Capturing and storing static electricity

Abstract

A system for collecting static electricity deploys a plurality of planar capacitors connected in parallel and aligned to form a capacitor stack having two parallel and opposing major surfaces arranged for receiving electrostatic charge from the atmosphere. The system also includes an electronic circuit in communication with the capacitor stack. The electronic circuit is configured to at least partially discharge the electrostatic charge into the capacitor stack in order to prepare the capacitor stack for receiving additional electrostatic charge from the atmosphere.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This patent application claims priority to UK patent application GB2209250.6 filed on June 23, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to capturing electrostatic charge from the atmosphere and, in particular, to systems and methods for storing electrostatic charge in energy storage devices. Background Art

[0004] Devices and methods for capturing static electricity to protect devices, such as electronic devices, from electrostatic discharge are known. In addition, devices and methods for capturing static electricity from one or moving parts of a system (e.g., a rotating automobile tire) have been disclosed. Given the abundant energy available from electrostatic charges that can be collected from the atmosphere, a system is needed that efficiently collects these charges and stores the charges for future use and / or profit. Summary of the invention

[0005] Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for collecting static electricity by capturing and storing electrostatic charge from the atmosphere.

[0006] According to an embodiment, a system for collecting static electricity includes: (a) a plurality of planar capacitors connected in parallel and aligned to form a capacitor stack, the capacitor stack having two parallel and opposing major surfaces arranged to receive electrostatic charge from the atmosphere; and (b) an electronic circuit connected to the capacitor stack and configured to at least partially discharge the electrostatic charge into the capacitor stack so as to prepare the capacitor stack for receiving additional electrostatic charge from the atmosphere.

[0007] In some embodiments, the system may further include an energy storage device, such as a battery, in communication with the electronic circuit for storing at least a portion of the electrostatic charge.

[0008] In some embodiments, the system may further include a power supply configured to provide a DC voltage to the capacitor stack.

[0009] In some embodiments, the electronic circuit may include a diode bridge for establishing the polarity of the at least partially discharged electrostatic charge.

[0010] In some embodiments, the electronic circuit may include an electrolytic capacitor arranged to at least partially discharge the received charge therein, and the capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor may be at least 50% greater, or at least 100% greater, or at least 200% greater than the capacitance of the capacitor stack.

[0011] In some embodiments, the electronic circuit may include a Zener diode upstream of the battery.

[0012] In some embodiments, the electronic circuit may include a voltage regulator upstream of the battery.

[0013] In some embodiments, the electrolytic capacitor may be arranged to be discharged into the battery via the potentiostat.

[0014] In some embodiments, the electronic circuit may include a controller configured to cause the power supply to provide a pulse voltage to the capacitor stack in response to receiving a signal from the regulator.

[0015] In some embodiments, the capacitor stack can be mounted such that at least a corresponding majority of each of the two major surfaces is exposed. In some embodiments, at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90% of each of the two major surfaces is exposed.

[0016] According to an embodiment, a method for charging a battery is disclosed. The method includes: (a) arranging a capacitor stack so that at least a corresponding majority of each of two parallel and opposing major surfaces of the capacitor stack is exposed to the atmosphere, the capacitor stack including a plurality of planar capacitors connected in parallel and aligned to form the capacitor stack; (b) receiving an electrostatic charge in the capacitor stack from the atmosphere; (c) at least partially discharging the electrostatic charge into an electronic circuit placed in communication with the capacitor stack, the at least partial discharge effectively preparing the capacitor stack for receiving additional electrostatic charge from the atmosphere; and (d) storing at least a portion of the electrostatic charge in a battery placed in communication with the electronic circuit.

[0017] In some embodiments, the method may further include providing a DC voltage to the capacitor stack from a power source.

[0018] In some embodiments, the electronic circuit may include a diode bridge for establishing the polarity of the at least partially discharged electrostatic charge.

