Power system for high temperature applications with rechargeable energy storage

Abstract

A power system adapted for supplying power in a high temperature environment is disclosed. The power system includes a rechargeable energy storage that is operable in a temperature range of between about seventy degrees Celsius and about two hundred and fifty degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the energy storage and charging the energy storage; wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about one hundred megajoules of energy, and to provide peak power of between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a watt and about one hundred megawatts, for at least two charge-discharge cycles. Methods of use and fabrication are provided. Embodiments of additional features of the power supply are included.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A power system adapted for supplying power in a high temperature environment, the power system comprising:
 a rechargeable energy storage that is operable in a temperature range of between about minus forty degrees Celsius and about two hundred and ten degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the energy storage and charging the energy storage;   wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about one hundred megajoules of energy, and to provide peak power of between about one tenth (0.10) of a watt and about one hundred megawatts, for at least two charge-discharge cycles.   
     
     
         2 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the temperature range is between about seventy degrees Celsius and about two hundred degrees Celsius. 
     
     
         3 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the temperature range is between about seventy degrees Celsius and about one hundred seventy five degrees Celsius. 
     
     
         4 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the temperature range is between about seventy degrees Celsius and about one hundred and fifty degrees Celsius. 
     
     
         5 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the temperature range is between about seventy degrees Celsius and about one hundred and twenty five degrees Celsius. 
     
     
         6 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the temperature range is between about eighty degrees Celsius and about two hundred and ten degrees Celsius. 
     
     
         7 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the temperature range is between about ninety degrees Celsius and about two hundred and ten degrees Celsius. 
     
     
         8 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the temperature range is between about one hundred degrees Celsius and about two hundred and ten degrees Celsius. 
     
     
         9 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the temperature range is between about one hundred twenty five degrees Celsius and about two hundred and ten degrees Celsius. 
     
     
         10 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the temperature range is between about one hundred twenty six degrees Celsius and about two hundred and ten degrees Celsius. 
     
     
         11 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the temperature range is between about one hundred fifty degrees Celsius and about two hundred and ten degrees Celsius. 
     
     
         12 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one tenth (0.1) of a joule and about one hundred megajoules of energy. 
     
     
         13 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one joule and about one hundred megajoules of energy. 
     
     
         14 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about ten joules and about one hundred megajoules of energy. 
     
     
         15 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one hundred joules and about one hundred megajoules of energy. 
     
     
         16 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one thousand joules and about one hundred megajoules of energy. 
     
     
         17 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about ten megajoules of energy. 
     
     
         18 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about one megajoule of energy. 
     
     
         19 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about one hundred thousand joules of energy. 
     
     
         20 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about ten thousand joules of energy. 
     
     
         21 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage is configured to provide peak power of between about one tenth (0.10) of a watt and about one hundred megawatts. 
     
     
         22 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage is configured to provide peak power of between about one watt and about one hundred megawatts. 
     
     
         23 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage is configured to provide peak power of between about ten watts and about one hundred megawatts. 
     
     
         24 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage is configured to provide peak power of between about one hundred watts and about one hundred megawatts. 
     
     
         25 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage is configured to provide peak power of between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a watt and about ten megawatts. 
     
     
         26 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage is configured to provide peak power of between about one tenth (0.10) of a watt and about one megawatt. 
     
     
         27 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage is configured to provide peak power of between about one tenth (0.10) of a watt and about five hundred thousand watts. 
     
     
         28 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage is configured to provide peak power of between about one tenth (0.10) of a watt and about one hundred thousand watts. 
     
     
         29 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage is configured to provide peak power of between about one tenth (0.10) of a watt and about ten thousand watts. 
     
     
         30 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage is configured to charge and discharge for at least 10 cycles. 
     
     
         31 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage is configured to charge and discharge for at least 100 cycles. 
     
     
         32 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage is configured to charge and discharge for at least 1,000 cycles. 
     
     
         33 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage is configured to charge and discharge for at least 10,000 cycles. 
     
     
         34 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage comprises at least one of a battery and an ultracapacitor. 
     
     
         35 . The power system of  claim 34 , wherein the ultracapacitor is an electrochemical double layer capacitor that comprises at least one electrode comprising carbon energy storage media. 
     
