Hybrid battery-supercapacitor cell for high-energy and high-power applications

Abstract

A hybrid battery and energy storage component comprises a cathode layer including a cathode current collector with a battery-type cathode active material and a capacitor-type cathode active material applied thereon; an anode layer including an anode current collector with a battery-type anode active material and a capacitor-type anode active material applied thereon; and an electrolyte between the cathode and anode layers. The combination of battery-type and capacitor-type active materials on the respective electrodes realizes both high energy density and high power density characteristics within a single integrated structure.

Description

[0001] HYBRID BATTERY-SUPERCAPACITOR CELL FOR HIGH-ENERGY AND HIGH-

[0002] POWER APPLICATIONS

[0003] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0004] This application claims the benefit of US Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 648,031 , filed May 15, 2024, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety .

[0005] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] The present disclosure generally relates to energy storage devices for providing power supplies and in particular, to power supply devices that comprise hybrid electrochemical cells wherein battery storage and supercapacitor functionalities are integrated into single electrochemical units.

[0007] BACKGROUND

[0008] Conventional lithium-ion batteries offer high-energy density but are limited in terms of charging rates, thermal stability, and cycle life. Supercapacitors, on the other hand, offer high power density and long-life cycles but suffer from low-energy density. This trade-off between energy and power in standalone systems restricts their applications in scenarios that require both rapid energy discharge and long-duration storage. SUMMARY

[0009] According to a first aspect, there is disclosed a hybrid battery and energy storage component, comprising: a cathode layer comprising: a cathode current collector applied with a battery-type cathode active material and a capacitor-type cathode active material; an anode layer comprising: an anode current collector applied with a battery-type anode active material and a capacitor-type anode active material; and an electrolyte between the cathode layer and the anode layer.

[0010] In some embodiments, the battery-type cathode active material and the capacitor-type cathode active material are applied to a first area and a second area of a first side and / or second side of the cathode current collector, respectively, wherein the battery-type anode active material and the capacitor-type anode active material are applied to a first area and a second area of a first side and / or second side of the anode current collector, respectively, wherein the first side of the cathode current collector and the first side of the anode current collector are in contact with the electrolyte and are arranged to face each other, wherein the first area and the second area of the first side of the cathode current collector correspond to the first area and the second area of the first side of the anode current collector, wherein the second side of the cathode current collector and the second side of the anode current collector are in contact with the electrolyte and are arranged to face each other, and wherein the first area and the second area of the second side of the cathode current collector correspond to the first area and the second area of the second side of the anode current collector. In some embodiments, the battery-type cathode active material and the capacitor-type cathode active material may be applied to a first area and a second area of a first side of the cathode current collector, respectively, wherein the batterytype anode active material and the capacitor-type anode active material may be applied to a first area and a second area of a first side of the anode current collector, respectively, wherein the first side of the cathode current collector and the first side of the anode current collector may be in contact with the electrolyte and are arranged to face each other, and wherein the first area and the second area of the first side of the cathode current collector may correspond to the first area and the second area of the first side of the anode current collector.

[0011] In some embodiments, the battery-type cathode active material and the capacitor-type cathode active material may be applied onto opposite sides of the cathode current collector, and the battery-type anode active material and the capacitor-type anode active material may be applied onto opposite sides of the anode current collector.

[0012] In some embodiments, the component may further comprise a separator to separate the anode layer from the cathode layer for electrical isolation.

[0013] In some embodiments, the battery-type cathode active material may comprise nickel manganese cobalt oxide, lithium ferrophosphate, nickel cobalt aluminum oxide, sodium-layered oxides, manganese dioxide, or a combination thereof, and the batterytype anode active material may comprise lithium titanium oxide, graphite, silicon, zinc, carbon, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, each of the capacitor-type cathode active material and the capacitor-type anode active material may comprise porous activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, graphene, MXenes, conductive polymers, pseudocapacitive metal oxides, or a combination thereof.

[0014] In some embodiments, each of the capacitor-type cathode active material and the capacitor-type anode active material may store electrical energy by forming an electric double layer capacitor.

[0015] In some embodiments, a mass ratio of the battery-type cathode active material to the capacitor-type cathode active material may range from approximately 1 :99 to 99:1 , and a mass ratio of the battery-type anode active material to the capacitor-type anode active material may range from approximately 1 :99 to 99:1.

[0016] In some embodiments, the electrolyte may comprise organic liquid electrolyte, aqueous liquid electrolyte, ionic liquid electrolyte, gel polymer electrolyte, garnet-type oxide solid electrolyte, sulfide-based solid electrolyte, polymer-based solid electrolyte, or a combination thereof.

[0017] In some embodiments, the hybrid battery and energy storage component may be packaged within a battery casing, and the battery casing may comprise a coin casing, a button casing, a cylindrical can, a pouch, or a prismatic can.

[0018] In some embodiments, the battery casing may comprise the cylindrical can, and wherein the cathode layer and the anode layer are configured as a jelly roll or a Z- folded electrode stack in the cylindrical can. In some embodiments, the battery casing may comprise the pouch, and the cathode layer and the anode layer may be configured as stacked or Z-folded electrodes in the pouch and may be sealed within an aluminum-polymer laminate film.

[0019] In some embodiments, the battery casing may comprise the prismatic can, and wherein the cathode layer and the anode layer may be configured as stacked or Z- folded electrodes in the prismatic can.

[0020] According to a second aspect, there is disclosed a display panel of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) powered from a power source, the panel comprising: a housing; one or more LEDs detachably mounted within the housing; and a power supply assembly detachably mounted within the housing for supplying power to the one or more LEDs from the power source, the power supply assembly comprising: one or more energy storage devices; one or more energy storage chargers for charging the one or more energy storage devices from the power source, and a switch for selectively supplying power to the one or more LEDs from the one or more energy storage devices or the power source; and one or more circuits for controlling the switch, the one or more circuits powered by at least one of the one or more energy storage devices.

[0021] In some embodiments, the power source may be an alternating current (AC) power source, and the display panel may further comprise one or more converters for converting AC from an AC power source to direct current (DC) for the power source.

[0022] In some embodiments, the AC power source may be a power grid.

[0023] In some embodiments, the one or more circuits may comprise a controller and a graphics controller.

[0024] In some embodiments, the controller may be a personal computer (PC). In some embodiments, the graphics controller may be a graphics card.

[0025] In some embodiments, the display panel may further comprise one or more DC-

[0026] DC converters for providing 12V to the PC.

[0027] In some embodiments, the display panel may further comprise one or more DC- DC converters for providing 5V to the graphics card.

[0028] In some embodiments, the display panel may further comprise one or more wireless antennas.

[0029] In some embodiments, the display panel may further comprise one or more DC- DC converters for providing 24V to the one or more wireless antennas.

[0030] In some embodiments, the display panel may further comprise one or more DC- DC converters to provide at least one of 2.8V and 3.8V to the one or more LEDs.

[0031] In some embodiments, the one or more energy storage devices may comprise at least one of a battery, a supercapacitor, a hybrid of a battery and a supercapacitor, and a battery-supercapacitor.

[0032] In some embodiments, the one or more LEDs may be arranged in one or more zones, wherein each of the one or more energy storage devices may be for providing power to a corresponding one of the one or more zones.

