Double Layer Capacitive Coupler for High Power Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Capacitive couplers typically achieve low levels of coupling capacitance, limiting their effectiveness for high-power electrical machines, especially at low frequencies, and are prone to wear and vibration damage.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an electrolyte or ionic liquid between capacitive plates to form an electrical double layer, significantly increasing capacitance and allowing capacitive couplers to operate effectively at lower frequencies and higher powers, while also serving as a bearing or cooling medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional capacitive couplers are used, then the structure is simple and service life is long, but the coupling capacitance is low (picofarads level)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the coupling medium by introducing electrolyte and forming electrical double layers at the interface between electrolyte and capacitor plates. This transforms the capacitance from conventional picofarad levels to microfarad or higher levels, resolving the contradiction between maintaining simple structure and achieving high capacitance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite coupling system combining conventional capacitor plates with electrolyte solution, forming an electrochemical capacitor structure. The electrical double layer formed at the interface acts as an ultra-thin dielectric, creating a composite capacitor that achieves high capacitance while maintaining the mechanical simplicity of the original structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional capacitive couplers are used, then the construction is simple, but the power transfer capability is limited and extremely high frequencies are required
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the capacitance parameter from picofarads to microfarads through electrical double layer formation, the system can operate at lower frequencies while transferring higher power. The relationship C = Q/V and the power equation P = V²ωC show that higher capacitance enables both lower operating frequency and higher power transfer for the same voltage.
3Power
If slip rings with sliding brushes are used, then electrical power can be transferred, but wear occurs and service life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sliding contact system (brushes on slip rings) with a capacitive coupling system using electrical double layers. This eliminates mechanical wear while maintaining electrical power transfer capability, as the coupling occurs through the electrolyte medium without physical contact between moving parts.
4Power
If inductive couplers are used, then electrical power can be transferred, but the structure is complex and weight is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex inductive coupling system with transformer windings with a simpler capacitive coupling system. The capacitive coupler uses basic capacitor plates and electrolyte, eliminating the need for magnetic cores, multiple windings, and magnetic shielding, thereby reducing structural complexity and weight while maintaining power transfer capability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances power transfer capabilities, reduces wear, and provides a versatile, low-maintenance solution for high-power electrical machines, eliminating the need for slip rings and enabling efficient operation in both rotary and linear applications.
Implementation Method 1
circulating an electrolyte or ionic liquid between the capacitive plates to form an electrical double layer on those plates
Implementation Method 2
the ionically conductive liquid may also be used as a bearing material in a hydrodynamic or hydrostatic bearing, supporting separate components of the associated machine for movement, and can be circulated for cooling
Data Source
AI summary
A capacitive coupler provides high coupling capacitance through the use of an electrical double layer formed on opposite plates of the coupler. The coupler can be independent or provide a hydrodynamic or hydrostatic bearing as well as capacitive coupling and the circulated dielectric can provide for cooling of associated machinery.