Capacitor Voltage Adjustment for Thermal Stress Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Large capacitors with high energy storage capabilities suffer reduced lifetimes and performance at high ambient temperatures, especially when near full charge, due to detrimental effects from high operating temperatures and voltage.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a thermal-electric cooling apparatus, temperature sensors, and capacitor protection logic to manage the operating temperature and charge voltage of capacitors, including the use of a Peltier device for cooling and insulating enclosures to maintain safe levels, and discharging the capacitor during shutdown to prevent thermal stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If large capacitors are used with high energy storage capabilities, then energy storage capacity is improved, but useful lifetime deteriorates at high ambient temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the capacitor by dynamically adjusting the maximum charge voltage based on temperature conditions. At elevated temperatures, the system reduces the maximum charge voltage to lessen thermal stress and chemical degradation, thereby extending capacitor lifetime while still providing adequate energy storage for backup power functions.
2Use of energy by moving object
If capacitors are operated at or near full charge at high temperatures, then energy availability is improved, but performance and lifetime deteriorate due to thermal stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment where the maximum charge voltage of the capacitor is not fixed but varies according to temperature conditions. The system continuously monitors temperature and adjusts the charge voltage accordingly, allowing full charge at low temperatures for maximum energy availability, and reduced charge voltage at high temperatures to prevent thermal degradation and maintain reliability.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If thermal-electric cooling apparatus is integrated to manage operating temperature, then useful lifetime is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical cooling systems with electronic control mechanisms. Instead of using fans, heat sinks, or liquid cooling systems, the invention uses a microcontroller to dynamically adjust the charge voltage based on temperature sensing, thereby managing thermal stress through electrical parameter control rather than mechanical thermal management.
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
Extends the useful lifetime and performance of capacitors by maintaining optimal temperature and charge conditions, preventing performance derating and ensuring reliable backup power even in high-temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
Adjusting an operating temperature of the capacitor may involve controlling the current to a thermal-electric cooling device (e.g. a Peltier plate) in contact or proximity or thermally connected with the capacitor.
Implementation Method 2
Integration of a thermal-electric cooling apparatus, temperature sensors, and capacitor protection logic to manage the operating temperature and charge voltage of capacitors
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a capacitor and logic to adjust an operating temperature of the capacitor according to a charge on the capacitor, and/or to adjust a charge of the capacitor according to the operating temperature of the capacitor to improve the useful life of the capacitor and increase its reliability.