Patent Description:
Electrical energy storage cells are widely used to provide power to electronic, electromechanical, electrochemical, and other useful devices. An electric double layer ultracapacitor, for instance, generally employs a pair of polarizable electrodes that contain carbon particles (e.g., activated carbon) impregnated with a liquid electrolyte. Due to the effective surface area of the particles and the small spacing between the electrodes, large capacitance values may be achieved. In certain cases, individual double layer capacitors may be combined together to form a module having a raised output voltage or increased energy capacity. The capacitors within a module are typically connected together by a bus bar that is welded to the terminals. <CIT> discloses a module comprising first and second ultracapacitors and an interconnect strip that contains a central section positioned between a first attachment section and a second attachment section, wherein the first terminal of the first ultracapacitor is connected to the first attachment section of the strip and the second terminal of the second ultracapacitor is connected to the second attachment section of the strip, and further wherein the central section is formed from a flexible conductive material which is in the form of a sheet. From "Boreal flexible braids" there are known interconnect strips containing a central section positioned between a first attachment section and a second attachment section. The ratio of the length of the central section to the length of the strip is from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

One problem with such modules, however, is that they are relatively sensitive to vibrational forces that can occur during installation or use. That is, strong vibrational forces can sometimes cause the connection to be damaged or even broken, which can result in poor electrical performance. As such, a need currently exists for an ultracapacitor module that is capable of withstanding a wide variety of conditions without sacrificing electrical performance.

A module according to the invention is defined by the features of claim <NUM>.

Other features and aspects of the present invention are set forth in greater detail below.

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, which makes reference to the appended figure in which:.

Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawing is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the invention.

It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present invention, which broader aspects are embodied in the exemplary construction.

Generally speaking, the present invention is directed to a module that contains a first ultracapacitor having a first terminal (e.g., positive terminal) and a second ultracapacitor having a second terminal (e.g., positive or negative terminal). The first and second terminals of the ultracapacitors are connected together with a interconnect strip, at least a portion of which is formed from a flexible conductive material. For example, the interconnect strip typically contains a central section that is positioned between first and second attachment sections located at opposing ends of the strip. By selectively controlling the geometry of these sections and the manner in which they are formed, the central section can be made flexible in that it is capable of being deformed in one or more directions when applied with a vibrational force. In this manner, the module can maintain good electrical properties under a wide variety of conditions.

Referring to <FIG>, one particular embodiment of an interconnect strip <NUM> is shown in more detail. As shown, the strip <NUM> contains a central section <NUM> that is positioned between a first attachment section <NUM> and a second attachment section <NUM>. The central section <NUM> can be made flexible using a variety of techniques as is known in the art. For example, in certain embodiments, the central section <NUM> can be formed from a flexible conductive material that is in the form of one or more wires, braids, coils, sheets, bars, etc. In one embodiment, for instance, the flexible conductive material may be in the form of a sheet that contains one or more thin conductive layers. In another embodiment, as shown in <FIG>, however, the flexible conductive material may be in the form of braids <NUM>. Regardless of its form, any of a variety of different conductive materials may be employed, such as copper, tin, nickel, aluminum, etc., as well as alloys and/or coated metals. If desired, the conductive material may optionally be insulated with a sheath material.

In addition to controlling the material and form of the flexible conductive material, the geometry of the central section <NUM> can also be controlled to help provide the desired degree of flexibility. For example, the ratio of the length of the central section <NUM> ("L<NUM>") to the length of the strip ("L<NUM>") is selected to fall within a range of from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, in some embodiment from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and in some embodiments, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The length of the central section <NUM> may, for instance, range from about <NUM> to about <NUM> millimeters, in some embodiments from about <NUM> to about <NUM> millimeters, and in some embodiments, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> millimeters, while the length of the entire strip <NUM> may be from about <NUM> to about <NUM> millimeters, in some embodiments from about <NUM> to about <NUM> millimeters, and in some embodiments, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> millimeters. The width "W" of the strip is from about <NUM> to about <NUM> millimeters, while the thickness or height may range from about <NUM> to about <NUM> millimeters, in some embodiments from about <NUM> to about <NUM> millimeters, and in some embodiments, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> millimeters.

The manner in which the interconnect strip <NUM> is attached to ultracapacitors may vary as is known in the art. In one embodiment, for instance, the first attachment section <NUM> defines a first opening <NUM> and the second attachment section <NUM> defines a second opening <NUM>. The openings <NUM> and <NUM> are generally configured to receive a terminal of different ultracapacitors. Referring to <FIG>, for example, a module <NUM> is shown that contains a first ultracapacitor <NUM> and a second ultracapacitor <NUM> that are connected together through the attachment sections <NUM> and <NUM> of the interconnect strip <NUM>. More particularly, in the illustrated embodiment, a terminal (not shown) of the first ultracapacitor <NUM> is inserted into the opening <NUM> and joined to the strip <NUM> with a fastening device <NUM>. Similarly, a terminal (not shown) of the second ultracapacitor <NUM> is inserted into the opening <NUM> and joined to the strip <NUM> with another fastening device <NUM>, which may be the same or different than the fastening device <NUM>. Suitable fastening devices may include, for instance, nuts, washers, bolts, screws, compression or expansion fittings, etc. If desired, the fastening devices may be further bonded (e.g., welded, adhesively attached, ultrasonically bonded, etc.) to the attachment sections to ensure that they strip remains securely joined to the ultracapacitors. Of course, in alternative embodiments, the fastening devices may be eliminated and the strip may be joined solely using other techniques, such as by welding. As is known in the art, the ultracapacitors may be electrically connected together in series or in parallel, depending on the particular properties desired. For instance, the ultracapacitors may be electrically connected in series such that a terminal of a certain polarity (e.g., positive) of one ultracapacitor is connected to a terminal of opposite polarity (e.g., negative) of another ultracapacitor. In <FIG>, for instance, the positive terminal may extend from a top portion <NUM> of the first ultracapacitor <NUM> and the negative terminal may extend from a bottom portion <NUM> of the second ultracapacitor <NUM>.

The module <NUM> shown in <FIG> contains two ultracapacitors that are connected together in accordance with the present invention. Of course, it should be understood that the module may contain additional ultracapacitors, such as <NUM> or more, in some embodiments <NUM> or more, and in some embodiments, from <NUM> to <NUM> individual ultracapacitors. The additional ultracapacitors may be connected using the interconnect strip or through other techniques. For example, the interconnect strip <NUM> shown in <FIG> may also be employed to connect together third and fourth ultracapacitors. In such embodiments, the negative terminal located at the bottom portion (e.g., not shown) of the first ultracapacitor <NUM> may be connected to a positive terminal of a third ultracapacitor, and the positive terminal located at the top portion (not shown) of the second ultracapacitor <NUM> may be connected to a negative terminal of a fourth ultracapacitor. Of course, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, the particular number of ultracapacitors and the manner in which they are connected will depend on the desired electrical properties for the module.

Any of a variety of different individual ultracapacitors may generally be employed in the module of the present invention. Generally speaking, however, the ultracapacitor contains an electrode assembly and electrolyte contained and optionally hermetically sealed within a housing. The electrode assembly may, for instance, contain a first electrode that contains a first carbonaceous coating (e.g., activated carbon particles) electrically coupled to a first current collector, and a second electrode that contains a second carbonaceous coating (e.g., activated carbon particles) electrically coupled to a second current collector. It should be understood that additional current collectors may also be employed if desired, particularly if the ultracapacitor includes multiple energy storage cells. The current collectors may be formed from the same or different materials. Regardless, each collector is typically formed from a substrate that includes a conductive metal, such as aluminum, stainless steel, nickel, silver, palladium, etc., as well as alloys thereof. Aluminum and aluminum alloys are particularly suitable for use in the present invention. The substrate may be in the form of a foil, sheet, plate, mesh, etc. The substrate may also have a relatively small thickness, such as about <NUM> micrometers or less, in some embodiments from about <NUM> to about <NUM> micrometers, in some embodiments from about <NUM> to about <NUM> micrometers, and in some embodiments, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> micrometers. Although by no means required, the surface of the substrate may be optionally roughened, such as by washing, etching, blasting, etc..

