Power Capacitor Storage

Abstract

In one aspect of the present invention, a building has a laminated energy storage device incorporated into the building. A source of electrical power may be in communication with the laminated energy storage device and the laminated energy storage device may be in electrical communication with a power consuming electrical circuit of the building. The laminated energy storage device comprises an area of at least ten square feet.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to alternative energy collection methods, particularly collecting energy from the sun in the form of electricity. Since the energy collected from the sun depends on the time of day, season, and weather, it is desirable to store electrical energy collected during times of high solar radiation to be used during times of low solar radiation. Efforts to collect and store energy from solar radiation are disclosed in the prior art.

In U.S. Pat. No. 4,370,559 to Langley, Jr., which is herein incorporated by reference for all that it contains, a solar energy system is disclosed in which the solar energy is converted to electrical energy for immediate use or the energy may be stored for use at a later date. The solar energy is converted to electrical energy by a large photo-voltaic array and the output of the photo-voltaic array is fed through an inverter and other control circuitry to produce an a.c. electrical output of a predetermined magnitude. The a.c. electrical output may be used directly or the electrical energy may be fed to a storage system for later use. In one embodiment the a.c. electrical energy is employed to drive a pneumatic pump or air compressor for storing the energy in the form of a compressed gas, either in a rigid tank or in a resiliently expandable tank. The compressed air from the tank is released through a control valve and is fed through a pneumatic motor. The pneumatic motor drives an electric generator for producing an a.c. electrical output at the desired times. In another embodiment of the invention, the electrical storage system comprises a system suitable to lift a weight. The potential energy is later converted to kinetic energy by lowering the weight and through a linkage system, is utilized for the generation of electricity through an electric generator.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,959,603 to Yamamoto, et al. discloses a solar battery system characterized by at least one solar cell for converting light energy to electrical energy which is stored in the system is provided. The solar cell is formed of a semiconductor selected from the group consisting of single crystal, polycrystalline and amorphous substrates and is coupled in parallel to an energy-storage capacitor, which capacitor is also connected in parallel with a loading circuit. The capacitor is formed of compressed particles of activated carbon which stores electrical energy charged to it by the solar cell at a selected voltage level. A diode is coupled in series to an output terminal of said solar cell to prevent the flow of a reverse current to the solar cell during discharge of the capacitor to the loading circuit.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,480,366 to Cordaro, which is herein incorporated by reference for all that it contains, discloses an electric power system includes a layered semiconductor photovoltaic voltage source, and an electrical conductor structure having two electrically conductive contacts to the voltage source structure. A capacitor is in electrical communication with one of the electrically conductive contacts. The capacitor includes a capacitive paint layer structure comprising capacitive pigment particles dispersed in a capacitive layer binder. A first side of the capacitive paint layer structure is deposited in facing contact to the second electrically conductive contact. A capacitor electrically conductive contact is in electrical communication with a second side of the capacitive paint layer structure remote from the first side.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a building has a laminated energy storage device incorporated into the building. A source of electrical power may be in communication with the laminated energy storage device, and the laminated energy storage device may be in electrical communication with a power consuming electrical circuit of the building. The laminated energy storage device comprises an area of at least 10 square feet.

In some embodiments, a voltage regulator is disposed electrically intermediate the laminated energy storage device and the power consuming electrical circuit.

The energy storage device may comprise a footprint area substantially equal to the area of the building footprint, or the footprint area may be greater than 100 square feet. The energy storage device may comprise multiple stacked layers. The energy storage device may be constructed from flexible materials.

In some embodiments, the laminated energy storage device may contribute structural rigidity to the building. At least one element of the laminated energy storage device may also be a structural element of the building. The laminated energy storage device may large enough to power at least five percent of the building electrical needs.

The renewable source of electrical power may comprise one or more wind turbines or one or more photovoltaic solar energy collectors. The electrical source may also comprise a power plant, a coal fired power plant, a geothermal power plant, or combinations thereof.

