Abstract: A power device for use in a vehicle includes a housing, a voltage converter, and a charge-storing device. The housing carries the voltage converter and the charge-storing device. The voltage converter includes a circuit that converts a power signal having a first voltage level to a second voltage level. The charge-storing device electrically couples with the voltage converter and stores the power signal having the second voltage level.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical braking system, especially for a motor vehicle comprising a 12V/14V on-board supply system. Said braking system comprises a brake actuator unit provided with an electric motor for generating a braking force, and a power supply for the electric motor, said power supply comprising a first electrical energy source, especially an accumulator of an on-board supply system. The power supply of the electric motor also comprises at least one capacitive energy source which is mounted in parallel to the first energy source. The invention further relates to an electromechanical braking system and a motor vehicle, especially a private car, comprising an electromechanical braking system.

Abstract: A power supply (1) for powering a load, the load being in the form of a flash driver circuit (4) for a digital camera (not shown). The power supply includes a supercapacitive device, in the form of a supercapacitor (8), for powering circuit (4). A regulator unit, in the form of an inductive regulator (10), charges supercapacitor (8).

Abstract: An energy-reclamation apparatus of the present invention including at least a supercapacitor element connected with a charging source and a controlled circuit. After the supercapacitor element is charged to the potential of the charging source, the supercapacitor element and the charging source will work in series to conduct a repetitive polarity reversal of the supercapacitor element through a controlled circuit. As the supercapacitor element discharges, it is reversely charged concurrently. In other words, while the voltage of the supercapacitor element is decreasing on the side, a negative potential is complementarily developing on the other side. By repeatedly reversing the polarity of the supercapacitor element, more energy from the serially connected charging source can be reclaimed and reused.

Abstract: A system for providing backup power supply to a device is provided. The system includes a supercapacitor and a single circuit for charging and discharging of a supercapacitor. The single circuit operates with an inductor to provide for charging and discharging of the supercapacitor.

Abstract: A charger for ultracapacitors that allows many ultracapacitors, that may be connected in several different configurations, to be charged from a very low voltage to their rated voltage very rapidly without cell damage. The charger also allows for the detection of failed cells.

Abstract: A motor vehicle (KFZ) including an electric power source (EQ) for providing DC current, a converter (U) for converting the DC current into three-phase AC current of identical phase angle or polyphase current as a function of the vehicle operating state, and an electric machine (EM), to which the current provided by the converter is fed, is provided.

Abstract: An energy storage system is described for use in, for example, electronics systems such as a bank of computers. The disclosed energy storage systems allows the use of an efficient energy source, such as ultracapacitors, while providing a desired voltage level for an extended period of time. One embodiment of the energy storage system provides power to a load. The system includes a power module including at least one ultracapacitor adapted to store and discharge energy. The power module provides an output voltage as the ultracapacitor discharges energy. The system also includes a voltage regulator for boosting the output voltage of the power module. The voltage regulator may include a voltage converter. The voltage converter may be adapted to boost the output voltage when the output voltage falls below a predetermined threshold. The voltage converter may include a plurality of interleaving inductor circuits, each of the circuits including a switch and an inductor.

Abstract: In the invention an electric current circulates from the battery (UB) through the electric motor (M), and the diode (D1) charges the capacitors (CA) and (CB), connected in parallel, which, once charged, are connected in series, giving rise to a difference in voltage in relation to the battery, causing half the charge of the capacitors to be returned through the diode (D2) to the battery, whilst with a new parallel connection the capacitors recharge, this charge being equal to that which had been previously transferred from the capacitors to the battery, so that by means of the cyclic connection of the capacitors in parallel and series the energy is transferred from the battery to the capacitors and from the capacitors to the battery, thus considerably extending the range of the battery and operation of the motor.

Abstract: An apparatus has a green compact electrode including a material of a coating formed on a workpiece by a discharge, a power source for supplying a first voltage, a voltage detector for detecting a voltage between the workpiece and the electrode, and a pulse current generator for generating and outputting a pulse current from the first voltage, and for cutting off the output when a predetermined period of time has passed after the voltage is detected to be less than a detection voltage. The pulse current is supplied between the workpiece and the electrode, and the detection voltage is less than the first voltage by 5% to 20% of the first voltage.

