Supercapacitor Module for CT Imaging Power Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computed tomography (CT) imaging systems often face power limitations that exceed the capacity of existing electrical utilities and power distribution units (PDUs), leading to costly and time-consuming upgrades to meet energy demands, especially when using high-energy x-ray tubes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a supercapacitor module configured in parallel with the PDU, which stores energy from the PDU and directly supplies it to the x-ray source during peak demand, thereby enhancing power delivery without the need for upgrading electrical utilities or PDUs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the power capacity of the PDU is increased to meet the energy demands of high-energy x-ray tubes, then the power supply capability is improved, but the cost and time for upgrading electrical utilities and PDUs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The supercapacitor stores electrical energy in advance during periods of low power demand, preparing energy reserves before peak demand occurs. This preliminary energy accumulation allows the system to meet high power demands without requiring utility upgrades.
Solution Approach 2:
The supercapacitor acts as an intermediary energy storage device between the PDU and the x-ray tube. It buffers the power flow, absorbing excess power when available and delivering stored energy during peak demand, thereby decoupling the PDU capacity requirements from the x-ray tube power requirements.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the PDU is upgraded to provide sufficient power for high-energy x-ray tubes, then the energy demand is met, but the system becomes more complex and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The supercapacitor pre-charges during low-demand periods, performing the energy accumulation action in advance. This allows the system to satisfy high energy demands during imaging operations without requiring the PDU to be upgraded to handle peak loads continuously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temporal distribution of power delivery by using the supercapacitor to smooth out power fluctuations. The supercapacitor absorbs power during low-demand periods and releases it during high-demand periods, effectively changing the power delivery parameters without upgrading the PDU infrastructure.
3Power
If the electrical utilities are upgraded to support high-power x-ray sources, then the power capacity is increased, but the installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The supercapacitor module serves as a portable, modular intermediary power source that can be installed alongside existing electrical infrastructure. It provides additional power capacity without requiring changes to the building's electrical utilities, thereby avoiding lengthy utility upgrade installations.
Solution Approach 2:
The supercapacitor system is pre-assembled as a complete module that can be rapidly deployed. The preliminary design and integration of the supercapacitor, control circuitry, and cooling system into a single unit allows for quick installation without the need for complex utility modifications.
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 solution allows for stable and efficient power supply to high-energy x-ray tubes, reducing the need for costly upgrades and improving the performance of CT imaging systems by providing additional power during peak usage without voltage drops, thus enabling continuous operation without compromising efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an energy storage apparatus comprising a supercapacitor, the energy storage apparatus coupled to the DC bus and configured to store electrical energy output by the PDU in the supercapacitor, and output the stored electrical energy directly to the DC bus
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems are provided for powering an imaging system. In one embodiment, a system comprises a direct current (DC) bus, an x-ray source coupled to the DC bus, a power distribution unit (PDU) with an input coupled to a three-phase alternating current (AC) source and an output coupled to the DC bus, and an energy storage apparatus comprising a supercapacitor, the energy storage apparatus coupled to the DC bus and configured to store electrical energy output by the PDU in the supercapacitor, and output the stored electrical energy directly to the DC bus for powering the x-ray source. In this way, an x-ray source of an imaging system may be adequately powered beyond the limitations of a PDU without upgrading the electrical utilities of a hospital and without upgrading the PDU. The supercapacitor is protected by FPGA by measuring input current, voltage, temperature, and voltage balance.