[0033] In some embodiments, the one or more energy storage devices are battery- supercapacitor cells, each of the battery-supercapacitor cells comprising: a cathode layer comprising: a cathode current collector applied with a battery-type cathode active material and a capacitor-type cathode active material; an anode layer comprising: an anode current collector applied with a battery-type anode active material and a capacitor-type anode active material; and an electrolyte between the cathode layer and the anode layer.

[0034] According to a third aspect, there is disclosed a method for preparing a hybrid battery and energy storage component, the method comprising: providing a cathode current collector; providing a battery-type cathode active material and a capacitor-type cathode active material onto the cathode current collector to form a cathode layer; providing an anode current collector; providing a battery-type anode active material and a capacitor-type anode active material onto the anode current collector to form an anode layer; and providing an electrolyte between the cathode layer and the anode layer.

[0035] This summary does not necessarily describe the entire scope of all aspects. Other aspects, features and advantages will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments.

[0036] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] The embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the following figures, in which identical reference numerals in different figures indicate identical elements and in which:

[0038] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a pouch cell including a hybrid battery- supercapacitor cell, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 2 is an exploded schematic diagram illustrating components comprising a hybrid battery-supercapacitor cell, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0039] FIGS. 3A to 3D are schematic diagrams showing bar charts illustrating example tunable energy-to-power ratios achieved by adjusting the relative masses of active materials, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0040] FIG. 3E shows the legends of FIGS. 3A to 3D;

[0041] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate examples of suitable casings for the hybrid battery- supercapacitor cell, including: coin-type cells (FIG. 4A), cylindrical cells (FIG. 4B), pouch cells (FIG. 4C), and prismatic hard-case cells (FIG. 4D);

[0042] FIG. 4E is a schematic diagram illustrating a stacked hybrid battery and energy storage component, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0043] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating embodiments of energy storage devices (ESs) of the present disclosure for use in powering LED systems;

[0044] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a power supply circuit, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0045] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a power supply circuit comprising multiple energy storage devices, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0046] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a power supply circuit comprising multiple energy storage devices for powering zoned LED panels, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a power supply circuit incorporating switchable sources between an ES and a direct AC supply, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0047] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a power supply circuit including a switch for selecting between ES mode and direct supply mode, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0048] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating an LED panel divided into separate power zones, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0049] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a simplified hardware architecture of an example computing device;

[0050] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a simplified software architecture of an example computing device;

[0051] FIGS. 14A and 14B are schematic diagrams of an LED panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[0052] FIGS. 15A and 15B are schematic diagrams of an LED panel, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0053] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] The present disclosure generally relates to a hybrid power-supply and energystorage device configured as a hybrid battery-supercapacitor cell wherein Faradaic battery-type and electric double-layer capacitor-type mechanisms are housed and coexist within a single casing. The hybrid battery-supercapacitor cell is configured as disclosed herein, to deliver high energy on-demand combined with extended energy lifespan and storage safety.

[0055] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein generally have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Exemplary terms are defined below for ease in understanding the subject matter of the present disclosure.

[0056] The term "a" or "an" refers to one or more of that entity; for example, "a module" refers to one or more modules or at least one module. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein. In addition, reference to an element or feature by the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the elements or features are present, unless the context clearly requires that there is one and only one of the elements. Furthermore, reference to a feature in the plurality (e.g., modules), unless clearly intended, does not mean that the modules or methods disclosed herein must comprise a plurality.

[0057] The expression "and / or" refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items (e.g., one or the other, or both), as well as the lack of combinations when interrupted in the alternative (or).

[0058] In the following, embodiments of an electrical device are described. In the description, directional phrases such as "top", "bottom", "up", "down", "front", "rear", "left" and "right" are used only for describing the directions of components relative to each other. As used herein, a "device" is a term of explanation referring to a hardware structure such as a circuitry implemented using technologies such as electrical and / or optical technologies (and with more specific examples of semiconductors) for performing defined operations or processes. A "device" may alternatively refer to the combination of a hardware structure and a software structure, wherein the hardware structure may be implemented using technologies such as electrical and / or optical technologies (and with more specific examples of semiconductors) in a general manner for performing defined operations or processes according to the software structure in the form of a set of instructions stored in one or more non-transitory, computer-readable storage devices or media.

[0059] As used herein, the device may be a part of an apparatus, a system, and / or the like, wherein the device may be coupled to or integrated with other parts of the apparatus, or system such that the combination thereof forms the apparatus, or system.

[0060] The device executes a process for performing. Herein, a process has a general meaning equivalent to that of a method and does not necessarily correspond to the concept of computing process (which is the instance of a computer program being executed). More specifically, a process herein is a defined method implemented using hardware parts for processing data. A process may comprise or use one or more functions for processing data as designed. Herein, a function is a defined sub-process or sub-method for computing, calculating, or otherwise processing input data in a defined manner and generating or otherwise producing output data.

[0061] As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the method disclosed herein may be implemented as one or more software and / or firmware programs having necessary computer-executable code or instructions and stored in one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage devices or media which may be any volatile and / or nonvolatile, non-removable orremovable storage devices such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, solid-state memory devices, hard disks, CDs, DVDs, flash memory devices, and / or the like. The device may read the computer-executable code from the storage devices and execute the computer-executable code to perform the methods disclosed herein.

[0062] Alternatively, the methods disclosed herein may be implemented as one or more hardware structures having necessary electrical and / or optical parts, circuits, logic gates, integrated circuit (IC) chips, and / or the like.

[0063] As used herein, the term “current collector” refers to a metallic membrane configured to function as an electrical conductor for collecting and transporting electrical currents produced by electrochemical reactions within a battery, to an external circuit where the electrical currents may be used to power electronic devices.

[0064] In some embodiments disclosed herein, a hybrid power-supply and energystorage device, also referred to herein as a hybrid battery-supercapacitor cell comprises a Faradaic battery electrode functioning as a first current collector with an electric-double-layer (EDL) electrode functioning as a second current collector inside a single sealed housing.

[0065] Referring now to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a hybrid battery-supercapacitor cell 110 is illustrated as an example of energy storage (ES) devices described herein. FIG. 1 shows an assembled view of the cell 110, which comprises a first cell casing 111 and a second cell casing 112. A cathode tab 114 and an anode tab 116 are shown extending from the edge of the casing to provide external electrical connection. FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded view of the cell 110, showing its internal layers and components.

[0066] Within the casing, a cathode 113 and an anode 115 are arranged on opposing sides of a separator 117. The cathode 113 comprises both a battery-type active material and a capacitor-type material. In one example, on the cathode 113, one side of a cathode current collector is coated with nickel manganese cobalt oxide (NMC) as the battery-type active material, and the other side is coated with activated carbon as the capacitor-type material. Similarly, the anode 115 includes a battery-type active material and a capacitor-type material. In one example, on the anode 115, one side of an anode current collector is coated with lithium titanium oxide (LTO), or alternatively graphite, as the battery-type active material, and the other side is coated with activated carbon as the capacitor-type material. The cathode current collector, the battery-type cathode active material, the capacitor-type cathode active material, and the cathode tab 114 can collectively be referred to as a cathode assembly. Likewise, the anode current collector, the battery-type anode active material, the capacitor-type anode active material, and the anode tab 116 can collectively be referred to as an anode assembly.

[0067] The first cell casing 111 and the second cell casing 112 together enclose the cathode 113, the anode 115, and the separator 117, along with an electrolyte (not explicitly shown). The electrolyte may be in liquid, solid, or gel form and is formulated to support ionic transport between the electrode materials.

