Rapid charger for ultracapacitors
First Claim
1. An arrangement for charging a power module, comprising:
- a power module including one or more ultracapacitors;
an energy source connected to said power module, a positive terminal of said energy source connected to a positive terminal of said power module, and a negative terminal of said energy source connected to a negative terminal of said power module; and
a control circuit adapted to provide a higher current level to said power module than output by said energy source for at least a portion of a charging period.
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Accused Products
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. The control circuit may be adapted to provide a current level through the power module greater than a current level from said energy source during at least a portion of a charging period.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. An arrangement for charging a power module, comprising:
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a power module including one or more ultracapacitors;
an energy source connected to said power module, a positive terminal of said energy source connected to a positive terminal of said power module, and a negative terminal of said energy source connected to a negative terminal of said power module; and
a control circuit adapted to provide a higher current level to said power module than output by said energy source for at least a portion of a charging period. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A constant-power charging circuit for an ultracapacitor power module, comprising:
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a pulse-width modulator; and
an inductor connected in series with said pulse-width modulator and said power module;
wherein said pulse-width modulator is adapted to control the charge level of said inductor. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of charging an ultracapacitor power module, comprising:
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charging an inductor connected in series between an energy source and said power module; and
controlling a charge level of said inductor to achieve a desired current level through said power module. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification