EDLC hybrid system with increased lifespan for supplying an UPS

Abstract

Two very important and seemingly unrelated problems are the following: providing a reliable energy source for computers and finding solutions to store energy from renewable sources. It is necessary to find solutions with high energy storage efficiency in case of malfunctions of the 230 V electricity network that supplies computers as well as systems to store the energy generated from solar energy conversion systems or systems with regenerative braking on vehicles [1]. Accumulators store charge for long periods of time under constant voltage and relatively small currents, but they can supply very high currents. One possible solution is the use of a system based on an EDLC and a battery. Important characteristics of EDLC (Electric Double-Layer Capacitors of Supercapacitors) are the charging current and the supply current that can reach values of up to 1000 A and 100000 charging/discharging cycles. The configuration that was researched can accumulate and generate electric charge under currents of tens of amperes. The advantages of using this battery-EDLC tandem in UPS units consist of reducing the specific weight of the equipment and increasing the lifespan of the UPS unit with up to 10 years. Another advantage of using this system is given by the larger number of charge/discharge cycles possible through the use of supercapacitors and eliminating the electric switching systems.