Supercapacitor Module Voltage Control for Temperature-Driven Degradation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Supercapacitor-based energy storage modules suffer from degradation due to temperature variations, leading to reduced performance and lifespan, as conventional methods maintain constant cell voltage despite capacitance fluctuations caused by thermal changes.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage module with a temperature sensor and controller that adjusts the cell voltage based on detected temperature, decreasing voltage with increasing temperature and increasing it with decreasing temperature to mitigate degradation, using a PID controller or look-up table for optimal adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If constant cell voltage is maintained in supercapacitor cells, then the electrical output stability is improved, but the degradation of active material and electrolyte accelerates due to temperature variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by the controller based on real-time temperature sensor feedback. The controller modifies the cell voltage operating point according to temperature conditions, transitioning from a static constant voltage approach to a dynamic adaptive approach that responds to thermal variations, thereby reducing degradation while maintaining electrical stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter dynamically based on temperature. The controller adjusts the cell voltage according to temperature readings from the sensor apparatus, modifying an key electrical parameter to compensate for thermal effects on capacitance and reduce degradation of active material and electrolyte
2Duration of action of stationary object
If cell voltage is adjusted dynamically based on temperature, then the degradation of supercapacitor materials is reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional sensor and control components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control loop where the temperature sensor continuously monitors cell temperature and provides feedback to the controller. The controller uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the cell voltage, creating a closed-loop system that automatically compensates for thermal effects without requiring complex external control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The supercapacitor module performs self-regulation through the integrated temperature sensor and controller that automatically adjust voltage based on internal temperature conditions. The system serves itself by monitoring its own thermal state and making appropriate voltage adjustments without external intervention, reducing the need for additional complex control infrastructure
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 dynamic adjustment of cell voltage reduces capacitance fluctuations, thereby minimizing small charging and discharging cycles, which helps in extending the lifespan and improving the performance of supercapacitor cells by compensating for thermal variations.
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
Implementation Method 2
If the cell temperature changes, so usually does the capacitance. In case of a temperature increase the electrodes expand as well. The expanded electrodes have a larger surface area
Implementation Method 3
the change of capacitance of the supercapacitor cells due to thermal variations is a factor
Data Source
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).