Abstract: A rechargeable portable light having a housing member with an opening for the emission of light, and two possible charging systems including an AC charger, and an auto or boat charger. An electronic circuit is located within the housing member and includes at least one super capacitor for power storage. The super capacitor is charged by a charging system. A charging system is presented that can charge two super capacitors in series, or more than two super capacitors in series. A power inverter circuit with a high efficiency (approximately 90% to 95% efficiency) is used to regulate voltage and current from one super capacitor or two or more super capacitors in series to a light emitting diode. This circuit includes at least one light emitting diode (LED) positioned near the opening in the housing member, and a switch interposed between the capacitor and the output circuit. The switch is closed when power is delivered from the super capacitor to the LED.

Abstract: A method and apparatus relates to systems powered by energy stored in capacitors. The capacitors may be charged using any desired power source. The system does not require batteries, which increases the reliability and life span of the system. In one example, an automatic feeder system uses the combination of solar panels and a capacitive network to power the feeder system indefinitely with minimal required maintenance.

Abstract: A system and method for hybrid power management. The system includes photovoltaic cells, ultracapacitors, and pulse generators. In one embodiment, the hybrid power management system is used to provide power for a highway safety flasher.

Abstract: Two capacitors and at least one inductor are used to create an alternating magnetic field for use in electric motors. Charge leaving one capacitor passes through the inductor, creating a magnetic field, and is captured by the second capacitor. Energy is added to the second capacitor which is then discharged through the inductor to the first capacitor, creating a magnetic field of opposite polarity as that created by the first discharge.

Abstract: A method and circuit for energizing an electric energy storage device (10) to a high voltage with electric energy supplied by a high voltage electric power source (16) in a safe, effective and efficient manner by first moving electric charges supplied by a high voltage power source (16) to a capacitive device (20) and then subsequently transferring the electric charges stored in an energized capacitive device (20) to an electric energy storage device (10) for later use. A method and circuit for de-energizing an electric energy storage device (10) from a very high voltage in a safe, effective, and efficient manner by first moving electric charges supplied by the electric energy storage device to a capacitive device (20) and then subsequently de-energizing an energized capacitive device (20) through an electrical load device (18) so that useful work can be performed.

Abstract: A method for charge control of a photoflash capacitor. The method includes detecting a voltage on the photoflash capacitor, asserting and then latching a recharge signal when the detected voltage is lower than a first reference voltage, de-asserting and then latching the recharge signal when the detected voltage exceeds a second reference voltage, charging the photoflash capacitor when the recharge signal is asserted, and providing a pin for connection of a resistive element which determines the first reference voltage.

Abstract: This invention is a system and a method that uses the braking resistor, commonly used and available in electrically or hybrid-electrically propelled vehicles, to limit the precharge current during the startup of a high power ultracapacitor pack energy storage device and/or safely and rapidly discharge an ultracapacitor pack for maintenance work or storage to lengthen the life of the individual ultracapacitor cells and, correspondingly, the whole pack. The use of the braking resistor for precharging an ultracapacitor energy storage pack is an effective and less expensive method compared to other methods such as a separate DC-to-DC converter. This method includes the control logic sequence to activate and deactivate switching devices that perform the connections for the charging and discharging current paths.

Abstract: A power supply apparatus and a power supply method are described, wherein the non-polar characteristics of the electrodes of a capacitor is utilized to improve the energy utilization efficiency of a battery through reciprocating switches of polarity connection between the battery and the capacitor. The voltages of the capacitors can also stay at a near constant level using the polarity reversal mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus has a green compact electrode including a material of a coating formed on a workpiece by a discharge, a power source for supplying a first voltage, a voltage detector for detecting a voltage between the workpiece and the electrode, and a pulse current generator for generating and outputting a pulse current from the first voltage, and for cutting off the output when a predetermined period of time has passed after the voltage is detected to be less than a detection voltage. The pulse current is supplied between the workpiece and the electrode, and the detection voltage is less than the first voltage by 5% to 20% of the first voltage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a regulation system for voltage regulation in the electrical power supply system for a motor vehicle, which contains a supercapacitor. In a short-term standby mode (ST), the voltage (U) of the supercapacitor is regulated such that a voltage window (?U) is maintained, thus ensuring a minimum energy content in the supercapacitor (4). During a long-term standby mode (LT), the supercapacitor (4) is charged to a voltage (Uh) only when an activation signal (tA) occurs. The energy for charging is drawn from a second energy store, in particular a battery.

Abstract: Provided is a super electrochemical capacitor including two electrode plates having the same size but different quantities of electric charges or electric charge densities without increasing the volume of the capacitor to increase the quantity of electric charges, capacitance and usable voltage range of the capacitor, to thereby obtain high voltage and super capacitance. The super electrochemical capacitor includes two electrode plates having different quantities of electric charges and similar sizes. The two electrode plates are spaced apart from each other by a dielectric layer or collector layer. The two electrode plates have different quantities of electric charges or electric charge densities while maintaining the sizes thereof. The two electrode plates have different porosities or bulk densities such that the electrode plates have different quantities of electric charges or electric charge densities.

