That is, the first energy storage module will be charged to perform a subsequent pre-heat mode.

[0059] Preferably, the second energy storage module can be controlled to continue to recharge the first energy storage module after the end of the aerosolisation process until the first energy storage module is sufficiently charged for a subsequent aerosolisation process.

[0060] In a second aspect, there is provided a method of controlling an electrical power system of an aerosol generating device, the electrical power system comprising a first energy storage module and a second energy module, and the method comprising:

[0061] controlling a pulse width modulated power flow of the electrical power system to a heater associated with the aerosol generating device, wherein the pulse width modulated power flow comprises one or more pulse width modulation periods each having an on period and an off period; and

[0062] controlling the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module during the off period of the pulse width modulation period.

[0063] Optionally, the second aspect can include the preferred features of the first aspect.

[0064] In a third aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a controller configured to operate with an electrical power system of an aerosol generating device comprising a first energy storage module and a second energy storage module, cause the one or more processors to control the electrical power system by:

[0065] controlling a pulse width modulated power flow of the electrical power system to a heater associated with the aerosol generating device, wherein the pulse width modulated power flow comprises one or more pulse width modulation periods each having an on period and an off period; and

[0066] controlling the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module during the off period of the pulse width modulation cycle.

[0067] Optionally, the third aspect can include preferred features of the first aspect.

[0068] In a fourth aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating device comprising:

[0069] a power system comprising a first supercapacitor module and a second supercapacitor module; and

[0070] a controller, wherein the controller is configured to:

[0071] control power flow of the first supercapacitor module to power a heater associated with the aerosol generating device; and

[0072] control power flow of the second supercapacitor module to charge the first supercapacitor module.

[0073] In this way, by using only supercapacitor-based technology to power the aerosol generating device, no battery is required in the aerosol generating device. This means that, in use during aerosolisation, the battery is not positioned in close proximity to the mouth of the operator. This improves the safety of the aerosol generating device.

[0074] Preferably, the aerosol generating device comprises an electrical connection for a charging means comprising a battery module, and the power system does not comprise a battery.

[0075] In this way, the second supercapacitor module can be recharged for further aerosolisation processes. Preferably, the charging means is an external charging module. Preferably, the charging means can be a power pack or an external charger.

[0076] Preferably, the first supercapacitor module comprises at least one supercapacitor; and / or the second supercapacitor module comprises at least one hybrid capacitor.

[0077] Preferably, the first supercapacitor module comprises two or more supercapacitors connected in series. Preferably, the supercapacitor(s) of the first supercapacitor module are conventional supercapacitors. Preferably, the first supercapacitor module comprises two 2.5V supercapacitors connected in series, making the first supercapacitor module 5V overall.

[0078] Hybrid capacitors (also referred to as hybrid supercapacitors) can have a higher operating voltage, a higher capacitance and a higher energy density compared to conventional supercapacitors. Hybrid capacitors can have a lower power capability than conventional supercapacitors. Preferably, the second supercapacitor module comprises a 3.7V hybrid capacitor, making the second supercapacitor module overall 3.7V.

[0079] In this way, the higher capacitance and higher energy density of the second supercapacitor module based on a hybrid capacitor can be utilised to charge the first supercapacitor module, and the higher power capability of the first supercapacitor module based on a conventional supercapacitor can be utilised to power the heater.

[0080] Preferably, the first supercapacitor module and the second supercapacitor module are connected in parallel, and the power system further comprises:

[0081] a first switching device connected between the first supercapacitor module and the second supercapacitor module, wherein the first switching device is controlled by the controller to control charging of the first supercapacitor module by the second supercapacitor module; and / or

[0082] a second switching device configured to be arranged between the first supercapacitor module and the heater, wherein the second switching device is controlled by the controller to control a power flow from the first supercapacitor module to the heater.

[0083] Preferably, the switching devices are transistors controlled by the controller. In this way, the switching devices can be effectively used to implement control of the power flow in the power system.

[0084] Preferably, the power flow of the first supercapacitor module is a pulse width modulated power flow comprising one or more pulse width modulation periods each having an on period and an off period; and

[0085] the controller is further configured to:

[0086] control the power flow of the second supercapacitor module to charge the first supercapacitor module during the pulse width modulation period off period.

[0087] In this way, while the first supercapacitor module is powering the heater, the second supercapacitor module is also continuously recharging the first supercapacitor module. This allows the first supercapacitor module to power the heater for a longer period of time before its charge level is depleted. Since the first supercapacitor module is being recharged while it is powering the heater, it does not need to be able to store as much charge as an energy storage module in a conventional power system that is not being recharged while it is powering the heater. This allows the first supercapacitor module to be physically smaller, with an associated increase in safety.

[0088] Preferably, the power system is operable in a float mode, in which the controller is configured to:

[0089] The first supercapacitor module is controlled to apply the pulse width modulated power flow to the heater in a first duty cycle regime to maintain the heater substantially at an aerosol generation temperature.

[0090] In this way, power can be applied to the heater to generate an aerosol from an aerosol generating consumable, which can be controlled using pulse width modulation, while also recharging the first supercapacitor module during the pulse width modulation cycle off period, thereby increasing the length of time that the first supercapacitor module is able to power the heater.

[0091] Preferably, the power system is operable in a pre-heat mode, in which the controller is configured to:

[0092] The first supercapacitor module is controlled to apply the pulse width modulated power flow to the heater in a second duty cycle regime different to the first duty cycle regime during a pre-heat mode preceding the float mode to heat the heater to the aerosol generation temperature.

[0093] Preferably, the first duty cycle regime comprises one or more pulse width modulation cycles having a first duty cycle ratio D1 ; the second duty cycle regime comprises one or more pulse width modulation cycles having a second duty cycle ratio D2; wherein D2 = D1 x K, where K is a coefficient >> 1.

[0094] In this way, the heater can be rapidly heated to the aerosol generation temperature during the pre-heat mode, and then maintained at the aerosol generation temperature with lower power consumption within the float mode.

[0095] In an example, D1 is much less than 1 and D2 is close to but less than 1. In another example, D1 « 0.5 and D2 > 0.5. In another example, the first duty cycle is configured such that < 3W is applied in the float mode, and the second duty cycle is configured such that approximately 16W is applied in the pre-heat mode.

[0096] Preferably, the power system is operable in a post float mode, wherein, in the post float mode, the controller is configured to:

[0097] disable the power flow to the heater for a remaining period of time in the aerosolisation process after the float mode; and

[0098] control the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module.

[0099] In this way, after the pulsed width modulated power flow has been disabled, residual heat remaining in the heater can continue to aerosolise the aerosol generating consumable without the need for power to be directly applied to the heater. At the same time, the second supercapacitor module can at least partially recharge the first supercapacitor module during the remainder of the current aerosolisation process for a subsequent aerosolisation process. That is, the first supercapacitor module will be charged to perform a subsequent pre-heat mode.

[0100] Preferably, the second supercapacitor module can be controlled to continue to recharge the first supercapacitor module after the end of the aerosolisation process until the first supercapacitor module is sufficiently charged for a subsequent aerosolisation process.

