Non-linear Load Capacitor for Triboelectric Generator Voltage Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current triboelectric generators produce high voltage and low current outputs, which are unsuitable for direct use in practical applications and require complex power conversion, and there is a need for improved energy transfer to load capacitors in high voltage energy harvesting technologies.
Innovation Solution
A device with a load capacitor having increasing capacitance with voltage is used to store charge, allowing for efficient energy transfer and simplifying power conversion by flattening the voltage profile, utilizing non-linear dielectric materials such as electroactive polymers or relaxor ferroelectric materials to improve impedance matching and charging efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a conventional capacitor with constant capacitance is used to store charge from the triboelectric generator, then the charging process becomes inefficient due to voltage mismatch, but using a variable capacitance capacitor increases the complexity of the energy storage system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using a capacitor whose capacitance varies with voltage. Specifically, the capacitor has higher capacitance at lower voltages and lower capacitance at higher voltages, which dynamically adapts to the generator's output characteristics during the charging process. This resolves the technical contradiction by improving charging efficiency through parameter adaptation without adding mechanical or electronic complexity to the energy storage system.
2Power
If the triboelectric generator operates at high voltage to maximize energy harvesting, then the output current becomes too low for practical applications, but reducing voltage increases energy harvesting efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by using a capacitor with voltage-dependent capacitance that operates in reverse to conventional capacitors. The capacitor provides lower capacitance at high voltages and higher capacitance at low voltages, which helps maintain higher current levels during voltage discharge while still allowing efficient energy harvesting during charging. This parameter adaptation enables the system to operate effectively across the full voltage range without sacrificing either harvesting efficiency or practical usability.
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 solution enables efficient energy transfer and simplifies power conversion by maintaining a stable voltage profile, reducing power losses and complexity in processing the output power, particularly beneficial for intermittent energy generation scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical power generator configured to generate an electrical output current using charge induction
Implementation Method 2
the load capacitor has a capacitance which increases with the voltage across the load capacitor
Implementation Method 3
The load capacitor may comprise a non-linear dielectric material for which the permittivity of the material increases with applied electric field
Implementation Method 4
The triboelectric effect is a contact-induced electrification in which a material becomes electrically charged after it is contacted with a different material through friction
Implementation Method 5
Triboelectric generation is based on converting mechanical energy into electrical energy through methods which couple the triboelectric effect with electrostatic induction
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention provides a device(and method) for generating electrical power, comprising an electrical power generator configured to generate an electrical output current using charge induction. A load capacitor is used for storing charge in response to the rectified electrical output current, wherein the load capacitor has a capacitance which increases with voltage. This means the voltage stored on the load capacitor becomes flatter as it is charged and discharged; in a relatively discharged state, the capacitance is reduced giving a relatively larger voltage based on the stored charge, and in a relatively charged state, the capacitance is increased giving a relatively smaller voltage based on the stored charge. This improves initial energy transfer from the generator towards the storage element (non-linear capacitor) and makes the output voltage more flat and easier for practical use.