First and second carbonaceous coatings are also electrically coupled to the first and second current collectors, respectively. While they may be formed from the same or different types of materials and may contain one or multiple layers, each of the carbonaceous coatings generally contains at least one layer that includes activated particles. In certain embodiments, for instance, the activated carbon layer may be directly positioned over the current collector and may optionally be the only layer of the carbonaceous coating. Examples of suitable activated carbon particles may include, for instance, coconut shell-based activated carbon, petroleum coke-based activated carbon, pitch-based activated carbon, polyvinylidene chloride-based activated carbon, phenolic resin-based activated carbon, polyacrylonitrile-based activated carbon, and activated carbon from natural sources such as coal, charcoal or other natural organic sources.

In certain embodiments, it may be desired to selectively control certain aspects of the activated carbon particles, such as their particle size distribution, surface area, and pore size distribution to help improve ion mobility for certain types of electrolytes after being subjected to one or more charge-discharge cycles. For example, at least <NUM>% by volume of the particles (D50 size) may have a size in the range of from about <NUM> to about <NUM> micrometers, in some embodiments from about <NUM> to about <NUM> micrometers, and in some embodiments, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> micrometers. At least <NUM>% by volume of the particles (D90 size) may likewise have a size in the range of from about <NUM> to about <NUM> micrometers, in some embodiments from about <NUM> to about <NUM> micrometers, and in some embodiments, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> micrometers. The BET surface may also range from about <NUM><NUM>/g to about <NUM>,<NUM><NUM>/g, in some embodiments from about <NUM>,<NUM><NUM>/g to about <NUM>,<NUM><NUM>/g, and in some embodiments, from about <NUM>,<NUM><NUM>/g to about <NUM>,<NUM><NUM>/g.

In addition to having a certain size and surface area, the activated carbon particles may also contain pores having a certain size distribution. For example, the amount of pores less than about <NUM> nanometers in size (i.e., "micropores") may provide a pore volume of about <NUM> vol. % or less, in some embodiments about <NUM> vol. % or less, and in some embodiments, from <NUM> vol. % to <NUM> vol. % of the total pore volume. The amount of pores between about <NUM> nanometers and about <NUM> nanometers in size (i.e., "mesopores") may likewise be from about <NUM> vol. % to about <NUM> vol. %, in some embodiments from about <NUM> vol. % to about <NUM> vol. %, and in some embodiments, from about <NUM> vol. % to about <NUM> vol. Finally, the amount of pores greater than about <NUM> nanometers in size (i.e., "macropores") may be from about <NUM> vol. % to about <NUM> vol. %, in some embodiments from about <NUM> vol. % to about <NUM> vol. %, and in some embodiments, from about <NUM> vol. % to about <NUM> vol. The total pore volume of the carbon particles may be in the range of from about <NUM><NUM>/g to about <NUM><NUM>/g, and in some embodiments, from about <NUM><NUM>/g to about <NUM><NUM>/g, and the median pore width may be about <NUM> nanometers or less, in some embodiments from about <NUM> to about <NUM> nanometers, and in some embodiments, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> nanometers. The pore sizes and total pore volume may be measured using nitrogen adsorption and analyzed by the Barrett-Joyner-Halenda ("BJH") technique as is well known in the art.