[0101] In a fifth aspect, there is provided an aerosol generating device charging means connectable to the aerosol generating device of the fourth aspect, wherein the aerosol generating device charging means is configured to charge the second supercapacitor module when connected to the aerosol generating device.

[0102] In this way, an operator of the aerosol generating device can perform a plurality of aerosolisation processes before connecting the aerosol generating device to an external charging means, such as a power pack or docking station or mains power supply. This allows for a reduction in the size of the aerosol generating device, that is, it is more comfortable to handle, and improves safety as there are no batteries in the aerosol generating device itself.

[0103] Preferably, the aerosol generating device charging means comprises a battery module configured to provide an electrical charge to the power system of the aerosol generating device.

[0104] In this way, the charging means can be a portable charging means that does not require an external power supply, such as a mains power supply, to charge the second supercapacitor module.

[0105] Preferably, the aerosol generating device charging means is a charging case configured to house the aerosol generating device. Alternatively, the aerosol generating device charging means is a docking station and / or a power pack.

[0106] In a sixth aspect, there is provided a system comprising the aerosol generation device of the fourth aspect and the aerosol generation device charging device of the fifth aspect.

[0107] In a seventh aspect, there is provided a method of controlling an electrical power system of an aerosol generation device, the electrical power system comprising a first supercapacitor module and a second supercapacitor module, and the method comprising:

[0108] controlling power flow of the first supercapacitor module to power a heater associated with the aerosol generation device; and

[0109] controlling power flow of the second supercapacitor module to charge the first supercapacitor module.

[0110] Optionally, the seventh aspect can include the preferred features of the fourth aspect.

[0111] In an eighth aspect, there is provided a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a controller configured to operate with an electrical power system of an aerosol generation device comprising a first supercapacitor module and a second supercapacitor module, cause the one or more processors to control the electrical power system by:

[0112] controlling power flow of the first supercapacitor module to power a heater associated with the aerosol generation device; and

[0113] controlling power flow of the second supercapacitor module to charge the first supercapacitor module.

[0114] Optionally, the eighth aspect can include the preferred features of the fourth aspect. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0115] Embodiments of the present application will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0116] Figure 1 is a block diagram of an aerosol generation device;

[0117] Figure 2 is a flow diagram of operating modes of an aerosol generation device;

[0118] Figure 3 is a plot of heater temperature versus time within an aerosolisation process;

[0119] Figure 4 is a plot of pulse width modulated power flow;

[0120] Figure 5A is a circuit diagram of an electrical power system comprising a supercapacitor module and a battery module;

[0121] Figure 5B Is entering and leaving Figure 5A A graph of current versus time for pulse width modulated power flow of a supercapacitor module of a power system;

[0122] Figure 5C is using Figure 5A A dual curve diagram of the heater temperature and time and the charge state of the supercapacitor module and time during the aerosolization process of the power system;

[0123] Figure 6 is a circuit diagram of a power system including a first supercapacitor module and a second supercapacitor module;

[0124] Figure 7A is a circuit diagram of a power system including a supercapacitor module and a battery module;

[0125] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A a circuit diagram of the power system in a first configuration; and

[0126] Figure 7C yes Figure 7A Circuit diagram of the power system in the second configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0127] Figure 1 A block diagram showing components of an aerosol-generating device 100, or vapour-generating device (also known as an electronic cigarette).For the purposes of this description, it will be understood that the terms "vapour" and "aerosol" are interchangeable.

[0128] The aerosol generating device 100 has a main body portion 112 including a controller 102, and an electrical power system including a first energy storage module 104 and a second energy storage module 106. The electrical power system is operable in a plurality of selectable operating modes. Herein, only one first energy storage module 104 and one second energy storage module 106 are mentioned; however, those skilled in the art will understand that the electrical power system may include one or more first energy storage modules and one or more second energy storage modules as appropriate. The controller 102 is configured to control the power flow of the first energy storage module 104 and the second energy storage module 106 based on the selected operating mode, as will be described subsequently. The controller 102 may be at least one microcontroller unit comprising: a memory having stored thereon instructions for operating the aerosol generating device 100, including instructions for executing the selectable operating mode and controlling the power flow; and one or more processors configured to execute these instructions.

[0129] In some examples, the first energy storage module 104 is a supercapacitor module 104 and the second energy storage module 106 is a battery module 106. In other examples, the second energy storage module 106 is also a supercapacitor module (i.e. a second supercapacitor module) 106.

[0130] In examples, the heater 108 is contained within the body portion 112. In such examples, as shown in Figure 1 the heater 108 is arranged in a cavity 110 or chamber in the body portion 112. The cavity 110 enters through an opening 110A in the body portion 112. The cavity 110 is arranged to receive an associated aerosol-generating consumable 114. The aerosol-generating consumable can contain aerosol-generating material, such as a tobacco rod containing tobacco. The tobacco rod can be similar to a conventional cigarette. The cross-section of the cavity 110 is approximately equal to the cross-section of the aerosol-generating consumable 114, and its depth is such that when the associated aerosol-generating consumable 114 is inserted into the cavity 110, a first end portion 114A of the aerosol-generating consumable 114 reaches a bottom portion 110B of the cavity 110 (that is, an end portion 110B of the cavity 110 distal from the cavity opening 110A), and a second end portion 114B of the aerosol-generating consumable 114 distal from the first end portion 114A extends outwardly from the cavity 110. In this way, when the aerosol-generating consumable 114 is inserted into the aerosol-generating device 100, a consumer can inhale over the aerosol-generating consumable. In Figure 1 In examples, the heater 108 is arranged in the cavity 110 such that the aerosol-generating consumable 114 engages the heater 108 when inserted into the cavity 110. In Figure 1 In examples, the heater 108 is arranged as a tube in the cavity such that when the first end portion 114A of the aerosol-generating consumable is inserted into the cavity, the heater 108 substantially or completely surrounds the portion of the aerosol-generating consumable 114 within the cavity 110. The heater 108 can be a wire, such as a coiled wire heater or a ceramic heater or any other suitable type of heater. The heater 108 can comprise a plurality of heating elements arranged sequentially along the axial length of the cavity, which can be activated (i.e. energised) in sequential order.

[0131] In alternative embodiments (not shown), the heater can be arranged as an elongate piercing member (such as in the form of a needle, rod or blade) within the cavity; in such embodiments, the heater can be arranged to penetrate the aerosol-generating consumable and engage the aerosol-generating material when the aerosol-generating consumable is inserted into the cavity.

[0132] In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the heater can be in the form of an induction heater. In such an embodiment, a heating element (i.e., a receptacle) can be disposed within the consumable, and when the consumable is inserted into the cavity, the heating element inductively couples with an inductive element (i.e., an induction coil) within the cavity. The induction heater then heats the heating element by induction.

[0133] The heater 108 is arranged to heat the aerosol-generating consumable 114 to a predetermined temperature to generate an aerosol during an aerosolization process. The aerosolization process can be regarded as the time during which the device is operated to generate an aerosol from the aerosol-generating consumable 114. In the example where the aerosol-generating consumable 114 is a tobacco rod, the aerosol-generating consumable 114 includes tobacco. The heater 108 is arranged to heat the tobacco without burning it to generate an aerosol. That is, the heater 108 heats the tobacco to a predetermined temperature below the tobacco combustion point so that a tobacco-based aerosol is generated. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the aerosol-generating consumable 114 does not necessarily need to include tobacco, and any other substance suitable for aerosolization (or vaporization) (particularly by heating the substance without burning it) can be used instead of tobacco.