[0068] According to some embodiments, the battery-type and capacitor-type materials are selected from suitable categories. Battery-type active materials may include, for example, lithium titanium oxide (LTO), lithium ferrophosphate (LFP; also known as lithium iron phosphate), NMC, nickel cobalt aluminum oxide (NCA), graphite, silicon-based compounds, sodium-ion compounds, zinc-based compounds, and / or the like. For example, one or more of LFP, NMC, NCA, sodium-layered oxides, or manganese dioxide may be used as the battery-type active material for the cathode, while one or more of LTO, graphite, silicon, zinc, or carbon may be used as the battery-type active material for the anode.

[0069] Capacitor-type materials may include, for example, porous activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, graphene, MXenes (which is a class of graphene like two- dimensional transition metal carbon (nitrogen) compounds obtained by selectively etching specific atomic layers from multiple layered carbon (nitrogen) compounds), conductive polymers, pseudocapacitive metal oxides, and / or the like.

[0070] In various embodiments, the battery-type and capacitor-type materials may be coated onto the same side or opposite sides of a current collector, or each electrode may include stacked structures of separately coated current collectors within the same casing. For example, when the battery-type material and the capacitor-type material are coated on the same side of a current collector, they may be applied to different regions of the surface without forming a continuous or interconnected layer. This arrangement enables the formation of a dual-mechanism energy storage device capable of delivering hybrid energy performance characteristics.

[0071] In the example shown in FIG. 2, the hybrid battery-supercapacitor cell comprises (i) one side of the cathode current collector coated with a battery-type material and the other side coated with a capacitor-type material, and (ii) one side of the anode current collector coated with a battery-type material and the other side coated with a capacitor-type material. These opposing functional layers are electrically coupled but operate according to distinct energy storage mechanisms.

[0072] This electrode configuration may provide a hybrid charge storage mechanism within a single electrochemical unit. During operation, the battery-type materials may support energy delivery during low current draw conditions through Faradaic (redox) reactions, while the capacitor-type materials may provide additional support during load transients or short-duration high-power demands through Electrochemical Double Layer (EDL) or pseudocapacitive mechanisms. The EDL capacitor stores charge by means of an electric double layer formed by ions adhering to the surface of an activated material. These materials are selected and arranged such that their respective mechanisms operate substantially independently, with minimal interference, even though they may share the same current collector and electrolyte.

[0073] In some embodiments, the coexistence of battery-type and capacitor-type active materials within the same electrode or cell casing is facilitated by their complementary electrochemical behaviors and the spatial separation of their functional domains. The battery-type materials engage in Faradaic reactions, typically involving bulk ion intercalation or redox chemistry, whereas the capacitor-type materials operate via surface phenomena such as EDL charge accumulation or pseudocapacitance. Because the dominant charge storage mechanisms differ and are spatially resolved (bulk vs. surface) their operation does not inherently interfere when arranged in a manner described herein.

[0074] Moreover, compatibility is further maintained through material selection, coating techniques, and electrolyte formulation. Battery-type and capacitor-type materials can be coated on opposite sides of a shared current collector or on separate regions of the same side to prevent undesired electronic or ionic cross-talk. The electrolyte is formulated to be chemically stable across the operating potential ranges of both materials, thereby ensuring that each material operates within its electrochemical window. These design principles support independent and simultaneous energy storage contributions from both material types during charge-discharge cycles.

[0075] The hybrid construction may offer certain advantages in terms of stability and service life. By incorporating capacitor-type materials alongside battery-type materials, rapid current draw events may be supported without placing undue stress on the battery components. This design may help alleviate the detrimental effects of high discharge currents and output fluctuations, thereby potentially reducing performance degradation and supporting longer cycling life. To further moderate the stress on the ES components, associated converters and circuits may be designed to regulate current flow and prevent pulsating or irregular current profiles drawn from the cell.

[0076] Traditional energy storage technologies often involve a trade-off between high energy density, as typically found in batteries, and high power density, as typical of supercapacitors. Each technology presents limitations when used independently under dynamic or demanding load conditions. The integration of both energy storage mechanisms within a single hybrid battery-supercapacitor cell addresses some of these limitations by combining sustained energy delivery with improved responsiveness to power surges.

[0077] Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to integrated energy storage devices that merge battery-type and capacitor-type functionalities through a specific electrode structure, a compatible electrolyte formulation, and appropriate packaging. The cell architecture is designed to accommodate the synergistic interaction between the different active materials, with the electrodes tailored to their respective functions. This design may be implemented using conventional manufacturing techniques and is compatible with pouch-type casings as illustrated, though alternative formats such as prismatic or cylindrical packaging may also be used depending on the intended application.

[0078] Referring to FIGs. 3A-3D, a plurality of electrode configurations are illustrated to demonstrate tunable ratios of battery-type and capacitor-type active materials coated on a current collector. In particular, FIGs. 3A to 3D show examples of coating layouts and compositions suitable for use in hybrid battery-supercapacitor cells as described herein. These configurations reflect how the relative proportions of the battery-type material (“B-Material”) and capacitor-type material (“C-Material”) may be pre-selected or varied during fabrication to tailor the energy-density and power-density characteristics of the resulting device.

[0079] In some embodiments, the B-Material and C-Material may be applied to current collector, such as copper or aluminum, using techniques such as slot-die coating or doctor-blade coating. These processes enable the deposition of active materials in desired mass or thickness ratios onto one or both sides of the current collector, thereby forming an electrode with a specific energy-to-power profile. In the illustrated embodiments, Side 1 and Side 2 refer to the two opposing faces of the current collector, which may each be coated with different compositions of active material.

[0080] In FIG. 3A, the electrode is coated on Side 1 with a composition comprising approximately 10% by weight of B-Material and 90% by weight of C-Material. Side 2 is coated entirely with the C-Material. As a result, the overall percentage by weight is about 5% for B-material and 95% for C-Material. This configuration may be selected to favor ultra-high-power performance, leveraging the fast charge-discharge capabilities of the capacitor-type material.

[0081] In FIG. 3B, Side 1 of the current collector is coated with 50% B-Material and 50% C-Material, while Side 2 remains fully coated with the C-Material. As a result, the overall percentage by weight is about 25% for B-material and 75% for C-Material. This configuration may provide an intermediate balance between energy and power density, suitable for applications that require both moderate energy storage and rapid responsiveness.

[0082] In FIG. 3C, Side 1 of the current collector is coated with 90% B-Material and 10% C-Material, and Side 2 is coated entirely with the B-Material. As a result, the overall percentage by weight is about 95% for B-material and 5% for C-Material. This configuration emphasizes high energy density, with limited contribution from the capacitor-type material.

[0083] In FIG. 3D, Side 1 is coated with a mixture of 50% B-Material and 50% C- Material, while Side 2 is coated entirely with the B-Material. As a result, the overall percentage by weight is about 75% for B-material and 25% for C-Material. This configuration represents another energy-favoring design, but with a more modest proportion of capacitor-type material retained for supplementary power handling.

[0084] It should be understood that, although FIGS. 3A to 3D illustrate a ratio of battery-type active material to capacitor-type active material ranging from 5:95 to 95:5, the ratio is not limited to this range. In some implementations, the ratio may be extended from 1 :99 to 99:1 , depending on the specific performance requirements of the application. For instance, applications requiring higher power density and faster charge-discharge cycles may benefit from a greater proportion of capacitor-type material, while those prioritizing higher energy density and longer-term storage may use a higher proportion of battery-type material. The ratio may therefore be tuned to balance power and energy characteristics for a given use case. Adjustments to material ratio can be made during manufacture using the coating methods described above.

