Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical device for charging accumulator means (5), said electrical device comprising: a motor (6) connected to an external mains (11); an inverter (2) connected to the phases of said motor (6); and switching means (4) integrated into the inverter (2), said switching means (4) being configured to permit said motor (6) to be supplied and to permit the accumulator means (5) to be charged by the inverter (2). According to the invention, said electrical device further includes, for each phase of said motor (6), an RLC low-pass filter (18) connected, on the one hand, to the mid-point (16) of the phase of said motor (6) and, on the other hand, to ground.

Abstract: An electric vehicle includes a controller configured to receive sensor feedback from a high voltage storage device and from a low voltage storage device, compare the sensor feedback to operating limits of the respective high and low voltage storage device, determine, based on the comparison a total charging current to the high voltage storage device and to the low voltage storage device and a power split factor of the total charging current to the high voltage device and to the low voltage device, and regulate the total power to the low voltage storage device and the high voltage storage device based on the determination.

Abstract: A module converting voltage between a high-voltage electrical network and at least one energy storage element an aircraft, the conversion module configured to reversibly convert between a DC voltage of the high-voltage electrical network and a DC voltage of the energy storage element, the DC voltage of the energy storage element floating relative to the DC voltage of the high-voltage electrical network and centered relative to the mass of the aircraft, the module including an input module including two filters each capable of receiving a DC voltage, a first arm and a second arm including switches, and a mechanism controlling the switches, operating per cycle of a switching period and capable of controlling at least one first switch and at least one second switch identically but offset by a half-period, whereby the first switch is open when the second switch is closed and vice versa.

Abstract: A method (200) of balancing ultracapacitor cells (102) is provided. The method may measure individual ultracapacitor cell voltages, select a balancing setpoint voltage, compare an actual voltage variation within each ultracapacitor cell (102) with a voltage variation threshold, and enable a balancing element (104) associated with the ultracapacitor cell (102) if the actual voltage variation exceeds the voltage variation threshold.

Abstract: Described are a method and apparatus for charging an electric vehicle powered by ultracapacitors. The vehicle includes a current collector device for collecting power from an external power source, an electric motor module for providing a driving force to the vehicle, an ultracapacitor module, and a charger device. The ultracapacitor module includes one or more ultracapacitors. The ultracapacitor module is coupled to the current collector device for receiving power and is coupled to the electric motor module for providing power. The charger device is connected to the current collector, the ultracapacitor module, and to a temperature signal associated with one or more of the one or more ultracapacitors. The charger device is configured to adjust power supplied to the ultracapacitor module based on the temperature signal.

Abstract: An ultra-capacitor based energy source may replace rechargeable and conventional batteries. It may have the form factor of a conventional battery and may emulate the discharge characteristics of the replaced battery.

Abstract: An ultra-capacitor may replace a rechargeable battery in consumer applications where the appliance usage is not prolonged. That is, if the usage is intermittent, the ultra-capacitor can quickly recharge between consecutive uses. Especially for those applications where an appliance spends most of the time on a charging cradle ultra-capacitor may efficiently replace batteries in appliances.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to compositions, devices, and methods for storage of energy (e.g., electrical energy). In some cases, devices including polyacetylene-containing polymers are provided.

Abstract: A charging and discharging device includes a switching circuit, an input of which is connected to a power supply, the switching circuit adjusting an output current IB to a power storing unit connected to an output of the switching circuit, and a control unit configured to generate an ON/OFF signal DGC to the switching circuit. The control unit includes a temperature-rise control unit configured to separately generate, based on a signal BTMP equivalent to the temperature of the power storing unit, a control signal FC for adjusting a ripple component of the output current IB and a control signal OFS for adjusting a non-ripple component of the output current IB and generates the ON/OFF signal DGC based on the control signal FC and the control signal OFS and outputs the ON/OFF signal DGC to the switching circuit.

Abstract: A battery-powered electrical device is disclosed, which may be implemented as an implantable medical device, wherein the device contains at least one battery voltage monitoring unit which is designed to monitor a voltage profile at a battery during the charging of a capacitor, via a transformer in a charging circuit, and which on the basis of the voltage characteristic is able to specify a magnetic presaturation of the transformer, and one control unit which terminates the charging process whenever a predefined threshold value for the magnetic presaturation of the transformer is exceeded.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for characterizing a battery. A property of the battery is measured. A dynamic characteristic of the battery is determined from a second order linear dynamic model.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing and operating a semiconductor device is disclosed. The semiconductor device includes a first capacitor node, a second capacitor node, a first capacitor electrode, a second capacitor electrode, a first switch and a second switch. The first switch is coupled between the first capacitor electrode and the first and second capacitor nodes such that the first switch has a first position that couples the first capacitor electrode to the first capacitor node and a second position that couples the first capacitor electrode to the second capacitor node. The second switch is coupled between the second capacitor electrode and the first and second capacitor nodes such that the second switch has a first position that couples the second capacitor electrode to the first capacitor node and a second position that couples the second capacitor electrode to the second capacitor node.