[0134] In an alternative approach, the aerosol-generating consumable may be a vaporizable liquid.The vaporizable liquid may be contained in a cartridge receivable in an aerosol-generating device, or may be deposited directly into the aerosol-generating device.

[0135] The controller 102 is arranged to control the power flow of the first energy storage module 104 and the second energy storage module 106 based on a selected operating mode of the aerosolization process. The operating modes include a preheat mode, a float mode, and a post-float mode.

[0136] The process from preheating mode to float charge mode and then to post float charge mode can be Figure 2 Chinese understanding.

[0137] In preheating mode 202, the heater 108 associated with the aerosol-generating device 100 is heated to a predetermined temperature for generating aerosol from the aerosol-generating consumable 114. The preheating phase can be considered the time during which the preheating mode is executed, for example, the time it takes for the heater 108 to reach the predetermined temperature. The preheating mode occurs during a first time period of the aerosolization process. In some examples, the first time period can be a fixed predetermined time period. In other examples, the first time period can vary corresponding to the length of time required to heat the heater 108 to the predetermined temperature.

[0138] When the heater reaches the predetermined temperature, the controller 102 ends the pre-heat mode 202 and controls the power system to perform a float mode 204. In the float mode 204, the controller 102 controls the power flow from the power system to substantially maintain the heater 108 at the predetermined temperature, thereby generating aerosol for a consumer to inhale. The float phase can be considered the time during which the float mode is performed, for example the time after the pre-heat phase in which the heater 108 aerosolizes one consumable 114 (or at least a portion thereof) that generates aerosol. The controller 102 can control the power system to operate the float mode for a second period of time during the aerosolization process. This second period of time can be predetermined and stored at the controller 102.

[0139] After the second period of time expires, the controller 102 switches the operational mode to a post-float mode 206. In the post-float mode, the controller 102 disables the power flow from the power system to the heater, such that the heater is no longer powered. Despite the power flow having been disabled, the heater retains residual heat energy. This residual heat is used to continue heating the consumable in the post-float mode. The post-float phase can be considered the time during which the post-float mode is performed. The post-float phase corresponds to a third period of time of the aerosolization process.

[0140] Figure 3 An exemplary plot of heater temperature 304 versus time 302 is shown. In the pre-heat phase, the controller 102 controls the power system to apply power to the heater for a first period of time 308 until the heater temperature reaches a predetermined temperature 306. In the example, this predetermined temperature is 230°C. In the example, this first period of time is 20 seconds. In some examples, the controller 102 is configured to heat the heater to the predetermined temperature in a fixed predetermined first period of time. In other examples, the first period of time varies depending on the time required for the heater to reach the predetermined temperature.

[0141] When the heater reaches the predetermined temperature 306, the controller 102 switches the operational mode to the float mode for a second period of time 310 and substantially maintains the heater temperature at the predetermined temperature 306 during this second period of time 310. In the example, the second period of time can be 250 seconds.

[0142] After the second period of time 310 expires, the controller 102 switches the operational mode to the post-float mode for a third period of time 312. As the third period of time 312 progresses, the heater temperature decreases due to the power no longer being applied. The third period of time 312 can be configured such that its expiration coincides with the heater temperature falling below a threshold value. This threshold value can correspond to a temperature above ambient temperature, but below which the consumable is no longer effectively heated. In the example, the third period of time can be 20 seconds.

[0143] After the third time period 312 expires, the user of the aerosol generating device can be notified, through a visual or audible indicator, that the aerosolisation process has ended, so that they know that the consumable is no longer being aerosolised.

[0144] In the pre-heat mode and the float mode, the controller 102 controls the power flow from the power system to the heater such that the power flow is a pulse width modulated power flow having one or more pulse width modulation periods. In Figure 4 An exemplary pulse width modulated power flow is presented in FIG. 4. The pulse width modulated power flow comprises one or more pulse width modulation (PWM) periods 402 (also referred to as pulse width modulation switching periods). A single PWM period or switching period 402 comprises a PWM period “on period” D and a PWM period “off period” 1 - D. The combination of the PWM period on period D and the PWM period off period 1 - D forms the total PWM period or switching period 402.

[0145] During the PWM on period of a PWM period, power is applied to the heater, that is, the power line to the heater is closed by the switch implementing PWM control. During the PWM off period, no power is applied to the heater, that is, the power line to the heater is opened by the switch implementing PWM control. In this way, a pulse width modulation period 402 comprises power that is switched once between an on state and an off state, and the pulse width modulated power flow thus comprises a power flow that continuously powers the heater with rapid switching between the PWM on period and the off period at a certain duty cycle.

[0146] The pulse width modulation duty cycle corresponds to the proportion of the on period (D) to the total period (D + (1 - D)) of the period 402, that is, the combination of the “on period” and the “off period” of the switching period 402.

[0147] The pulse width modulated power flow comprising a plurality of PWM periods continuously powers the heater with an average power of the PWM on period and the PWM off period based on the duty cycle. The duty cycle is controlled to control the amount of power delivered to the heater. A higher duty cycle of the pulse width modulated power flow delivers a higher average power; a lower duty cycle of the pulse width modulated power flow delivers a lower average power. That is, for a higher duty cycle, a greater proportion of the period 402 is the “on period” D compared to a lower duty cycle. In this way, careful control of the power level applied to the heater can be achieved by controlling the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated power flow.

[0148] In the float mode, the controller 102 is configured to control the power system to apply pulse width modulated power flow to the heater at a first duty cycle regime to substantially maintain the heater at a predetermined aerosol generation temperature. In the pre-heat mode, the controller 102 is configured to control the power system to apply pulse width modulated power flow to the heater at a second duty cycle regime different from the first duty cycle regime to heat the heater to the aerosol generation temperature. The second duty cycle regime can have a higher duty cycle than the first duty cycle regime, in this way, a greater amount of power is applied to the heater to rapidly heat it to the predetermined temperature, while a lesser amount of power is used to maintain the heater at the predetermined temperature. The first duty cycle regime comprises one or more PWM periods having a first duty cycle ratio D1, and the second duty cycle regime comprises one or more PWM periods having a second duty cycle ratio D2; the relationship between D1 and D2 can be considered as D2 = D1 *K, where K is a coefficient >>1 and can be selected as an implementation option; the theoretical maximum duty cycle is 1 without off periods, or close to but less than 1 with very short off periods. In an example, the first duty cycle regime comprises one or more duty cycles having a duty cycle ratio far less than 1, and the second duty cycle regime comprises one or more duty cycles having a duty cycle ratio close to but less than 1. In other examples, the first duty cycle regime comprises one or more duty cycles having a duty cycle ratio <<0.5, and the second duty cycle regime comprises one or more duty cycles having a duty cycle ratio > 0.5. In further examples, the first duty cycle is configured such that <3W is applied in the float mode, and the second duty cycle is configured such that approximately 16W is applied in the pre-heat mode.