[0085] In some embodiments, post-formation processing such as in situ or postassembly electrolyte exchange may be used to fine-tune internal cell resistance. For instance, a high-ionic-strength salt may be blended with an ionic liquid to optimize electrolyte conductivity and compatibility with both types of active material.

[0086] Performance and functionality of the hybrid battery-supercapacitor cell may be further influenced by the choice of electrolyte. The electrolyte formulation is selected to accommodate the range of electrochemical materials used in the electrode structure and to facilitate efficient ion transport between the cathode and anode. This, in turn, can support effective charge storage and delivery through both Faradaic and electric double-layer mechanisms.

[0087] The electrolyte may be a liquid, solid, or gel. In some embodiments, a suitable organic liquid electrolyte may comprise a lithium salt selected from LiPF6, LiBF4, l_iCI04, or the like, dissolved in one or more organic solvents such as propylene carbonate, ethylene carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, dimethyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, and similar compounds. Aqueous liquid electrolytes may include, for example, lithium sulfate (l_i2SO4) or sodium sulfate (Na2SO4) in water. Ionic liquid electrolytes may comprise compounds such as EMIMBF4(1-ethyl-3- methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate) or BMIMPF6(1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate). Gel polymer electrolytes may include, for example, polyvinyl alcohol-based gels such as PVA-H3PO4or PVA-KOH.

[0088] In some embodiments, a solid-state electrolyte may be employed. Non-limiting examples of solid electrolytes include garnet-type oxide electrolytes such as Li7La3Zr20i2, sulfide-based electrolytes such as Lii0GeP2Si2, and polymer-based solid electrolytes such as polyethylene oxide doped with lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide.

[0089] The hybrid battery-supercapacitor cell may operate through a combination of electrochemical mechanisms during charge and discharge cycles. When energy is required under relatively low-current conditions, the battery-type materials (e.g., LTO, NMC) may undergo Faradaic reactions to provide sustained energy output. Under transient high-power conditions, the capacitor-type materials (e.g., activated carbon) may dominate the response by utilizing electric double-layer or pseudocapacitive storage mechanisms, which typically enable faster charge and discharge kinetics.

[0090] To address safety considerations under fluctuating load conditions, the cell architecture may be designed to reduce the likelihood of thermal runaway and to dissipate excess energy efficiently. The integration of capacitor-type materials can help alleviate stress on the battery components during rapid discharge events, thereby supporting the mechanical and thermal integrity of the hybrid cell over time.

[0091] By incorporating both energy-dense and power-dense materials within a single electrode structure, and by allowing the relative contribution of each to be adjusted during manufacture, the hybrid battery-supercapacitor cell described herein may provide a flexible platform for tailoring charge storage performance across a range of operating conditions. Such a configuration may support improvements in energy density, power density, and cycle life in various implementations.

[0092] Referring now to FIGS. 4A to 4D, various packaging formats are illustrated for housing the hybrid battery-supercapacitor cell described in the present disclosure. These figures show how different conventional cell geometries may be adapted to enclose the hybrid electrode configuration and maintain compatibility with the dualmode electrochemical operation.

[0093] FIG. 4A shows an exploded perspective view of a coin cell configuration comprising a stacked disc electrode assembly 120. The stack 120 includes alternating layers of anode material, cathode material, and separator material, enclosed between upper and lower coin cell casings. This format is suitable for pressed disc electrodes and may support the hybrid architecture by stacking disc-shaped anode and cathode components wherein each electrode incorporates both battery-type and capacitor-type materials. The compact form factor may be used in small-scale energy storage applications.

[0094] FIG. 4B illustrates a cylindrical cell configuration, which includes a jelly-roll or Z-folded electrode stack 130 typical of formats such as 18650, 21700, or 4680 cells. In this configuration, elongated cathode and anode sheets (each coated with batterytype and capacitor-type materials on same or opposite sides or regions) are interleaved with a separator and wound or folded into a spiral or zigzag configuration. This arrangement is inserted into a cylindrical can and sealed. The cylindrical format offers mechanical robustness and is commonly employed in high-energy or high- power applications. FIG. 4C corresponds to the pouch cell format described earlier with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2. The pouch cell includes a first cell casing 111 , a second cell casing 112, a cathode 113, an anode 115, and a separator 117 arranged in a stacked configuration. The electrodes are each coated with both battery-type and capacitortype materials and are enclosed within a laminated aluminum-polymerfilm casing. The pouch cell geometry is flexible and lightweight and may be particularly suitable for applications requiring customizable dimensions or specific volumetric energy density characteristics.

[0095] FIG. 4D shows a prismatic cell configuration 140, in which stacked or Z-folded electrodes are enclosed in a rigid, box-like casing. This format supports higher capacity cells with improved thermal management due to its larger surface area for heat dissipation. The electrodes in the prismatic format may follow the same hybrid configuration, with each of the cathode and anode containing regions or sides of battery-type and capacitor-type active materials.

[0096] It should be noted that the choice of casing geometry allows optimisation of vol umetric / gravi metric energy density, heat dissipation, mechanical robustness and automated manufacturability while keeping the hybrid-electrode architecture and tunable energy-power-density principles described above.

[0097] In each of these formats, the electrode segments may be arranged to enable seamless interaction between electrochemical storage and electric double-layer storage mechanisms. The capacitor-type materials utilized in the anode and cathode, such as activated carbon or MXenes, typically exhibit high surface area and porosity, which facilitates rapid ion adsorption and desorption kinetics during transient loads. Meanwhile, the battery-type materials, such as LTO, NMC, or graphite, contribute to sustained energy delivery over extended discharge cycles.

[0098] FIG. 4E illustrates a cross-sectional schematic of an example layered hybrid battery and energy storage component that is to be enclosed in any of the casing geometries illustrated in FIGS. 4A-4D. The component includes a cathode current collector 152 and an anode current collector 162, each having a first side (154 for the cathode and 164 for the anode) that faces inward toward an electrolyte 170, and an opposite, second side (156 for the cathode and 166 for the anode). The cathode current collector 152 and the active materials applied thereon can collectively be referred to as the cathode layer, while the anode current collector 162 and the active materials applied thereon can collectively be referred to as the anode layer. When the electrolyte 170 is in the aqueous form, an additional separator (not shown) is provided between the cathode and anode layers for electrical isolation, preventing potential circuit shorting.

[0099] In one embodiment, the first side 154 of the cathode current collector 152 may comprise a battery-type cathode active material applied to a first area (not shown), and a capacitor-type cathode active material applied to a second area (not shown). Similarly, the first layer 164 of the anode current collector 162 may comprise a batterytype anode active material in a first area (not shown) and a capacitor-type anode active material in a second area (not shown). The first side 154 of the cathode current collector 152 and the first side 164 of the anode current collector 162 are arranged to face one another and are in contact with the intervening electrolyte 170, which can be in the aqueous, solid, or gel form. In one embodiment, the first and second areas on the first side 154 of the cathode current collector 152 may be spatially aligned with the corresponding first and second areas on the first side 164 of the anode current collector 162, such that the battery-type regions oppose one another, and the capacitor-type regions oppose one another. This lateral alignment of active materials can facilitate localized pairing of electrochemical storage mechanisms (Faradaic reactions in the battery-type regions and EDL or pseudocapacitive processes in the capacitor-type regions), thereby enabling spatially distributed hybrid operation within the hybrid battery and energy storage component. The second sides 156 and 166 (on the reverse sides of the current collectors) are optionally applied with the battery-type cathode or anode active materials or capacitor-type cathode or anode active materials (such as the four scenarios illustrated in FIGS. 3A-3D, in which Side 1 may correspond to the first sides 154, 164 and Side 2 may correspond to the second sides 156, 166.