     
         36 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the energy storage comprises an appearance that is one of cylindrical, annular, ring-shaped, flat, prismatic, stacked, box-like, and flat prismatic. 
     
     
         37 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the power system is configured to supply power to a logging instrument. 
     
     
         38 . The power supply of  claim 37 , wherein the logging instrument comprises at least one of a coring tool, a shut-in tool, a nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMR) tool, an electromagnetic (EM) telemetry tool, a mud-pulser telemetry tool, a resistivity measuring tool, a gamma sensing tool, a pressure sensor tool, an acoustic sensor tool, a seismic tool, a nuclear tool, a pulsed neutron tool, a formation sampling tool and an induction tool. 
     
     
         39 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein a load comprises at least one of electronic circuitry, a transformer, an amplifier, a servo, a processor, data storage, a pump, a motor, a sensor, a thermally tunable sensor, an optical sensor, a transducer, a light source, a scintillator, a pulser, a hydraulic actuator, an antenna, a single channel analyzer, a multi-channel analyzer, a radiation detector, an accelerometer and a magnetometer. 
     
     
         40 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the circuit comprises at least one of: a processor, a power converter, a transistor, an inductor, a capacitor, a switch, a data storage and a bus. 
     
     
         41 . The power system of  claim 40 , further comprising machine executable instructions stored in the data storage for execution by the processor. 
     
     
         42 . The power system of  claim 1 , further comprising an interface for coupling to an external energy supply. 
     
     
         43 . The power system of  claim 42 , wherein the external energy supply comprises at least one of a connection provided via wireline; a generator; a battery and an ultracapacitor. 
     
     
         44 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the circuit is further configured to draw power from a plurality of types of energy storage devices. 
     
     
         45 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the circuit comprises a circuit for at least one of: simulating an electrical signal; monitoring a state of charge of the energy storage; governing change-over from a first type of energy storage to a second type of energy storage; changing modes of operation; monitoring system health; storing and retrieving data; automatically adjusting an output voltage; entering a sleep mode; entering a state of low-power operation; and bypassing at least one component of the power system. 
     
     
         46 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the circuit is further configured for monitoring at least one of temperature, vibration, shock, voltage and current. 
     
     
         47 . The power system of  claim 1 , wherein the circuit comprises at least one redundant component. 
     
     
         48 . A method for providing power to a logging instrument downhole, the method comprising:
 selecting a logging instrument that comprises a power system comprising a rechargeable energy storage that is operable in a temperature range of between about minus forty degrees Celsius and two hundred and ten degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the energy storage and charging the energy storage; and   with the logging instrument downhole, providing power from the power system to the logging instrument.   
     
     
         49 . The method of  claim 48 , further comprising charging the power system with energy from an external energy supply. 
     
     
         50 . The method of  claim 49 , wherein charging comprises at least one of continuously and periodically charging the power system. 
     
     
         51 . The method of  claim 48 , further comprising:
 determining a failed state for a component of the power system; and   routing power from the energy storage around the failed component.   
     
     
         52 . The method of  claim 48 , further comprising controlling the providing to limit a duty cycle of the tool. 
     
     
         53 . The method of  claim 48 , further comprising regulating at least one of a voltage and a current delivered to the logging instrument. 
     
     
         54 . The method of  claim 48 , further comprising depassivating at least one battery in the energy storage. 
     
     
         55 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein providing power comprises drawing power from the energy storage and simulating an electrical signal of another type of energy storage. 
     
     
         56 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein providing power comprises monitoring a state of charge of the energy storage. 
     
     
         57 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein providing power comprises changing between types of energy storage. 
     
     
         58 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein providing power comprises monitoring at least one aspect of the power system and automatically adjusting an output of the energy storage. 
     
     
         59 . The method of  claim 48 , wherein providing power comprises monitoring at least one aspect of the power system and at least one of activating a component of the power system and deactivating the component. 
     
     
         60 . The method of  claim 48 , further comprising monitoring data for at least one aspect of the power system and logging the data in memory. 
     
     
         61 . The method of  claim 60 , further comprising communicating the data to topside equipment. 
     
