Adaptive Ultracapacitor Power Output Through Modular Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ultracapacitors lack structural strength and fracture-resistance, leading to system disruption when damaged, and existing power systems fail to automatically adapt to maintain functionality in such scenarios.
Innovation Solution
The development of ultracapacitors with nano-structured, highly microporous carbon electrodes, combined with sensors and processors that enable automatic reconfiguration of the electric power system by detecting property thresholds and modifying capacitor connections using control switches, allowing for immediate adaptation of the electric output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional ultracapacitors are used in power systems, then the system can provide electrical energy storage and power delivery, but the system lacks structural strength and fracture-resistance, leading to system disruption when damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is divided into multiple modular capacitor units, each with its own sensors and control switches. This segmentation allows the system to isolate damaged modules while maintaining functionality of undamaged modules, thereby improving reliability without compromising structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
Control switches are pre-configured in the system to enable automatic reconfiguration. When damage is detected by sensors, these pre-positioned switches immediately redirect current pathways, preventing system disruption before it can propagate. This preliminary preparation of control mechanisms resolves the contradiction by ensuring rapid response to maintain reliability.
2Reliability
If the electric power system automatically reconfigures by modifying capacitor connections, then the system can maintain functionality when individual ultracapacitors are damaged, but the device complexity increases with sensors, processors, and control switches
Solution Approach 1:
Each capacitor module is designed as a universal unit that performs both energy storage and self-monitoring functions. The sensors and control switches are integrated into each module, allowing them to serve multiple purposes: detecting damage, isolating the damaged unit, and reconfiguring the system. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate dedicated monitoring and control systems for each module.
Solution Approach 2:
Each capacitor module is equipped with its own sensors and control switches, enabling it to autonomously detect damage and initiate reconfiguration without external intervention. This self-service capability distributes the control functionality across all modules, reducing the need for complex centralized control systems and simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Quantity of substance
If nano-structured carbon material with density between 0.4 to 1.2 g/cm3 is used in electrodes, then the capacitor achieves improved energy storage properties, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies a density range (0.4 to 1.2 g/cm3) for the nano-structured carbon material rather than a single precise value. This parameter change approach allows manufacturing processes to produce materials within an acceptable range, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while still achieving the desired energy storage capacity improvement.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments may include an electric power system. The electric power system may include a plurality of capacitors each including a first and second panel. The first panel may include a positive current collector, and a positive electrode including a nano-structured carbon material. The second panel may include a negative current collector, and a negative electrode including the nano-structured carbon material. Each capacitor may include an electrode separator disposed between the first and second panels, and an O-ring configured to form a seal between the first and second panels. The electric power system may include sensor(s) configured to detect one or more properties of the capacitors, processor(s) configured to analyze data associated with the detected properties based on algorithm(s), and control switch(es) configured to modify contact between the capacitors based on the analyzed data thereby resulting in automatic adaptation of an electric output of the electric power system.