Series Capacitor Energy Storage With Voltage Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing energy storage systems using rechargeable battery technologies face limitations such as low charging rates, limited charge/discharge cycles, and toxic disposal issues.
Innovation Solution
An energy storage system utilizing an array of storage capacitors with a balance control device to manage voltage and an input control device for charging, providing regulated output power from various energy sources, including solar, wind, and thermal energy, with the ability for virtually limitless cycles and non-toxic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If rechargeable battery technologies are used for energy storage, then energy can be stored and provided later, but the charging rate is relatively low and the number of charge/discharge cycles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the energy storage medium from battery chemistry to capacitor physics. Capacitors store energy electrostatically rather than electrochemically, enabling much faster charging rates and significantly extended cycle lives (millions of cycles vs. hundreds or thousands for batteries). This parameter change resolves the contradiction between charging speed and cycle durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the electrochemical system (batteries) with an electrostatic system (capacitors). This substitution eliminates the chemical degradation mechanisms that limit battery cycle life and charging rates, providing a physical storage mechanism that can be charged and discharged rapidly without degradation.
2Reliability
If rechargeable battery technologies are used for energy storage, then energy can be stored and provided later, but toxic disposal issues arise after the battery's useable life cycle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs capacitors that can be disposed of after their useful life without toxic environmental impact. Unlike batteries containing heavy metals and toxic chemicals, capacitors are primarily composed of inert materials that do not pose disposal hazards, eliminating the harmful factor while maintaining energy storage functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of energy storage system disposal into a benefit by using inherently non-toxic capacitor materials. The same electrostatic storage mechanism that provides long cycle life also ensures environmental safety, as capacitors contain no toxic substances that require special disposal procedures.
3Power
If multiple storage capacitors are coupled in series to increase voltage capacity, then the total voltage increases, but voltage imbalance between individual capacitors becomes a problem
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a balance control device that continuously monitors the voltage across each series-connected capacitor and provides feedback control. When voltage imbalance is detected, the device adjusts the charging current distribution to equalize voltages, maintaining stability while allowing the system to operate at high total voltages through series connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The balance control device acts as an intermediary between the power source and the series-connected capacitors. It mediates the charging process by dynamically adjusting current distribution to prevent voltage imbalance, enabling the system to safely utilize series connections for voltage multiplication without suffering from the inherent imbalance problem.
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 efficient energy storage and regulated output with high cycle durability and environmental sustainability, offering a cost-effective and reliable alternative to traditional battery technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an array of storage capacitors that has a plurality of storage capacitors coupled in series
Implementation Method 2
A balance control device is operative to balance a voltage on each of the storage capacitors in the array
Data Source
AI summary
An energy storage system stores potential energy and providing a regulated output of electrical energy for powering an electrical load. The system includes an array of storage capacitors including a plurality of storage capacitors coupled in series. A balance control device balances the voltage on each of the storage capacitors in the array. An input control device manages the input for charging the storage capacitor array. An output power supply has an input coupled to the storage capacitor array and provides regulated power to an electrical load. A power monitor device electrically decouples the storage capacitor array from the electrical load when the total voltage of the storage capacitor array falls below a preset minimum level.