     
         62 . A method for fabricating a power system for a logging instrument, the method comprising:
 selecting a rechargeable energy storage that is operable in a temperature range of between about minus forty degrees Celsius and two hundred and ten degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the energy storage and charging the energy storage; and   configuring the energy storage for incorporation into the logging instrument.   
     
     
         63 . The method as in  claim 62 , further comprising assembling the energy storage from a plurality of storage cells. 
     
     
         64 . The method as in  claim 63 , wherein at least one insulator is disposed between storage cells in the plurality. 
     
     
         65 . The method as in  claim 63 , wherein at least one storage cell in the energy storage is at least partially wrapped in a wrapper. 
     
     
         66 . The method as in  claim 62 , further comprising configuring the circuit for incorporation into the logging instrument. 
     
     
         67 . The method as in  claim 66 , wherein configuring the circuit comprises orienting the circuit to reduce at least one of stress and strain experienced during operation. 
     
     
         68 . The method as in  claim 66 , wherein configuring the circuit comprises assembling a plurality of circuit modules. 
     
     
         69 . The method as in  claim 68 , wherein assembling comprises selecting each of the modules according to at least one feature provided by the respective module. 
     
     
         70 . The method as in  claim 68 , wherein assembling comprises coupling each of the modules to a bus. 
     
     
         71 . The method as in  claim 68 , wherein assembling comprises disposing a stand-off support between each of the modules. 
     
     
         72 . The method as in  claim 68 , wherein assembling comprises coupling a connector of a first module with a mateable connector of a second module. 
     
     
         73 . The method as in  claim 62 , further comprising encapsulating components within the power system with an encapsulant. 
     
     
         74 . The method as in  claim 62 , wherein the circuit comprises at least one of: a power converter, a voltage regulating circuit, a low power consumption circuit, a bypass circuit, a battery conditioning circuit and a current limiting circuit. 
     
     
         75 . A power system adapted for supplying power in a high temperature environment, the power system comprising:
 at least one ultracapacitor that is operable in a temperature range of between about minus forty degrees Celsius and two hundred and ten degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the ultracapacitor and charging the ultracapacitor.   
     
     
         76 . The power system of  claim 75 , wherein the ultracapacitor comprises at least one electrode comprising carbon-based energy storage media. 
     
     
         77 . The power system of  claim 76 , wherein the carbon-based energy storage media comprises at least one of activated carbon, carbon fibers, rayon, graphene, aerogel, carbon cloth, carbon nanotubes and another nano-form of carbon. 
     
     
         78 . The power system of  claim 75 , wherein the ultracapacitor comprises an electrolyte. 
     
     
         79 . The power system of  claim 78 , wherein the electrolyte comprises one of: less than 500 ppm of moisture, less than 1,000 ppm total concentration of halides and less than 2,000 ppm total concentration of metallic species comprising at least one of Br, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Zn, at least one alloy of the foregoing metallic species, at least one oxide of the foregoing metallic species. 
     
     
         80 . The power system of  claim 79 , wherein the ultracapacitor is characterized by exhibiting a leakage current of no more than 1,000 mA/liter over the temperature range. 
     
     
         81 . The power system of  claim 78 , wherein the electrolyte comprises a plurality of cations, the cations comprising at least one of 1-(3-cyanopropyl)-3-methylimidazolium, 1,2-dimethyl-3-propylimidazolium, 1,3-bis (3-cyanopropyl)imidazolium, 1,3-diethoxyimidazolium, 1-butyl-1-methylpiperidinium, 1-butyl-2,3-dimethylimidazolium, 1-butyl-3-methylpyrolidinium, 1-butyl-4-methylpyridinium, 1-butylpyridinium, 1-decyl-3-methylimidazolium, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium and 3-methyl-1-propylpyridinium. 
     
     
         82 . The power system of  claim 75 , wherein the ultracapacitor comprises an electrolyte, the electrolyte comprising a plurality of anions, the anions comprising at least one of bis(trifluoromethanesulfonate)imide, tris (trifluoromethanesulfonate)methide, dicyanamide, tetrafluoroborate, hexafluorophosphate, trifluoromethanesulfonate, bis(pentafluoroethanesulfonate)imide, thiocyanate, trifluoro(trifluoromethyl)borate. 
     