[0100] In one embodiment, the battery-type active material and the capacitor-type active material may be applied onto different sides of the cathode current collector 152 or the anode current collector 162. For the anode layer, the use of battery-type active material on one side and capacitor-type active material on the other side may enhance thermal and electrochemical stability, mitigating potential risks of thermal runaway during high-rate discharge. Similarly, for the cathode layer, the inclusion of both material types may improve energy density and rate performance, supporting both steady-state operation and fast discharge response when required.

[0101] The hybrid battery and energy storage component may be enclosed in a battery casing illustrated in any of FIGS. 4A-4D to form a hybrid battery-supercapacitor cell. In some implementations, a number of such hybrid battery and energy storage components may be stacked, folded, or rolled together, depending on the casing format, to form a multi-layered or wound cell assembly with increased capacity and tailored energy-to-power characteristics.

[0102] The hybrid battery-supercapacitor cell may be fabricated by preparing electrode materials, coating these materials onto current collectors to form the anode and cathode segments, and assembling the electrodes with a suitable electrolyte, separated by a separator layer. The electrolyte may be in solid or liquid form and tailored to support the ion transport needs of the selected active materials.

[0103] Integration of supercapacitor functionality within the cell design can allow improved responsiveness to power demands and contribute to the overall efficiency and cycle life. As such, the hybrid battery-supercapacitor cell described herein may be adapted for use in various applications requiring balanced energy and power delivery, leveraging known cell geometries without substantial modification to accommodate the hybrid configuration.

[0104] Referring now to FIG. 5, various configurations of ES devices and hybrid arrangements are illustrated for powering a light-emitting diode (LED) light panel or apparatus. The LED light panel may be used, for example, as a display screen, sign, panel, or other lighting fixture. The LEDs employed therein may include any suitable type, such as conventional LEDs, quantum-dot LEDs (QLEDs), and the like.

[0105] In some embodiments, the LED light panels disclosed herein may utilize passive cooling, including natural convection, for dissipating heat generated by the power supply, control circuits, printed circuit boards (PCBs), and the LEDs themselves. In further embodiments, a heat sink may be attached to the rear side of the PCB associated with each LED panel to enhance thermal management.

[0106] The LED panel may comprise a housing for containing or mounting one or more LEDs, along with a power supply and one or more control circuits. The power supply provides appropriate electrical power to the LEDs and the control circuits, which regulate the power flow and manage lighting functions. The power supply may be configured to deliver direct current (DC) from a power source to the one or more LEDs.

[0107] In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the power supply may include one or more ES devices such as a battery 210, a supercapacitor 220, or a battery- supercapacitor230. These may be used to store energy and supply power to the LEDs either independently or in combination.

[0108] The battery 210 represents a conventional energy storage device that relies on chemical reactions to store and release electrical energy, typically offering higher energy density suitable for prolonged operation. The supercapacitor 220, in contrast, relies on physical charge accumulation at the electrode-electrolyte interface, typically within the EDL capacitor, which is also referred to as a supercapacitor, allowing for high power density and rapid charge-discharge cycles. Supercapacitors typically exhibit relatively stable material structures during charge state variations and generally provide higher capacitance values than comparably sized solid-state capacitors.

[0109] An EDL forms at the interface between a conductive electrode and an electrolyte due to the electrostatic attraction between opposite charges. Specifically, when a voltage is applied, charged species in the electrolyte (e.g., ions) accumulate near the surface of the electrode. This results in the formation of two parallel layers of charge: one on the electrode surface and the other within the adjacent electrolyte region. This phenomenon is analogous to the electrostatic stabilization observed in colloidal systems, where colloidal particles develop surface charge (typically negative) by adsorbing anions from the surrounding medium. The resulting double layer of adsorbed ions and counterions in the fluid establishes a stable electrostatic boundary that resists aggregation. Similarly, in supercapacitors, the EDL serves as a charge storage mechanism, enabling rapid energy exchange without requiring faradaic (chemical) reactions. This physical process underlies the fast response times and high power output associated with supercapacitors.

[0110] The battery-supercapacitor 230 represents an integrated device that combines the functionalities of both battery and supercapacitor materials within a single casing or electrochemical unit, as described in respect of FIGS. 1-4E. This type of hybrid energy storage device may offer balanced performance characteristics in terms of energy density and power responsiveness.

[0111] Also shown is a hybrid system 200, which comprises a battery 210 and a supercapacitor 220 arranged together within a shared configuration. In such embodiments, the two components may function cooperatively, where the battery 210 supports long-duration energy supply while the supercapacitor 220 buffers rapid load transients, thereby alleviating high-current stress on the battery during peak demand intervals.

[0112] The choice among the configurations shown in FIG. 5 with battery 210, supercapacitor 220, integrated battery-supercapacitor 230, or with the hybrid combination 200, may be selected based on specific operational requirements such as expected powerfluctuations, desired cycle life, energy storage capacity, and spatial constraints within the LED panel architecture.

[0113] Referring now to FIG. 6, an example embodiment of a power supply arrangement is illustrated. In this configuration, an ES (energy storage) device 320 is charged by an ES charger 310. The ES charger 310 is configured to receive input power from a source, which may be either direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). In the example shown, the input is a 110 / 220V AC power signal sourced from a power grid. This AC input may be supplied through upstream infrastructure, such as transformers, distribution panels, or other similar parts.

[0114] As both LEDs and typical ES devices operate using DC power, the ES charger 310 may include one or more conversion elements to rectify the incoming AC power. For example, the rectifier within the ES charger 310 may comprise one or more rectifier diodes or equivalent circuitry for converting 110 / 220V AC into a DC voltage, such as 12V DC. The 12V DC output from the ES charger 310 is used to charge the ES 320.

[0115] Once charged, the ES 320 may either store energy for later use or supply power directly to downstream circuits. In the illustrated example, the 12V DC output from either the ES charger 310 or the ES 320 is fed into a DC-DC converter 330. The DC- DC converter 330 adjusts the voltage level to match the requirements of connected devices. Specifically, it may convert the 12V DC input into other voltage levels, such as 3.8V DC or 2.8V DC, which may be required by specific LED elements or associated circuit parts.

[0116] This configuration enables flexible operation where the ES 320 can act as a buffer or backup energy source. For instance, if the ES charger 310 is inactive or if grid power is unavailable, the ES 320 may continue supplying 12V DC to the DC-DC converter 330, ensuring uninterrupted power delivery to the LEDs or other connected devices.

[0117] The arrangement in FIG. 6 supports efficient power distribution while accommodating varying voltage requirements across different circuit parts. The ability to convert and manage voltage levels through the DC-DC converter 330 allows compatibility with devices operating at distinct power thresholds, such as high- efficiency LEDs that may require specific voltage levels for optimal operation.

[0118] Referring again to FIGS. 7 and 8, additional embodiments of an LED panel architecture are illustrated, showing configurations in which multiple ES units are used to support separate electrical zones or functional groups within the panel. Each ES unit is configured to be charged by a shared ES charger 310, which receives an AC input, such as 110V or 220V AC, from a power grid source.