[0149] In some examples, the PWM power flow in the float mode can be considered a first PWM power flow, and the PWM power flow in the pre-heat mode can be considered a second PWM power flow.

[0150] In the float mode, the controller 102 is configured to control the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module during the pulse width modulated period off periods. Reference is made to Figures 5A to 5C 、 Figure 6 and Figure 7 for a more particular implementation of this concept. In this way, the first energy storage module can be incrementally charged during the float mode, increasing the time it is able to power the heater. This allows the first energy storage module to be smaller.

[0151] In the post-float mode, the controller 102 is configured to control the second energy storage module 106 to constantly charge the first energy storage module 106 until the first energy storage module 104 is fully charged. In this way, the first energy storage module is sufficiently charged for the pre-heat mode in subsequent aerosolisation processes.

[0152] Figure 5A Reference is made to Figures 1 to 4 A first particular embodiment of the power system 500 is described.

[0153] In Figure 5A In the power system 500 of the first particular embodiment, the first energy storage module 504 is a supercapacitor module 504 and the second energy storage module 506 is a battery module 506. The supercapacitor module 504 comprises one or more supercapacitors and the battery module 506 comprises one or more batteries.

[0154] In a particular example, the supercapacitor module 504 can be implemented as two supercapacitors connected in series. These supercapacitors can be of a conventional type of supercapacitor and can each have a voltage of 2.5V, thereby providing a supercapacitor module 504 with a total voltage of 5V. As such, the voltage (U2) of the supercapacitor module 504 can be 5V. In other examples, multiple supercapacitors can be connected in series to meet the voltage requirements needed to power the heater. Connecting multiple smaller supercapacitors in series rather than using a single larger supercapacitor is advantageous in allowing greater design flexibility.

[0155] The battery module 506 can be implemented as a single battery. This can be a high energy battery, such as a battery using lithium ion technology, aluminium ion technology or zinc ion technology, or any other suitable type of battery. Alternatively, the battery module can comprise multiple batteries. In a particular example, the battery is a lithium ion battery with a voltage of 3.7V. As such, the voltage (U1) of the battery module 506 can be 3.7V. The battery module 506 can be integrated into the aerosol generating device 100. In other examples, the battery module 506 can be a power pack that is attachable to / detachable from the aerosol generating device 100, rather than a battery that is specifically integrated into the device 100. The battery module 506 need not be solely an integrated battery or a separate power pack, but rather the battery module can utilise a combination of both; a power pack can be connected when the integrated battery is fully discharged and the aerosolisation process can be performed without first recharging the integrated battery.

[0156] The supercapacitor module 504 and the battery module 506 are connected in parallel with a DC / DC voltage converter 530 arranged therebetween. The DC / DC voltage converter 530 is arranged to boost the battery module voltage in order to charge the supercapacitor module 504 from the battery module 506. A first switching device 522 is arranged between the battery module 506 and the converter 530. The supercapacitor module 504 is connectable to a heater 508 representing a load 508 in parallel with a second switching device 524 arranged therebetween. The heater 508 is not a device of the power system 500 per se, but is powered by the power system 500. The first switching device 522 and the second switching device 524 can be transistors connected to a controller 102 (not shown) in the control unit 104. Figure 5A

[0157] During the pre-heat mode and the float mode, the pulse width modulated power flow of the power system 500 comprises controlling the supercapacitor module 504 to power the heater 508 and controlling the battery module 506 to recharge the supercapacitor module 504. Only the supercapacitor module 504 powers the heater 508 in the pre-heat mode and the float mode; the battery module 506 recharges the supercapacitor module 504. During the PWM cycle on period of the pulse width modulated power flow, the supercapacitor module 504 powers the heater, and during the PWM cycle off period, the battery module 506 recharges the supercapacitor module 504. That is, during the pre-heat mode and the float mode, the supercapacitor module 504 switches between powering the heater 508 during the on portion of the duty cycle and being recharged by the battery module 506 during the off portion of the duty cycle. The battery module 506 does not charge the supercapacitor module 504 during the on portion of the duty cycle.

[0158] The pulse width modulated power flow in the float mode operates under a first duty cycle regime comprising one or more PWM cycles having a first duty cycle ratio D1. In the pre-heat mode, the supercapacitor module 504 powers the heater 508 with the pulse width modulated power flow under a second duty cycle regime comprising one or more PWM cycles having a second duty cycle ratio D2. The relationship between D1 and D2 can be considered as D2 = D1*K, where K is a coefficient >>1 and can be selected as an implementation option. In an example, the first duty cycle ratio can be much less than 1 and the second duty cycle ratio can be close to but less than 1. In other examples, the first duty cycle ratio can be <<0.5 and the second duty cycle ratio can be >=0.5. In a further example, the first duty cycle is configured such that <3W is applied in the float mode and the second duty cycle is configured such that approximately 16W is applied in the pre-heat mode.

[0159] ​The controller 102, the first switching device 522, and the second switching device 524 implement this control of heating and charging. During the PWM cycle on period of the pulse width modulated power flow, the controller 102 controls the second switching device 524 to be closed and the first switching device 522 to be open. In this way, power flows from the supercapacitor module 504 to the heater 508 during the PWM on period, while the battery module 506 is isolated from the supercapacitor module 504 and the heater 508. During the PWM cycle off period of the pulse width modulated power flow, the controller 102 controls the second switching device 524 to be open and the first switching device 522 to be closed. In this way, power flows from the battery module 506 into the supercapacitor module 504 to recharge the supercapacitor module 504, while the supercapacitor module 504 is isolated from the heater 508. In this way, during the pulse width modulated power flow, rapid switching occurs between powering the heater 508 in the PWM cycle on period and recharging the supercapacitor module 504 in the PWM cycle off period.

[0160] In some examples, there can be a small delay between opening the first switching device 522 and closing the second switching device 524. This prevents power flow from the battery module 506 from inadvertently reaching the heater 508 during the on period of the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated power flow.

[0161] Figure 5B A graph of current 546 into and out of the supercapacitor module of the pulse width modulated power flow versus time 544 during an example portion of the pre-heat mode or float mode is shown. During the PWM cycle on period (D) of the switching period 402, power flows out of the supercapacitor module 504 at a first amplitude 554. The solid line 550 indicates the power flow out of the supercapacitor module 504, and the dashed line 552 indicates the power flow into the supercapacitor module 504. During the PWM cycle off period (1-D), power flows into the supercapacitor module 504 at a second amplitude 556. In this way, the power flow 552 into the supercapacitor module 504 during the PWM cycle off period (1-D) at least partially compensates for the power flow 550 out of the supercapacitor module 504 during the PWM cycle on period. In an example, the first amplitude 554 is 10 A and the second amplitude 556 is 2 A.

[0162] During the post-float mode, the controller 102 controls the first switching device 522 to be closed and the second switching device 524 to be open. In this way, power flow to the heater 508 is disabled and the supercapacitor module 504 no longer powers the heater 508. When the first switching device 522 is closed, the battery module 506 continuously charges the supercapacitor module 504 until the supercapacitor module 504 is fully charged. In this way, the supercapacitor module 504 will have a sufficient charge level to perform the pre-heat mode of a subsequent aerosolisation process.