     
         83 . The power system of  claim 75 , wherein the ultracapacitor comprises an electrolyte, the electrolyte comprising a solvent, the solvent comprising at least one of acetonitrile, amides, benzonitrile, butyrolactone, cyclic ether, dibutyl carbonate, diethyl carbonate, diethylether, dimethoxyethane, dimethyl carbonate, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfone, dioxane, dioxolane, ethyl formate, ethylene carbonate, ethylmethyl carbonate, lactone, linear ether, methyl formate, methyl propionate, methyltetrahydrofuran, nitrile, nitrobenzene, nitromethane, n-methylpyrrolidone, propylene carbonate, sulfolane, sulfone, tetrahydrofuran, tetramethylene sulfone, thiophene, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, triethylene glycol, polyethylene glycols, carbonic acid ester, γ-butyrolactone, nitrile and tricyanohexane. 
     
     
         84 . The power system of  claim 75 , wherein the ultracapacitor is contained within a hermetically sealed container. 
     
     
         85 . The power system of  claim 84 , wherein the hermetically sealed container comprises aluminum. 
     
     
         86 . A power system adapted for supplying power in a high temperature environment, the power system comprising:
 a rechargeable energy storage that is operable in a temperature range of between about minus forty degrees Celsius and two hundred and ten degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the energy storage and charging the energy storage;   wherein the circuit comprises a subsystem for depassivation of a battery in the energy storage.   
     
     
         87 . The power system of  claim 86 , wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about one hundred megajoules of energy, and to provide peak power of between about one tenth (0.10) of a watt and about one hundred megawatts, for at least two charge-discharge cycles. 
     
     
         88 . The power system of  claim 86 , wherein the subsystem is configured to draw a constant load from the battery for a period of time. 
     
     
         89 . The power system of  claim 86 , wherein the subsystem comprises measurement apparatus to assess a need for depassivation. 
     
     
         90 . The power system of  claim 89 , wherein the measurement apparatus comprises at least one of a voltage sensor and a current sensor. 
     
     
         91 . The power system of  claim 89 , wherein the measurement apparatus is configured to draw a predetermined depassivating load current and monitor voltage of the battery until the voltage rises to a predetermined level. 
     
     
         92 . The power system of  claim 91 , wherein the measurement apparatus is configured to draw a predetermined depassivating load current and monitor voltage of the battery until the voltage rises to a predetermined level. 
     
     
         93 . A power system adapted for supplying power in a high temperature environment, the power system comprising:
 a rechargeable energy storage that is operable in a temperature range of between about minus forty degrees Celsius and two hundred and ten degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the energy storage and charging the energy storage;   wherein the circuit comprises a subsystem for bypassing a component of the power system.   
     
     
         94 . The power system of  claim 93 , wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about one hundred megajoules of energy, and to provide peak power of between about one tenth (0.10) of a watt and about one hundred megawatts, for at least two charge-discharge cycles. 
     
     
         95 . The power system of  claim 93 , wherein the subsystem is configured to automatically determine a failed state of a component and identify an alternative current path from the energy storage to a load. 
     
     
         96 . The power system of  claim 93 , wherein the subsystem is disabled by proper functioning of components subject to the bypass. 
     
     
         97 . The power system of  claim 93 , wherein the subsystem includes at least one solid-state device. 
     
     
         98 . The power system of  claim 93 , wherein the solid-state device is a JFET. 
     
     
         99 . The power system of  claim 93 , wherein the subsystem includes a relay. 
     
     
         100 . The power system of  claim 93 , wherein the subsystem includes at least one of a separate power converter and a redundant power converter. 
     
     
         101 . The power system of  claim 93 , wherein the subsystem includes a switch network to block current flow in at least one of into and out of a component that is bypassed. 
     
     
         102 . The power system of  claim 101 , wherein the switch network includes at least one of a diode and a transistor. 
     
     
         103 . A power system adapted for supplying power in a high temperature environment, the power system comprising:
 a rechargeable energy storage that is operable in a temperature range of between about minus forty Celsius and two hundred and ten degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the energy storage and charging the energy storage;   wherein the circuit comprises a subsystem for simulating electrical output of an energy supply.   
     
     
         104 . The power system of  claim 103 , wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about one hundred megajoules of energy, and to provide peak power of between about one tenth (0.10) of a watt and about one hundred megawatts, for at least two charge-discharge cycles. 
     