If desired, binders may be present in an amount of about <NUM> parts or less, in some embodiments <NUM> parts or less, and in some embodiments, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> parts per <NUM> parts of carbon in the first and/or second carbonaceous coatings. Binders may, for example, constitute about <NUM> wt. % or less, in some embodiments about <NUM> wt. % or less, and in some embodiments, from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of the total weight of a carbonaceous coating. Any of a variety of suitable binders can be used in the electrodes. For instance, water-insoluble organic binders may be employed in certain embodiments, such as styrene-butadiene copolymers, polyvinyl acetate homopolymers, vinyl-acetate ethylene copolymers, vinyl-acetate acrylic copolymers, ethylene-vinyl chloride copolymers, ethylene-vinyl chloride-vinyl acetate terpolymers, acrylic polyvinyl chloride polymers, acrylic polymers, nitrile polymers, fluoropolymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene or polyvinylidene fluoride, polyolefins, etc., as well as mixtures thereof. Water-soluble organic binders may also be employed, such as polysaccharides and derivatives thereof. In one particular embodiment, the polysaccharide may be a nonionic cellulosic ether, such as alkyl cellulose ethers (e.g., methyl cellulose and ethyl cellulose); hydroxyalkyl cellulose ethers (e.g., hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl hydroxybutyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl hydroxypropyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl hydroxybutyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl hydroxypropyl hydroxybutyl cellulose, etc.); alkyl hydroxyalkyl cellulose ethers (e.g., methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl hydroxypropyl cellulose, ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, ethyl hydroxypropyl cellulose, methyl ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose and methyl ethyl hydroxypropyl cellulose); carboxyalkyl cellulose ethers (e.g., carboxymethyl cellulose); and so forth, as well as protonated salts of any of the foregoing, such as sodium carboxymethyl cellulose.

Other materials may also be employed within an activated carbon layer of the first and/or second carbonaceous coatings and/or within other layers of the first and/or second carbonaceous coatings. For example, in certain embodiments, a conductivity promoter may be employed to further increase electrical conductivity. Exemplary conductivity promoters may include, for instance, carbon black, graphite (natural or artificial), graphite, carbon nanotubes, nanowires or nanotubes, metal fibers, graphenes, etc., as well as mixtures thereof. Carbon black is particularly suitable. When employed, conductivity promoters typically constitute about <NUM> parts or less, in some embodiments <NUM> parts or less, and in some embodiments, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> parts per <NUM> parts of the activated carbon particles in a carbonaceous coating. Conductivity promotes may, for example, constitute about <NUM> wt. % or less, in some embodiments about <NUM> wt. % or less, and in some embodiments, from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of the total weight of a carbonaceous coating. Activated carbon particles likewise typically constitute <NUM> wt. % or more, in some embodiments about <NUM> wt. % or more, and in some embodiments, from about <NUM> wt. % to about <NUM> wt. % of a carbonaceous coating.

The particular manner in which a carbonaceous coating is applied to a current collector may vary as is well known to those skilled in the art, such as printing (e.g., rotogravure), spraying, slot-die coating, drop-coating, dip-coating, etc. Regardless of the manner in which it is applied, the resulting electrode is typically dried to remove moisture from the coating, such as at a temperature of about <NUM> or more, in some embodiments about <NUM> or more, and in some embodiments, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The electrode may also be compressed (e.g., calendered) to optimize the volumetric efficiency of the ultracapacitor. After any optional compression, the thickness of each carbonaceous coating may generally vary based on the desired electrical performance and operating range of the ultracapacitor. Typically, however, the thickness of a coating is from about <NUM> to about <NUM> micrometers, <NUM> to about <NUM> micrometers, and in some embodiments, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> micrometers. Coatings may be present on one or both sides of a current collector. Regardless, the thickness of the overall electrode (including the current collector and the carbonaceous coating(s) after optional compression) is typically within a range of from about <NUM> to about <NUM> micrometers, in some embodiments from about <NUM> to about <NUM> micrometers, and in some embodiments, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> micrometers.