[0019] In some embodiments, the electronic circuit may include an electrolytic capacitor arranged to at least partially discharge the received charge therein, and the capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor may be at least 50% greater, or at least 100% greater, or at least 200% greater than the capacitance of the capacitor stack.

[0020] In some embodiments, the electronic circuit may include a Zener diode upstream of the battery.

[0021] In some embodiments, the electronic circuit may include a voltage regulator upstream of the battery.

[0022] In some embodiments, the electrolytic capacitor may be arranged to be discharged into the battery via the potentiostat.

[0023] In some embodiments, the electronic circuit may include a controller configured to cause the power supply to provide a pulse voltage to the capacitor stack in response to receiving a signal from the regulator.

[0024] In some embodiments, at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90% of each of the two major surfaces is exposed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] The present invention will now be further described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the dimensions of components and features shown in the drawings are chosen for convenience and clarity of presentation and are not necessarily to scale. In the drawings:

[0026] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a residential property showing exemplary locations for mounting capacitor stacks in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of a capacitor stack and mechanical support according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment according to the present invention showing selected components of a capacitor stack.

[0029] Figure 4 The stack formation of an exemplary capacitor stack according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown.

[0030] Figure 5 is a schematic electrical diagram showing selected elements of a system for collecting static electricity in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6is a schematic electrical diagram of an embodiment of the present invention showing components for storing and converting AC electrical static electricity.

[0032] Figure 7 is a schematic electrical diagram showing elements of an exemplary voltage regulator according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 8 is a block diagram of a controller according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] Fig. 9A , Fig. 9B , Fig. 9C and Fig.10 A flow chart showing a method and method steps for charging a battery according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The invention is herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it should be emphasized that the details shown are by way of example only and for the purpose of illustrative discussion of the preferred embodiments of the invention only, and that the details are presented in order to provide what is believed to be the most applicable and understandable description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the invention. In this regard, no attempt is made to show the structural details of the invention in more detail than is necessary for a basic understanding of the invention; the description made in conjunction with the drawings enables those skilled in the art to understand several forms of how the invention may be implemented in practice. Throughout the drawings, the same figure numerals are generally used to represent the same elements. Throughout this disclosure, subscript reference numerals (e.g., 101 or 10 A ) can be used to indicate multiple individual occurrences of an element of a single species, whether or not in a figure; for example: 101 is a single occurrence (among multiple occurrences) of element 10. When not referring to a specific occurrence among multiple individual occurrences, i.e., referring to a species in general, the same element may alternatively be unsubscripted (e.g., 10 instead of 101).

[0036] Some embodiments of the present invention relate to a system for collecting static electricity. Static electricity is collected directly on two exposed main surfaces of a capacitor stack (e.g., a planar capacitor stack). The capacitor stack may have a prismatic shape to increase the available collection surface. Without following a particular theory, charged particles in the atmosphere contact the collection surfaces of the two main surfaces, and then the charge is transferred to the collection surface. It may be desirable that the capacitor stack be deployed (e.g., installed) so that the two main surfaces are exposed to the environment as much as possible, for example, at least 50% of the surface area of ​​each of the two main surfaces, or at least 60%, or at least 70%, or at least 80%, or at least 90% of the charge collection area is exposed. Therefore, it may be desirable to design the mounting arrangement so that it does not cover the minimum portion exceeding the collection surface, and in some designs, 100% of the collection surface may be exposed. The capacitor stack is preferably connected in parallel to increase capacitance. Less optimized designs, such as including insufficiently exposed collection surfaces, series wiring of capacitors, and / or the use of non-planar capacitors, still fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0037] Referring now to the drawings, and in particular, to Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example of a deployment (eg, installation) of a capacitor stack 20 is shown. Figure 1 A building 10, such as a residential building, is shown with capacitor stacks 20 shown deployed on the ground 12, on a flat roof 13, and on a sloped roof 14. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the capacitor stack 20 is laid on the sloped roof 14 at the same angle as the roof. Notably, this orientation prevents the entire surface area of ​​one of the two major surface areas 29 from being exposed to the atmosphere, and therefore collects less static electricity from the atmosphere. Figure 2 A mounting arrangement 37 is shown as a non-limiting example for deploying the capacitor stack 20 on a planar surface 12 , 13 while leaving at least 90% of the surface area of ​​each of the two major surfaces 291 , 292 exposed.