Abstract: A method for determining a state of charge (SOC) of a super-capacitor (SC) system includes modeling the SC system with an equivalent circuit having first and second parameters. The method further includes estimating a value of the first and second parameters based on a measured voltage and determining the SOC based on the first and second parameters.

Abstract: An electronic or opto-electronic device or a chemical sensor comprising: an interpenetrating network of a nanostructured high surface area to volume ratio film material and an organic/inorganic material forming a nanocomposite. The high surface area to volume film material is obtained onto an electrode substrate first, such that the nano-scale basic elements comprising this film material are embedded in a void matrix while having electrical connectivity with the electrode substrate. For example, the film material may comprise an array of nano-protrusions electrically connected to the electrode substrate and separated by a void matrix. The interpenetrating network is formed by introducing an appropriate organic/inorganic material into the void volume of the high surface area to volume film material. Further electrode(s) are defined onto the film or intra-void material to achieve a certain device.

Abstract: A capacitance charge device with adjustable clamping voltage is disclosed in the invention, which includes a high-farad capacitance and a power supply device for charging to the high-farad capacitance. In addition, a switch device is connected between the power supply device and the capacitance, and through the on/off operations of the switch device, the on/off conductions between the power supply device and the capacitance can be controlled. Besides, a clamping circuit is connected between the switch device and the capacitance and also connected to the output terminal of the power supply device. In addition, the clamping circuit has a clamping voltage, which can be compared with the actual voltage so as to control the on/off operations of the switch device and in turn control the on/off conductions between the power supply device and the capacitance. In addition, the invention can constrain the battery voltage in the clamping voltage of the clamping circuit.

Abstract: A rapid charging circuit for charging a power module is disclosed. The power module includes one or more ultracapacitors. The power module is charged using an energy source connected to the power module. The charging circuit includes a control circuit adapted to maintain a constant power level at the power module during charging as the voltage level across the power module increases. The control circuit includes a pulse-width modulator and an inductor connected in series with the power module. The pulse-width modulator can control a charge level of the inductor. The charge level may correspond to a current level which is in accordance with a desired power level at the power module and an instantaneous voltage level across the power module. The inductor may be adapted to limit a current level through the power module to a predetermined peak level.

Abstract: In a power supply apparatus for discharge surface treatment which uses a green compact electrode as a discharge electrode, allows a pulse-type discharge to take place between said discharge electrode and a workpiece, and forms a film, which is made of an electrode material or a material obtained when the electrode material reacts to a discharge energy, on a surface of the workpiece following three measures are taken. (1) When a discharge voltage detected by the voltage detection means is less than or equal to discharge detection voltage set value which is slightly lower than a power supply voltage, the electric current cut-off means forcibly cuts off an output of the oscillator so that long-time pulse is prevented. (2) A capacitor is connected in parallel with an oscillation circuit of the oscillator, and the long-time pulse is prevented by capacitor discharge. (3) Time that the discharge takes place once is controlled by a timer so that the long-time pulse is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and a system for charging at least one supercapacitor that is particularly suitable for balancing supercapacitors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a regulation system for voltage regulation in the electrical power supply system for a motor vehicle, which contains a supercapacitor. In a short-term standby mode (ST), the voltage (U) of the supercapacitor is regulated such that a voltage window (&Dgr;U) is maintained, thus ensuring a minimum energy content in the supercapacitor (4). During a long-term standby mode (LT), the supercapacitor (4) is charged to a voltage (Uh) only when an activation signal (tA) occurs. The energy for charging is drawn from a second energy store, in particular a battery.

Abstract: A power supply (1) for a pulsed load (2) includes a first energy storage device in the form of a battery (3) which is in parallel with a second energy storage device in the form of a supercapacitor (4). Battery (3) and supercapacitor (4) are respectively modelled as: an ideal battery (7) in series with an internal resistance (8); and an ideal capacitor (9) in series with an equivalent series resistance (ESR) (10). Through use of a supercapacitor (4) having a low ESR with respect to the resistance (8), the power supply (1) facilitates continuity of supply to load (2). That is, during peak demand more of the load current will be supplied by supercapacitor (4) due to the lower ESR. Moreover, during times of lower load current demands the battery recharges the supercapacitor. This reduces the peak current needed to be provided by the battery and thereby improves battery longevity.