The electrode assembly also typically contains a separator that is positioned between the first and second electrodes. If desired, other separators may also be employed in the electrode assembly. For example, one or more separators may be positioned over the first electrode, the second electrode, or both. The separators enable electrical isolation of one electrode from another to help prevent an electrical short, but still allow transport of ions between the two electrodes. In certain embodiments, for example, a separator may be employed that includes a cellulosic fibrous material (e.g., airlaid paper web, wet-laid paper web, etc.), nonwoven fibrous material (e.g., polyolefin nonwoven webs), woven fabrics, film (e.g., polyolefin film), etc. Cellulosic fibrous materials are particularly suitable for use in the ultracapacitor, such as those containing natural fibers, synthetic fibers, etc. Specific examples of suitable cellulosic fibers for use in the separator may include, for instance, hardwood pulp fibers, softwood pulp fibers, rayon fibers, regenerated cellulosic fibers, etc. Regardless of the particular materials employed, the separator typically has a thickness of from about <NUM> to about <NUM> micrometers, in some embodiments from about <NUM> to about <NUM> micrometers, and in some embodiments, from about <NUM> to about <NUM> micrometers.

The manner in which the components of the electrode assembly are combined together may vary as is known in the art. For example, the electrodes and separator may be initially folded, wound, or otherwise contacted together to form an electrode assembly. In one particular embodiment, the electrodes, separator, and optional electrolyte may be wound into an electrode assembly having a "jelly-roll" configuration.

To form an ultracapacitor, an electrolyte is placed into ionic contact with the first electrode and the second electrode before, during, and/or after the electrodes and separator are combined together to form the electrode assembly. The electrolyte is generally nonaqueous in nature and thus contains at least one nonaqueous solvent. To help extend the operating temperature range of the ultracapacitor, it is typically desired that the nonaqueous solvent have a relatively high boiling temperature, such as about <NUM> or more, in some embodiments about <NUM> or more, and in some embodiments, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. Particularly suitable high boiling point solvents may include, for instance, cyclic carbonate solvents, such as ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate, butylene carbonate, vinylene carbonate, etc. Of course, other nonaqueous solvents may also be employed, either alone or in combination with a cyclic carbonate solvent. Examples of such solvents may include, for instance, open-chain carbonates (e.g., dimethyl carbonate, ethyl methyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, etc.), aliphatic monocarboxylates (e.g., methyl acetate, methyl propionate, etc.), lactone solvents (e. , butyrolactone valerolactone, etc.), nitriles (e.g., acetonitrile, glutaronitrile, adiponitrile, methoxyacetonitrile, <NUM>-methoxypropionitrile, etc.), amides (e.g., N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-diethylacetamide, N-methylpyrrolidinone), alkanes (e.g., nitromethane, nitroethane, etc.), sulfur compounds (e.g., sulfolane, dimethyl sulfoxide, etc.); and so forth.

The electrolyte may also contain at least one ionic liquid, which is dissolved in the nonaqueous solvent. While the concentration of the ionic liquid can vary, it is typically desired that the ionic liquid is present at a relatively high concentration. For example, the ionic liquid may be present in an amount of about <NUM> moles per liter (M) of the electrolyte or more, in some embodiments about <NUM> or more, in some embodiments about <NUM> or more, and in some embodiments, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

The ionic liquid is generally a salt having a relatively low melting temperature, such as about <NUM> or less, in some embodiments about <NUM> or less, in some embodiments from about <NUM> to about <NUM>, and in some embodiments, from about <NUM> to about <NUM>. The salt contains a cationic species and counterion. The cationic species contains a compound having at least one heteroatom (e.g., nitrogen or phosphorous) as a "cationic center. " Examples of such heteroatomic compounds include, for instance, unsubstituted or substituted organoquaternary ammonium compounds, such as ammonium (e.g., trimethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, etc.), pyridinium, pyridazinium, pyramidinium, pyrazinium, imidazolium, pyrazolium, oxazolium, triazolium, thiazolium, quinolinium, piperidinium, pyrrolidinium, quaternary ammonium spiro compounds in which two or more rings are connected together by a spiro atom (e.g., carbon, heteroatom, etc.), quaternary ammonium fused ring structures (e.g., quinolinium, isoquinolinium, etc.), and so forth. In one particular embodiment, for example, the cationic species may be an N-spirobicyclic compound, such as symmetrical or asymmetrical N-spirobicyclic compounds having cyclic rings. One example of such a compound has the following structure:
<CHM>
wherein m and n are independently a number from <NUM> to <NUM>, and in some embodiments, from <NUM> to <NUM> (e.g., pyrrolidinium or piperidinium).

