Temperature-Dependent Capacitor Module for High Power Density

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional capacitors face challenges in increasing power density while maintaining temperature-independent dielectric constants, which limits their performance and size reduction.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a heating element thermally connected to the capacitor region, using temperature-dependent dielectric materials whose constant increases with heat, allowing for controlled heat supply to enhance performance and miniaturization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional capacitors use dielectric materials with temperature-independent dielectric constants, then the capacitor's electrical properties remain stable across temperature ranges, but the power density and performance are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature stability of electrical propertiesVSAvoidpower density
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static temperature-independent dielectric materials to dynamic temperature-dependent dielectric materials whose properties change with temperature. The heating element dynamically adjusts the temperature of the dielectric layers to optimize capacitance and power density based on operational requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the dielectric material from temperature-independent to temperature-dependent dielectric constant. By selecting dielectric materials with strong temperature coefficients and actively controlling their temperature, the system achieves variable capacitance and enhanced power density that can be tuned for optimal performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of moving object

If the capacitor size is reduced for miniaturization, then material usage and cost decrease, but maintaining high power density becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecapacitor volumeVSAvoidpower density
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the dielectric constant parameter through temperature control, allowing smaller capacitor volumes to achieve the same or higher power density. By operating the dielectric material at elevated temperatures where the dielectric constant is higher, miniaturized capacitors can maintain or exceed the power density of larger conventional capacitors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses composite structures combining heating elements with dielectric layers having strong temperature coefficients. This composite approach enables the capacitor to achieve high power density in a compact form by leveraging the temperature-dependent properties of the dielectric material

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution increases capacitor performance by raising the dielectric constant with temperature, enabling higher power density and miniaturization, along with cost savings from reduced material usage.

Implementation Method 1

the first heating element and the first capacitor area are thermally connected to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

heat generated in the heating element can be transferred to the capacitor area

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDielectric heating: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 3

the dielectric constant depends on the temperature... the dielectric constant increases with increasing temperature

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature-dependent dielectric constant: Dielectric Permittivity

Data Source

PatentEP2517217B1Temperature independent capacitor and capacitor module
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 TDK ELECTRONICS AG
  • EP2517217B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2517217B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2517217B1 patent drawingFigure 6A~6B

AI summary

The invention relates to a capacitor comprising the following components: a first heating element (1), a first capacitor region, comprising: dielectric layers (3), internal electrodes (4) which are arranged between the dielectric layers, wherein the first heating element and the first capacitor region (2) are connected to each other in a thermally conductive manner.