Abstract: Discharge is stopped when a voltage of a battery becomes smaller than a defined value or a remaining capacity of the battery reaches 0, and further, when power to a system cannot be maintained, the system is automatically shut down to be put into a shutdown state. When it is determined that the voltage of the battery or an SOC from a battery monitor 11 is smaller than the defined value, a discharge control switch 22 is turned off. A voltage Vx corresponding to a voltage between terminals T1 and T2 is input to an A/D port of a controller 21 and a value thereof is monitored. When it is determined that the voltage Vx input to the A/D port is smaller than a defined value, the controller 21 turns off a switch circuit 12 to turn off power to the battery monitor 11.

Abstract: A discharge circuit for an EMI filter capacitor includes normally-ON transistors. The normally-ON transistors may be controlled to limit current through them when an AC source is coupled across the discharge circuit. When the AC source is disconnected from the discharge circuit, the normally-ON transistors turn ON to allow current flow through them. The current flow allows the EMI filter capacitor to be discharged by a discharge resistor.

Abstract: Battery charging circuitry is provided. A charge controller receives electrical energy from a photovoltaic panel. A first timer provides a stream of clock pulses. A second timer is triggered by the clock pulses and generates a pulse-width modulated (PWM) signal. A duty cycle of the PWM signal is determined by way of comparing a time-varying capacitor voltage to a signal derived from a storage battery voltage. Transfer of electrical energy from the photovoltaic panel to the storage battery is regulated by a shunting element using the PWM signal.

Abstract: According to the charge control method of the present invention, as an electric storage means, a group of capacitors is used that include 2n (where n is an integer of 2 or more) electric double layer capacitors, from first to 2n-th electric double layer capacitors, having an equal electrostatic capacity, and that is configured such that adjacent electric double layer capacitors are connected either in series or in parallel by a switch and the 2n-th electric double layer capacitor and the first electric double layer capacitor are connected in parallel by a switch. Among the 2n capacitors Ci constituting the electric storage unit 21, adjacent capacitors are sequentially switched from a series connection to a parallel connection, or the 2n-th capacitor C2n and the first capacitor C1 are switched to a parallel connection state, whereby variations in the inter-terminal voltages of the capacitors are suppressed.

Abstract: A charging device for providing an output voltage to charge a flash capacitor is provided. A transformer includes a primary winding and a secondary winding. The transformer generates a primary voltage according to an input voltage and generates a secondary voltage according to the primary voltage. A diode coupled between the secondary winding of the transformer and the flash capacitor provides the output voltage according to the secondary voltage. A current detector detects a current flowing through the primary winding of the transformer and generates a detection signal. A determining circuit generates a determining signal according to the primary voltage, the secondary voltage and a reference voltage. A control circuit switches a switch coupled between the primary winding of the transformer and a ground according to the detection signal and the determining signal, so as to control the transformer to charge the flash capacitor.

Abstract: An energy capture circuit for capturing energy in response to an input pulse. The circuit is constructed and arranged to transfer input energy in time divided portions among subcircuits. This includes a storage means, a clock means, at least two subcircuits, and at least one transfer circuit. Each subcircuit includes a first inductive means in operative communication with the input source, a rectifying means for producing a positive current in operative communication with the first inductive means, a capacitive means in operative communication with the rectifying means, and a switch means in operative communication with the capacitive means. At least one transfer circuit is in operative communication with each of the switch means of the at least two subcircuits. The output of the clock means is in operative communication with both a first switch means and an inverter means, the inverter means having an output in operative communication with a second switch means.

