Hybrid Supercapacitor Battery Charging System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles relying on electrochemical batteries face limitations such as short shelf-life, low peak power, and limited charging/discharging cycles, while supercapacitors offer faster charging and longer lifespan but discharge quickly and have lower energy density.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid charging system that includes an electrochemical battery and a supercapacitor adder module, which automatically switches between the two based on usage patterns, using a controller to charge the supercapacitor first and then the battery, optimizing power delivery and extending the battery's lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If electrochemical batteries are used for power storage in electric vehicles, then long-term power storage is achieved, but the battery lifespan is limited due to degradation after 500-1000 charge cycles
Solution Approach 1:
The power storage system is segmented into two distinct components: electrochemical batteries for long-term energy storage and supercapacitors for short-term power delivery. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal performance range, with the electrochemical battery providing sustained power over time and the supercapacitor handling peak power demands and frequent charging cycles, thereby extending the overall system lifespan
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines electrochemical batteries and supercapacitors into a hybrid power storage system where both technologies work together. The electrochemical battery and supercapacitor are electrically connected through a control circuit that manages power flow between them, allowing the system to leverage the long-term storage capability of the battery while using the supercapacitor to absorb and release power during transient demands, thus extending battery life
2Productivity
If supercapacitors are used for power storage, then faster charging and longer cycle life are achieved, but energy density is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power delivery function into two parts: the supercapacitor handles high-power, fast-charging applications and peak power demands, while the electrochemical battery provides sustained energy storage. This segmentation allows the supercapacitor to operate at its high charging speed advantage without being constrained by energy density requirements, as the battery compensates for the lower energy density of the supercapacitor
Solution Approach 2:
By merging supercapacitors and electrochemical batteries in a hybrid system, the patent achieves both fast charging capability and sufficient energy density. The supercapacitor provides rapid charge acceptance and discharge for peak power needs, while the electrochemical battery supplies the bulk energy storage, collectively delivering the required energy density while maintaining fast charging performance
3Duration of action of moving object
If electrochemical batteries discharge electricity slowly for long-term storage, then energy is preserved, but peak power delivery is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The power delivery function is segmented between the electrochemical battery and supercapacitor based on their respective strengths. The electrochemical battery is responsible for sustained, lower-power output over extended periods, while the supercapacitor is dedicated to providing high peak power during transient demands such as acceleration or regenerative braking events, thus resolving the contradiction between slow discharge and insufficient peak power
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid system merges the slow-discharge electrochemical battery with the fast-response supercapacitor to deliver both long-term power storage and high peak power capability. The control circuit monitors system demands and dynamically switches between or combines power from both sources, allowing the battery to provide baseline power while the supercapacitor supplements during peak demands, achieving both extended duration and high power output
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 system enhances the useful life of electrochemical batteries by reducing charging cycles and providing greater electrical charge, optimizing charging efficiency, and extending the battery's lifespan by leveraging the strengths of both technologies.
Implementation Method 1
Supercapacitors can hold a significantly greater electrical charge than a standard capacitor
Implementation Method 2
electrochemical batteries suffer from a variety of disadvantages including a short shelf-life, low peak power, and a limited number of charging/discharging cycles
Data Source
AI summary
A system for powering an electric vehicle includes at least one electrochemical battery, a supercapacitor adder module including at least one supercapacitor battery, and a controller configured, in response to detecting that an external charging source is connected to the supercapacitor adder module, to disconnect the at least one electrochemical battery from the electric vehicle, charge the at least one supercapacitor battery from the external charging source via the supercapacitor adder module, charge the at least one electrochemical battery from the external charging source via the supercapacitor adder module, and reconnect the at least one electrochemical battery to the electric vehicle.