[0163] Figure 5C A double plot of the temperature 570 of the heater 508 and the corresponding state of charge 572 of the supercapacitor module 504 against time 574 is shown within an aerosolisation process comprising a pre-heat mode 308, a float mode 310 and a post-float mode 312.

[0164] During the pre-heat mode 308, the supercapacitor module 504 powers the heater 508, for example at a high duty cycle, and the temperature of the heater 508 increases to a predetermined temperature; during this pre-heat 308, the charge level of the supercapacitor module 504 decreases as it powers the heater 508.

[0165] In the float mode 310, the heater 508 is powered by the supercapacitor module 504 and maintained at the predetermined temperature. As described, the pulse width modulated power flow is configured such that the supercapacitor module 504 applies power to the heater 508 during the PWM cycle on period and the battery module 506 recharges the supercapacitor module during the PWM cycle off period. In this way, the charge level of the supercapacitor module 504 decreases during the PWM cycle on period of the pulse width modulated power flow and increases during the PWM cycle off period. This is represented intuitively by the rising and falling of the supercapacitor module 504 charge level 572 against time 574 in Figure 6. Figure 5C Due to the charge flowing from the battery module 506 into the supercapacitor module 504 during the PWM cycle off period not fully balancing the charge flowing out to the heater 508 during the PWM cycle on period, the charge level of the supercapacitor module 504 has an overall downward trend over the course of the float mode 310. This overall decrease in the charge level of the supercapacitor module 504 is slower than if no incremental charging was applied during the PWM cycle off period. In this way, the supercapacitor module 504 is able to provide power to the heater 508 for a longer period of time due to the incremental recharging during the PWM cycle off period.

[0166] In the post float mode 312, the supercapacitor module 504 no longer powers the heater 508, and as such the heater temperature falls. During the post float mode and, if required, after the post float mode, the battery module 506 constantly charges the supercapacitor module 504, thereby increasing the charge level of the supercapacitor module 504 until it is fully charged. The battery module 506 can slowly charge the supercapacitor module 504, thereby only requiring a low maximum current; this reduces the stress on the battery and improves its lifetime.

[0167] The battery module 506 is able to store enough charge to recharge the supercapacitor module 504 for multiple aerosolisation processes. When the charge level in the battery module 506 is depleted, the device 100 can be connected to a separate external power source, such as a mains charger, USB charger or power pack, to recharge the battery module 506.

[0168] In examples where a power pack can be connected to the aerosol generating device 100, the power pack can act as the battery module 506 and can charge the supercapacitor module 504 during the PWM cycle off period of the pulse width modulated power flow. In this way, if the internal battery module has depleted charge, aerosolisation processes can still be performed, but with the power pack performing the operations that would otherwise be performed by the internal battery module. This allows an operator to perform aerosolisation processes without having to first charge the internal battery module.

[0169] The pulse width modulated power mechanism of powering the heater 508 with the supercapacitor module 504 during the PWM cycle on period of the pulse width modulated power flow and recharging the supercapacitor module 504 with the battery module 506 during the PWM cycle off period of the pulse width modulated power flow is advantageous because the incremental recharging during the off period ensures that the supercapacitor module 504 continues to have enough charge to power the heater throughout the float mode. Furthermore, this incremental recharging of the supercapacitor module 504 means that the supercapacitor module has a low energy / capacity requirement (in examples, < 0.05 Wh depending on the aerosolisation process), thereby allowing a smaller size supercapacitor to be used, which reduces cost and improves safety.

[0170] Without recharging during the PWM cycle off period, the charge level of the supercapacitor can quickly become low and prevent the supercapacitor module 504 from being able to power the heater 508 throughout the float mode without additional support of the power flow from the battery to the heater 508.

[0171] If a boost converter is needed due to the battery typically having a lower voltage level than the voltage level needed to power the heater, it can be disadvantageous to directly power the heater with the battery or to support the power flow from the supercapacitor to the heater with a power flow from the battery to the heater. Such a boost converter can introduce losses to the system. Since the supercapacitor module 504 has a higher voltage level than the battery, no boost converter is needed when powering the heater with the supercapacitor module 504 only. This avoids the losses associated with such a boost which introduces losses.

[0172] In another advantage, the supercapacitor module 504 has a lower internal resistance than a typical battery, reducing losses in the system compared to a system powered by a battery.

[0173] Figure 6 Reference is made to Figures 1 to 4 a second particular embodiment of the power system 600 is presented.

[0174] In Figure 6 the power system 600, the first energy storage module 604 is a first supercapacitor module 604 and the second energy storage module 606 is a second supercapacitor module 606. The first supercapacitor module 604 comprises at least one supercapacitor. In a particular example, the first supercapacitor module 604 can be implemented as two supercapacitors connected in series. These supercapacitors can be conventional type supercapacitors and each can have a voltage of 2.5 V, providing a first supercapacitor module 604 with a total voltage of 5 V. As such, the voltage (U2) of the first supercapacitor module 604 can be 5 V. The second supercapacitor module 606 comprises at least one hybrid capacitor (also referred to as a hybrid supercapacitor). The hybrid capacitor has a higher operating voltage, a higher capacitance and a higher energy density than the (conventional) supercapacitor(s) of the first supercapacitor module 604. However, the hybrid capacitor has a lower power capability than the (conventional) supercapacitor(s) of the first supercapacitor module 604. In a particular example, the second supercapacitor module 604 can be implemented as a hybrid capacitor with a voltage of 3.7 V. As such, the voltage (U1) of the second supercapacitor module 606 can be 3.7 V.

[0175] The power system 600 does not comprise a battery, but further comprises an electrical connector 634’ configured to connect an external charging device 634 which can comprise a battery module.

[0176] The external charging means 634 is separate from the aerosol generating device 100 comprising the power system 600, but is connectable to the aerosol generating device. That is, the aerosol generating device is a handpiece comprising the power system 600, wherein the handpiece is connectable to a separate external charging means 634. As there is no battery in the aerosol generating device 100 (i.e. no battery in the handpiece), the consumer does not have a battery close to their mouth during the aerosolisation process. This provides improved safety measures.

[0177] In a particular example, the external charging means 634 is a portable charging case. The charging case is sized to receive and house the aerosol generating device within a chamber. The charging case comprises a battery that is connected to the connector 634’ when the aerosol generating device is received in the charging case. In this way, when the operator inserts the aerosol generating device into the charging case, the power system 600 is connected with the battery comprised in the charging case and the battery rapidly charges the second supercapacitor module 606. The battery can store enough energy to fully recharge the second supercapacitor module 606 multiple times. The battery of the charging case can itself be charged from an external power source such as a power pack or mains power supply, either through a connection such as a USB cable or by connection to a docking station. During an example use, the operator removes the aerosol generating device from the charging case (which the aerosol generating device has been charging in), performs an aerosolisation process (or multiple aerosolisation processes), and then reinserts the aerosol generating device into the charging case so that the second supercapacitor module 606 is charged for future aerosolisation processes. The second supercapacitor module 606 can be configured to store enough charge for a first predetermined number of aerosolisation processes or puffs. The portable charging case can be configured to store enough charge to recharge the second supercapacitor module 606 for a second predetermined number of aerosolisation processes or puffs that is greater than the first predetermined number of aerosolisation processes or puffs.

