Abstract: A method of charging a mechanical object using a charge storage device. The method includes determining that an initial battery has lost voltage, removing the initial battery, and installing a replacement battery. Installing the replacement battery places the replacement battery in electrical communication with an adjacent capacitor. In another embodiment, the method includes providing a capacitor in a locomotion machine, and energizing a starter in electrical communication using the capacitor. The method also includes starting an engine of the locomotion machine using a charge from the starter, and then re-charging the capacitor as the locomotion machine moves. The method further comprises determining that the capacitor has lost voltage due to insufficient recharge activity, and re-charging the capacitor with a portable power pack.

Abstract: A hybrid energy storage device is provided. The energy storage device represents a combined capacitor and battery in modular form. The capacitor and the battery may be individually selected based on application needs, and then mechanically combined into a single electrical energy storage device. A method of forming a charge storage device is also provided herein. The method includes selecting a size for a capacitor, and selecting a size for a battery. A module for the capacitor having the selected size and a separate module for the battery having the selected size are then mechanically and electrically connected to form an integral energy storage device.