[0119] As shown in FIG. 7, the ES charger 310 is adapted to charge five separate ES units 320, each corresponding to a different usage category. Four of the ES units are designated for use in discrete LED zones (Zone 1 to Zone 4), and the fifth ES unit is assigned for supplying power to additional electronic parts such as a personal computer (PC), a graphics controller (GC), or wireless communication modules (WiFi®). Each ES 320 is paired with a dedicated DC-DC converter 330 that converts the stored energy into voltage levels appropriate for downstream parts. For example, ES units for Zones 1 to 4 each feed into a DC-DC converter configured to output 3.8V DC and 2.8V DC. The fifth ES unit, designated for powering the PC, GC, and Wi-Fi® modules, connects to a DC-DC converter that outputs 12V DC, 5V DC, and 24V DC. In FIG. 8, a schematic layout shows the same arrangement integrated into an LED panel enclosure. The ES charger 310 is again supplied from a 110 / 220V AC grid and delivers DC power to the individual ES units 320 distributed across the panel. Each ES unit powers a respective LED zone or functional unit and is accompanied by its own DC-DC converter 330 for local voltage regulation. As shown, each of the four LED zones includes an ES and a converter to supply 3.8V and 2.8V outputs. The PC, GC, and Wi-Fi® modules are similarly supported by a separate ES and converter, which produce 12V, 5V, and 24V outputs, respectively.

[0120] The use of multiple ES units in this configuration allows each zone or functional group to operate semi-independently with localized power regulation, potentially improving electrical isolation, fault tolerance, and current load distribution. Furthermore, since the ES units may be implemented as hybrid battery-supercapacitor devices, they may deliver both high energy capacity and rapid discharge response, enabling stable performance even under dynamic or high-power LED operation scenarios. The architecture is consistent with prior embodiments wherein capacitortype and battery-type materials are integrated into the same electrochemical unit to leverage the advantages of both energy storage technologies.

[0121] Referring to FIG. 9, an additional embodiment is illustrated in which a power supply configuration is integrated with an existing panel that receives DC from a primary power source. In this embodiment, backup or supplementary power is provided by an ES arrangement that includes an ES charger 310 and an ES unit 320. The configuration allows for voltage-level switching between the primary power source and the ES. The ES charger 310 receives AC input from a grid source, such as 110V or 220V AC, and converts it into 12V DC. This 12V DC is supplied both to the ES unit 320 for charging and to a DC-DC converter 330, which is adapted to output steppeddown voltages such as 3.8V DC and 2.8V DC. These voltages are suitable for operating parts such as LEDs or low-voltage electronics.

[0122] In parallel, the grid AC may also be supplied directly to an AC-DC converter 340, which likewise outputs 3.8V DC and 2.8V DC. This pathway allows the panel to be operated directly from the grid without drawing from the ES under normal conditions.

[0123] To enable switching between power sources, one or more switches 350 are positioned downstream of the converters. Each switch allows selection between the output of the DC-DC converter 330, which is fed by the ES unit 320, and the AC-DC converter 340, which is fed directly from the grid. As such, the panel or associated load can draw either from stored energy in the ES or directly from the primary AC supply, depending on the availability or priority of the power sources.

[0124] This dual-path architecture may help maintain continuous operation during interruptions in the grid supply or may be used to reduce load during peak usage periods. Additionally, the inclusion of switches at each voltage level provides flexibility to manage specific voltage rails independently.

[0125] In some embodiments, the panel may also include one or more wireless antennas. These antennas may be used to communicate with external devices or for network connectivity, for example, for control signaling, monitoring, or integration with wireless infrastructure. The panel may be configured to support such wireless communication features as part of a broader control or monitoring platform.

[0126] Referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 , additional configurations of the power supply for LED panels are illustrated. As shown in FIG. 10, an AC power source, such as the grid, supplies 110V or 220V AC to both an ES charger 310 and an AC-DC converter 340. The ES charger 310 converts the received AC input into 12V DC and charges an ES device 320. In parallel, the AC-DC converter 340 also outputs 12V DC, derived directly from the AC power source.

[0127] A switching unit 360 receives 12V DC from both the ES 320 and the AC-DC converter 340. The switching unit 360 is configured to selectively provide power from either the ES path or the direct AC-DC conversion path, depending on operating conditions or design preferences. In some embodiments, this switch 350 may be triggered based on predefined thresholds or conditions such as grid failure, high-power demand, or energy optimization algorithms. The selected 12V DC output from the switch 350 is then delivered to a DC-DC converter 330, which subsequently provides regulated outputs such as 3.8V DC and 2.8V DC to drive the LEDs or other connected circuits.

[0128] Referring now to FIG. 11 , an LED panel 400 is represented as being divided into multiple zones, specifically four quadrants labeled as Zone 1 , Zone 2, Zone 3, and Zone 4. Each zone may correspond to a physical section of the display or lighting surface. In some embodiments, each zone may be powered by a dedicated ES or a shared ES circuit with associated voltage regulation. This zonal arrangement may allow for localized power management, such as segment-based dimming, diagnostics, or failover operation. It may also facilitate modular manufacturing and maintenance by enabling independent power provisioning or replacement for each zone.

[0129] Taken together, FIGS. 6 through 11 illustrate an approach where a hybrid energy source with switchable input paths can supply one or more distributed zones of a LED panel, improving reliability and potentially reducing stress on any individual part by distributing power delivery across multiple independently operable zones.

[0130] The LED panel described herein may be operably controlled by a computing device configured to regulate lighting behavior, power allocation, or communication functions. In some embodiments, such a computing device may be implemented using a hardware structure 620 shown in FIG. 12. As shown, the hardware structure 620 comprises a processing structure 622, a controlling structure 624, one or more non- transitory computer-readable memory or storage devices 626, a network interface 628, an input interface 630, and an output interface 632, functionally interconnected by a system bus 638. The hardware structure 620 may also comprise other parts 634 coupled to the system bus 638.

[0131] The processing structure 622 may be one or more single-core or multiple-core computing processors, generally referred to as central processing units (CPUs). When the processing structure 622 comprises a plurality of processors, the processors thereof may collaborate via a specialized circuit such as a specialized bus or via the system bus638.

[0132] The processing structure 622 may also comprise one or more real-time processors, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), microcontroller units (MCUs), p- controllers (UCs), specialized / customized processors, hardware accelerators, and / or controlling circuits (also denoted "controllers") using, for example, field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) technologies, and / or the like. In some embodiments, the processing structure includes a CPU (otherwise referred to as a host processor) and a specialized hardware accelerator which includes circuitry configured to perform computations of neural networks such as tensor multiplication, matrix multiplication, and the like. The host processor may offload some computations to the hardware accelerator to perform computation operations of neural network. Examples of a hardware accelerator include a graphics processing unit (GPU), Neural Processing Unit (NPU), and Tensor Process Unit (TPU). In some embodiments, the host processors and the hardware accelerators (such as the GPUs, NPUs, and / or TPUs) may be generally considered processors.

[0133] Generally, the processing structure 622 comprises necessary circuitry implemented using technologies such as electrical and / or optical hardware parts for executing transformer related processes.

