Hybrid Capacitor Bank Control for Fast Cycling and Higher Energy Density

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing capacitor-based energy storage systems suffer from low energy density, high self-discharge, and require close monitoring and load balancing, while traditional batteries have limited charging cycles and temperature range.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid capacitor system combining electrostatic and electrochemical storage, monitored by a battery management system, which selectively accesses portions of the capacitors for optimal power output, includes a power factor correction component, thermal switches, and a charger with a flyback converter.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If capacitor-based energy storage systems are used, then charging and discharging times are quick and charging cycles are increased, but energy density is low and self-discharge is high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging and discharging timesVSAvoidenergy density

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines capacitor-based energy storage with battery-based energy storage into a hybrid system. The capacitor bank is electrically connected in parallel with the battery bank, allowing the system to leverage the fast charging/discharging capabilities of capacitors while the battery provides high energy density, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and quantity of energy storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If capacitor-based energy storage systems are used, then charging cycles are significantly increased, but self-discharge is high and monitoring requirements are increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging cyclesVSAvoidself-discharge

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The hybrid system combines capacitors with batteries, where the battery's lower self-discharge rate compensates for the capacitor's higher self-discharge. The battery management system monitors and manages the hybrid system, reducing the overall monitoring burden while maintaining the extended charging cycle life benefit of capacitors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Quantity of substance

If traditional batteries are used, then energy density is high, but charging cycles are limited and temperature range is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy densityVSAvoidcharging cycles

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a hybrid energy storage system that merges battery and capacitor technologies. The battery provides high energy density while the capacitor bank handles frequent charging/discharging cycles, thereby combining the advantages of both systems and overcoming their respective limitations regarding charging cycle duration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If hybrid capacitors are used, then qualities of both capacitors and batteries are exhibited, but system complexity is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequalities of both capacitors and batteriesVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery management system is designed to universally manage both the capacitor bank and battery bank through a single control interface. It performs monitoring, control, and protection functions for the entire hybrid system, simplifying operation despite the increased system complexity by providing multi-functional management capabilities.

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 hybrid capacitor system provides extended life cycles, wider temperature suitability, and efficient energy storage with improved monitoring and protection, suitable for critical applications like medical systems and uninterruptable power supplies.

Implementation Method 1

capacitors for storing energy as both electrostatic potential and electrochemical potential

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic potential: Electrostatics

Implementation Method 2

capacitors for storing energy as both electrostatic potential and electrochemical potential

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical potential: Battery (electricity)

Data Source

PatentUS20260025006A1Hybrid capacitor energy storage

Publication Date: 2026.01.22 RICHARDSON ELECTRONICS LTD

AI summary

Systems, methods, and devices including a plurality of hybrid capacitors for storing energy as both electrical potential and chemical potential. An energy storage bank comprising the plurality of hybrid capacitors is coupled to a battery management system configured to monitor parameters of the plurality of hybrid capacitors and selectively access at least a portion of the plurality of hybrid capacitors to provide electrical power output.