Supercapacitor Charge Voltage Control for Longer Service Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Super capacitors in building management systems face a tradeoff between energy storage and lifespan due to operating at rated voltage, which can accelerate aging and reduce capacitance, leading to decreased performance.
Innovation Solution
A method to determine a minimum required operating voltage based on capacitance measurement, adjusting charge voltage throughout the life cycle to extend capacitor life and maintain performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If super capacitors are operated at rated voltage to maximize energy storage, then energy storage capacity is improved, but capacitor lifespan deteriorates due to accelerated aging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by continuously monitoring capacitance and modifying the charge voltage accordingly. The system transitions from a static rated voltage operation to a dynamic operating regime where voltage is adapted based on real-time capacitor health status, resolving the contradiction between maximizing energy storage and extending lifespan
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating voltage parameter based on measured capacitance values. By adjusting the charge voltage from the fixed rated voltage to a dynamically determined optimal voltage, the system resolves the trade-off between energy storage (which benefits from higher voltage) and lifespan (which benefits from lower voltage)
Solution Approach 3:
The patent implements a feedback control loop where capacitance is continuously measured and used to adjust the charge voltage. This closed-loop system monitors capacitor health and automatically modifies operating parameters to balance energy storage and lifespan, resolving the contradiction through real-time adaptation
2Duration of action of stationary object
If charge voltage is reduced below rated voltage to extend capacitor life, then lifespan is improved, but energy storage capacity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts voltage based on capacitor age and health rather than using a fixed reduced voltage. This allows the system to maximize energy storage at each stage of capacitor life while still extending overall lifespan, resolving the contradiction between lifespan extension and energy storage maintenance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the voltage parameter by changing it from a fixed reduced value to a dynamically determined value based on capacitance measurements. This resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal voltage at each point in time that balances lifespan extension with energy storage capacity
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining a lifetime parameter of a capacitor in a failsafe device includes measuring an amount of energy required to return the failsafe device to a failsafe position, measuring an effective capacitance of the capacitor, and comparing the amount of energy to the effective capacitance to determine the lifetime parameter of the capacitor.