Suitable counterions for the cationic species may likewise include halogens (e.g., chloride, bromide, iodide, etc.); sulfates or sulfonates (e.g., methyl sulfate, ethyl sulfate, butyl sulfate, hexyl sulfate, octyl sulfate, hydrogen sulfate, methane sulfonate, dodecylbenzene sulfonate, dodecylsulfate, trifluoromethane sulfonate, heptadecafluorooctanesulfonate , sodium dodecylethoxysulfate, etc.); sulfosuccinates; amides (e.g., dicyanamide); imides (e.g., bis(pentafluoroethyl-sulfonyl)imide, bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide, bis(trifluoromethyl)imide, etc.); borates (e.g., tetrafluoroborate, tetracyanoborate, bis[oxalato]borate, bis[salicylato]borate, etc.); phosphates or phosphinates (e.g., hexafluorophosphate, diethylphosphate, bis(pentafluoroethyl)phosphinate, tris(pentafluoroethyl)-trifluorophosphate, tris(nonafluorobutyl)trifluorophosphate, etc.); antimonates (e.g., hexafluoroantimonate); aluminates (e.g., tetrachloroaluminate); fatty acid carboxylates (e.g., oleate, isostearate, pentadecafluorooctanoate, etc.); cyanates; acetates; and so forth, as well as combinations of any of the foregoing.

Several examples of suitable ionic liquids may include, for instance, spiro-(<NUM>,<NUM>')-bipyrrolidinium tetrafluoroborate, triethylmethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate, tetraethyl ammonium tetrafluoroborate, spiro-(<NUM>,<NUM>')-bipyrrolidinium iodide, triethylmethyl ammonium iodide, tetraethyl ammonium iodide, methyltriethylammonium tetrafluoroborate, tetrabutylammonium tetrafluoroborate, tetraethylammonium hexafluorophosphate, etc..

As noted above, the ultracapacitor also contains a housing within which the electrode assembly and electrolyte are retained and optionally hermetically sealed. The nature of the housing may vary as desired. In one embodiment, for example, the housing may contain a metal container ("can"), such as those formed from tantalum, niobium, aluminum, nickel, hafnium, titanium, copper, silver, steel (e.g., stainless), alloys thereof, composites thereof (e.g., metal coated with electrically conductive oxide), and so forth. Aluminum is particularly suitable for use in the present invention. The metal container may have any of a variety of different shapes, such as cylindrical, D-shaped, etc. Cylindrically-shaped containers are particular suitable.

Referring to <FIG>, for instance, one embodiment of a housing that may be employed in the ultracapacitor is shown in more detail. In this particular embodiment, the housing contains a metal container <NUM> (e.g., cylindrically-shaped can) that defines a base <NUM> and an open end <NUM>. A lid <NUM> is disposed over the open end <NUM> and attached (e.g., welded) to the container <NUM> to seal the housing. The lid <NUM> may contain a first collector disc <NUM>, which includes a disc-shaped portion <NUM>, a stud portion <NUM>, and a fastener <NUM> (e.g., screw). The collector disc <NUM> is aligned with a first end of a hollow core <NUM>, which is formed in the center of the electrode assembly <NUM>, and the stud portion <NUM> is then inserted into an opening of the core so that the stud portion <NUM> contacts the second current collector <NUM>. In this manner, the second current collector <NUM> is placed into electrical contact with the lid <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> may also be coupled (e.g., threadably connected) to a first terminal <NUM>. The metal container <NUM> may likewise contain a second collector disc <NUM>, which includes a disc-shaped portion <NUM>, a stud portion <NUM>, and a second terminal <NUM>. The second collector disc <NUM> is aligned with the second end of the hollow core <NUM>, and the stud portion <NUM> is then inserted into the opening of the core so that the stud portion <NUM> contacts the current collector <NUM>. In this manner, the first current collector <NUM> is placed into electrical contact with the base <NUM>. Once formed, the terminals <NUM> and <NUM> may be connected with one or more additional ultracapacitors as described above. For example, the terminal <NUM> (e.g., positive) may be connected with a terminal of an opposite polarity (e.g., negative) of a second ultracapacitor while the terminal <NUM> (e.g., negative) may be connected with a terminal of opposite polarity (e.g., positive) of a third ultracapacitor.