[0134] For example, the processing structure 622 may comprise logic gates implemented by semiconductors to perform various computations, calculations, and / or processes. Examples of logic gates include AND gate, OR gate, XOR (exclusive OR) gate, and NOT gate, each of which takes one or more inputs and generates or otherwise produces an output therefrom based on the logic implemented therein. For example, a NOT gate receives an input (for example, a high voltage, a state with electrical current, a state with an emitted light, or the like), inverts the input (for example, forming a lowvoltage, a state with no electrical current, a state with no light, or the like), and output the inverted input as the output. While the inputs and outputs of the logic gates are generally physical signals and the logics or processes thereof are tangible operations with physical results (for example, outputs of physical signals), the inputs and outputs thereof are generally described using numerals (for example, numerals "O" and "1") and the operations thereof are generally described as "computing" (which is how the "computer" or "computing device" is named) or "calculation", or more generally, "processing", for generating or producing the outputs from the inputs thereof.

[0135] Sophisticated combinations of logic gates in the form of a circuitry of logic gates, such as the processing structure 622, may be formed using a plurality of AND, OR, XOR, and / or NOT gates. Such combinations of logic gates may be implemented using individual semiconductors, or more often be implemented as integrated circuits ( I Cs).

[0136] A circuitry of logic gates may be “hard-wired” circuitry which, once designed, may only perform the designed functions. In this example, the processes and functions thereof are "hard-coded" in the circuitry.

[0137] With the advance of technologies, it is often that a circuitry of logic gates such as the processing structure 622 may be alternatively designed in a general manner so that it may perform various processes and functions according to a set of "programmed" instructions implemented as firmware and / or software and stored in one or more non-transitory computer-readable storage devices or media. In this example, the circuitry of logic gates such as the processing structure 622 is usually of no use without meaningful firmware and / or software. Of course, those skilled in the art will appreciate that a process or a function (and thus the processor) may be implemented using other technologies such as analog technologies.

[0138] Referring to FIG. 12, the controlling structure 624 comprises one or more controlling circuits, such as graphic controllers, input / output chipsets and the like, for coordinating operations of various hardware parts and modules of the computing device.

[0139] The memory 626 comprises one or more storage devices or media accessible by the processing structure 622 and the controlling structure 624 for reading and / or storing instructions for the processing structure 622 to execute, and for reading and / or storing data, including input data and data generated by the processing structure 622 and the controlling structure 624. The memory 626 may be volatile and / or non-volatile, non-removable or removable memory such as RAM, ROM, EEPROM, solid-state memory, hard disks, CD, DVD, flash memory, or the like.

[0140] The input interface 630 comprises one or more input modules for one or more users to input data and the output interface 632 comprises one or more output modules for output data to a user.

[0141] The system bus 638 interconnects various parts 622 to 634 enabling them to transmit and receive data and control signals to and from each other.

[0142] FIG. 13 shows a simplified software architecture 660 of the computing device. The software architecture 660 comprises one or more application programs 664, an operating system 666, a logical input / output (I / O) interface 668, and a logical memory 672. The one or more application programs 664, operating system 666, and logical VO interface 668 are generally implemented as computer-executable instructions or code in the form of software programs or firmware programs stored in the logical memory 672 which may be executed by the processing structure 622.

[0143] The one or more application programs 664 executed by or run by the processing structure 622 for performing various tasks such as the methods disclosed herein.

[0144] The operating system 666 manages various hardware parts of the computing device 602 or 604 via the logical Winterface 668, manages the logical memory 672, and manages and supports the application programs 664. The operating system 666 is also in communication with other computing devices (not shown) via the network 608 to allow application programs 664 to communicate with those running on other computing devices. As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the operating system 666 may be any suitable operating system.

[0145] The logical I / O interface 668 comprises one or more device drivers 670 for communicating with respective input and output interfaces 630 and 632 for receiving data therefrom and sending data thereto. Received data may be sent to the one or more application programs 664 for being processed by one or more application programs 664. Data generated by the application programs 664 may be sent to the logical 1 / 0 interface 668 for outputting to various output devices (via the output interface 632).

[0146] The logical memory 672 is a logical mapping of the physical memory 626 for facilitating the application programs 664 to access. In this embodiment, the logical memory 672 comprises a storage memory area that may be mapped to a non-volatile physical memory such as hard disks, solid-state disks, flash drives, and the like, generally for long-term data storage therein. The logical memory 672 also comprises a working memory area that is generally mapped to high-speed, and in some implementations volatile, physical memory such as RAM, generally for application programs 664 to temporarily store data during program execution. For example, an application program 664 may load data from the storage memory area into the working memory area, and may store data generated during its execution into the working memory area. The application program 664 may also store some data into the storage memory area as required or in response to a user's command.

[0147] FIGS. 14A and 14B illustrate an example embodiment of a LED panel comprising a housing 1001 , an enclosure for a controller and a graphics controller 1002, an enclosure for an ES 1003, one or more enclosures for a power supply, a DC- DC converter or control board 1004, one or more ES enclosures 1005, and an ES charger 1006. The controller may be a personal computer (PC) and the graphics controller may be a graphics card.

[0148] FIGS. 15A and 15B illustrate another example embodiment of a LED panel comprising a housing 1101 , a controller or PC 1102, a graphics card 1103, a first DC- DC converter 1104, a first ES management system (BMS) 1105, a first ES 1106, one or more control boards 1107, one or more second BMSs 1108, one or more second DC-DC converters 1109, one or more second ESs 1110, and an ES charger 1111.

[0149] Addressing various performance metrics, embodiments disclosed herein are directed to improving the safety and lifespan of ES parts. In particular, the hybrid battery-supercapacitor design may reduce detrimental effects associated with high discharge currents and output fluctuations. By integrating supercapacitor functionality, the cell architecture may facilitate rapid response during periods of high-power demand, thereby alleviating stress on the ES and enhancing its durability. This configuration may extend the operational lifecycle of the device, reduce maintenance requirements, and improve overall cost-effectiveness.

[0150] To further support safe and reliable operation, associated converters and circuits may be specifically designed to moderate current flow and reduce the occurrence of pulsating currents drawn from the ES.

[0151] In some embodiments, the battery-supercapacitor cell may also be applied in solar energy systems, particularly for photovoltaic (PV) energy capture, storage, and utilization. For instance, the battery-supercapacitor cell may store surplus energy generated during peak sunlight hours with improved efficiency. The supercapacitor component may absorb energy spikes rapidly, mitigating losses and ensuring more effective utilization of solar energy. During periods of low solar irradiance or at night, the battery-type component may provide stored energy for household or system consumption. The high-capacity ES enables sustained power delivery, supporting continuous operation of essential devices without immediate reliance on the power grid.

[0152] Safety features incorporated into the battery-supercapacitor design may contribute to the resilience and reliability of the system under varying environmental conditions. For example, thermal management mechanisms may reduce the risk of overheating, while the rapid charge-discharge behavior of the supercapacitor component may enable quick response to dynamic power demands.

[0153] The integration of the hybrid battery-supercapacitor cell into solar PV systems may offer multiple benefits, including enhanced energy autonomy, safety, and operational resilience. Additionally, it may support sustainability goals by maximizing the use of renewable energy and minimizing environmental impact. Accordingly, the hybrid configuration may provide a practical approach for optimizing energy management and improving the reliability of PV-based applications. Embodiments have been described above in conjunctions with aspects of the present invention upon which they may be implemented. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that embodiments may be implemented in conjunction with the aspect with which they are described, but may also be implemented with other embodiments of that aspect. When embodiments are mutually exclusive, or are otherwise incompatible with each other, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Some embodiments may be described in relation to one aspect, but may also be applicable to other aspects, as will be apparent to those of skill in the art.