The photovoltaic solar energy collectors may comprise organic dye to enhance conversion of solar energy to electricity. The solar energy collectors may also comprise photovoltaic polycrystalline diamond material. The solar energy collectors may comprise a thin film photovoltaic material deposited on a substrate.

The solar energy collectors may comprise a tracking device to help position the solar energy collector in a position best for absorption of solar energy. The tracking device may be rotatable along two axes.

The building may comprise light-transmitting windows coated with photovoltaic material and in electrical communication with the energy storage device.

The energy storage device may be in communication with a voltage regulator and an inverter to convert direct current electrical power to alternating current electrical power.

A plurality of energy storage devices may be connected in parallel to allow greater energy storage capacity.

The energy storage device may comprise a laminated dielectric layer of polymer material chosen from a group of polymers comprising but not limited to polyethylene, polystyrene, PTFE, polycarbonate, polypropylene, or polyester. The laminated dielectric layer may comprise a natural or synthetic material chosen from a group of materials including but not limited to mica, ceramic, or glass.

The laminated energy storage device may be disposed beneath a surface of the earth that is consistently between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

The energy storage device may be convection cooled by natural air currents or forced air.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a building.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a building with windows comprising photovoltaic material.

FIG. 3a is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a building and a solar energy system

FIG. 3b is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a building and a solar energy storage system.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a building.

FIG. 5 is perspective view of an embodiment of a solar energy collector and a tracking device.

FIG. 6 is an electrical diagram of an embodiment of a solar energy system.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of an energy storage device.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an energy storage device.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of an energy storage device.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a building.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a building.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a building.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION AND THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 discloses an embodiment of a building 100 comprising photovoltaic solar energy collectors 101 disposed proximate a roof 103 of the building 100, and a laminated energy storage device 102 disposed underneath the building 100 and in electrical communication with the solar energy collectors 101. Building 100 may comprise residential, commercial, industrial space, or combinations thereof. A greenhouse area 105 may be disposed proximate the roof 103 of the building 100. The building 100 may be optimized for effective use of space and energy, and may comprise several alternative energy sources including but not limited to solar energy collection.

Solar energy is a desirable source of electrical energy in several aspects, including renewability and environmental impact. However, there are significant barriers to its effective and widespread use. Because solar radiation is only available during certain times, a method for storing unused energy collected during times of high solar radiation for use during times of low solar radiation is needed.

It is thought that the cost of batteries or other energy storage methods may be prohibitive to the widespread use of solar energy collection systems. It is believed that using materials and methods of possibly lower efficiency but also of much lower cost may allow implementation of solar energy collection methods on a greater scale without adverse economic effects. Utilizing lower efficiency materials, however, may increase the space required for the laminated energy storage device in order to store a sufficient amount of energy during times of low solar radiation Accordingly, the laminated energy storage device 102 may comprise an area substantially equal to the area covered by the building 100, and may make use of space otherwise unused. The area covered by the laminated energy storage device 102 may be greater than 100 square feet.

The laminated energy storage device 102 may comprise at least two metal plates or foil layers 107 separated by an insulating dielectric 106. The insulating dielectric may be less than 1 millimeter in thickness, preferably less than 0.01 millimeters. The at least two metal plates or conductive foil layers 107 may be in electrical communication with a positive terminal and a negative terminal on the photovoltaic energy collectors 101. As the photovoltaic energy collectors generate electrical current between the positive and negative terminals in response to solar radiation, a voltage potential difference is created between the at least two metal plates or foil layers 107. This voltage differential generates an electric field between the plates wherein the energy from the solar radiation is stored. The energy can be utilized by bringing the at least two metal plates or foil layers 107 into electrical communication, thus inducing an electrical current able to power electrical devices.

