Dynamic Series-Parallel Switching for Rapid Electric Double-Layer Capacitor Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing charging apparatuses for electric double-layer capacitors cannot perform consecutive charging operations efficiently, limiting the ability to achieve rapid charging due to constant cycle switching between series and parallel connections.
Innovation Solution
A charging apparatus with a monitor section, series charging section, parallel discharging section, and series-parallel switching section that dynamically switches between series and parallel connections based on voltage levels to optimize charging efficiency, allowing for rapid charging by equalizing voltage across capacitor elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the plurality of electric double-layer capacitors are connected in series and charged at every constant cycle, then the charge voltage can be maintained within safe limits, but consecutive charging operation cannot be performed and rapid charge cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the connection configuration movable and adjustable rather than fixed. The switching section dynamically changes the connection state between series and parallel based on real-time voltage conditions, allowing the system to adapt between safety-oriented series connection and speed-oriented parallel connection, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliable voltage control and fast charging capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection parameter (series/parallel configuration) based on voltage parameters. When voltage reaches a predetermined threshold, the system switches from series connection to parallel connection, and vice versa. This parameter-based switching enables the system to optimize between voltage safety and charging speed by adjusting the connection topology according to real-time electrical parameters
2Ease of operation
If the control of switching between series connection and parallel connection is performed at every constant cycle, then the charging process can be regulated, but the charging time increases and rapid charge cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the voltage across the capacitor elements and using this information to determine when to switch between series and parallel connections. The switching decision is based on feedback from voltage detection, allowing the system to perform controlled charging without relying on fixed time cycles, thereby reducing unnecessary switching delays and achieving faster charging while maintaining operational control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic switching between series and parallel connections based on voltage thresholds rather than fixed time intervals. This voltage-triggered periodic action allows the system to maintain ease of control through structured switching while minimizing the time lost during transitions, as the switching occurs only when necessary based on voltage conditions rather than on an arbitrary timer
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
Enables rapid charging by efficiently transferring electric charge between capacitor elements, reducing the time required to reach full charge voltage and extending the lifespan of capacitors by maintaining voltages within safe limits, while minimizing heat loss and apparatus size.
Implementation Method 1
a series charging section which connects the plurality of capacitor elements in series and charges the capacitor elements until the voltage between the terminals of the first capacitor element, which is monitored by the monitor section, reaches a first voltage
Implementation Method 2
a parallel discharging section which connects the plurality of capacitor elements in parallel and brings the voltage between the terminals of the first capacitor element close to a voltage between terminals of other capacitor elements
Data Source
AI summary
Capacitor elements are connected in series and charged until a voltage between terminals of a capacitor element whose capacitance is lowest among the capacitor elements reaches a withstanding voltage. When the voltage between the terminals of the capacitor element reaches the withstanding voltage, the capacitor elements are connected in parallel, and electric charge of the capacitor element is transferred to the other capacitor elements. Hereafter, an operation of switching between series connection and parallel connection is repeated such that the capacitor elements are connected in series and charged again when the voltage between the terminals of the capacitor element is reduced to a full charge voltage due to an outflow of the electric charge, and the capacitor elements are connected in parallel when the voltage between the terminals of the capacitor element reaches the withstanding voltage.