Although not illustrated in the figures, the ultracapacitors and modules may also include balancing circuits. In general, balancing circuits are employed to prevent current, such as leakage current, from causing damage to other ultracapacitor through over-voltage. Such balancing can help regulate the voltage across each ultracapacitor such that they are substantially the same. The module and balancing circuit may also include a current control device for controlling the current flowing through the ultracapacitors according to a signal provided by a feedback loop. In this regard, the balancing circuit is not necessarily limited. So long as the balancing circuit can effectively balance the voltage across the ultracapacitors, it may be employed with the modules of the present invention. In general, the balancing circuits are electrically connected to the ultracapacitors. Such electrical connection is not necessarily limited so long as it allows for controlling and/or regulating the voltage of the ultracapacitors. The balancing circuits may include any number of electronic components, including active and passive components. The components can include any combination of transistors, resistors, regulators, attenuators, potentiometers, thermistors, diodes (e.g., Zener diodes), comparators (e.g., voltage comparators), amplifiers (e.g., operational amplifiers), voltage dividers, etc. It should be appreciated that these electronic components may be configured in any manner of ways in order to effectively balance a circuit. In some instances, the balancing circuits may include additional components such as alarms (e.g., sound or light such as LEDs) to notify the presence of an over-voltage. Examples of balancing circuits that may be employed include those as <CIT>, <CIT>, <CIT>, and <CIT>. Furthermore, any number of balancing circuits may be employed. For instance, the module may contain at least one balancing circuit per ultracapacitor. Alternatively, the module may employ at least one balancing circuit for a plurality of ultracapacitors.

In addition, the balancing circuits may be connected to a heat dissipation component. The heat dissipation component can be present anywhere on the module or ultracapacitors and may not be limited. For instance, it may be present be on the circuit. Alternatively, or in addition, the component may be connected to a heat sink, such as a metal. Such metal employed as the heat sink may include a metal casing that at least partially or completely surrounds the module and/or ultracapacitors. Alternatively, or in addition, the metal employed as a heat sink may be another structural component of the module and/or ultracapacitors. For instance, the metal may be a brace or structural component surrounding the module and/or ultracapacitors. Such brace or structural component may serve a dual function of also providing mechanical stability. Such connection of the balancing circuits to the heat dissipation component can allow for effective and efficient heat dissipation without compromising the performance of the ultracapacitor or the balancing circuit. Furthermore, any number of heat dissipation components may be employed. For instance, the module may contain at least one heat dissipation component per ultracapacitor. Alternatively, the module may employ at least one heat dissipation component for a plurality of ultracapacitors.

Claim 1:
A module (<NUM>) comprising:
a first ultracapacitor (<NUM>) having a first terminal;
a second ultracapacitor (<NUM>) having a second terminal; and
an interconnect strip (<NUM>) that contains a central section (<NUM>) positioned between a first attachment section (<NUM>) and a second attachment section (<NUM>), wherein the first terminal of the first ultracapacitor (<NUM>) is connected to the first attachment section (<NUM>) of the strip (<NUM>) and the second terminal of the second ultracapacitor (<NUM>) is connected to the second attachment section (<NUM>) of the strip (<NUM>), and wherein the width of the interconnect strip is from <NUM> to <NUM> millimeters, and
further wherein the central section (<NUM>) is formed from a flexible conductive material which
is in the form of one or more wires, braids, coils, sheets, and/or bars, and wherein the ratio of the length of the central section (<NUM>) to the length of the strip (<NUM>) is from <NUM> to <NUM>.