Ultracapacitor DC Bus Energy Storage for High-Power Ride Launches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional energy storage and management systems for amusement parks are costly, require large infrastructure, and are inefficient, making it difficult for operators to provide power for movable or transient rides.
Innovation Solution
A solid state energy storage and management system utilizing an array of ultra-capacitors connected to a DC bus, which can receive energy from a power grid and supply high power outputs, allowing for efficient energy storage and management without the need for large amperage demands or flywheel generators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional energy storage systems with large amperage service and transformers are used, then sufficient power can be supplied for rapid ride launches, but the initial installation cost and infrastructure requirements become very high
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the energy storage function into multiple ultra-capacitor modules connected in parallel to the DC bus. Each module can be independently controlled and scaled, allowing the system to achieve high power output through modular aggregation rather than requiring a single large transformer and conductor system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical energy storage systems (flywheels with moving parts) and large electrical infrastructure (transformers, thick conductors) with solid-state ultra-capacitor technology. This substitution eliminates mechanical losses, reduces maintenance requirements, and decreases the physical footprint while maintaining high power delivery capability.
2Power
If flywheel generators are used to store energy, then power can be delivered to rides, but the system becomes heavy, noisy, and expensive with mechanical losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical flywheel energy storage with electrical ultra-capacitor storage. Ultra-capacitors store energy electrostatically without moving parts, eliminating mechanical friction, air resistance, and bearing losses that plague flywheel systems. This results in significantly lower energy losses during charge and discharge cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental storage mechanism from kinetic energy (mechanical) to electrical energy (electrostatic). By altering the energy storage parameter from rotational motion to electric field separation, the system achieves higher efficiency without the parasitic losses inherent in mechanical systems.
3Power
If large three phase electrical services are installed to provide required energy, then sufficient power is available, but the expense and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary energy storage by continuously charging ultra-capacitors from the existing electrical infrastructure at low amperage. This pre-stored energy is then rapidly discharged when needed for ride launches, eliminating the need to install expensive high-amperage service capacity that would otherwise be required to meet peak power demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses partial charging of ultra-capacitors from available low-amperage service and supplements with grid power only when necessary. This partial use of stored energy combined with supplemental grid power achieves the required high power output without requiring the full installation of high-capacity electrical infrastructure.
4Productivity
If energy is stored for rapid ride launches every 20-30 seconds, then ride operational requirements are met, but traditional systems require expensive and maintenance-intensive infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical energy storage systems with solid-state ultra-capacitor technology, eliminating moving parts that require maintenance. Ultra-capacitors have no brushes, commutators, or rotating components that wear out, resulting in dramatically improved reliability and reduced maintenance requirements while supporting rapid charge-discharge cycles for frequent ride launches.
Solution Approach 2:
The ultra-capacitor system is inherently self-regulating and requires minimal external maintenance. The solid-state components automatically manage charge-discharge cycles without mechanical intervention, and the system can continue operating through millions of cycles without the degradation that plagues mechanical systems. This self-service characteristic reduces operational costs and increases reliability.
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 enables efficient energy storage and management, reducing the need for large infrastructure and minimizing maintenance, while providing the high power outputs required for rapid ride launches, thus enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an array comprising a plurality of ultra-capacitors connected to the DC bus and configured to supply the DC bus with energy
Implementation Method 2
The vehicle may be propelled along a track using electromagnetic propulsion
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for energy storage and management may be useful for a variety of applications, including launch devices. A system can include a direct current (DC) bus configured to operate within a predetermined range of voltages. The system can also include an array comprising a plurality of ultra-capacitors connected to the DC bus and configured to supply the DC bus with energy. The system can further include an input configured to receive energy from a power grid, wherein the power grid is configured to supply fewer than 250 amps of power. The system can additionally include an output configured to supply more than 250 amps of power. The system can also include a controller configured to control charging and discharging of the array of ultracapacitors and configured to control the DC bus to remain within the predetermined range of voltages.