Supercapacitor Voltage Control for High-Temperature Process Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Supercapacitors in process control systems age quickly at high temperatures, reducing their ability to provide backup power, as they are often operated in environments where high ambient temperatures are common.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a controller detects the temperature of the supercapacitor and adjusts the charging voltage accordingly, decreasing it at higher temperatures to slow aging and increasing it at lower temperatures to ensure sufficient backup power is maintained.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the supercapacitor is charged to high voltage to ensure sufficient backup power, then the backup power capacity is improved, but the aging rate increases at high temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by continuously monitoring temperature and adapting the charging voltage accordingly. The system transitions from a static charging voltage approach to a dynamic one where the charging voltage varies based on real-time temperature conditions, thereby optimizing both backup power capacity and service life
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter (charging voltage) based on temperature conditions. At lower temperatures, higher charging voltages are applied to maximize backup power capacity, while at higher temperatures, lower charging voltages are used to reduce aging rate, thus extending service life
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the charging voltage is decreased to reduce aging at high temperatures, then the service life is improved, but the backup power capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts charging voltage based on temperature monitoring, allowing it to optimize between service life and backup power capacity in real-time rather than using a fixed voltage setting
Solution Approach 2:
The charging voltage parameter is changed according to temperature conditions, with the system selecting appropriate voltage levels to balance service life extension and adequate backup power capacity
3Adaptability or versatility
If the supercapacitor operates at high ambient temperatures, then the operational environment is expanded, but the aging rate increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where temperature is continuously monitored and this information is used to adjust the charging voltage, creating a closed-loop control system that responds to environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters (charging voltage) in response to environmental conditions (temperature), allowing operation in high ambient temperature environments while mitigating their harmful effects on service life
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method are provided for operating, in a process control system, a circuit coupled to an input power supply and a supercapacitor susceptible to damage at high temperatures. A controller causes the circuit to supply electric charge from the input power supply to the supercapacitor. The controller also causes the circuit to supply electric power from the supercapacitor to a field device, such as an actuator. The controller selects a voltage to which the supercapacitor is to be charged based at least in part on a detected temperature associated with the supercapacitor, and causes the circuit to supply electric charge from the input power supply to the supercapacitor based on the selected voltage.