Hypercapacitor Switch Control for Fast Charge and Low Self-Discharge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage devices, such as batteries and capacitors, face limitations including long charge times, high self-discharge rates, environmental concerns, and safety hazards like fires due to lithium ion batteries.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an ultracapacitor and a battery electrically coupled via a switch, controlled by a controller that transitions between open and closed states based on voltage thresholds to manage energy transfer and prevent self-discharge, allowing efficient energy storage and retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If ultracapacitors/supercapacitors are used for energy storage, then charge time is reduced, but self-discharge rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the energy storage function into two separate components: ultracapacitors for rapid charging and batteries for long-term storage. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its strengths while compensating for weaknesses, resolving the contradiction between fast charging and low self-discharge.
Solution Approach 2:
A controller acts as an intermediary between the ultracapacitor and battery, managing energy flow based on voltage thresholds. The controller enables the ultracapacitor to quickly accept charge and then transfer it to the battery, preventing the ultracapacitor's high self-discharge from wasting energy while maintaining fast charging capability.
2Quantity of substance
If lithium ion batteries are used for energy storage, then energy density is improved, but safety hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ultracapacitor serves as an intermediary buffer between the power source and lithium ion battery. By placing the switch and controller between them, the system can quickly charge the ultracapacitor and then slowly transfer energy to the battery, avoiding direct high-rate charging that could cause thermal runaway and fire hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultracapacitor provides a cushioning effect by absorbing initial charging energy and then releasing it gradually to the battery. This pre-buffering mechanism prevents sudden energy surges that could trigger safety hazards in lithium ion batteries, protecting the system before problems occur.
3Quantity of substance
If lithium ion batteries are used for energy storage, then energy storage capacity is improved, but environmental damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the energy storage function between ultracapacitors and batteries, allowing the ultracapacitor to handle frequent charge-discharge cycles that would otherwise degrade the battery. This reduces the need for battery replacement and mining of lithium, thereby reducing environmental damage while maintaining high energy storage capacity.
4Use of energy by moving object
If switch operates in closed state to transfer energy, then energy availability is improved, but self-discharge prevention is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The switch dynamically changes state based on voltage thresholds detected by the controller. It closes to enable energy transfer when the ultracapacitor voltage is high and battery voltage is low, then opens to prevent self-discharge when the voltage differential reverses. This dynamic operation resolves the contradiction between energy availability and self-discharge prevention.
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 system effectively mitigates self-discharge and environmental issues by quickly charging and discharging energy between the ultracapacitor and battery, enhancing energy availability and safety while reducing the risk of hazardous conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a switch configured to: operate in an open state or a closed state, electrically couple the battery to the ultracapacitor when in the closed state to conduct an energy between the ultracapacitor and the battery
Implementation Method 2
an ultracapacitor configured to store a first energy as an electric field of the ultracapacitor
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure is directed to methods and systems for managing energy flow in an energy system comprising a capacitor in electrical communication with a battery via one or more switches. A computing system can access sensor data that can include a capacitor voltage and a battery voltage. The computing system can generate a notification to a user that comprises information relating to the sensor data. In response to a request from the user, the computing system can cause the one or more switches to transition between an open state and a closed state.