[0038] Another example of deploying capacitor stacks 20 to collect static electricity from the atmosphere involves implementing an embodiment in a static electricity 'farm' or 'power plant' (not shown), similar to so-called solar 'farms' and electric utility-scale power plants. In such an example, the capacitor stack array may include any number of capacitor stacks.

[0039] Figure 3 FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of an exemplary capacity stack 20. A total of n conductive plates 25, namely plates 251 to 25 n, assembled together with an isolation layer selected from isolation layers 23, 27 inserted between each pair of consecutive conductive plates 25. Isolation layers 23, 27 can be selected based on electrical insulation properties and / or dielectric properties. In some embodiments, both types of isolation layers 23, 27 use the same material. In other embodiments, isolation layers 23, 27 use the same material, but with different thicknesses. Figure 3 In the non-limiting example of , the first capacitor includes a first conductive plate 251, an isolation layer 23, and a second conductive plate 252. Another isolation layer 27 is disposed between the capacitors. The second capacitor includes a third conductive plate 253, another isolation layer 23, and a fourth conductive plate 254. This pattern continues until the last (n / 2)th capacitor, which includes a conductive plate 25 n-1 , 25 n and an isolation layer 23 sandwiched therebetween.

[0040] Each conductive plate 25 is in contact with an electrical terminal 22 and, in particular, given that the capacitors are electrically arranged in parallel, each conductive plate is in contact with an alternating 'positive' terminal 29. 正 and 'negative' terminal 29 负 Contact. Electrical lead 71 正 and 71 负 is the current collector of the stack and leads to other components of the system 100, such as Figure 5 It should be clear that the 'positive' and 'negative' designations with respect to the terminals 29 and electrical leads 71 ​​are illustrative only and that positive and negative may be reversed.

[0041] Figure 4 A similar stack structure is shown in the stack layout shown in , which discloses the design differences between the first and last capacitors in the stack and the intermediate capacitors. Figure 4 In a non-limiting example, the first and last isolation layers 23 are made of a dielectric material (2113RC60) that is slightly different from the dielectric material (2116RC53) that makes up the remaining isolation layers in the isolation layers 23. The first conductive plate 251 and the last conductive plate 25 n Made with a higher copper content than the intermediate conductive plate (90% vs. 89%) and thinner, at only one-third the weight, it reduces electrical resistance to improve transfer of electrostatic charge to exposed surfaces. Figure 4 Lieutenant General End Plate 251, 25 n Described as foils because they are substantially thinner than plates and can be applied using either a coating process or a foil application process.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the system 100 for collecting static electricity includes an electronic circuit in communication with a capacitor stack. The term "electronic circuit" as used herein and in the appended claims is used broadly to include any electrical and / or electronic circuit, and any electrical and / or electronic component, including hardware, firmware and / or software, and may include off-the-shelf components and custom-designed components.

[0043] The electronic circuit of the present embodiment is configured to, among other things, discharge at least partially the electrostatic charge received by the capacitor stack from the atmosphere into the electronic circuit, or into one or more components thereof. In an embodiment, the discharge is the discharge of substantially all of the charge collected by the capacitor stack, for example, at least 90%, or at least 80%, or at least 70%, or at least 60% of the collected charge. This prepares the capacitor stack for receiving additional electrostatic charge from the atmosphere, and also facilitates storing at least a portion of the collected electrostatic charge in a battery. The term "battery" means any rechargeable energy storage device, and is not limited to an electrochemical storage device.

