Abstract: A power supply system comprises a battery which can be charged/discharged, a charging/discharging apparatus which charges/discharges the battery, and a charging/discharging power limit controller which outputs a charging/discharging power limit control signal obtained by amplifying a deviation between an output voltage command signal of the battery and a detected output voltage signal obtained by detecting an output voltage of the battery, wherein and the charging/discharging apparatus includes a charging/discharging controller which controls of charging/discharging power of the battery based on the charging/discharging power limit control signal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an electric energy storage apparatus, a voltage equalization module thereof, and a voltage equalization method. There is provided an electric energy storage apparatus, including: a plurality of electric energy storage cells connected in series; voltage sensing units sensing voltage charged in each of the electric energy storage cells, respectively; first bypass discharge units connected to each of the electric energy storage cells in parallel, respectively, and bypassing and discharging electric energy charged; second bypass discharge units additionally connected to each of the electric energy storage cells in parallel, respectively, and bypassing and additionally discharging electric energy; and a control unit receiving voltage information from the voltage sensing units, determining whether controlling or not and controlling operations of each of the first and second bypass discharge units so as to equalize charged voltage values of the electric energy storage cells.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a single stage hybrid charge pump. A switch module is connected to ground. An inductance module is connected between a DC voltage source and the switch module. A first capacitance module is connected to the switch and to the inductance module. A first current blocking module is connected between the DC voltage source the first capacitance module. A second capacitance module is connected to ground. A second current blocking module is connected to a node between the first capacitance module and the first current blocking module and is also connected to the second current blocking module. The switch module is operated to switch between an open state and a closed state thereby causing a voltage across the second current blocking module to increase until it is limited by a voltage limiting module.

Abstract: A propulsion energy storage system for a hybrid vehicle includes ultracapacitor based energy storage to provide rechargeable energy storage. The rechargeable energy storage used performs well over a wide thermal range and thus permits vehicle designers and manufacturers to forego incorporation of temperature management systems. Further, as the rechargeable energy storage exhibit excellent thermal stability, the form factor of the cells of the rechargeable energy storage (e.g., ultracapacitors) may be adjusted to meet the desires of designers, manufacturers and users.

Abstract: A discharge mechanism including: a smoothing capacitor; a first terminal and a second terminal that are provided at both end sides of the smoothing capacitor respectively; and a short-circuiting clasp that is disposed apart from the first terminal and the second terminal by a predetermined clearance to short-circuit the first terminal and the second terminal to each other. The short-circuiting clasp is disposed so as to move in such a direction as to approach the first terminal and the second terminal through application of an external force to the short-circuiting clasp, and to discharge electric charges accumulated on the smoothing capacitor through abutment of the short-circuiting clasp on the first terminal and the second terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for stabilizing voltage of an energy storage in which a plurality of unit cells are connected to each other in series, including: a bypass unit that is connected to the unit cell in parallel; and a controller that detects voltage of the unit cell and controls an operation of the bypass unit according to the detected voltage of the unit cell, wherein the bypass unit bypasses current flowing in the unit cell when the detected voltage of the unit cell is larger than predetermined reference voltage to generate the reusing voltage, whereby the voltage of each unit cell is stably equalized and reuses the voltage provided to the bypass path, thereby performing voltage equalization without loss.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an energy storage module including a first energy container, a second energy container that is connected to the first energy container in parallel, and a switching control unit that senses the energy containers corresponding to predetermined deterioration conditions among the first and second energy containers to selectively open the energy containers corresponding to deterioration conditions so as to selectively charge/discharge the energy containers, whereby the deterioration can be minimized without stopping the overall energy storage module.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a safety capacitor discharging method for AC-to-DC converters, wherein the AC-to-DC converters have a safety capacitor connected between two line voltages, the method comprising the steps of: detecting at least one line voltage to generate a line-off signal, wherein the line-off signal is at a first state when the peak voltage of the at least one line voltage is above a reference voltage, and the line-off signal is at a second state when the peak voltage of the at least one line voltage is below the reference voltage; and performing discharge of the safety capacitor by generating a conduction path between two plates of the safety capacitor when the line-off signal is at the second state. The present invention also provides a safety capacitor discharging apparatus for AC-to-DC converters.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for dense energy storage is disclosed. The inner tube of a multi-wall nanotube is reversibly withdrawn from the outer tube thereof via a facing electrode that is biased with respect to the nanotube by an external voltage source. As the inner tube is withdrawn, the potential energy of the van der Waals field between the inner tube and the outer tube increases, which manifests as a force that is directed opposite to the electrostatic force of attraction between the electrode and the inner tube. The storage apparatus is discharged by decreasing the applied voltage, which enables the van der Waals force to overcome the electrostatic force. As a consequence, the inner tube is drawn back into the outer tube. The electrode and nanotube define a variable capacitor and, as such, the change in capacitance based on movement of the inner tube results in a flow of charge to a load.