The laminated energy storage device 102 may be disposed in a crawl-space type volume underneath the building at, above, or below the level of the ground 104. The laminated energy storage device 102 may comprise a plurality of smaller devices able to be positioned in such way as to take advantage of any available space, or may comprise a single large area device. In some embodiments, the laminated storage device is disposed within a depth of the earth that is insistently 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The energy storage device may rest on the building foundation, and the building may comprise support structures that extend around or through the energy storage device to the foundation and provide support for the building 100. Alternatively, the laminated energy storage device may be constructed to support a portion of the weight load of the building. Because many of the materials that may be used in the construction of the energy storage device may comprise relatively high strength, the energy storage device may provide additional support for the floor of the building, the interior walls, or the exterior walls. This may reduce the amount of construction material required for the building structure and improve the economic benefits of the invention.

It is believed that excessively high temperatures may decrease the total energy capacity of the laminated energy storage device. Accordingly, locating the laminated energy storage device 102 underneath the building where the temperature is consistently cool may be beneficial. Also subjecting the energy storage device 102 to natural air currents may also help cool the energy storage device. In some embodiments, a cooling fan may be provided to generate airflow, a liquid coolant may be disposed in a closed circulation system, or combinations thereof may be used to cool the energy storage device 102.

Photovoltaic energy collectors 101 may comprise an organic dye, such as that manufactured by Dyesol (3 Dominion Place, Queanbeyan NSW, Australia). Organic dye compounds may improve the ability of the photovoltaic solar energy collectors to convert solar radiation into electrical current.

In some embodiments, the photovoltaic energy collectors 101 may comprise thin film photovoltaic material such as cadmium telluride (CdTe), copper indium gallium selenide (CIS or CIGS), or thin-film silicon (TF-Si) deposited on a substrate of polymer, glass, or metal or metal alloy.

In some embodiments, photovoltaic energy collectors 101 may comprise polycrystalline diamond. Because polycrystalline diamond has photovoltaic properties and the molecular structure of polycrystalline diamond is substantially similar to that of the silicon material commonly used in photovoltaic cells, it is believed that polycrystalline diamond may be effectively used for photovoltaic energy collection.

FIG. 2 discloses an embodiment of a building 100 comprising a greenhouse area 201. Greenhouse area 201 comprises windows 202 which may comprise a photovoltaic coating, film, or layer which allows at least partial light transmission through the windows 202. Additionally, other substantially transparent building windows disposed in locations with high solar radiation exposure may also comprise a photovoltaic coating or film. In this way, exterior building space may be used efficiently for power collection.

Building 100 comprises laminated energy storage devices 203 disposed underneath the building below the top level of the ground 204. The laminated energy storage devices 203 are convection cooled by natural air currents 205.

Photovoltaic window 206 comprises at least two glass layers 207, with a photovoltaic material 208 disposed intermediate the glass layers 207. Photovoltaic material 208 may comprise organic dye. In some embodiments, multiple layers of photovoltaic materials 208 may be disposed between three, four, or more glass layers.

FIG. 3a discloses an embodiment of a solar energy system 300. Solar radiation 301 excites photovoltaic material contained in a photovoltaic window 302, creating a voltage potential across a first plate 303 and a second plate 304 of a laminated energy storage device 305, causing electrical current to flow from the second plate 304 to the first plate 303. Energy thus is stored in an electric field created between plates 303 and 304.

In FIG. 3b, solar radiation does not act to generate a voltage potential difference across plates 303 and 304. Electrical leads 306 connect to a load 307. As the load 307 consumes power, electrical current flows from plate 303 to plate 304, equalizing the voltage potential between the plates and depleting the energy stored in the laminated electrical storage device 305.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a building 100 comprises photovoltaic energy collectors 401 disposed proximate a roof 403 of the building 100 and a plurality of energy storage devices 402 disposed underneath the building 100. In this embodiment, photovoltaic solar energy collectors 401 comprise tracking devices 404 having two axes of adjustment. Energy storage devices 402 may comprise flexible materials and be rolled into generally cylindrical form.

