Metasurface Supercapacitor Architecture for Energy Density and Cycle Life
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy-storage systems, including batteries and supercapacitors, face challenges such as limited energy density, short lifespan, high cost, and bulkiness, which hinder their widespread adoption for emerging applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of an ultra-high density energy-storage apparatus using a metasurface-based electrical-energy storage device, comprising conductive or semi-conductive metasurface layers separated by a dielectric layer, which enhances energy density and lifespan while reducing size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If batteries are used for energy storage, then energy density is improved, but lifespan is reduced due to degradation from electro-chemical reactions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental operating principle from electro-chemical reactions to electrostatic energy storage. By using a metasurface-based capacitor structure with conductive/semi-conductive metasurface layers and dielectric layers, the system stores energy through electric field formation rather than chemical reactions, eliminating degradation and enabling millions of charge/discharge cycles while achieving ultra-high energy density
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures including conductive or semi-conductive metasurface layers combined with dielectric layers. The metasurface layers provide high surface area for charge storage while the dielectric layers provide insulation and structural stability, creating a composite energy storage device that achieves both high energy density and extended lifespan
2Reliability
If supercapacitors are used for energy storage, then lifespan is improved, but energy density is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional planar capacitor structures to three-dimensional metasurface architectures. The metasurface layers incorporate nano-scale or micro-scale structures (such as pillars, holes, or textured surfaces) that dramatically increase the effective surface area within the same footprint, enabling ultra-high energy density while maintaining the electrostatic storage mechanism that provides extended lifespan
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes porous or textured metasurface materials with high surface area-to-volume ratios. These porous structures allow for increased charge storage capacity without proportionally increasing device volume, achieving ultra-high energy density while maintaining the rapid charge/discharge capabilities and long cycle life characteristic of supercapacitor technology
3Reliability
If traditional energy-storage systems are used, then reliability is improved, but device size and cost are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs three-dimensional metasurface structures that maximize surface area within minimal volume. By stacking multiple conductive/semi-conductive metasurface layers and dielectric layers in a compact configuration, the system achieves high energy storage capacity in a space-efficient form factor, reducing device size while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a layered nested structure where conductive/semi-conductive metasurface layers are alternately stacked with dielectric layers. Each metasurface layer contains nano-scale or micro-scale features that are nested within the overall device architecture, creating a compact, space-efficient structure that maximizes energy density while minimizing device volume
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 proposed solution achieves ultra-high energy density and long lifespan, addressing the limitations of existing energy-storage systems and enabling their use in diverse applications such as renewable energy systems and IoT devices.
Implementation Method 1
a dielectric layer sandwiched between the first and the second metasurface layers for electrically insulating the first metasurface layer from the second metasurface layer
Implementation Method 2
an electrical-energy storage device comprising: a conductive or semi-conductive first metasurface layer; a conductive or semi-conductive second metasurface layer
Data Source
AI summary
Power-electronic systems and components thereof such as electrical-energy storage apparatuses/subsystems in the form of supercapacitors and power-electronic apparatuses/subsystems are disclosed. A supercapacitor has a conductive or semi-conductive first metasurface layer, a conductive or semi-conductive second metasurface layer, and a dielectric layer sandwiched between the first and the second metasurface layers for electrically insulating the first metasurface layer from the second metasurface layer. An electrical power conversion apparatus has a first power conversion circuitry for converting a first portion of electrical power received from an electrical power source and outputting the converted electrical power via an output. The electrical power conversion apparatus also has one or more direct power transfer (DPT) channels electrically coupling to the first power conversion circuitry in parallel for bypassing the first power conversion circuitry and directing transferring a second portion of the electrical power received from the electrical power source to the output.