[0044] Reference now Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 and Figure 8 . The system 100 for collecting static electricity includes a capacitor stack 20, an electronic circuit 60, and an energy storage device, such as a battery 80. The electronic circuit 60 is configured to 'pump' the electrostatic charge from the capacitor stack 20 through the electronic circuit 60 to the energy storage device 80. This is achieved in part by maintaining a lower downstream voltage relative to the voltage of the electrostatic charge in the capacitor stack 20. A DC power supply 67 is provided to supply voltages at different times, such as a steady voltage or a pulsed voltage or both. The voltage supplied by the DC power supply 67 is specific to the implementation; examples of suitable voltages are voltages in the range of 3-6V, 6-12V, 12-24V, and 24-48V. The charge 'collected' by the capacitor stack 20 typically carries a higher voltage, such as more than 50V, or more than 100V, or more than 1000V, or more than 5000V. The charge can flow out of the capacitor stack at a very low current, such as less than 1mA (milliamperes) or less than 100μA (microamperes) or less than 10μA.

[0045] The charge collected by the capacitor stack 20 has an unknown polarity, so if Figure 5As shown, the current first flows through the bridge diode 62 to establish the polarity of the current, such as a positive polarity. The current flows from the bridge diode to the capacitor 65, such as an electrolytic capacitor, the capacitance of which is at least 50%, or at least 100%, or at least 200%, or at least 500%, or at least 1000% greater than the capacitance of the capacitor stack 20. The electrolytic capacitor 65 is configured to temporarily store the charge, that is, until the voltage difference signals that the charge is to be emptied into the circuit in the direction of the battery. The Zener diode 66 is set to be effective at a voltage close to the battery 80 (e.g., at most 10%, or at most 20%, or at most 50% or more higher), thereby protecting the battery 80 and the regulator 63 downstream of the Zener diode 66 and upstream of the battery 80. The regulator 63 is configured to deliver a substantially constant voltage to charge the battery 80. Figure 7 An illustrative example of a simple voltage regulator 63 is shown. As shown, the illustrative example accommodates an input voltage of 7-36V and outputs a regulated 5V. Thus, the portion of the electronic circuit 60 from the bridge diode 62 to the voltage regulator 63 is configured in combination to convert the high voltage, low current charge of unknown polarity collected by the capacitor stack 20 from the atmosphere into power of known polarity and at a charging voltage suitable for the battery 80. Figure 6 As schematically shown, the DC power stored in the energy storage device 80 is converted to AC power by an inverter 95 and then flows into a local or wide area power grid via electrical conductors 72 .

[0046] A controller 40 is provided, in particular for causing the DC power supply 67 to output a voltage pulse to induce a capacitor stack discharge in the direction of a lower downstream voltage. An optional communication path 73 may be provided for the controller 40 to receive a signal from the voltage regulator 63, thereby triggering a voltage pulse based on the state of the voltage regulator 63. In some embodiments, the controller 40 is also configured to pause the stable or pulsed voltage provided by the DC power supply 67 in order to evaluate one or more system parameters. After the evaluation, the controller 40 is configured to resume providing a stable or pulsed voltage. One or more evaluated system parameters may include, for example, but not limited to, a state of charge, a current, and / or a voltage. One or more system parameters may be evaluated at any one or more of a plurality of locations in the system 100, for example, but not limited to, at or downstream of the capacitor stack 20; at, upstream or downstream of the bridge diode 62; at, upstream or downstream of the capacitor 65; or at or upstream of the Zener diode 66. In an embodiment, the pause time is between 1 second and 20 seconds, or between 1 second and 10 seconds, or between 2 seconds and 3 seconds. In an embodiment, the controller 40 is also configured to take action in response to the evaluation. In an example, the system parameter evaluated is the state of charge of the capacitor stack 20, and the action taken is to increase or decrease the amplitude or frequency of the voltage pulses from the DC power supply 67. In an example, the evaluation reveals at least one of the following: the charge in the capacitor stack 20 is greater than a predetermined charge, the voltage at or upstream of the Zener diode 66 is higher than a predetermined voltage, and the current measured at any point between the bridge diode 62 and the battery 80 is higher than a predetermined current. According to an example, the action taken in response to the evaluation includes stopping the steady or pulsed voltage from the DC power supply 67 for a set time period, such as at least one minute and no more than 120 minutes, or at least one minute and no more than 60 minutes, or at least one minute and no more than 30 minutes, and / or until a subsequent evaluation. This exemplary evaluation response can be achieved to save energy, especially when a large amount of static electricity is captured and stored and a steady or pulsed voltage provided by the DC power supply 67 may not be required.