     
         105 . The power system of  claim 103 , wherein the subsystem includes a simulator map. 
     
     
         106 . The power system of  claim 105 , wherein the simulator map is implemented in at least one of a digital domain and an analog domain. 
     
     
         107 . The power system of  claim 103 , wherein the subsystem includes a feedback controller. 
     
     
         108 . The power system of  claim 107 , wherein the feedback controller is implemented in at least one of a digital domain and an analog domain. 
     
     
         109 . The power system of  claim 103 , wherein the subsystem is configured for connecting in parallel with a load. 
     
     
         110 . The power system of  claim 103 , wherein the subsystem is configured for connecting in series with a load. 
     
     
         111 . The power system of  claim 103 , wherein the subsystem includes at least one of a buck converter, a boost converter, a buck-boost converter, a Cúk, flyback converter and a forward converter. 
     
     
         112 . The power system of  claim 103 , wherein the subsystem supports bi-directional flow of power. 
     
     
         113 . The power system of  claim 103 , wherein an output of the simulator comprises at least one of a voltage, a current, a power and an impedance. 
     
     
         114 . The power system of  claim 103 , wherein an input to the simulator comprises is at least one of a voltage, a current, a power and an impedance. 
     
     
         115 . A power system adapted for supplying power in a high temperature environment, the power system comprising:
 a rechargeable energy storage that is operable in a temperature range of between about minus forty degrees Celsius and two hundred and ten degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the energy storage and charging the energy storage;   wherein the circuit comprises a subsystem for monitoring a state of charge of the energy storage.   
     
     
         116 . The power system of  claim 115 , wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about one hundred megajoules of energy, and to provide peak power of between about one tenth (0.10) of a watt and about one hundred megawatts, for at least two charge-discharge cycles. 
     
     
         117 . The power system of  claim 115 , wherein the subsystem includes a sense resistor for converting a current to a voltage. 
     
     
         118 . The power system of  claim 115 , wherein the subsystem includes a hall effect sensor. 
     
     
         119 . The power system of  claim 115 , wherein the subsystem includes an inductive current sensor. 
     
     
         120 . The power system of  claim 115 , wherein the subsystem includes an analog to digital converter. 
     
     
         121 . The power system of  claim 115 , wherein the subsystem includes a microprocessor. 
     
     
         122 . The power system of  claim 115 , wherein the subsystem includes a memory. 
     
     
         123 . The subsystem of  claim 122 , wherein a variable in the memory is updated to reflect the state of charge. 
     
     
         124 . A power system adapted for supplying power in a high temperature environment, the power system comprising:
 a rechargeable energy storage that is operable in a temperature range of between about minus forty degrees Celsius and two hundred and ten degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the energy storage and charging the energy storage;   wherein the circuit comprises a subsystem for switching among at least two sources of energy.   
     
     
         125 . The power system of  claim 124 , wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about one hundred megajoules of energy, and to provide peak power of between about one tenth (0.10) of a watt and about one hundred megawatts, for at least two charge-discharge cycles. 
     
     
         126 . The power system of  claim 124 , wherein at least one of the energy sources comprises at least one battery. 
     
     
         127 . The power system of  claim 124 , wherein at least one of the energy sources comprises a wireline coupled to a remote power supply. 
     
     
         128 . The power system of  claim 124 , wherein at least one of the energy sources comprises a generator. 
     
     
         129 . The power system of  claim 124 , wherein at least two of the energy sources are a substantially similar type of energy source. 
     
     
         130 . The power system of  claim 124 , wherein at least two of the energy sources are a substantially dissimilar type of energy source. 
     
     
         131 . The power system of  claim 124 , wherein the subsystem is configured to draw power from one energy source at a time. 
     
     
         132 . The power system of  claim 124 , wherein the subsystem is configured to simultaneously draw power from at least one energy source. 
     
     
         133 . The power system of  claim 124 , where in the subsystem includes at least one transistor. 
     
     
         134 . The power system of  claim 124 , where in the subsystem includes a relay. 
     
     
         135 . The power system of  claim 124 , wherein the subsystem includes a level shift circuit. 
     