Abstract: A charge/discharge device that controls charge/discharge of an electric-power storage apparatus comprises a heating determination unit that determines whether to heat the electric-power storage apparatus based on a temperature of the electric-power storage apparatus at a time of starting up the electric-power storage apparatus, and a heating control unit that, when it is determined to heat the electric-power storage apparatus, obtains a frequency characteristic of a resistance value of an internal resistance of the electric-power storage apparatus corresponding to a temperature and a charge level of the electric-power storage apparatus and performs control of alternately repeating charge and discharge of the electric-power storage apparatus in a charge/discharge period specified based on the frequency characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for charging accumulation means via an external electrical network via at least a first (A) and a second (B) switching arm respectively comprising two switches (12), said method comprising a step for controlling the switches (12) of the switching arms (A, B) by transmission of pulse width modulation control signals, characterized in that the switches (12) of the second switching arm (B) are controlled by adapting the pulse width of the control signals so as to generate an alternating voltage (Vx) in phase opposition relative to the voltage at the terminals of a compensation inductance (7?) connected on the one hand to the second arm (B) and on the other hand to the neutral (N) of said network, so that the voltage (VN) between the neutral (N) of said network and ground is a direct voltage. The invention also relates to a charging device for implementing such a charging method.

Abstract: A disclosed method (and system) corresponds to rapidly charging a rechargeable device. An embodiment of the method comprises charging a first supercapacitor attached to a charging unit. In response to the device coupling to the charging unit, determining whether the charging unit is authorized to charge the device. The first supercapacitor discharging in response to the determining that the charging unit is authorized to charge the device, the discharging of the first supercapacitor resulting in a first current being generated. The first current is transferred to the device through an output of the charging unit for charging a second supercapacitor included in the device. The amount of the first current generated is regulated. In response to the to the voltage at the output increasing at a rate above a set threshold, reducing the rate at which the voltage is increasing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric device for driving mechanical equipment comprising an alternating current motor and an inverter, the said inverter comprising, for each phase of the said motor, an H bridge structure comprising four switching elements distributed over two branches connecting two terminals of the said H bridge structure and intended to supply the winding of the said at least one phase of the motor, the said winding being a winding with a mid point and the said electric device being characterized in that it also comprises, for each phase of the said motor, an energy storage unit, in particular a supercondenser, connected, on the one hand, to the mid point of the winding of the concerned phase of the motor and, on the other hand, to a terminal of the H bridge structure supplying the said winding.

Abstract: This invention proposes a novel charging method for improving the efficiency of charging a super capacitor. The method comprises the steps of: charging the super capacitor with a first current; measuring a voltage of the super capacitor; stopping the supply of the first current when the measured voltage reaches a pre-defined voltage value; monitoring a voltage variation of the super capacitor; charging the super capacitor with a second current when the monitored voltage variation exceeds a pre-defined threshold within a pre-defined period. By using said two-phase charging, especially when using two different charging currents, it is easier to improve the charging efficiency without degrading the charging speed.

Abstract: A wireless response system and method of receiving user input selections at a base station includes distributing a plurality of response units to users. The response units wirelessly communicate with the base station in order to retrieve user responses received by the response units. Each of the response units has a user input device that is configured to receiving user input selections, a controller that is responsive to the user input device to process user inputs and to communicate responses wirelessly to the base station and a power supply having a super capacitor. The super capacitor is charged with a wireless-charging circuit and current is supplied from the super capacitor to the controller. Current supplied to the controller is controlled.

Abstract: An automatic tuning method is developed for an energy storage system of the railway vehicle. The method comprises; an optimal tracking for voltage fluctuation in the overhead line voltage varying with hourly-basis, the voltage variation of the substation and railway vehicle operating pattern. The railway vehicle is automatically performed the tuning to maximize the energy storing efficiency. The railway vehicle can achieve the optimum operation for saving energy effectively by bidirectional DC/DC converter using regenerative energy of DC. The railway vehicle stably operates under the overhead line voltage fluctuation. The energy efficiency is maximized by charging/discharging energy while the power is tracking unstable, which is generated by utilizing natural energies such as wind or solar energy, in real time by applying an automatic tuning algorithm to an energy storage system which is applied to a smart grid or a micro grid that uses renewable energy as a primary energy source.

Abstract: A most recent electrostatic capacitance value for a backup capacitor is measured periodically. Each time the most recent electrostatic capacitance value is measured, a charging voltage (a required charging voltage) that is required in order to cause a return operation of a valve from the setting opening at that time to an emergency opening/closing position (for example, the fully closed position) is calculated based on the electrostatic capacitance value that has been measured, and the terminal voltage of the backup capacitor is adjusted so as to become equal to the calculated required charging voltage.

