Introduction to the working principle of special power supply in low temperature environment

# Introduction to the working principle of special power supply in low temperature environment

## Introduction

In the extreme low temperature environment, the performance of traditional power supply is often degraded or even failed due to the influence of temperature, which can not meet the needs of specific applications. Special power supply, as a kind of power supply equipment designed for special environment or load, shows strong adaptability and stability in low temperature environment by virtue of its unique working principle and technical characteristics. This article will introduce in detail several special power supplies suitable for low temperature environment and their working principle.

## Low temperature lithium battery

### Working principle

Low-temperature lithium batteries are currently one of the most commonly used portable power sources, which can work normally at extremely low temperatures from -40°C to -60°C. Its core advantage lies in the use of special materials and technologies, such as modified electrolytes, low-temperature cathode materials and anode additives, to improve the battery's charge and discharge performance at low temperatures.

Low-temperature lithium batteries generate electricity through chemical reactions. During the discharge process, the negative electrode material (such as lithium metal or lithium alloy) releases lithium ions, which are transmitted to the positive electrode material (such as lithium cobaltate, lithium manganate, etc.) through the electrolyte, and electrons flow to the positive electrode through an external circuit to form a current. During the charging process, this process is reversed, and lithium ions are returned from the positive electrode to the negative electrode and embedded in it.

### Features and Benefits

-**Excellent low-temperature performance**: By optimizing the electrolyte formula and electrode materials, low-temperature lithium batteries can maintain high energy density and power output at extremely low temperatures.

-**High safety performance**: Adopt multiple safety protection mechanisms, such as overcharge protection, overdischarge protection, short circuit protection, etc., to ensure the safety of the battery during use.

-**Long life**: Through the specially designed battery structure and management system, the cycle life of low-temperature lithium batteries is significantly improved to meet the needs of long-term use.

## Thermoelectric generator

### Working principle

Thermoelectric generators use the thermoelectric effect (I. e., the Seebeck effect) to convert temperature differences into electrical energy. In thermoelectric materials, when there is a temperature difference between the two ends, a potential difference will be generated inside the material, and then a current will be generated. Thermoelectric generators usually consist of a thermocouple pair (P-type and N-type semiconductor materials arranged alternately). When one end is heated and the other end is kept at a low temperature, electricity can be generated.

### Application Scenarios

Thermoelectric generators are widely used in low-temperature environments such as polar exploration and spacecraft power supplies. Because it does not rely on external fuel and can work only on the temperature difference of the environment, it is especially suitable for remote or difficult to obtain regular energy.

## Hydraulic generator

### Working principle

A hydraulic generator is a device that converts hydraulic energy into electrical energy. In low temperature environment, the fluidity and viscosity of hydraulic oil change little, so the hydraulic generator can maintain stable performance output. The hydraulic generator converts mechanical energy into hydraulic energy through a hydraulic pump, then uses a hydraulic motor to convert the hydraulic energy into rotational kinetic energy, and finally converts the rotational kinetic energy into electrical energy through a generator.

### Features and Benefits

-**Good stability**: The hydraulic system has high stability and reliability, and can continue to work in low temperature environments.

-**Large power output**: The hydraulic generator has a high power density and is suitable for occasions that require high power output.

-**Easy maintenance**: The hydraulic system is relatively simple and the maintenance cost is low.

## Graphene lithium ion battery

### Working principle

Graphene lithium-ion battery is a lithium-ion battery that uses graphene as a negative electrode material. Graphene has excellent electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and mechanical strength, which can significantly improve the performance of batteries at low temperatures. Its working principle is similar to that of ordinary lithium-ion batteries, but the addition of graphene makes the battery have higher charge and discharge efficiency and lower internal resistance at low temperatures.

### Features and Benefits

-**Excellent low temperature performance**: Graphene lithium-ion battery can still be maintained below -40 ℃