     
         136 . The power system of  claim 124 , wherein the subsystem modulates between energy sources to achieve a time-average aggregate behavior. 
     
     
         137 . The power system of  claim 124 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide a digital changeover control signal. 
     
     
         138 . The power system of  claim 124 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide an analog changeover control signal. 
     
     
         139 . The power system of  claim 124 , wherein the subsystem is configured to interpret at least one of a state of charge of an energy source, a voltage presented by an energy source, an impedance presented by an energy source, an ambient temperature, vibration, and a signal received from a remote location. and to provide a corresponding changeover control signal. 
     
     
         140 . A power system adapted for supplying power in a high temperature environment, the power system comprising:
 a rechargeable energy storage that is operable in a temperature range of between about minus forty degrees Celsius and two hundred and ten degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the energy storage and charging the energy storage;   wherein the circuit comprises a subsystem for automatically adjusting a voltage output of the power system.   
     
     
         141 . The power system of  claim 140 , wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about one hundred megajoules of energy, and to provide peak power of between about one tenth (0.10) of a watt and about one hundred megawatts, for at least two charge-discharge cycles. 
     
     
         142 . The power system of  claim 141 , wherein the subsystem is configured to control a voltage output according to temperature. 
     
     
         143 . The power system of  claim 141 , wherein the subsystem is configured to control a voltage output by providing a variable voltage set point. 
     
     
         144 . A power system adapted for supplying power in a high temperature environment, the power system comprising:
 a rechargeable energy storage that is operable in a temperature range of between about minus forty degrees Celsius and two hundred and ten degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the energy storage and charging the energy storage;   wherein the circuit comprises a subsystem for switching between modes of operation.   
     
     
         145 . The power system of  claim 144 , wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about one hundred megajoules of energy, and to provide peak power of between about one watt and one megawatt, for at least two charge-discharge cycles. 
     
     
         146 . The power system of  claim 144 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide at least two modes of operation. 
     
     
         147 . The power system of  claim 144 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide for control of a voltage output from the power system. 
     
     
         148 . The power system of  claim 144 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide for control of a current output from the power system. 
     
     
         149 . The power system of  claim 144 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide for control of a maximum current output from the power system. 
     
     
         150 . The power system of  claim 144 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide for control of a voltage input to the power system. 
     
     
         151 . The power system of  claim 144 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide for control of a current input to the power system. 
     
     
         152 . The power system of  claim 144 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide for control of a maximum current input to the power system. 
     
     
         153 . The power system of  claim 144 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide for deactivation of a circuit. 
     
     
         154 . The power system of  claim 144 , wherein the subsystem is configured for automatic operation. 
     
     
         155 . The power system of  claim 144 , wherein the subsystem is arranged to be configured by way of a remote signal. 
     
     
         156 . The power system of  claim 144 , wherein the subsystem is arranged to be configured by way of a user-generated signal. 
     
     
         157 . The power system of  claim 144 , wherein the subsystem for switching between modes of operation is configured according to temperature. 
     
     
         158 . The power system of  claim 144 , wherein the subsystem for switching between modes of operation includes at least one transistor or relay for switching passive components. 
     
     
         159 . The power system of  claim 144 , wherein the subsystem for switching between modes of operation adjusts a parameter in a digital controller. 
     
     
         160 . A power system adapted for supplying power in a high temperature environment, the power system comprising:
 a rechargeable energy storage that is operable in a temperature range of between about minus forty degrees Celsius and two hundred and ten degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the energy storage and charging the energy storage;   wherein the circuit comprises a subsystem for adjusting operation according to an environmental factor.   
     
     
         161 . The power system of  claim 160 , wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about one hundred megajoules of energy, and to provide peak power of between about one tenth (0.10) of a watt and about one hundred megawatts, for at least two charge-discharge cycles. 
     
     
         162 . The power system of  claim 160 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide for limiting a current input to the power system. 
     
     
         163 . The power system of  claim 160 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide for limiting a current output from the power system. 
     
     
         164 . The power system of  claim 160 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide for limiting a voltage output from the power system. 
     
     
         165 . The power system of  claim 160 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide for control according to temperature. 
     
     
         166 . The power system of  claim 160 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide for control according vibration. 
     