Abstract: In a power supply apparatus for discharge surface treatment which uses a green compact electrode as a discharge electrode, allows a pulse-type discharge to take place between said discharge electrode and a workpiece, and forms a film, which is made of an electrode material or a material obtained when the electrode material reacts to a discharge energy, on a surface of the workpiece following three measures are taken. (1) When a discharge voltage detected by the voltage detection means is less than or equal to discharge detection voltage set value which is slightly lower than a power supply voltage, the electric current cut-off means forcibly cuts off an output of the oscillator so that long-time pulse is prevented. (2) A capacitor is connected in parallel with an oscillation circuit of the oscillator, and the long-time pulse is prevented by capacitor discharge. (3) Time that the discharge takes place once is controlled by a timer so that the long-time pulse is prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a supercapacitor balancing method including bypassing the current flowing in the supercapacitor from a predetermined threshold voltage at the terminals of the supercapacitor, the bypass current being a function of the voltage at the terminals of the supercapacitor and increasing continuously as a function of the voltage. The method is characterized in that the bypass current increases between the threshold voltage, for which the bypass current constitutes a minimum bypass current, and a reference voltage, for which the bypass current constitutes a nominal bypass current, and in that the difference between the reference voltage and the threshold voltage is less than 200 mV and the ratio between the nominal bypass current and the minimum bypass current is greater than 100.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a supercapacitor balancing method including bypassing the current flowing in the supercapacitor from a predetermined threshold voltage at the terminals of the supercapacitor, the bypass current being a function of the voltage at the terminals of the supercapacitor and increasing continuously as a function of the voltage.

Abstract: A rechargeable light includes a body, a light source coupled to the body, a capacitor, and a power interface switch. The capacitor is configured to provide power to the light source. The capacitor and light source are configured to provide sustained light. The power interface is configured to be coupled to a power source external to the body and to provide power to charge the capacitor.

Abstract: A fuel cell power system, comprising a fuel cell which generates D.C. voltage while operating; an ultracapacitor which, in operation, is electrically coupled with a load and has a voltage condition; and a circuit which, in operation, electrically couples and decouples the fuel cell to the ultracapacitor based upon the voltage condition of the ultracapacitor.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring the capacitance of a backup power source in a backup power supply system is disclosed by the present invention. The regulated output voltage is set to a nominal regulated output voltage during normal operation and then adjusted to a predetermined regulated output voltage during a capacitance measurement. A pair of predetermined loads is connected to the backup power source in consecutive order for discharging energy from the backup power source. A counter is used to count the time that elapses before the regulated output voltage reaches the lower regulated output voltage or the backup power supply system begins regulating. The resulting counts are used by a main control unit, together with several other known values, to determine the capacitance of the backup power source.

Abstract: An improved emergency auxiliary power supply comprised of a rechargeable secondary battery or a super capacitor to function as an emergency charging source; a conduction train, an optional charging control circuit and another optional first storage unit comprised of a diode on the output side to prevent inverse voltage and connected to a second storage in the load coupled to the output are provided to comprise a DC power supply system allowing flexible combination with at least two stages for serial stage power supply.

Abstract: Supercapacitor/ultracapacitor technology is applied to hand-held remote-control devices, thereby providing a unit that does not require batteries. In terms of hardware, a device according to the invention includes a hand-held enclosure having a plurality of operator controls supported thereon, a wireless control signal generator, and electronic circuitry interconnecting the operator controls to wireless control signal generator. The circuitry causes the generator to transmit a wireless signal in response to the operator controls so as to affect the operation of the appliance. The device further includes a source of electrical energy to power the circuitry, the source of electrical energy including a supercapacitor or ultracapacitor, and an input to receive externally applied energy to recharge the supercapacitor or ultracapacitor. The input to receive externally applied energy converts mechanical or electrical energy into direct current (DC).

Abstract: An electricity storage device and a portable electric-powered tool. The device comprises at least a battery; at least a super capacitor, which has lower internal impedance, when fully charged, than that of the battery and connects the battery in parallel; and an output end for supplying the electricity. The super capacitor is the major power supply for the pulse current output; the battery is used for generating electricity to the super capacitor and is the secondary power supply for the pulse current output. The connection of the battery and the super capacitor does not need any converters or current-limiting resistors.

Abstract: A drink container, such as a drinking glass, drinking cup, a vase, or a bottle, is illuminated with an LED. The power for the LED is supplied by quick-charging capacitors which are integrated in a cavity of the container together with the LED. The LED is disposed in a wedge-shaped recess which effects advantageous distribution of the light through the obliquely inclined walls. The capacitors are typically charged within a matter of seconds and they have a virtually unlimited cycle life.