[0178] In other examples, the external charging means 634 is a power pack having a battery that is itself rechargeable. In another example, the external charging means 634 is a docking station having a battery that is itself rechargeable or can be externally powered, for example from a mains power supply. The power pack or docking station can be portable.

[0179] The DC / DC voltage converter 632 is positioned between the electrical connector 634’ and the second supercapacitor module 606. This is configured to appropriately convert the voltage from the external charging means 634 to the power system 600.

[0180] The first supercapacitor module 604 and the second supercapacitor module 606 are connected in parallel with a DC / DC voltage converter 630 disposed therebetween. The DC / DC voltage converter 630 is configured to increase the voltage of the second supercapacitor module so as to charge the first supercapacitor module 604 from the second supercapacitor module 606. The first switching device 622 is connected between the first supercapacitor module 604 and the second supercapacitor module 606. The first switching device 622 is controlled by the controller 102 ( Figure 6 The first ultracapacitor module 604 is controlled by the controller 102 (not shown) to control the second ultracapacitor module 606 to charge the first ultracapacitor module 604. The second switching device 624 is configured to be arranged between the first ultracapacitor module 604 and the heater 608. The second switching device 624 is controlled by the controller 102 to control the power flow from the first ultracapacitor module 604 to the heater 608. In this example, the first switching device 622 and the second switching device 624 are transistors controlled by the controller 102. The heater 608 itself is not a component of the power system 600, but is powered by the power system 600.

[0181] During preheat mode and float charge mode, controlling the pulse-width modulated power flow of the power system 600 includes controlling the first ultracapacitor module 604 to power the heater 608 and controlling the second ultracapacitor module 606 to recharge the first ultracapacitor module 604. Only the first ultracapacitor module 604 powers the heater 608 during preheat mode and float charge mode; the second ultracapacitor module 606 recharges the first ultracapacitor module 604. During the on-period of the PWM cycle of the pulse-width modulated power flow, the first ultracapacitor module 604 powers the heater 608, and during the off-period of the PWM cycle, the second ultracapacitor module 606 recharges the first ultracapacitor module 604. That is, during preheat mode and float charge mode, the first ultracapacitor module 604 switches between powering the heater 608 during the on-portion of the duty cycle and being recharged by the second ultracapacitor module 606 during the off-portion of the duty cycle. The second ultracapacitor module 606 does not charge the first ultracapacitor module 604 during the on-portion of the duty cycle.

[0182] The pulse width modulated power flow in float mode operates under a first duty cycle regime including one or more PWM cycles having a first duty cycle ratio D1. In pre-heat mode, the first supercapacitor module 604 can power the heater 608 with pulse width modulated power flow under a second duty cycle regime including one or more PWM cycles having a second duty cycle ratio D2. The relationship between D1 and D2 can be considered as D2 = D1 * K, where K is a coefficient >> 1 and can be selected as an implementation option. In an example, the first duty cycle ratio can be much less than 1 and the second duty cycle ratio can be close to but less than 1. In other examples, the first duty cycle ratio can be << 0.5 and the second duty cycle ratio can be >= 0.5. In further examples, the first duty cycle is configured such that < 3W is applied in float mode, and the second duty cycle is configured such that approximately 16W is applied in pre-heat mode.

[0183] The controller 102, the first switching device 622, and the second switching device 624 implement this control of heating and charging. During the PWM cycle on period of the pulse width modulated power flow, the controller 102 controls the second switching device 624 to be closed and the first switching device 622 to be open. In this way, power flows from the first supercapacitor module 604 to the heater 608 during the PWM cycle on period, while the second supercapacitor module 606 is isolated from the first supercapacitor module 604 and the heater 608. During the PWM cycle off period of the pulse width modulated power flow, the controller 102 controls the second switching device 624 to be open and the first switching device 622 to be closed. In this way, power flows from the second supercapacitor module 606 into the first supercapacitor module 604 to recharge the first supercapacitor module 604, while the first supercapacitor module 604 is isolated from the heater 608. In this way, during the pulse width modulated power flow, rapid switching occurs between powering the heater 608 in the PWM cycle on period and recharging the first supercapacitor module 604 in the PWM cycle off period.

[0184] In some examples, there can be a small delay between opening the first switching device 622 and closing the second switching device 624. This prevents power flow from the second supercapacitor module 606 from inadvertently reaching the heater 608 during the on period of the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated power flow.

[0185] In relation to the reference Figure 6In a variation of the described arrangement, both the first supercapacitor module 604 and the second supercapacitor module 606 can power the heater during the PWM cycle on period, and the second supercapacitor module 606 can charge the first supercapacitor module 604 during the PWM cycle off period. This can be achieved by both the first and second switching devices 622, 624 being closed during the PWM cycle on period, and the second switching device 624 being open while the first switching device 622 is closed during the PWM off period. In this way, the second supercapacitor module 606 can be used to augment the power flow to the heater during the PWM on period. This can allow a smaller first supercapacitor module 604 to be used.

[0186] The powering of the heater 608 by the first supercapacitor module 604 during the PWM cycle on period of the pulse width modulated power flow and the at least partial recharging of the first supercapacitor module 604 by the second supercapacitor module 606 during the PWM cycle off period of the pulse width modulated power flow can be understood intuitively in a similar way to the graph of Figure 5B However, the skilled person will understand that in this case the solid line 550 would represent the power flow out of the first supercapacitor module 604 during the PWM cycle on period (D) of the pulse width modulated power flow, and the interrupted line 552 would represent the power flow into the first supercapacitor module 604 from the second supercapacitor module 606 during the PWM cycle off period (1 - D) of the pulse width modulated power flow.

[0187] During the post-float mode, the controller 102 controls the first switching device 622 to be closed and controls the second switching device 624 to be open. In this way, the power flow to the heater 608 is disabled and the first supercapacitor module 604 no longer powers the heater 608. While the first switching device 622 is closed, the second supercapacitor module 606 continuously charges the first supercapacitor module 604 until the first supercapacitor module 604 is fully charged. In this way, the first supercapacitor module 604 will have a sufficient charge level for the pre-heat mode of a subsequent aerosolisation process.

[0188] The skilled person will understand that Figure 5C The double graph of

[0189] The second supercapacitor module 606, for example comprising a hybrid capacitor, is capable of storing enough charge to recharge the first supercapacitor module 604 for a plurality of aerosolisation processes. When the charge level in the second supercapacitor module 606 is depleted, the aerosol generating device 100 can be connected to an external charging device 634 via the electrical connector 634'. The external charging device 634 then recharges the second supercapacitor module 606. In this way, the operator of the aerosol generating device 100 can perform a plurality of aerosolisation processes before connecting the aerosol generating device 100 to the external charging device 634, such as a power pack or a socket. This allows for a reduced size aerosol generating device 100, which is more comfortable to handle and improves safety, as there is no battery in the aerosol generating device itself. In some examples, the aerosol generating device can be connected to an external charging device with a suitable power connector and electronics and can perform aerosolisation processes using the external charging device instead of the second supercapacitor module.

