Supercapacitor Module Voltage Control for Temperature-Driven Aging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Supercapacitor-based energy storage modules suffer from performance degradation due to temperature variations, which affects their lifespan.

Innovation Solution

An energy storage module with a sensor apparatus and controller that adjusts the cell voltage of supercapacitor cells based on detected cell temperature, thereby reducing degradation and improving lifetime.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the cell voltage is maintained constant, then the energy storage module operates simply, but the supercapacitor cells experience degradation due to temperature-induced capacitance fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupercapacitor cell lifespanVSAvoidvoltage control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a static constant voltage control system to a dynamic temperature-compensated voltage control system. The controller dynamically adjusts the cell voltage based on real-time temperature measurements from temperature sensors, allowing the voltage to vary with temperature conditions. This dynamic adaptation prevents degradation caused by temperature-induced capacitance fluctuations while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by modifying the voltage parameter in response to temperature parameter changes. The controller receives temperature input and accordingly adjusts the cell voltage parameter through compensation algorithms. This parameter coupling (voltage as a function of temperature) resolves the contradiction by adapting the electrical parameter to thermal conditions, thereby extending supercapacitor lifespan without excessive system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the cell voltage is adjusted based on temperature, then the supercapacitor cell lifespan is extended, but the control system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy storage module lifetimeVSAvoidcontroller and sensor apparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by implementing a closed-loop control system where temperature sensors continuously monitor the thermal state of supercapacitor cells and feed this information to the controller. The controller then adjusts the cell voltage based on this feedback signal. This feedback mechanism enables automatic temperature compensation that extends module lifetime while keeping the control system complexity manageable through standard feedback control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the energy storage module to automatically adjust its own operating parameters (cell voltage) based on its own thermal state. The temperature sensors and controller work together to create a self-regulating system that compensates for temperature effects without external intervention. This self-service capability extends module lifetime while avoiding the need for complex external control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

The adjustment of cell voltage in response to temperature changes reduces fluctuations in capacitance, minimizes permanent charging and discharging cycles, and thus extends the lifespan of supercapacitor cells.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor apparatus that includes at least one temperature sensor arranged to detect a cell temperature of at least one of the supercapacitor cells

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing:

Implementation Method 2

a controller that is configured to adjust a cell voltage of the supercapacitor cells based on the detected cell temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVoltage adjustment based on temperature:

Implementation Method 3

an energy storage assembly comprising a plurality of supercapacitor cells for storing electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP4496172A1Energy storage module with temperature based cell voltage control for high-power applications
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 SKELETON TECH GMBH
  • EP4496172A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4496172A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4496172A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

In order to improve the lifetime of energy storage modules (20) based on supercapacitor cells (24) that are used in high-power applications, the invention proposes that the cell voltage (Vcell) of the supercapacitor cells (24) is adjusted based on a detected cell temperature (Tcell).