Abstract: Auxiliary power supplies include a capacitor (e.g., super capacitor) and a capacitor charging circuit, which is configured to provide a charging current to a first terminal of the capacitor. Enhanced failure detection is provided by a capacitor monitoring circuit, which may be electrically coupled to at least one terminal of the capacitor. The capacitor monitoring circuit is configured to detect when the capacitor is malfunctioning in an open condition as well as when the capacitor is malfunctioning in a short condition.

Abstract: A power system adapted for supplying power in a high temperature environment is disclosed. The power system includes a rechargeable energy storage that is operable in a temperature range of between about seventy degrees Celsius and about two hundred and fifty degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the energy storage and charging the energy storage; wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about one hundred megajoules of energy, and to provide peak power of between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a watt and about one hundred megawatts, for at least two charge-discharge cycles. Methods of use and fabrication are provided. Embodiments of additional features of the power supply are included.

Abstract: The present application is generally directed towards electrochemical energy storage devices. The devices comprise electrode material suspended in an appropriate electrolyte. Such devices are capable of achieving economical $/kWh(cycle) values and will enable much higher power and cycle life than currently used devices.

Abstract: A discharge apparatus includes a discharge device having a temperature characteristic in which the impedance of the discharge device in a discharging state decreases as the ambient temperature increases, a capacitor that stores charge for causing the discharge device to discharge, a discharge control device that controls electrical connection and disconnection between the capacitor and the discharge device, and a current limiting device that limits a current flowing in the discharge control device to a predetermined value or less when the discharge control device electrically connects the capacitor to the discharge device. The current limiting device is serially connected to the discharge device, the capacitor, and the discharge control device. The current limiting device is a thermistor having a temperature characteristic in which the resistance of the thermistor increases as the temperature of the thermistor increases.

Abstract: Improved capacitors containing novel electrodes are described. One electrode composition comprises mixed metal oxides of the transition metals nickel and cobalt in a molar ratio of 0.5:1 or greater, and optionally containing a binder and carbon nanotubes. The resulting capacitors can be characterized by superior properties including higher specific capacitance values at higher voltage scan rates than the prior art. Methods of forming the electrodes that produce superior results are also described.

Abstract: A power storage device including a solid electrolyte and operating at room temperature and a power storage device including a solid electrolyte and having higher discharge capacity are manufactured. The power storage devices are each manufactured in the following manner: an electrolyte including an ion-conducting high polymer, an inorganic oxide, and a lithium electrolyte salt is provided between a positive electrode and a negative electrode; charge at a first current value is performed and then a charge at a first voltage value obtained by the charge at the first current value is performed, between the positive electrode and the negative electrode at room temperature; and discharge at a second current value is performed after the charge at the first voltage value is performed.

Abstract: A method in conjunction with an emergency light, and an emergency light with equipment comprising one or more LED light sources (52) for producing emergency lighting; a super capacitor (C1) arranged to supply one or more LED light sources (52), a charging apparatus (A) arranged to charge the super capacitor (C1) to a predetermined nominal voltage. The equipment of the emergency light further comprises means for deviating the charging voltage (U) produced by the charging apparatus; and means (C) for detecting the capacitor circuit voltage when the charging voltage is being deviated, the means (C) being arranged to detect a defect in the capacitor circuit in response to the voltage detection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling multiple storage devices are provided. A system may include a first storage device and a second storage device, each adapted to store and release electrical energy. The system may also include a controller coupled to the first storage device, the second storage device, and a load. The controller is adapted to optimize operation of the system relative to a first system parameter by controlling the channeling of electric charge in a variable manner between the first storage device, the second storage device, and the load.

