Capacitor System Degraded State Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional energy storage systems, such as capacitor systems, become completely inoperable upon failure, leading to downtime and increased costs due to their inability to operate in a degraded state, which can be caused by conditions like temperature fluctuations or capacitor malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that includes a capacitor system, a charging circuit, and a controller to detect conditions that indicate a degraded state, allowing the system to reduce the charge of capacitors to a lower target voltage, providing partial functionality and preventing damage, while notifying the user of the degraded state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the capacitor system operates at full charge voltage, then power output and performance are maximized, but the risk of complete failure increases when degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the charge voltage of the capacitor system based on detected conditions. When degradation is detected, the controller reduces the charge voltage from the first target voltage to a second target voltage that is lower, allowing the system to adapt its operating parameters to maintain reliability while preserving partial functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively reduces the charge voltage before complete failure occurs. By detecting early signs of degradation and preemptively lowering the operating voltage, the system cushions against the risk of total failure and extends the operational life of degraded capacitors.
2Reliability
If the capacitor system is charged to a lower target voltage in degraded state, then the system remains partially functional and capacitor life is extended, but the power output and performance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system accepts partial functionality rather than requiring full performance. By charging to a lower target voltage, the system maintains sufficient power for essential operations (such as engine starting) while extending operational life, recognizing that complete performance is not necessary for critical functions.
3Reliability
If conventional energy storage systems fail, then complete inoperability occurs, but this leads to downtime and increased operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors capacitor conditions and provides feedback to the controller. When degradation is detected, the controller responds by adjusting the charge voltage, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains reliability and prevents complete failure, thereby reducing downtime and operational disruptions.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for managing a capacitor system. In one aspect, an energy storage system includes a capacitor system, a charging circuit, and a controller. The capacitor system includes one or more capacitors. The charging circuit is configured to charge the capacitor system to a first target voltage. The controller is configured to detect a first condition and is programmed, in response to the first condition, to instruct the charging circuit to charge the capacitor system to a second target voltage that is less than the first target voltage. The controller is programmed to provide a notification that the capacitor system is operating in a degraded state.