     
         167 . The power system of  claim 160 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide for control according to pressure. 
     
     
         168 . A power system adapted for supplying power in a high temperature environment, the power system comprising:
 a rechargeable energy storage that is operable in a temperature range of between about minus forty degrees Celsius and two hundred and ten degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the energy storage and charging the energy storage;   wherein the circuit comprises a subsystem for inducing low-power operation.   
     
     
         169 . The power system of  claim 168 , wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about one hundred megajoules of energy, and to provide peak power of between about one tenth (0.10) of a watt and about one hundred megawatts, for at least two charge-discharge cycles. 
     
     
         170 . The power system of  claim 168 , wherein the subsystem is configured to be activated during preparation for at least one of storage and transport. 
     
     
         171 . The power system of  claim 168 , wherein the subsystem is configured to be activated by installation of a cover. 
     
     
         172 . The power system of  claim 171 , wherein the subsystem is configured to cause a short circuit across at least two pins of one of a digital controller and an analog controller when the cover is installed. 
     
     
         173 . The power system of  claim 168 , wherein the subsystem is configured to be activated by installation of a cover comprising a resistor. 
     
     
         174 . The power system of  claim 168 , wherein the subsystem is configured to be activated by installation of a cover comprising a battery. 
     
     
         175 . The power system of  claim 168 , wherein the subsystem is configured to be activated by installation of a cover comprising a diode. 
     
     
         176 . The power system of  claim 168 , wherein the subsystem comprises a dustcap with a rotatable connector. 
     
     
         177 . The power system of  claim 168 , wherein the subsystem is configured to be activated by detection of non-operation. 
     
     
         178 . The power system of  claim 177 , where in the detection of non-operation is indicated by a period of low current output. 
     
     
         179 . The power system of  claim 168 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide for disabling of at least one component. 
     
     
         180 . The power system of  claim 168 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide for controlling a voltage output. 
     
     
         181 . A power system adapted for supplying power in a high temperature environment, the power system comprising:
 a rechargeable energy storage that is operable in a temperature range of between about minus forty degrees Celsius and two hundred and ten degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the energy storage and charging the energy storage;   wherein the circuit comprises a subsystem for logging data.   
     
     
         182 . The power system of  claim 181 , wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about one hundred megajoules of energy, and to provide peak power of between about one tenth (0.10) of a watt and about one hundred megawatts, for at least two charge-discharge cycles. 
     
     
         183 . The power system of  claim 181 , wherein the subsystem for logging data includes a memory. 
     
     
         184 . The power system of  claim 181 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide at least one of controlling system operation, sending a status to a remote location, and assessment of the power system after operation. 
     
     
         185 . The power system of  claim 181 , wherein the subsystem is configured to record at least one of a battery voltage, a battery current, a battery state of charge, temperature, vibration, a shock events, and a logic event. 
     
     
         186 . The power system of  claim 185 , wherein the logic event comprises an indication of at least one of fluid flow, mud pulse actuation, and changeover state. 
     
     
         187 . The power system of  claim 181 , wherein the subsystem is configured to retrieve data from memory. 
     
     
         188 . The power system of  claim 181 , wherein the subsystem is configured to communicate data. 
     
     
         189 . The power system of  claim 181 , wherein the subsystem comprises read-only-memory. 
     
     
         190 . The power system of  claim 181 , wherein the subsystem comprises random-access-memory. 
     
     
         191 . The power system of  claim 181 , wherein the subsystem includes a plurality of memory chips. 
     
     
         192 . The power system of  claim 181 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide for archiving data stored in a location in RAM to a location in ROM. 
     
     
         193 . The power system of  claim 181 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide for storing parameterized data. 
     
     
         194 . A power system adapted for supplying power in a high temperature environment, the power system comprising:
 a rechargeable energy storage that is operable in a temperature range of between about minus forty degrees Celsius and two hundred and ten degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the energy storage and charging the energy storage;   wherein the circuit comprises a subsystem for managing performance of the power supply.   
     
     
         195 . The power system of  claim 194 , wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about one hundred megajoules of energy, and to provide peak power of between about one tenth (0.10) of a watt and about one hundred megawatts, for at least two charge-discharge cycles. 
     
     
         196 . The power system of  claim 194 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide for run-time adjustment. 
     
