Active Capacitor Device with Controllable Switches
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Solution Overview
Problem
High capacitance electrolytic capacitors used in power electric systems are expensive, bulky, and their capacitance values change over time, while adjustable capacitors with high capacitance values are rare and inefficient, making them unsuitable for a wide range of power applications.
Innovation Solution
A two-terminal active capacitor device with a controllable electric capacitance value, comprising a power converter with interconnected switches, a fixed capacitor, and a processor system that adjusts capacitance based on input voltage, allowing for programmable and stable capacitance across a wide power range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If high capacitance electrolytic capacitors are used in power electric systems, then the capacitance value is high, but the device becomes bulky and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical capacitor structure with an active electronic system comprising a power converter, controllable switches, and a processor. This substitution enables high capacitance values to be achieved through active control rather than physical capacitor size, dramatically reducing device volume while maintaining or enhancing capacitance performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter representation of capacitance from a fixed physical property to a dynamically controllable electrical parameter. By using a processor to control switching elements, the effective capacitance becomes an adjustable parameter rather than a fixed physical characteristic, allowing high capacitance values without proportional increases in physical dimensions.
2Quantity of substance
If high capacitance electrolytic capacitors are used, then the capacitance value is high, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive high-capacitance electrolytic capacitors with a cost-effective active electronic system using standard components like power converters, switches, and processors. This substitution dramatically reduces component costs while achieving superior capacitance performance through active control rather than expensive passive components.
Solution Approach 2:
The active capacitor device serves multiple functions beyond simple capacitance storage, including active power factor correction, harmonic filtering, and dynamic capacitance adjustment. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate expensive components into a single integrated system, reducing overall system cost.
3Device complexity
If traditional capacitors are used, then the structure is simple, but the capacitance value changes over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a processor that continuously monitors and controls the capacitance value through feedback mechanisms. This active feedback control compensates for drift and degradation over time, maintaining stable capacitance values indefinitely, whereas passive capacitors naturally degrade without such correction mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transforms the static, fixed capacitance of traditional capacitors into a dynamic, actively controlled parameter. The ability to dynamically adjust and maintain capacitance values through processor control provides long-term stability that static passive components cannot achieve, as the system can compensate for aging and environmental changes.
4Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable capacitors are used for high capacitance values, then the capacitance is adjustable, but the device complexity increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal active capacitor platform that handles both high and low capacitance values, power factor correction, and harmonic filtering through a single integrated system. This multi-functional approach achieves adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same core architecture serves multiple purposes that would otherwise require separate dedicated components.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves capacitance adjustability through parameter control of switching elements rather than physical reconfiguration. This allows rapid, software-controlled adjustment of capacitance values without mechanical moving parts or complex switching networks, maintaining relative structural simplicity while providing full adaptability.
5Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable capacitors with high capacitance are used, then the capacitance can be adjusted, but power loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic switching action in the power converter to achieve capacitance adjustment with minimal losses. By using high-frequency switching of controllable switches rather than continuous analog adjustment, the system achieves adaptability through brief, efficient pulses rather than continuous power-dissipating mechanisms, dramatically reducing overall power loss.
Data Source
AI summary
An active two-terminal capacitor device with a controllable capacitance based on a capacitance value input C_I. A processor system PRS executes an algorithm which controls a power converter PCV with controllable electric switches connected to the two external terminals A, B along with a fixed value capacitor component CI. Based on sampling of at least the voltage across the capacitor component CI, the algorithm controls the power converter PCV to provide a resulting capacitance across the external terminals A, B which serves to match the capacitance value in ut C_I.