Supercapacitors are traditionally considered as energy storage devices with high power density and medium energy density. However, they can be treated as long time constant devices and that opens a unique new path to design a different family of power converters and protection systems now known as Supercapacitor Assisted (SCA) techniques, based on a new design concept published as SCA-Loss Management (SCALoM) approch. SCA low dropout (SCALDO) converter is an extra low frequency DC-DC converter with built in DC-UPS capability with no EMC issues with similar or better efficiency to traditional switch-modes. It is already implemented in a silicon IC version. This technique which is not a variation of traditional switch capacitor converters can be extended to EMC-free power converters useful in renewable energy systems. EMC free implementation comes from its extra milli hertz to fractional hertz order energy re-circulation concept, which eliminates dynamic switching losses in transistors and diodes. SCA-surge absorber (SCASA) is a commercialised high-performance surge protector technique adhering to UL 1449 3rd Edition Std for transient surge protection. SCA-LED is a DC LED lighting technique with no battery packs. These patented SCA techniques are currently extended into powering whitegoods from renewables without batteries and also has become the basis of a unique new DC circuit breaker technique. First half of seminar will present a summary of new SCALoM concept and how it is extended to the implementation of a new family of DC-DC converters, surge protectors, LED lighting converters and converters for DC whitegoods. This will include the design of 12-5 V, 5-3.3 V converters and high power 48V converters and the essentials behind an IC version of SCALDO. Second half will show how supercapacitor can be effectively used as the basis of transient surge protectors and DC Circuit breakers. Presentation will also include an overview of current commercial supercapacitor families available in four different sub-sets manufactured by over 75 int’l manufacturers, and how these could open an entirely new world of power converters and protection systems for renewable energy systems, DC microgrids and DC homes for better energy efficiency and with extra long life due to battery minimization and elimination.
