Embedded Energy Source for Supercapacitor Voltage Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Super-capacitor stacks face issues with imbalanced cell voltages due to minor differences in leak voltage, leading to overcharging and reduced life and performance, which existing solutions address through cumbersome and costly external circuits that result in energy loss.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a super-capacitor cell or stack with an energy source, such as a battery or fuel cell, where the energy source is connected in parallel or embedded within the super-capacitor, allowing for internal voltage regulation and balancing through a coating method, eliminating the need for external circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If external electrical circuits are connected to each cell in the stack for voltage regulation, then cell voltage balance is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the energy source and super-capacitor cell into a single integrated device, eliminating the need for external electrical circuits for voltage regulation. The energy source is positioned in direct contact with the super-capacitor cell, allowing internal voltage balancing without additional external components.
Solution Approach 2:
The energy source is nested within or directly integrated with the super-capacitor cell structure. The energy source fits within the spatial confines of the super-capacitor assembly, creating a compact integrated unit where the energy source is embedded among the electrode layers or in direct contact with the current collectors.
2Reliability
If external electrical circuits are used for voltage regulation, then overcharging protection is improved, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the energy source with the super-capacitor cell enables internal voltage regulation without energy-dissipating external circuits. The direct contact between the energy source and super-capacitor allows for efficient energy transfer and voltage balancing without the need for resistive dissipation or complex power conversion circuits.
3Power
If super-capacitor cells are connected in series to form a stack, then voltage output is improved, but voltage imbalance between cells worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates an energy source with each super-capacitor cell in the series stack, creating individually balanced units. This ensures that each cell maintains proper voltage levels through internal regulation, preventing cumulative voltage imbalance issues that would otherwise affect the entire series connection.
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 ensures balanced voltage across super-capacitor cells, preventing overcharging and extending their life, while reducing the complexity and cost of the system by integrating the energy source directly with the super-capacitor, enhancing energy storage capacity and performance.
Implementation Method 1
electric double-layer capacitors
Implementation Method 2
an energy source which is internally connected to the super-capacitor cell or stack thereof
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
Devices which internally control and regulate voltage of a super-capacitor cell or stack thereof during charge-discharge cycles, methods for controlling and regulating voltage of a super-capacitor cell or stack thereof with these devices and methods for production of the devices are provided.