     
         197 . The power system of  claim 194 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide for periodic adjustment. 
     
     
         198 . The power system of  claim 194 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide for adjustment by a user. 
     
     
         199 . The power system of  claim 194 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide for adjustment activated by a remote signal. 
     
     
         200 . The power system of  claim 194 , wherein minimizing power loss is aided by at least one of a first computation of estimated power loss, measurement of at least one electrical parameter, iterative perturbation and observation steps, and iterative computations. 
     
     
         201 . The power system of  claim 194 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide for minimizing at least one of standby power loss, self-discharge power loss, transistor switching and gating loss, conduction loss and core loss. 
     
     
         202 . The power system of  claim 194 , wherein the subsystem is configured to provide for minimizing power loss in a load. 
     
     
         203 . The power system of  claim 194 , wherein the subsystem is configured to control at least one of a voltage output from the power system, a current output from the power system, and a power output from the system. 
     
     
         204 . The power system of  claim 194 , wherein the subsystem is configured to adjust a control signal. 
     
     
         205 . A power system adapted for supplying power in a high temperature environment, the power system comprising:
 a rechargeable energy storage that is operable in a temperature range of between about minus forty degrees Celsius and two hundred and ten degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the energy storage and charging the energy storage;   wherein the circuit comprises a subsystem for monitoring health of the power system.   
     
     
         206 . The power system of  claim 205 , wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about one hundred megajoules of energy, and to provide peak power of between about one tenth (0.10) of a watt and about one hundred megawatts, for at least two charge-discharge cycles. 
     
     
         207 . The power system of  claim 205 , wherein the subsystem inludes a memory. 
     
     
         208 . The power system of  claim 205 , wherein the subsystem includes at least one of a temperature measuring device and an acceleration measuring device. 
     
     
         209 . The power system of  claim 205 , wherein the subsystem is configured to derive an estimate of system health from a measurement of at least one of temperature, vibration and shock. 
     
     
         210 . A power system adapted for supplying power in a high temperature environment, the power system comprising:
 a rechargeable energy storage that is operable in a temperature range of between about minus forty degrees Celsius and two hundred and ten degrees Celsius coupled to a circuit for at least one of supplying power from the energy storage and charging the energy storage;   wherein the circuit comprises a subsystem for accessing redundant elements.   
     
     
         211 . The power system of  claim 210 , wherein the energy storage is configured to store between about one one hundredth (0.01) of a joule and about one hundred megajoules of energy, and to provide peak power of between about one tenth (0.10) of a watt and about one hundred megawatts, for at least two charge-discharge cycles. 
     
     
         212 . The power system of  claim 210 , wherein the subsystem comprises at least one standby rechargeable energy storage device. 
     
     
         213 . The power system of  claim 210 , wherein the subsystem comprises at least one standby circuit. 
     
     
         214 . The power system of  claim 213 , wherein the standby circuit comprises a power converter. 
     
     
         215 . The power system of  claim 210 , wherein the subsystem is configured to identify a fault from a voltage output measurement. 
     
     
         216 . The power system of  claim 210 , wherein the subsystem is configured to identify a fault from a voltage output measurement for the rechargeable energy storage and a current through the rechargeable energy storage. 
     
     
         217 . The power system of  claim 210 , wherein the subsystem comprises a plurality of resistor dividers coupled to a plurality of rechargeable energy storage devices and analog to digital converters. 
     
     
         218 . A method using a power supply, the method comprising:
 selecting a power supply that comprises at least one ultracapacitor; and   operating the power supply within a temperature range of between about minus forty degrees Celsius and about two hundred and ten degrees Celsius while maintaining a voltage of between about 0.1 Volts to about 4 Volts on the ultracapacitor for at least one hour;   wherein, at the end of the hour, the ultracapacitor exhibits a leakage current less than 1,000 mAmp per liter of volume over the range of operating temperature.   
     
     
         219 . A method of using a power system, the method comprising:
 coupling a rechargeable energy storage configured for high temperature operation with electronics configured for high temperature operation; and   operating the power system by withdrawing pulses of power from an output of the power system, wherein each pulses comprises a peak value of at least 0.01 W and a total power-time product (energy) of at least 0.01 J.