[0047] Figure 8 A block diagram of an exemplary controller 40 is shown. The term "controller" is used to represent any hardware, software and / or firmware deployed in connection with, among other things, data communication, programming, data processing, data storage, measurement and / or computing, for regulating one or more functions of the system 100 for collecting static electricity and its components disclosed herein.

[0048] exist Figure 8In the present example of a controller shown, the controller 40 may include, but is not limited to, any or all of the following components: one or more computer processors 45; a non-transitory program storage device 48 for storing therein program instructions for execution by the one or more computer processors 45; a transient and / or non-transitory data storage device 45 for storing therein, but not limited to, measurements, calculations, and / or historical data; an electrical circuit 41 in electrical communication with the electrical wiring of the electronic circuit 60; and a communications module 47, for example, for communicating information about the operation of the system 100 to a display and / or an external computer. Power may be provided to the electronic device, but power may be provided in the case of a power source. Figure 8 In some embodiments, the electronic circuit 40 includes and stores program instructions for execution by one or more processors 45 for performing control functions, such as causing the DC power supply 67 to provide a pulse voltage to the capacitor stack 20 in response to receiving a signal from the regulator 63.

[0049] Reference now Fig. 9A , discloses a method for charging a battery, such as the battery 80 of the system 100 according to any embodiment disclosed herein. Fig. 9A As shown in the flowchart in, the method comprises at least four method steps S01, S02, S03 and S04:

[0050] Step S01 : Arranging a capacitor stack 20 such that at least 90% of each of two parallel and opposite main surfaces 29 is exposed to the atmosphere, the capacitor stack 20 comprising a plurality of planar capacitors connected in parallel and aligned to form the capacitor stack 20 .

[0051] Step S02: receiving electrostatic charges in the capacitor stack 20 from the atmosphere.

[0052] Step S03: at least partially discharging the electrostatic charge into the electronic circuit 60 in communication with the capacitor stack 20, the at least partial discharging effectively preparing the capacitor stack 20 for receiving additional electrostatic charge from the atmosphere.

[0053] Step S04 : storing at least a portion of the electrostatic charge in a battery 80 placed in communication with the electronic circuit 60 .

[0054] In some embodiments, such as Fig. 9B As shown in the flowchart in, the method further comprises step S05:

[0055] Step S05 : A DC voltage is supplied from the power source 67 to the capacitor stack 20 .

[0056] In some embodiments, such as Fig. 9CAs shown in the flowchart in, the method further comprises step S06:

[0057] Step S06: Stop the power supply 67 from providing the DC voltage (as disclosed in step S05) to evaluate the system parameters.

[0058] Fig.10 A flow chart illustrating an exemplary implementation of step S06 is shown. Fig.10 In the example of , step S06 begins by pausing the provision of the DC voltage and evaluating the system parameters, as shown in box 1001. Check the parameter values ​​(see box 1002) such as charge, voltage and / or current as detailed above to see if they exceed a predetermined value. If it is determined that the predetermined value is exceeded (see box 1003), then further suspend the provision of the steady or pulsed voltage for a period of time. The pause can end automatically based on time, or end in response to another evaluation of the system parameters. If it is determined that the predetermined value is not exceeded (see box 1004), then resume providing the steady or pulsed voltage.

[0059] The present invention has been described using detailed descriptions of embodiments of the present invention, which are provided by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The described embodiments include different features, not all of which are required in all embodiments of the present invention. Some embodiments of the present invention utilize only some of the features or possible combinations of the features. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs will recognize variations of the described embodiments of the present invention and embodiments of the present invention that include different combinations of the features indicated in the described embodiments.

