Starter Motor Windings as Supercapacitor Current Limiter
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing supercapacitor charging systems face challenges in efficiently and cost-effectively managing high charging currents at low voltage levels, particularly due to the need for expensive and difficult-to-integrate power resistors, which are required to limit the charging current safely and quickly.
Innovation Solution
The system utilizes the windings of the starter motor as a load resistor to limit the charging current of the supercapacitor, eliminating the need for additional power resistors and reducing costs, while a switch controls the charging process based on voltage thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If power resistors are used to limit charging current, then charging safety is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charging current limiting function with the existing starter motor windings. Instead of adding separate power resistors, the starter motor's inherent electrical resistance is utilized to limit charging current during the charging phase, thereby eliminating additional components while maintaining charging safety
Solution Approach 2:
The starter motor windings serve dual functions: limiting charging current during the charging phase and providing starting torque during the starting phase. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated current-limiting resistors, reducing system complexity and cost
2Reliability
If power resistors are used to limit charging current, then charging safety is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the charging current limiting function with the existing starter motor windings. Instead of adding separate power resistors, the starter motor's inherent electrical resistance is utilized to limit charging current during the charging phase, thereby eliminating additional components while maintaining charging safety
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the starter motor's own windings to limit charging current, making the existing component serve the additional function of current limitation. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external power resistors, reducing manufacturing cost and component count
3Reliability
If supercapacitor is sized for engine starting, then starting performance is improved, but charging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic switching between charging and starting modes based on real-time voltage detection. The control unit monitors supercapacitor voltage and automatically switches the starter motor between generating mode (charging) and motor mode (starting), optimizing both charging speed and starting performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic charging cycles where the starter motor alternates between generating electrical energy to charge the supercapacitor and consuming energy to start the engine. This periodic operation ensures the supercapacitor is adequately charged while maintaining readiness for engine starting
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 approach allows for safe, rapid charging of the supercapacitor, extending battery life, enhancing starter reliability, and simplifying control, while reducing costs and enabling efficient engine starting across varying temperatures and battery states.
Implementation Method 1
Switching of the switch is carried out by a coil which is connected to the terminals 2a, 2b of the supercapacitor 2; the voltage Vsc of the supercapacitor 2 is thus supplied to the terminals 2a, 2b, i.e. to the coil 8.
Implementation Method 2
The system utilizes the windings of the starter motor as a load resistor to limit the charging current of the supercapacitor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A charging method for a supercapacitor (2) with electrical energy supplied by a battery (15), comprising the following steps: establishing a first electrical connection wherein a first terminal (2a) of the supercapacitor (2) is connected with a first terminal (15a) of the battery and a second terminal (2b) of the supercapacitor (2) is connected with a second terminal (15b) of the battery via windings of the electric motor (9) of the starter (7); said windings are used as load resistors in order to limit the current supplied by the battery (15) to the supercapacitor (2); the motor of the starter (7) rotates idly during the charging step of the supercapacitor (2) since the starter does not start the internal combustion engine; establishing a second electrical connection wherein the terminals (2a and 2b) of the supercapacitor are connected with respective supply terminals (10a and 9b) of the motor (9) which is supplied with the current which is produced by the supercapacitor (2) which is discharged in order to achieve a starting step of the internal combustion engine.