Abstract: An equalizing method for ultracapacitor cell packs and/or series connected ultracapacitors.

Abstract: Electrical energy buffering system, comprising an energy source for delivering electrical energy, an energy buffer for buffering electrical energy delivered from the energy source, the energy buffer comprising a plurality of supercapacitors, and control logic for controlling the operation of the energy buffer by selectively switching the supercapacitors, wherein the plurality of supercapacitors are switchably connected in parallel to each other in a circuit comprising the energy source and an electrical power output, and the control logic comprises a buffer monitor for monitoring a parameter representing the charge or discharge state, respectively, of each of the supercapacitors and is adapted to sequentially switch single supercapacitors or groups of supercapacitors on, responsive to the detection of a first predetermined charge or discharge state, respectively, and to switch them off, responsive to the detection of a second predetermined charge or discharge state, respectively.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for storing electric energy, which comprises a plurality of storage cells, which have each an operating voltage. An electrical load as well as a switching element in series with the device are arranged in parallel to a storage cell. The switching element is closed when reaching or exceeding a threshold voltage. The system moreover includes a control device, which is arranged in order to adjust the threshold voltage depending on a voltage value established from operating voltages of the plurality of the storage cells. A storage cell for storing electric energy as well as a method for controlling a system designed for storing electric energy with a plurality of storage cells are also provided.

Abstract: Briefly described, the invention provides a photovoltaic assembly power output utilizing device which partially charges a capacitor assembly. This capacitor assembly is then partially discharged by a DC/DC power converter in different ranges of voltages in which the power output from the photovoltaic assembly peaks for different light intensities.

Abstract: A low power display device including a power control circuit for controlling power from an environmental energy source to a power storage device that is charged by the environmental energy source, is described.

Abstract: Systems and methods for charging a super-capacitor are disclosed. An exemplary method may include outputting a controllable signal, such as a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal, to control a charging circuit. The method may also include determining system voltage. The method may also include reducing a duty cycle of the controllable signal if the system voltage is in regulation, and increasing the duty cycle of the controllable signal if the system voltage is out of regulation to reduce brown-outs during charging of the super-capacitor.

Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a motor drive section that supplies electric power from a main battery to a motor to drive the motor. The motor drive section can include an inverter configured to convert direct current from the main battery into alternating current, and a capacitor configured to stabilize an operation of the inverter. A resistor is configured to discharge electric charge of the capacitor, and discharge operation unit can be configured to manually control the resistor to discharge the electric charge of the capacitor.

Abstract: A power conversion device includes: a DC/DC convertor (5) that performs DC/DC conversion on an output voltage of a direct-current power supply (for example, a solar battery module (1)); and a DC/AC invertor (6) that performs DC/AC conversion on an output voltage of the DC/DC convertor (5). The output power of the DC/AC invertor (6) is controlled such that the charge and discharge of a storage device (for example, a storage battery (3)) connected to a connection point between an output end of the DC/DC convertor (5) and an input end of the DC/AC invertor (6) are controlled.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electric accumulator for selectively operating at least one aircraft device. The electric accumulator includes an ultra-capacitor array for storing electrical energy, which can later be used to power an aircraft device. The stored electrical energy can also be used as a source of emergency backup power. The distribution of the electrical energy is controlled by a power distribution controller. The electric accumulator may be charged by a power source on an aircraft, or it may be pre-charged by an external power source.

Abstract: The invention concerns a system for storing electric energy, which comprises a plurality of storage cells, which have each an operating voltage. An electrical load as well as a switching element are arranged in series with the load in parallel to a storage cell. The switching element is closed when reaching or exceeding a threshold voltage. The system includes a control device, which is arranged in order to control the switching element in such a way that the storage cell is discharged via the electrical load. The invention moreover concerns a storage cell for storing electric energy.