FIG. 5 discloses an embodiment of a photovoltaic solar energy collector 501 comprising a tracking system. In some embodiments, the tracking system may comprise a horizontal axis of adjustment 502 and a vertical axis of adjustment 503, and may comprise a control system using manual or automatic calibration to maximize the photovoltaic solar energy collector's exposure to solar radiation during different times of day or seasons by appropriately rotating the photovoltaic solar energy collectors along the horizontal axis 502 and the vertical axis 503. In this way, the efficiency of the photovoltaic solar energy collectors may be maximized.

FIG. 6 discloses an electrical block diagram of a solar energy collection system 600 comprising a plurality of energy storage devices 601 electrically connected in parallel to one or more solar energy collectors 605. When the storage devices are connected in parallel, the total capacity of the plurality of storage devices is equal to the sum of the capacity of the individual storage devices.

Storage devices 601 are in electrical communication with a variable voltage regulator 602. Because the discharge voltage of the storage devices with respect to time follows a decreasing exponential curve, it may be necessary to substantially convert this variable voltage output into a more useful generally constant voltage output. This may be accomplished with a voltage regulator 602. In some embodiments, the voltage regulator 602 may comprise a variable voltage divider controlled by a voltage sensing device. In other embodiments, the voltage regulator may comprise one or more Zener diodes.

In some embodiments, the laminated electrical storage device is an alternating current capacitor. The storage device may also be a supercapacitor. The storage device may also comprise an oxide, a ceramic, a plastic, or a liquid. In some embodiment, a resistor may be in electrical communication with the storage device to control or help control the discharge of electrical energy.

Conventional home and office appliances and electronics consume alternating current electrical power. Photovoltaic solar energy collectors generate a DC voltage, and energy storage mediums typically store energy as a direct current voltage potential. Accordingly, it may be necessary to dispose an inverter 603 intermediate the energy storage devices 601 and the wiring of the building 604 to convert the DC voltage to an AC waveform suitable for consumption by the electronic loads in the building.

In some embodiments, a plurality of laminated energy storage devices may be discharged sequentially to provide a more constant voltage level. In some embodiments, the laminated structure may be made of electrically insulated segments, which can be discharged individually. Such a system would allow a more precise amount of energy to be drawn for needed applications without discharging excessive amounts of energy.

FIG. 7 discloses an embodiment of an energy storage device 701. Energy storage device 701 comprises a plurality of conductive layers 702 disposed intermediate a plurality of dielectric insulators 703 in an alternating fashion The conductive layers may comprise metallic materials such as iron, aluminum, copper, other metals, or alloys thereof. The dielectric insulators 703 may comprise polymeric material including but not limited to polyethylene, polystyrene, PTFE, polycarbonate, polypropylene, or polyester. In this embodiment, the dielectric material 703 may comprise natural or synthesized materials such as mica, glass, or ceramic. Choice of dielectric material may be based on cost effectiveness, scalability, and other parameters such as thickness, required dielectric constant, and desired breakdown voltage.

FIG. 8 discloses another embodiment of an energy storage device 801. In this embodiment, storage device 801 comprises substantially rigid conductive plates 802 separated by an air gap 803. Air has a relatively low breakdown voltage compared to other dielectric materials that may be used, so the operating voltage of the photovoltaic solar energy collectors must be below the breakdown voltage dictated by the geometry and construction of the energy storage device.

FIG. 9 discloses another embodiment of an energy storage device 901. In this embodiment, energy storage device 901 comprises flexible conductive foil layers 902 and flexible dielectric layers 903. The laminated conductive layers and dielectric layers may be rolled into generally cylindrical form to enable more effective use of available space.

