AC-to-DC Voltage Conversion Circuitry for Supercapacitor Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional charging methods for chemical-based batteries are slow due to their chemical processes, limiting the size and duration of portable electronic devices, while supercapacitors offer fast charging and discharging but require efficient AC-to-DC voltage conversion solutions for effective energy storage.
Innovation Solution
A circuitry system that converts AC voltage to DC voltage using multiple capacitances and DC-to-DC converters to maintain charge and power during the charging process, allowing for quick charging of supercapacitors and subsequent battery charging, with controllers managing power factor and voltage regulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If chemical-based batteries are used for energy storage in portable devices, then the devices can provide necessary power for extended use, but the charging time becomes relatively long (hours) due to chemical process limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the energy storage system into two distinct components: a supercapacitor for fast charging and a chemical battery for extended energy storage. This segmentation allows each component to perform its optimal function - the supercapacitor accepts rapid AC charging and provides immediate power, while the battery supplies sustained energy over longer periods, thereby resolving the contradiction between fast charging and extended usage time.
Solution Approach 2:
The supercapacitor acts as an intermediary between the AC power source and the chemical battery. It receives AC voltage directly, converts it to DC, and quickly stores energy that can then be transferred to the battery or used to power the device immediately. This intermediary role eliminates the slow charging bottleneck of direct battery charging while enabling extended device operation.
2Loss of time
If supercapacitor technology is used for fast charging, then charging and discharging time is reduced to seconds, but efficient AC-to-DC voltage conversion circuitry is required to effectively charge the supercapacitor from AC sources
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage conversion circuitry is designed to perform multiple functions: it rectifies AC voltage to DC, regulates voltage levels for both the supercapacitor and battery charging, and manages power distribution between the two energy storage devices. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated circuits for each task, thereby managing complexity while enabling fast supercapacitor charging from standard AC sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes in the voltage conversion process, dynamically adjusting voltage and current parameters during charging based on the state of the supercapacitor and battery. This allows efficient charging across different voltage levels and conditions without requiring overly complex circuitry, as the system adapts its operating parameters rather than requiring dedicated hardware for each scenario.
3Ease of operation
If the AC power source is removed during charging, then portability is improved, but the charging process must be maintained using stored energy in input capacitance
Solution Approach 1:
The input capacitance is pre-charged from the AC source before the device operates in portable mode. This preliminary energy storage ensures that when the AC adapter is removed, sufficient energy is already stored in the capacitance to maintain power to the voltage conversion circuitry and continue charging the supercapacitor and battery, thereby enabling portability without interrupting the charging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The charged input capacitance serves the system autonomously when AC power is unavailable, providing the necessary power to maintain voltage conversion operations and continue charging the energy storage devices. This self-service capability allows the system to sustain its charging function using internally stored energy, supporting portable operation while maintaining the charging process.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables rapid charging of supercapacitors and batteries, extending device usage time by maintaining power during charging, even after the AC power source is removed, through efficient energy storage and regulation.
Implementation Method 1
AC-to-DC voltage conversion circuitry coupled to the first and second input electrodes and responsive to the AC voltage by providing a first converted DC voltage
Implementation Method 2
a first capacitance coupled to the AC-to-DC voltage conversion circuitry and responsive to the first converted DC voltage by charging to a first charged DC voltage
Implementation Method 3
first DC-to-DC voltage conversion circuitry coupled to the first capacitance and responsive to the first charged DC voltage by providing a second converted DC voltage which is greater than the first charged DC voltage
Implementation Method 4
a second capacitance coupled to the first DC-to-DC voltage conversion circuitry and responsive to at least the second converted DC voltage by charging to a second charged DC voltage
Implementation Method 5
second DC-to-DC voltage conversion circuitry coupled to the second capacitance and responsive to the second charged DC voltage by providing the DC output voltage which is less than the second charged DC voltage
Data Source
AI summary
Voltage conversion and charging circuitry and method for converting an alternating current (AC) voltage to a direct current (DC) voltage for charging an energy storage element (e.g., battery or supercapacitor). An output capacitance, which is initially charged quickly for use in the slower charging of a battery, also maintains the charge on an input capacitance which provides power for the charging control circuitry during such charging process. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the DC charging current is substantially constant during a first time interval following which the DC charging power is substantially constant during a second time interval.