Abstract: A system for storing electrical energy is specified, comprising a plurality of storage cells having an operating voltage, wherein an electrical load and a switching element in series with the load are arranged parallel to the storage cell. The switching element being closed upon reaching or exceeding a threshold voltage. The system further comprises a control device, which is configured to influence the threshold voltage in response to a temperature.

Abstract: An exemplary power manager is adapted to supply power from a power supply to a first component of a gaming machine. The first component consumes a larger amount of current during a second time interval than during a first time interval, where the first component alternates between the first and second time intervals during operation. A rechargeable energy storage device is used to supply a substantial portion of the current to the first component during the second time interval from energy stored in the energy storage device prior to the start of the second time interval. This causes the current supplied from the power supply to the power manager during the second time interval to be less than the total current required by the first component during the second time interval and thus reduces the peak current load of the power supply during the second time interval.

Abstract: A storage apparatus comprises a plurality of storage cells connected in series. Each storage cell comprises a storage element that stores a charge, a container that houses the storage element, a reception antenna capable of receiving power transmitted from a transmission antenna of a feeding facility provided in a wireless power transfer system, and a charging control circuit that charges the storage element using the power received by the reception antenna. The plurality of storage cells are charged concurrently and wirelessly, and therefore charging can be performed on all of the storage cells without overcharging or undercharging.

Abstract: A supercapacitors voltage balancing device (2) to be connected to a supercapacitor module (1) having N individual supercapacitors (10) connected in series, for optimizing the voltage of the individual supercapacitors in the module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for storing electrical energy, comprising a plurality of storage cells (12). A switch (16) and an electrical resistor (14) connected in series thereto are connected in parallel to each of the storage cells. At least one switching unit (T) closes each individual switch as soon as the storage cell located parallel to said switch exceeds a specified voltage. There is additionally a time-switch unit (T) that holds each closed switch closed for a specified time after closing has once occurred.

Abstract: The device according to the invention for charging a first electrical energy storage element (1), in particular an ultracapacitor, from a second electrical energy storage element (2), in particular a battery, is of the type of those comprising a reversible DC/DC converter (3) arranged between the first and second elements (1,2). In accordance with the invention, the device moreover comprises a stepdown voltage converter (4) arranged between the DC/DC converter (3) and the first element (1). Advantageously, the device comprises means controlled (11,12,23) so as to charge with a low current the first element (1) from the second element (2), in particular a battery in a poor state of charge, so as to allow the starting of an engine of a motor vehicle even from a battery in a poor state of charge.

Abstract: An engine start device includes a generator, a battery charged by the generator, a starter, an electric double layer capacitor and a DC/DC converter. The electric double layer capacitor is connected between the starter and the battery. The DC/DC converter has an input terminal connected to the battery and the electric double layer capacitor. The DC/DC converter has an output terminal connected to the starter and the electric double layer capacitor. According to voltage of the battery, internal DC resistance of the battery or internal DC resistance of the electric double layer capacitor, the DC/DC converter effects control of charge voltage of the electric double layer capacitor so as to stabilize voltage applied to a starter motor and stabilize the engine start.

Abstract: A power harvesting system for providing energy to operate a coupled electrical device. The power harvesting system comprises a charging device and a wireless switching device operably coupled to the charging device. The charging device is configured for charging the wireless switching device and comprises a first RF transceiver for communicating with the wireless switching device and a power transmitter for imparting power to the wireless switching device. The wireless switching device comprises a second RF transceiver for communicating with the charging device, a power receiver operably coupled to the power transmitter, the power receiver configured for receiving power from the power transmitter, a rectifier circuit coupled to the power receiver, the rectifier circuit configured for converting the received power into DC energy and at least one ultra-capacitor electrically coupled to the rectifier circuit, the ultra-capacitor configured for storing the DC energy.

