Aqueous EDLC with Rigid Frame and One-Way Valve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric double-layer capacitors (EDLCs) face issues with parasitic effects at high operating temperatures and voltages, leading to excessive pressures and potential swelling or bursting due to discharged gases, as well as electrolyte leakage and electrolytic bridging between capacitor elements.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a stack of capacitor cells with asymmetric electrodes, a rigid dielectric frame, and a mechanism to prevent oxygen entry, including a unidirectional valve and capillaries for gas evacuation, along with a polymeric sealant to minimize electrolyte leakage and internal resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the EDLC operates at high temperatures and voltages, then the energy density and power delivery are improved, but parasitic effects cause excessive pressures and gas discharge leading to swelling or bursting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful gases produced by parasitic effects through a one-way valve system. The valve allows gases to escape from the capacitor cell while preventing external contaminants from entering, thereby eliminating the pressure buildup that would otherwise cause swelling or bursting at high operating temperatures and voltages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of gas accumulation into a beneficial pressure-relief mechanism. The one-way valve system transforms the potentially destructive parasitic gas discharge into a controlled release mechanism that protects the capacitor structure while maintaining high power delivery capability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the EDLC operates at high voltages, then the energy storage capacity is improved, but electrolyte leakage and electrolytic bridging between capacitor elements occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hydrophobic coating as an intermediary layer between the electrolyte and the capacitor components. This coating acts as a barrier that prevents electrolyte leakage and electrolytic bridging while allowing the capacitor to operate at high voltages with improved energy storage capacity. The hydrophobic property of the coating specifically repels the aqueous electrolyte, preventing unwanted electrical connections.
3Temperature
If multiple EDLC cells are connected in series to enable higher voltage operation, then the operating voltage is improved, but the total capacitance is reduced and voltage-balancing is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-balancing mechanism where each capacitor cell is equipped with a one-way valve that automatically regulates pressure and voltage distribution. This self-service system eliminates the need for external voltage-balancing circuits or complex control mechanisms, allowing multiple cells to be connected in series while maintaining operational simplicity.
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
This configuration enhances the EDLC's ability to operate at high temperatures and voltages without swelling or bursting, while maintaining electrical conductivity and reducing internal resistance, resulting in a robust and self-balanced capacitor with improved performance and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
The separator prevents electrical contact between the conductive electrodes but allows the exchange of ions
Implementation Method 2
The mechanism may be a unidirectional valve disposed in the channel, the valve configured to enable the discharged gases to exit the EDLC while preventing gas entry into the EDLC
Implementation Method 3
an electric double layer is formed at each electrode/electrolyte interface by the accumulated ionic charges
Implementation Method 4
capillaries for gas evacuation
Data Source
AI summary
An electric double-layer capacitor (EDLC) and method for manufacturing thereof. The ELDC includes at least one capacitor cell with two parallel current collectors, two opposite polarity electrodes, a separator, and a rigid dielectric frame. Each electrode is disposed on a respective current collector and impregnated with aqueous electrolyte. The frame is disposed along the perimeter on the surface of a current collector and enclosing the electrodes. The two electrodes of an individual cell are configured asymmetrically, such as being composed of different materials, having different weights, and/or having different thicknesses. The electrode material may include: activated carbon, a transitional metal oxide, a conductive polymer, and/or graphene.