Bipolar Capacitor Battery Layout for High-Voltage Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current capacitor-assisted batteries face limitations in high-voltage applications due to low stability of capacitors at elevated temperatures and voltages, restricting their use in higher voltage designs and reducing energy density.

Innovation Solution

A bipolar capacitor assisted battery (BCAB) is developed, where multiple capacitors are connected in series and then in parallel with a lithium-ion battery, enhancing electrochemical stability and enabling high-voltage usage without complex control systems or reduced energy density.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If capacitors are used in high-voltage applications, then power output is enhanced, but stability deteriorates due to low stability at elevated temperatures and voltages

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower outputVSAvoidstability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The capacitor is divided into multiple sub-capacitors connected in series (e.g., two capacitors in series). This segmentation allows each sub-capacitor to operate at a lower voltage stress, improving individual stability while collectively providing the required high-voltage capability for enhanced power output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the voltage distribution parameter by using series connection configuration. This transforms the operating conditions from high voltage across a single capacitor to lower voltage across multiple series-connected capacitors, thereby improving stability while maintaining the high-voltage system capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple capacitors are connected in series to improve stability, then voltage handling capability is enhanced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple series-connected capacitors are merged into a single integrated capacitor unit that functions as one component. This merging approach simplifies the overall device structure by eliminating the need for complex control systems and multiple separate components, reducing device complexity while maintaining enhanced voltage handling capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The series-connected capacitor assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides voltage division for stability, acts as a single integrated energy storage element, and eliminates the need for complex control systems. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity while achieving the desired stability improvements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If capacitor voltage is limited to maintain stability, then reliability is improved, but energy density is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidenergy density
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the capacitor into series-connected sub-capacitors, each operating at lower voltage, the system achieves improved stability without limiting the total energy storage capability. The series configuration allows the full voltage range to be utilized across the combined capacitor assembly, maintaining energy density while improving individual component reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The BCAB improves stability and extends the usage of capacitor-assisted batteries to high-voltage systems with longer cycle life and enhanced power output, avoiding the need for complex voltage control systems and maintaining energy density.

Implementation Method 1

a bipolar capacitor including a first capacitor and a second capacitor. The second capacitor is connected in series with the first capacitor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

A lithium ion battery is connected in parallel to the bipolar capacitor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical reactions: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentUS12176510B2Bipolar capacitor assisted battery
Publication Date: 2024.12.24 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC
  • US12176510B2 patent drawing
  • US12176510B2 patent drawing
  • US12176510B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A bipolar capacitor assisted battery includes a bipolar capacitor including a first capacitor, and a second capacitor. The second capacitor is connected in series with the first capacitor. A lithium ion battery is connected in parallel to the bipolar capacitor.