Ultracapacitor Charging Circuit With Temperature-Based Voltage Derating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ultracapacitors are sensitive to high temperatures and fail to operate efficiently at elevated temperatures, necessitating a solution to enhance their thermal tolerance.
Innovation Solution
A power management circuit that includes a temperature-sensing device and a power converter, which adjusts the drive voltage based on temperature readings using a derating curve to maintain efficient operation of ultracapacitors at higher temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ultracapacitors are used at high temperatures, then they fail to operate efficiently, but reducing the drive voltage limits their operational range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic voltage adjustment by continuously monitoring temperature and modifying the drive voltage accordingly. The power management circuit dynamically adapts the charging voltage based on real-time temperature conditions, allowing the ultracapacitor to operate efficiently across a wider temperature range without sacrificing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameter (drive voltage) in response to temperature variations. By derating the drive voltage at elevated temperatures according to a predetermined curve, the system maintains operational efficiency while extending the usable temperature range through controlled parameter modification.
2Reliability
If the drive voltage is reduced to maintain efficiency at high temperatures, then operational efficiency improves, but the power output decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary protective action by preemptively reducing the drive voltage before thermal damage can occur. The power management circuit anticipates temperature-related efficiency degradation and adjusts the voltage in advance, preventing efficiency loss while managing power output through controlled derating.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the power management circuit continuously monitors temperature and adjusts the drive voltage accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that voltage reduction occurs only when necessary for efficiency, maintaining optimal power output within safe thermal limits rather than uniformly reducing power.
3Adaptability or versatility
If temperature monitoring and dynamic voltage adjustment are implemented, then high-temperature operation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single power management circuit that combines temperature sensing, voltage regulation, and control logic. This multi-functional approach enables high-temperature operation capability while minimizing the increase in device complexity by consolidating functions rather than adding separate dedicated components for each function.
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 allows ultracapacitors to operate effectively at higher temperatures by dynamically adjusting the drive voltage, thereby extending their operational range and maintaining performance under thermal stress.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature-sensing device and a power converter, which adjusts the drive voltage based on temperature readings
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
Systems and methods of charging and discharging an ultracapacitor are disclosed. In one embodiment, a circuit for charging a capacitor can include a power source configured to provide a source voltage. The circuit can further include an ultracapacitor, a temperature sensing device, a power converter, and one or more control devices configured to receive signals indicative of a temperature from the temperature sensing device, and to control operation of the power converter based at least in part on the one or more signals indicative of the temperature.