FIG. 10 discloses another embodiment of a building 100 comprising a laminated energy storage device 102. A wind driven turbine 1001 generates electrical power that may be consumed by an electrical circuit proximate the building, or may be stored in the laminated energy storage device for later use. Other power sources that may be in communication with the laminated electrical storage device are power plants, coal fired power plants, geothermal power plants, or combinations thereof. In other embodiments, the laminated electrical storage device may be hooked up to the grid. In some embodiments, the laminated electrical device is charged during periods when the electrical grid has a low demand, and the stored electrical energy is used during the periods where the gird demand is high.

FIG. 11 discloses another embodiment of a building 100. A laminated energy storage device 102 is disposed proximate the roof 103 of the building 100 in otherwise unused attic space.

FIG. 12 discloses another embodiment of a building 100. A laminated energy storage device 102 is disposed inside a wall 1201 of the building 100. In some embodiments, the laminated energy storage device may be integral to the structure of the wall.

In some embodiments, the laminated electrical storage device is a capacitor. The laminated storage device may comprise at area of least one square foot. In other embodiments, the area is at least 10 square feet. In yet other embodiments, the area is at least 100 square feet. And still, in other embodiments, the area is over 500 square feet. Elements of the laminated energy storage device may be also structural elements of the building, such as part of the walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, attics, basements, crawl spaces, beams, studs, trusses, doors, shelves, counters, cabinets, sheds, storage units, and combinations thereof. The laminated electrical storage unit may be large enough to store at least five percent of the buildings electrical energy needs.

Whereas the present invention has been described in particular relation to the drawings attached hereto, it should be understood that other and further modifications apart from those shown or suggested herein, may be made within the scope and spririt of the present invention.

Claims

1. A building comprising:

a laminated energy storage device incorporated into the building;

a source of electrical power in communication with the laminated energy storage device;

the laminated energy storage device in electrical communication with a power consuming electrical circuit of the building;

wherein the laminated energy storage device comprises an area of at least 10 square feet.

2. The building of claim 1, wherein a voltage regulator is disposed electrically intermediate the laminated energy storage device and the power consuming electrical circuit.

3. The building of claim 1, wherein an area covered by the laminated energy storage device comprises an area substantially equal to an area covered by the building.

4. The building of claim 1, wherein the area covered by the laminated energy storage device is greater than 100 square feet.

5. The building of claim 1, wherein the laminated energy storage device provides structural rigidity to the building.

6. The building of claim 1, wherein the source of electricity comprises one or more wind powered turbines.

7. The building of claim 1, wherein the source of electricity is a power plant.

8. The building of claim 1, wherein the source of electricity is a geothermal power plant.

9. The building of claim 1, wherein the source of electricity comprises one or more photovoltaic solar energy collectors.

10. The building of claim 9, wherein the one or more photovoltaic solar energy collectors comprise organic dye.

11. The building of claim 9, wherein the one or more photovoltaic solar energy collectors comprise a solar radiation tracking mechanism.

12. The building of claim 9, wherein the one or more photovoltaic solar energy collectors comprise substantially transparent windows disposed in the building comprising a photovoltaic material coating.

13. The building of claim 1, wherein the laminated electrical storage device is in electrical communication with a voltage regulator.

14. The building of claim 13, wherein the voltage regulator is in electrical communication with an inverter.

15. The building of claim 1, wherein a plurality of storage devices are electrically connected in parallel.

16. The building of claim 1, wherein the laminated energy storage device is disposed beneath a surface of the earth that is consistently between 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

17. The building of claim 1, wherein the laminated energy storage device is convection cooled.

18. The building of claim 1, wherein at least one element of the laminated energy storage device is also a structural element of the building.

19. The building of claim 1, wherein the laminated energy storage device is large enough to power at least five percent of the building electrical needs.

20. A building comprising:

a laminated energy storage device incorporated into the building;

a source of electrical power in communication with the laminated energy storage device;

the laminated energy storage device in electrical communication with a power consuming electrical circuit of the building;

wherein the laminated energy storage device is large enough to power at least five percent of the building electrical needs.