Abstract: A method for charging a secondary battery by measuring the static/open circuit voltage and comparing it to a predetermined value includes: a first step of precharging the secondary battery; thereafter pausing a predetermined interval; a step of measuring a secondary battery voltage Vba1 after performing the pausing; and a step of charging the secondary battery based on the measurement of the secondary battery voltage Vba1.

Abstract: An energy storage system is provided that includes input terminals for receiving input energy from a remote power source and an energy storage device coupled to the input terminals. The energy storage device is operative to store at least of portion of the input energy and to supply stored energy to the input terminals. A pump device is also coupled to the input terminal and to the storage device. The pump device is operative to cause the energy storage device to store at least a portion of the input energy when the input energy level is above a first threshold level, and to cause the energy storage device to supply energy to the input terminals when the input energy level is below a second threshold level. The energy storage system is optionally provided with a current limiter for added protection against short circuits. In one embodiment, the current limiter is bi-direction; it protects against short circuits originating at both the power source and within the energy storage system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the integrity of a voltage regulating device. The voltage regulating device is coupled to a line receiving alternative current power. During normal operation of the voltage regulating device, the method and apparatus includes the use at least one capacitor that is either being charged or discharged on a repetitive basis. The voltage of the capacitor is assessed to determine whether the capacitor is charging or discharging and, thus, whether the voltage regulating device has failed.

Abstract: A high-reactance transformer is used in combination with a phase-programmed switch to limit and regulate the surge current loading on an AC power source employed to charge a capacitor energy store. A controller commands the phase-programmed switch, which begins the charging cycle by closing at a predetermined phase relation to the AC source. The same switch is used to interrupt the charging when the desired capacitive energy store voltage is reached.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of and an implementing assembly for shifting the transmission 12 of a vehicle having a battery 24 between park and various shift positions with a reversible motor 10 by supplying electrical energy from the battery 24 to the motor 10 to shift the transmission 12 in response to a shift selection 14 and characterized by storing electrical energy in a super capacitor 20 and transmitting that electrical energy stored in the capacitor 20 to the motor 10 for actuating the motor 10. The capacitor is placed in parallel with the battery 24 for charging the capacitor and in series with the battery 24 and the motor 10 to transmit the stored energy of the capacitor to the motor 10. The capacitor 20 stores sufficient electrical energy to actuate the motor 10 independently of the battery 24.

Abstract: A method for energizing an energization-operated toy element in which an electric double layer capacitor is employed as energization means for energizing a toy element which is operated upon application of low voltage, the capacitor is charged upon reception of a current from a DC power source, and the charged electric power is used to energize a toy load as a discharge current to operate the toy element. An energization-operated toy which comprises an energization heating color changing element provided with an energization resistant heating member for generating heat upon application of the DC voltage and a thermal color changing layer disposed in contact with or close to the heating member, energization means consisting of an electric double layer capacitor for generating heat by supplying the discharge current to the energization resistant heating member, and a power source for supplying the DC voltage from 0.5 V to 9.0 V to the capacitor.

Abstract: A power and control system for micro-electronics is described, as for lightweight, battery-powered electrochromic (EC) eyewear. Preferably such system includes a primary, lithium-type cell and a secondary, sealed lead acid-type cell in a hybrid, power-sharing configuration capable of supplying the low-energy, high-current (pulse) drain requirements of microelectronics, e.g. a switchable EC lens. A switch-mode power supply controller manages the power-sharing load on the hybrid battery system such that the secondary cell is charged by the primary cell. The system is capable of meeting short-term pulse drain requirements of switching EC lenses from clear to fully darkened at an acceptably fast rate and long-term operating life requirements of approximately 1500 cycles.

Abstract: A long-lived, lightweight, and quickly and precisely charged storage capacitor power supply capable of stably supplying electric power to a load. The power supply has a capacitor block consisting of capacitors connected in series, in parallel or in any combination of series and parallel. The power supply further includes a charging circuit for charging the block, a charging power supply connected with the block via the charging circuit, and a charge-limiting circuit. This charge-limiting circuit detects the voltage across the terminals of the block and limits charging of the block if the voltage reaches a given value. One embodiment of the invention further includes a charge-limiting circuit, a full charge-detecting circuit, and a residual electricity-detecting circuit connected in parallel with the block. The charge-limiting circuit senses that the voltage across the terminals of the block exceeds the given value and causes the charging current to bypass the block.