Methods and apparatus for storing electrical energy
First Claim
1. A system for storing electrical energy comprising:
- a storage module including a capacitor;
a sensor to sense a temperature associated with the capacitor; and
a controller in communication with the sensor to control a voltage at the capacitor so that a maximum voltage associated with at least one of the storage module and the capacitor increases as the temperature sensed by the sensor decreases.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed to store electrical energy in, for example, a vehicle. In an example system, a storage module is provided including one or more capacitors, a sensor to measure the temperature of the capacitor(s), and a control device that controls the voltage at the capacitor(s) so that the maximum voltage at the storage module and/or the individual capacitor(s) increases as the temperature decreases. The aging of the capacitor(s) and in particular electrochemical capacitors strongly depends on the temperature in addition to the operating voltage. Controlling the capacitor voltage based on temperature can, therefore, substantially reduce the aging of the capacitor(s).
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A system for storing electrical energy comprising:
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a storage module including a capacitor;
a sensor to sense a temperature associated with the capacitor; and
a controller in communication with the sensor to control a voltage at the capacitor so that a maximum voltage associated with at least one of the storage module and the capacitor increases as the temperature sensed by the sensor decreases. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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17. For use with an energy storage system comprising a storage module having at least one capacitor, a method comprising:
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sensing a temperature associated with at least one of the storage module and the at least one capacitor; and
increasing a maximum voltage applied to at least one of the storage module and the at least one capacitor as the sensed temperature decreases.
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18. For use with an energy storage system comprising a storage module having at least one capacitor, a method comprising:
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sensing a temperature associated with at least one of the storage module and the at least one capacitor; and
adjusting an operating voltage associated with the storage module to a level which depends on (1) an intended life of the at least one capacitor and (2) the sensed temperature.
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Specification