Claims

1. A system for collecting static electricity, the system comprising: a. a plurality of planar capacitors connected in parallel and aligned to form a capacitor stack, the capacitor stack having two parallel and opposing major surfaces arranged to receive an electrostatic charge from the atmosphere; b. an electronic circuit in communication with the capacitor stack and configured to at least partially discharge the electrostatic charge into the capacitor stack so as to prepare the capacitor stack for receiving additional electrostatic charge from the atmosphere; as well as c. A power supply configured to provide a DC voltage to the capacitor stack.

2. The system of claim 1 further comprising a battery in communication with the electronic circuit for storing at least a portion of the electrostatic charge.

3. The system of any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the electronic circuit comprises a diode bridge for establishing the polarity of the at least partially discharged electrostatic charge.

4. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic circuit comprises an electrolytic capacitor arranged for at least partially discharging the received charge thereinto, The capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor is at least 50% greater, or at least 100% greater, or at least 200% greater than the capacitance of the capacitor stack.

5. A system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the electronic circuit comprises a Zener diode upstream of the battery.

6. A system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the electronic circuit comprises a voltage regulator upstream of the battery.

7. The system of claim 6, wherein the electrolytic capacitor is arranged to be discharged into the battery through the voltage regulator.

8. The system of any one of claims 6 or 7, wherein the electronic circuit comprises a controller configured to cause the power supply to provide a pulse voltage to the capacitor stack in response to receiving a signal from the regulator.

9. The system of any of the preceding claims, wherein the capacitor stack is mounted such that at least a respective majority of each of the two major surfaces is exposed.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein at least 60% of each of the two major surfaces is exposed.

11. The system of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic circuit comprises a controller configured to suspend the providing of the voltage to evaluate a system parameter.

12. A system as claimed in any preceding claim, mounted on a building.

13. The system of any one of claims 1 to 10, mounted on a vehicle.

14. A method for charging a battery, the method comprising: a. arranging a capacitor stack such that at least a respective majority of each of two parallel and opposing major surfaces of the capacitor stack is exposed to the atmosphere, the capacitor stack comprising a plurality of planar capacitors connected in parallel and aligned to form the capacitor stack; b. receiving an electrostatic charge in the capacitor stack from the atmosphere; c. at least partially discharging the electrostatic charge into an electronic circuit placed in communication with the capacitor stack, the at least partial discharge effectively preparing the capacitor stack for receiving additional electrostatic charge from the atmosphere; as well as d. storing at least a portion of the electrostatic charge in a battery placed in communication with the electronic circuit.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising: A DC voltage is provided to the capacitor stack from a power source.

16. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 or 15, wherein the electronic circuit comprises a diode bridge for establishing the polarity of the at least partially discharged electrostatic charge.

17. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the electronic circuit comprises an electrolytic capacitor arranged for at least partially discharging the received charge thereinto, The capacitance of the electrolytic capacitor is at least 50% greater, or at least 100% greater, or at least 200% greater than the capacitance of the capacitor stack.

18. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the electronic circuit comprises a Zener diode upstream of the battery.

19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 18, wherein the electronic circuit comprises a voltage regulator upstream of the battery.

20. A method as claimed in any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the electrolytic capacitor is arranged to be discharged into the battery via the voltage regulator.

21. A method as described in any one of claims 19 or 20, wherein the electronic circuit includes a controller configured to cause the power supply to provide a pulse voltage to the capacitor stack in response to receiving a signal from the regulator, and wherein providing the DC voltage includes providing the pulse voltage.

22. The method of any one of claims 14 to 21, wherein at least 60% of each of the two major surfaces is exposed.

23. The method of any one of claims 14 to 22, further comprising: The providing of the DC voltage is suspended to evaluate system parameters.

24. The method of any one of claims 14 to 23, performed using a system of any one of claims 1 to 13.

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