Dual-Stage Charge Storage for Unbalanced Alternative Power

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional energy storage systems are incompatible with acyclic or unbalanced peak AC or DC power signals generated by alternative energy sources, and supercapacitors suffer from low efficiency due to self-discharge, leading to significant energy loss.

Innovation Solution

A dual-stage energy storage system comprising a capacitive first stage for rapid charging and a battery second stage for long-duration storage, managed by a controller that monitors and optimizes charging and health status, allowing efficient energy transfer and delivery to external loads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional chargers for lithium-ion batteries are used, then energy storage is achieved, but compatibility with acyclic or unbalanced power signals is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with unbalanced power signalsVSAvoidcompatibility with alternative energy sources

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The energy storage system is divided into two stages: a first stage energy storage device for rapid charging and a second stage energy storage device for long-duration storage. This segmentation allows each stage to be optimized for its specific function, with the first stage handling the unbalanced power signals from alternative energy sources and the second stage providing stable long-term storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first stage energy storage device acts as an intermediary between the alternative energy sources and the second stage energy storage device. It buffers the acyclic or unbalanced power signals before transferring energy to the second stage, enabling compatibility with alternative energy sources while maintaining reliable energy storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If supercapacitors are used for energy storage, then rapid charging is achieved, but energy loss due to self-discharge increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging speedVSAvoidself-discharge loss

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the energy storage function into two parts: the first stage energy storage device (supercapacitor) handles rapid charging with high speed, while the second stage energy storage device (battery) provides long-duration storage with low self-discharge loss. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal performance range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first stage energy storage device performs preliminary action by rapidly capturing energy from alternative energy sources before transferring it to the second stage. This preliminary rapid charging is followed by slower, more efficient long-term storage in the second stage, minimizing overall energy loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If a dual-stage energy storage system is implemented, then efficiency and adaptability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy storage efficiencyVSAvoidsystem structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller manages multiple functions including monitoring charge levels of both energy storage devices, controlling power flow between stages, detecting device health, and managing power delivery to external loads. This multi-functionality consolidates complex control tasks into a single component, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

The system achieves high efficiency (92-96%) in storing and delivering energy from unbalanced power sources, reducing energy loss and ensuring reliable operation by monitoring device health and charge levels.

Implementation Method 1

the first stage energy storage device comprises a capacitive storage device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapacitance: Capacitance

Implementation Method 2

the second stage energy storage device comprises a battery storage device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBattery electrochemical energy storage: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS20250317002A1Technologies for dual-stage charge collection and energy storage for alternative energy sources

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

AI summary

Technologies for dual-stage charge collection and energy storage include an energy storage module having a first stage energy storage device, a second stage energy storage device, and a microcontroller. The first stage energy storage device may include capacitive storage and the second stage energy storage device may include battery storage. When rectified input power is available from an unbalanced peak alternating current power signal, the microcontroller activates quick charging of the first stage energy storage device. When the first stage energy storage device is full, the microcontroller activates charging of the second stage energy storage device. When the second stage energy storage device is full, the microcontroller activates power delivery to an external load. Other embodiments are described and claimed.