Hybrid Supercapacitor Power Tools for Battery Peak Current Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Lithium-ion batteries are limited by high internal resistance, aging, and strict charging requirements, making them unsuitable for high power output applications, and they have limited charge currents and are subject to damage from high discharge currents, which restricts their use in high-demand power tools.
Innovation Solution
The use of hybrid supercapacitors, which store energy electrostatically, providing low internal resistance and high current capabilities, and are integrated into power tools to overcome the limitations of lithium-ion batteries, with configurations including series and parallel connections and integration with control modules for efficient power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If lithium-ion batteries are used to power high power demand tools, then the tools can operate cordlessly, but the batteries cannot handle the high discharge currents required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines lithium-ion batteries with supercapacitors in a hybrid energy storage system. The supercapacitor handles high discharge current demands while the battery provides sustained energy, allowing cordless tools to deliver high power without overloading the battery
2Power
If lithium-ion batteries are designed for high discharge currents, then power output increases, but the batteries suffer from aging and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The supercapacitor acts as an intermediary between the battery and the high power demand tool. It absorbs peak discharge currents that would otherwise damage the battery, extending battery lifespan while maintaining high power output capability
3Reliability
If lithium-ion batteries are used with strict charging requirements, then safety is improved, but charging speed and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The supercapacitor can be charged and discharged at much higher rates than the battery, handling the excessive charging current demands. This allows faster charging overall while the battery charges more slowly and safely
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
Hybrid supercapacitors enable power tools to operate longer, charge and discharge faster, and offer increased reliability and safety with no aging chemistry and no flammable electrolytes, reducing the need for expensive battery management systems and allowing for higher discharge currents and faster charging.
Implementation Method 1
The use of hybrid supercapacitors, which store energy electrostatically
Data Source
AI summary
A power tool includes: an electric motor; an energy storage device (a) that includes hybrid supercapacitors and (b) that has an energy density of at least approximately 150 watt hours per kilogram (Wh/kg); and at least one switch configured to selectively enable power flow from the energy storage device to the electric motor and to selectively disable power flow from the energy storage device to the electric motor.