Abstract: A circuit for charging a capacitor block including series-connected capacitive elements has an input node for receiving an input, an output node coupled to the capacitor block, a third capacitive element connectable to the input node and the output node, and first and second switching circuitries coupled to the third capacitive element. A voltage sensor determines a relationship between first voltage at the first capacitive element and second voltage at the second capacitive element to separately control switching of the first and second switching circuitries in accordance with the relationship between the voltages.

Abstract: An energy storage module for use in an electric vehicle, such as a lift truck, is disclosed. The energy storage module includes a bank of super capacitors or ultra-capacitors which are connected between the battery and the load. In operation, the energy storage module charges the capacitors, and uses the charged capacitors to level the load on the battery, limiting spikes in current draw, and assuring a substantially smooth discharge profile, wherein the battery discharge is substantially steady state. The energy storage module further includes sensors for determining when the battery and load are connected.

Abstract: A circuit for balancing a sub-stack voltage in a stack of ultracapacitors includes a pair of electrical leads that are connectable across a first sub-stack of one or more ultracapacitors, wherein a stack includes N sub-stacks of ultracapacitors coupled to an electrical bus, a discharge device switchably connectable with the pair of electrical leads, the discharge device configured to discharge the sub-stack of ultracapacitors, a voltage sensing circuit coupled to the electrical bus and configured to sense and output a voltage of the stack of ultracapacitors after the first sub-stack of one or more ultracapacitors has been discharged to a given threshold, and a voltage amplifier coupled to the output of the voltage sensing circuit and coupled to the pair of electrical leads, the voltage amplifier configured to provide a re-charge voltage to the first sub-stack of one or more ultracapacitors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a charging circuit (20) for charging an energy storage element (30). The charging circuit (20) comprises a feedback module (201), a controlling module (202), a switching module (203) and a storage module (204), wherein the controlling module (202) is configured to adjust the control signal so as to increase the ON-OFF ratio of the switching module (203) when the feedback signal is substantially smaller than a reference signal, or to adjust the control signal so as to decrease the ON-OFF ratio of the switching module (203) when the feedback signal is substantially larger than a reference signal. By applying the charging circuit (20), the charging time for the energy storage element (30) is shorter and therefore less power from the power source (10) is consumed.

Abstract: A hybrid power system is comprised of a high energy density element such as a fuel-cell and high power density elements such as a supercapacitor banks. A DC/DC converter electrically connected to the fuel cell and converting the energy level of the energy supplied by the fuel cell. A first switch is electrically connected to the DC/DC converter. First and second supercapacitors are electrically connected to the first switch and a second switch. A controller is connected to the first switch and the second switch, monitoring charge levels of the supercapacitors and controls the switching in response to the charge levels. A load is electrically connected to the second switch. The first switch connects the DC/DC converter to the first supercapacitor when the second switch connects the second supercapacitor to the load. The first switch connects the DC/DC converter to the second supercapacitor when the second switch connects the first supercapacitor to the load.

Abstract: A circuit for storing electrical energy, in particular for installation within a motor vehicle, comprises at least one capacitor and a temperature-dependent resistor by means of which the at least one capacitor can be charged. The circuit may be included in a motor vehicle. Alternatively, a motor vehicle may be retrofit to include the circuit.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a charging circuit for a charge accumulator comprises a first terminal (A1) for supplying a charging voltage (UC) and for connecting the charge accumulator (SC) connected to a reference potential terminal (10), a second terminal (A2) for providing a load voltage (UD) and for connecting an electrical load (D1), a control assembly (ST) which is coupled to the first and the second terminals (A1, A2) and has a signal output (A3) for providing a first charge state signal (S1) and a test output (TA) for providing at test signal (on), and a current source (I1) that is coupled to the second terminal (A2), wherein the first charge state signal (S1) is provided depending on a value of an additional voltage (U12) between the first and the second terminals (A1, A2) and depending on the test signal (on), and wherein the charging voltage (UC) is supplied depending on the first charge state signal (S1). The invention also relates to a method for charging a charge accumulator.