[0190] A DC / DC converter 632 is arranged between the charging device 634 and the second supercapacitor module 606. This DC / DC converter 632 is configured to step up the voltage of the external charging device 634 in order to charge the second supercapacitor module 606.

[0191] Figure 7A Reference is made to the description of the first specific embodiment of the power system. Figures 1 to 4 A third specific embodiment of the power system is described.

[0192] In the power system 700 of Figure 7, the first energy storage module 704 is a supercapacitor module 704 and the second energy storage module 706 is a battery module 706. The supercapacitor module 704 comprises at least one supercapacitor. In a specific example, the supercapacitor module 704 can be implemented as a 3.7V supercapacitor. As such, the voltage (U2) of the supercapacitor module 704 can be 3.7V. In the alternative, the supercapacitor module 704 can comprise two or more supercapacitors connected in series. The battery module 706 can be implemented as a single battery. This can be a high energy battery, such as a battery using lithium-ion technology, aluminium-ion technology or zinc-ion technology, or any other suitable type of battery. Alternatively, the battery module can comprise a plurality of batteries. In a specific example, the battery is a lithium-ion battery with a voltage of 3.7V. As such, the voltage (U1) of the battery module 706 can be 3.7V.

[0193] The supercapacitor module 704 and the battery module 706 are connected in a switchable configuration, such that they are connected in parallel in a first configuration (as shown in Figure 6a) and in series in a second configuration (as shown in Figure 6b). Figure 7B Figure 7C ​The battery module 706 and the supercapacitor module 704 are connected in series (as shown in FIG. 7B). This switchable configuration is achieved by the first switch device 722, the second switch device 724, the third switch device 726, and the fourth switch device 728. These switch devices can be transistors and can be controlled by the controller 102 (as shown in FIG. 7A) and / or the controller 102 (not shown in FIG. 7B). Figures 7A to 7C

[0194] In the first configuration, the first switch device 722 and the fourth switch device 728 are closed, while the second switch device 724 and the third switch device 726 are open. In this way, the battery module 706 and the supercapacitor module 704 are connected in parallel and isolated from the heater. As such, power flows from the battery module 706 into the supercapacitor module 704 to charge the supercapacitor module 704. Because the second switch device 724 is open, no power flows to the heater 708 and thus no load is applied. The heater 708 itself is not a device of the power system 700, but is powered by the power system 700.

[0195] In the second configuration, the first switch device 722 and the fourth switch device 728 are open, while the second switch device 724 and the third switch device 726 are closed. In this way, the battery module 706 and the supercapacitor module 704 are connected in series, and further connected to the heater 708. As such, combined series power flow from both the battery module 706 and the supercapacitor module 704 flows to the heater 708 to power the heater 708. The load (U 负载 ) applied to the heater is thus equal to the voltage of the battery module (U1) plus the voltage of the supercapacitor module (U2).

[0196] Controlling the pulse width modulated power flow of the power system 700 includes the controller 102 switching the power system 700 between the second configuration (as shown in FIG. 7B) in the PWM on period of the pulse width modulated power flow and the first configuration (as shown in FIG. 7A) in the PWM off period of the pulse width modulated power flow. In this way, during the PWM on period, both the battery module 706 and the supercapacitor module 704 power the heater 708, and in the PWM off period, the battery module 706 recharges the supercapacitor module 704. Figure 7C Figure 7B That is, in the PWM on period of the pulse width modulated power flow, the second switch device 724 and the third switch device 726 are closed, while the first switch device 722 and the fourth switch device 728 are open. In the PWM off period of the pulse width modulated power flow, the second switch device 724 and the third switch device 726 are open, while the first switch device 722 and the fourth switch device 728 are closed.

[0197] That is, in the PWM on period of the pulse width modulated power flow, the second switch device 724 and the third switch device 726 are closed, while the first switch device 722 and the fourth switch device 728 are open. In the PWM off period of the pulse width modulated power flow, the second switch device 724 and the third switch device 726 are open, while the first switch device 722 and the fourth switch device 728 are closed.

[0198] ​​When switching from the PWM cycle on period to the PWM cycle off period, the second and third switching devices 724, 726 are opened, while the first and fourth switching devices 722, 728 are closed. For safety reasons, there can be a small delay after the second and third switching devices 724, 726 are opened and the first and fourth switching devices 722, 728 are closed. This prevents unwanted current.

[0199] Likewise, when switching from the PWM cycle off period to the PWM cycle on period, the first and fourth switching devices 722, 728 are opened, while the second and third switching devices 724, 726 are closed. Again, there can be a small delay after the first and fourth switching devices 722, 728 are opened and the second and third switching devices 724, 726 are closed. This prevents unwanted current.

[0200] The controller 102 is connected to the first, second, third and fourth switching devices 722, 724, 726, 728 and is configured to cause each of these switching devices to switch between a first configuration and a second configuration for the pulse width modulated power flow to the heater 708. That is, the controller 102 is configured to cause the switching devices 722, 724, 726, 728 to switch between the first configuration in the PWM cycle off period of the pulse width modulated power flow and the second configuration in the PWM cycle on period of the pulse width modulated power flow to control the power system 700 to provide the pulse width modulated power flow with the necessary duty cycle to the heater 708.

[0201] In some examples, the controller 102 is a single controller configured to control each of the first, second, third and fourth switching devices 722, 724, 726, 728. In other examples, the controller 102 can comprise separate controllers connected to each of the first, second, third and fourth switching devices 722, 724, 726, 728, the controllers being configured to operate in conjunction. In yet further examples, the controller 102 can comprise a first controller configured to control the first and fourth switching devices 722, 728 and a second controller configured to control the second and third switching devices 724, 726, wherein the first and second controllers are configured to operate in conjunction.

[0202] The use of supercapacitor module 704 and battery module 706 with the same (or similar) voltage avoids the need for a DC / DC boost voltage converter located between the two, reducing losses in the system. In another advantage, the series connection between battery module 706 and supercapacitor module 704 allows their power flow to combine to power heater 708; in this way, lower voltage supercapacitors and batteries can be used. This allows the device to be smaller, and enhances safety considerations.

[0203] During the pre-heat mode, controlling the pulse width modulated power flow of power system 700 to heater 708 includes controlling power system 700 to switch between a second configuration (D2) in the on period of the PWM cycle of the pulse width modulated power flow Figure 7C ) and a first configuration (D1) in the off period of the PWM cycle of the pulse width modulated power flow Figure 7B In the pre-heat mode, controller 102 is configured to cause power system 700 to switch between the first configuration and the second configuration such that heater 708 is powered with the pulse width modulated power flow under a second duty cycle regime comprising one or more PWM cycles having a second duty cycle ratio D2.

[0204] During the float mode, controlling the pulse width modulated power flow of power system 700 includes controlling power system 700 to switch between a second configuration (D2) in the on period of the PWM cycle of the pulse width modulated power flow Figure 7C ) and a first configuration (D1) in the off period of the PWM cycle of the pulse width modulated power flow Figure 7B In the float mode, controller 102 is configured to cause power system 700 to switch between the first configuration and the second configuration such that heater 708 is powered with the pulse width modulated power flow under a first duty cycle regime comprising one or more PWM cycles having a first duty cycle ratio D1. In this way, during the float mode, the power system is controlled such that both battery module 706 and supercapacitor module 704 power the heater during the on period of the PWM cycle of the pulse width modulated power flow, and battery module 706 recharges supercapacitor module during the off period of the pulse width modulated power flow.