[0154] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific features and embodiments thereof, it is evident that various modifications and combinations may be made thereto without departing from the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded simply as an illustration of the invention as defined by the appended claims, and are contemplated to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations or equivalents that fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS:1 . A hybrid battery and energy storage component, comprising: a cathode layer comprising: a cathode current collector applied with a battery-type cathode active material and a capacitor-type cathode active material; an anode layer comprising: an anode current collector applied with a battery-type anode active material and a capacitor-type anode active material; and an electrolyte between the cathode layer and the anode layer.

2. The hybrid battery and energy storage component of claim 1 , wherein the battery-type cathode active material and the capacitor-type cathode active material are applied to a first area and a second area of a first side and / or second side of the cathode current collector, respectively, wherein the battery-type anode active material and the capacitor-type anode active material are applied to a first area and a second area of a first side and / or second side of the anode current collector, respectively, wherein the first side of the cathode current collector and the first side of the anode current collector are in contact with the electrolyte and are arranged to face each other, wherein the first area and the second area of the first side of the cathode current collector correspond to the first area and the second area of the first side of the anode current collector, wherein the second side of the cathode current collector and the second side of the anode current collector are in contact with the electrolyte and are arranged to face each other, and wherein the first area and the second area of thesecond side of the cathode current collector correspond to the first area and the second area of the second side of the anode current collector.

3. The hybrid battery and energy storage component of claim 1 , wherein the battery-type cathode active material and the capacitor-type cathode active material are applied to a first area and a second area of a first side of the cathode current collector, respectively, wherein the battery-type anode active material and the capacitor-type anode active material are applied to a first area and a second area of a first side of the anode current collector, respectively, wherein the first side of the cathode current collector and the first side of the anode current collector are in contact with the electrolyte and are arranged to face each other, and wherein the first area and the second area of the first side of the cathode current collector correspond to the first area and the second area of the first side of the anode current collector.

4. The hybrid battery and energy storage component of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the battery-type cathode active material and the capacitor-type cathode active material are applied onto opposite sides of the cathode current collector, and wherein the battery-type anode active material and the capacitor-type anode active material are applied onto opposite sides of the anode current collector.

5. The hybrid battery and energy storage component of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a separator to separate the anode layer from the cathode layer for electrical isolation.

6. The hybrid battery and energy storage component of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the battery-type cathode active material comprises nickel manganese cobalt oxide, lithium ferrophosphate, nickel cobalt aluminum oxide, sodium-layered oxides, manganese dioxide, or a combination thereof, and wherein the battery-type anode active material comprises lithium titanium oxide, graphite, silicon, zinc, carbon, or a combination thereof.

7. The hybrid battery and energy storage component of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein each of the capacitor-type cathode active material and the capacitor-type anode active material comprise porous activated carbon, carbon nanotubes, graphene, MXenes, conductive polymers, pseudocapacitive metal oxides, or a combination thereof.

8. The hybrid battery and energy storage component of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein each of the capacitor-type cathode active material and the capacitor-type anode active material stores electrical energy by forming an electric double layer capacitor.

9. The hybrid battery and energy storage component of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein a mass ratio of the battery-type cathode active material to the capacitor-type cathode active material ranges from approximately 1 :99 to 99:1 , and wherein a mass ratio of the battery-type anode active material to the capacitor-type anode active material ranges from approximately 1 :99 to 99:1 .

10. The hybrid battery and energy storage component of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the electrolyte comprises organic liquid electrolyte, aqueous liquid electrolyte, ionic liquid electrolyte, gel polymer electrolyte, garnet-type oxide solid electrolyte, sulfide-based solid electrolyte, polymer-based solid electrolyte, or a combination thereof.11 . The hybrid battery and energy storage component of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the hybrid battery and energy storage component is packaged within a battery casing, and wherein the battery casing comprises a coin casing, a button casing, a cylindrical can, a pouch, or a prismatic can.

12. The hybrid battery and energy storage component of claim 11 , wherein the battery casing comprises the cylindrical can, and wherein the cathode layer and the anode layer are configured as a jelly roll or a Z-folded electrode stack in the cylindrical can.

13. The hybrid battery and energy storage component of claim 11 , wherein the battery casing comprises the pouch, and wherein the cathode layer and the anode layer are configured as stacked or Z-folded electrodes in the pouch and are sealed within an aluminum-polymer laminate film.

14. The hybrid battery and energy storage component of claim 11 , wherein the battery casing comprises the prismatic can, and wherein the cathode layer and the anode layer are configured as stacked or Z-folded electrodes in the prismatic can.

15. A display panel of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) powered from a power source, the panel comprising: a housing; one or more LEDs detachably mounted within the housing; and a power supply assembly detachably mounted within the housing for supplying power to the one or more LEDs from the power source, the power supply assembly comprising: one or more energy storage devices; one or more energy storage chargers for charging the one or more energy storage devices from the power source, and a switch for selectively supplying power to the one or more LEDs from the one or more energy storage devices or the power source; and one or more circuits for controlling the switch, the one or more circuits powered by at least one of the one or more energy storage devices.

16. The display panel of claim 15, wherein the power source is an alternating current (AC) power source, and wherein the display panel further comprises one or more converters for converting AC from an AC power source to direct current (DC) for the power source.

17. The display panel of claim 16, wherein the AC power source is a power grid.

18. The display panel of any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the one or more circuits comprise a controller and a graphics controller.

19. The display panel of claim 18, wherein the controller is a personal computer (PC).

20. The display panel of claim 18 or 19, wherein the graphics controller is a graphics card.

21. The display panel of claim 19, further comprising one or more DC-DC converters for providing 12V to the PC.

22. The display panel of claim 20, further comprising one or more DC-DC converters for providing 5V to the graphics card.

23. The display panel of any one of claims 15 to 20, further comprising one or more wireless antennas.

24. The display panel of claim 23, further comprising one or more DC-DC converters for providing 24V to the one or more wireless antennas.

25. The display panel of any one of claims 15 to 20, further comprising one or more DC-DC converters to provide at least one of 2.8V and 3.8V to the one or more LEDs.

26. The display panel of any one of claims 15 to 25, wherein the one or more energy storage devices comprise at least one of a battery, a supercapacitor, a hybrid of a battery and a supercapacitor, and a battery-supercapacitor.

27. The display panel of any one of claims 15 to 26, wherein the one or more LEDs are arranged in one or more zones, wherein each of the one or more energy storage devices is for providing power to a corresponding one of the one or more zones.

28. The display panel of any one of claims 15 to 27, wherein the one or more energy storage devices are battery-supercapacitor cells, each of the battery-supercapacitor cells comprising: a cathode layer comprising: a cathode current collector applied with a battery-type cathode active material and a capacitor-type cathode active material; an anode layer comprising: an anode current collector applied with a battery-type anode active material and a capacitor-type anode active material; and an electrolyte between the cathode layer and the anode layer.

29. A method for preparing a hybrid battery and energy storage component, the method comprising: providing a cathode current collector; providing a battery-type cathode active material and a capacitor-type cathode active material onto the cathode current collector to form a cathode layer; providing an anode current collector;providing a battery-type anode active material and a capacitor-type anode active material onto the anode current collector to form an anode layer; and providing an electrolyte between the cathode layer and the anode layer.

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