Abstract: Electrical apparatuses, systems and methods involving battery boost circuitry configured to charge a supercapacitor to a regulated voltage different from the battery voltage and apply a series combination of the regulated voltage and the battery voltage to a load such as a starter motor for an internal combustion engine or a component of a handheld device. The circuitry also includes a contactor connected to the supercapacitor and operable to bypass the capacitor when fully discharged to avoid reverse charging of the supercapacitor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic device, comprising a DC-DC converter for converting a primary supply voltage into an output voltage at an output node to be coupled to a super capacitor and a control stage for operating the regulated DC-DC converter in a forward direction in a boost mode providing a boost voltage level at the output node and for operating the regulated DC-DC converter in a reverse direction in a buck mode providing a buck voltage level at an auxiliary node arranged between a primary voltage supply providing the primary supply voltage and the output node, wherein the control stage is adapted to control the DC-DC converter when operating in reverse direction to provide a current to the auxiliary node using the super capacitor as a power source.

Abstract: A memory subsystem is configured to obtain power from an external system and from at least one power capacitors. The memory subsystem includes logic to verify the power delivery capability of the power capacitors.

Abstract: An energy storage module for providing backup power to electronic systems includes one or more capacitor banks, each including one or more capacitors for storing energy. The energy storage module also includes a first voltage regulator that may, during a normal mode of operation, provide a regulated direct current (DC) voltage to charge the one or more capacitors of each capacitor bank. In addition, each of the capacitor banks may include a voltage leveling circuit that may maintain a specific voltage on the capacitors. Further, the energy storage module includes an output circuit that may, during a backup mode of operation, provide an output voltage derived from an output of each of the one or more capacitor banks. The output circuit includes a control unit configured to regulate and combine the output of each of the one or more capacitor banks.

Abstract: A device and method for harvesting, generating, storing, and delivering energy to a load, particularly for remote or inaccessible applications. The device preferably comprises one or more energy sources, at least one supercapacitor, at least one rechargeable battery, and a controller. The charging of the energy storage devices and the delivery of power to the load is preferably dynamically varied to maximize efficiency. A low power consumption charge pump circuit is preferably employed to collect power from low power energy sources while also enabling the delivery of higher voltage power to the load. The charging voltage is preferably programmable, enabling one device to be used for a wide range of specific applications.

Abstract: An auxiliary power device includes an auxiliary power source having first and second charging cells connected in series, a cell balance circuit configured to sense a charging voltage between the first and second charging cells, generate a balance voltage based on the sensed charging voltage, and applies the generated balance voltage between the first and second charging cells, and a microprocessor configured to diagnose the first and second charging cells based on the sensed charging cells and control the cell balance circuit.

Abstract: A method of controlling a supercapacitor energy storage unit (12), included in a motor vehicle micro-hybrid system, is disclosed. The storage unit is suitable for performing the functions of an alternator, starter and automatic stop-restart of the vehicle heat engine, regenerative braking and torque assistance. The energy storage unit (12) is a plurality of supercapacitor elementary cells connected in series (C1 to C10) and capable of delivering information (Vmax, Temp and DeltaV) on its internal status. The method includes various stages of: comparing a maximum elementary voltage (Vmax) with a first voltage threshold (Vmax1); comparing a temperature (Temp) with at least one temperature threshold (ST1=55° C., ST2=65° C. and ST3=70° C.); and, deciding on limitations of the availability of functions of the unit when the (Vmax) information reaches threshold (Vmax1) for a predetermined duration (T) and/or when the (Temp) information reaches the temperature threshold (ST1=55° C., ST2=65° C. and ST3=70° C.).

Abstract: A battery and ultracapacitor device for use in a vehicle includes a positive electrode, a first negative electrode, a second negative electrode, a first separator disposed between the positive electrode and the first and second negative electrodes, and a controller communicating with the positive electrode, the first negative electrode, and the second negative electrode. A first negative electrode has a first composition and communicates with the first positive electrode. The second negative electrode has a second composition and is adjacent to the first negative electrode and a second separator. The second negative electrode communicates with the positive electrode and the first negative electrode. The first negative electrode comprises a secondary battery negative electrode. The second negative electrode comprises an ultracapacitor negative electrode.