[0205] The relationship between D1 and D2 can be considered as D2 = D1 * K, where K is a factor >> 1 and can be selected as an implementation option. In an example, the first duty cycle ratio can be much less than 1 and the second duty cycle ratio can be close to but less than 1. In other examples, the first duty cycle ratio can be << 0.5 and the second duty cycle ratio can be >= 0.5. In further examples, the first duty cycle is configured such that < 3W is applied in the float mode, and the second duty cycle is configured such that approximately 16W is applied in the pre-heat mode.

[0206] Powering the heater 708 from the supercapacitor module 704 and the battery module 706 during the PWM cycle on period of the pulse width modulated power flow and at least partially recharging the supercapacitor module 704 from the battery module 706 during the PWM cycle off period of the pulse width modulated power flow can be understood intuitively in a similar manner to the graph of Figure 5B However, the skilled person will appreciate that in this case the solid line 550 would represent the power flow out of the supercapacitor module 704 during the on period (D) of the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated power flow and the interrupted line 552 would represent the power flow into the supercapacitor module 704 from the battery module 706 during the off period (1 - D) of the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated power flow.

[0207] During the post-float mode, the controller 102 controls the first, second, third and fourth switching devices 722, 724, 726, 728 such that the power system is constantly in the first configuration (A). As such, the power flow to the heater 708 is disabled and the battery module 706 constantly charges the supercapacitor module 704 until the supercapacitor module 704 is fully charged. In this way, the supercapacitor module 704 will have a sufficient charge level for a subsequent aerosolisation process. Figure 7B

[0208] The skilled person will appreciate that Figure 5C The dual graph of

[0209] ​The battery module 706 is capable of storing enough charge to recharge the supercapacitor module 704 for a plurality of aerosolization processes. When the charge level in the battery module 706 is depleted, the aerosol generating device 100 can be connected to an external charging device or power source to recharge the battery module 706. In this manner, an operator of the aerosol generating device 100 can perform a plurality of aerosolization processes before connecting the aerosol generating device 100 to an external charging device or power source.

[0210] In the foregoing description, the controller 102 can store instructions for performing one or more of the operational modes, and can execute these instructions as needed. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the controller 102 can be configured to perform any of the above-described operational modes in combination with one another as appropriate. The processing steps described herein as being performed by the controller 102 can be stored in a non-transitory computer readable medium or storage associated with the controller 102. The computer readable medium can include non-volatile and volatile media. Volatile media can include, inter alia, semiconductor memories and dynamic memories. Non-volatile media can include, inter alia, optical and magnetic disks.

[0211] Those skilled in the art will readily understand that the foregoing description of the preceding embodiments is not limiting; features of each embodiment can be incorporated into other embodiments as appropriate.

Claims

1. An aerosol generation device comprising: a power system comprising a first energy storage module and a second energy storage module; and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: control a pulse width modulated power flow of the power system to a heater associated with the aerosol generation device, wherein the pulse width modulated power flow comprises one or more pulse width modulation periods each having an on-period and an off-period; and control the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module during the pulse width modulation period off-period.

2. The aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein, the first energy storage module is a supercapacitor module and the second energy storage module is a battery module.

3. The aerosol generation device of claim 2, wherein, the controller is further configured to: control the power system to provide the pulse width modulated power flow to the heater only from the supercapacitor module during the pulse width modulation period on-period.

4. An aerosol generation device as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein, the controller is configured to: control the battery module to not charge the supercapacitor module during the pulse width modulation period on-period.

5. An aerosol generation device as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein, the power system comprises the supercapacitor module connected in parallel with the battery module, wherein a voltage converter is connected between the supercapacitor module and the battery module.

6. An aerosol generation device as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein, the power system further comprises: a first switching device connected between the battery module and the supercapacitor module, wherein the first switching device is controlled by the controller to control the battery module to charge the supercapacitor module during the off-period of the pulse width modulation period; and a second switching device configured to be arranged between the supercapacitor module and the heater, wherein the second switching device is controlled by the controller to control the pulse width modulated power flow from the supercapacitor module to the heater.

7. The aerosol generation device of claim 1, wherein, the first energy storage module is a supercapacitor module and the second energy storage module is a battery module; and in the on-period, the controller controls the battery module and the supercapacitor module to power the heater; and in the off-period, the controller controls the battery module to charge the supercapacitor module.

8. An aerosol generation device as claimed in claim 7, wherein, the power system further comprises a switching device configured to switch the power system between a second configuration in the on-period and a first configuration in the off-period, wherein in the second configuration the supercapacitor module is connected in series with the battery module and in the first configuration the supercapacitor module is connected in parallel with the battery module.

9. An aerosol generation device as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein, the power system is configured to apply a total potential of the battery module and the supercapacitor module to the heater in the on-period.

10. An aerosol generation device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 3, wherein, the power system is operable in a plurality of selectable modes of operation of an aerosolisation process, the plurality of modes of operation comprising a float mode, wherein the controller is configured to: control the power system to apply the pulse width modulated power flow to the heater in a first duty cycle regime to substantially maintain the heater at an aerosol generation temperature.

11. An aerosol generation device according to claim 10, wherein, the plurality of modes of operation further comprises a pre-heat mode, wherein the controller is configured to: control the power system to apply the pulse width modulated power flow to the heater during a pre-heat mode preceding the float mode with a second duty cycle mechanism different from the first duty cycle mechanism to heat the heater to the aerosol generation temperature.

12. The aerosol generation device of claim 11, wherein: the first duty cycle mechanism comprises one or more pulse width modulation periods having a first duty cycle ratio D1 ; the second duty cycle mechanism comprises one or more pulse width modulation periods having a second duty cycle ratio D2; wherein D2 = D1 x K, where K is a coefficient >> 1.

13. The aerosol generation device of claim 10, wherein, the plurality of operating modes comprises a post-float mode, wherein the controller is configured to: disable the pulse width modulated power flow to the heater for a remaining period of time in the aerosolization process after the float mode; and control the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module.

14. A method of controlling a power system of an aerosol generation device, the power system comprising a first energy storage module and a second energy storage module, and the method comprising: controlling a pulse width modulated power flow of the power system to a heater associated with the aerosol generation device, wherein the pulse width modulated power flow comprises one or more pulse width modulation periods each having an on-period and an off-period; and controlling the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module during the pulse width modulation period off-period.

15. A non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions that, when executed by one or more processors of a controller configured to operate with a power system of an aerosol generation device comprising a first energy storage module and a second energy storage module, cause the one or more processors to control the power system by: controlling a pulse width modulation power flow of the electric power system to a heater associated with the aerosol generation device, wherein the pulse width modulated power flow comprises one or more pulse width modulation periods each having an on-period and an off-period; and controlling the second energy storage module to charge the first energy storage module during the pulse width modulation period off-period.

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