Abstract: A most recent electrostatic capacitance value for a backup capacitor is measured periodically. Each time the most recent electrostatic capacitance value is measured, a charging voltage (a required charging voltage) that is required in order to cause a return operation of a valve from the setting opening at that time to an emergency opening/closing position (for example, the fully closed position) is calculated based on the electrostatic capacitance value that has been measured. If the required charging voltage that has been calculated is higher than the terminal voltage that has been detected, then a value for a charging current value is determined based on the actual degree of opening and the setting opening of the valve, and the backup capacitor is charged until the terminal voltage reaches the required charging voltage.

Abstract: An charging device includes: capacitors connected in series; a charging unit that charges the capacitors; bypass units, each respectively connects in parallel to each capacitors, wherein each bypass unit causes, when a charged voltage of any capacitor has reached a set voltage, a charging current to bypass the capacitor whose charged voltage has reached the set voltage; and a control unit that controls the charging unit to charge the capacitors in such a manner that, when a charging voltage of the any capacitor has reached the set voltage, the control unit causes the charging unit to reduce the charging current, and if a predetermined period has elapsed since the charging voltage has reached the set voltage, and if a charging voltage of any of the other capacitors has not reached the set voltage after the predetermined period, the control unit causes the charging unit to increase the charging current.

Abstract: A power management method with a portable electronic device (100) includes identifying, with a controller (202) of the portable electronic device, a power consumption event in the portable electronic device, the power consumption event having a power consumption requirement. The method further includes selecting (818), in response to the identifying, one of a collection of energy storage devices (304, 306, 308, 320) in an energy storage device farm (218) for the portable electronic device, the selecting being based at least on the power consumption requirement of the power consumption event and on one or more characteristics of the one of the plurality of energy storage devices. The portable electronic device executes the power consumption event using energy stored in the selected one of the plurality of energy storage devices. The portable electronic device (100) may be a mobile phone or other wireless communication device.

Abstract: In a torque motor driving device for wire cut electrical discharge machines, a voltage waveform rectified by a full-wave rectifying circuit, not using a high-capacitance electrolytic capacitor, is applied as an AC voltage to a single-phase torque motor by a bridge circuit including semiconductor switches. A PWM signal whose duty is adjusted so that the current flowing through the torque motor matches an instructed value is generated and the generated PWM signal is used for the operation of the bridge circuit.

Abstract: A device housing a battery (50) includes a receiving coil (51), and a charging pad (10) includes a transmitting coil (11) that magnetically couples with, and supplies charging power to the receiving coil. The device further includes a modulator circuit (61) that changes the impedance of the receiving coil according to internal battery data. The charging pad further includes a detection circuit (17) that detects receiving coil impedance changes to detect the battery data. The modulator circuit has a load circuit (62) connected in parallel with the receiving coil and has a series-connected switching device (64) and impedance modulating capacitor (63), and a control circuit (65) that switches the load circuit switching device ON and OFF according to the battery data. The modulator circuit switches the switching device 64 ON and OFF to transmit battery data to the charging pad.

Abstract: The energy-efficient fast charging method is applicable to an energy-efficient fast charging device having a power conversion module and at least a fast chargeable energy storage device. The power conversion module obtains and converts an input power from an external power source, and produces an internal DC power. The method contains the following steps. First, whether an external energy storage device is connected is detected. Then, if the presence of the external energy storage device is not detected, the internal fast chargeable energy storage device is charged by the internal DC power output from the power conversion module. Otherwise, the external energy storage device is charged by the internal DC power output from the power conversion module and the stored power of the fast chargeable energy storage device simultaneously.

Abstract: A container of an electrochemical double-layer capacitor for holding electrodes and electrolyte includes a housing having a cavity and a cap portion coupled to the housing forming a fluid-tight reservoir with the cavity. The container also includes a plurality of terminals incorporated into one or more of the housing or the cap portion, where the plurality of terminals adapted to be electrically coupled to the electrodes, and a pressure-compliant membrane incorporated into one of the housing or the cap portion. A pressure monitoring system that monitors the pressure inside the container includes a displacement measuring device adapted to measure a deflection of the pressure-compliant membrane.

Abstract: A reversible storage system for electric energy, including charging or discharging surfaces as a positive collector terminal and a charging or discharging area as a negative collector terminal and a flow electrode with a pumpable dispersion with particles storing electric energy and at least one supply line and at least one drain line for the pumpable dispersion. The pumpable dispersion includes particles storing electric energy in a capacitive and/or chemical fashion, having an average grain size distribution: 1 nM to 500 ?m. For chemically storing particles, the negative and the positive collector terminals have a planar shape with a single exterior closed border and with their planar sides each contacting an ion-selective diaphragm or spacers, and the pumpable dispersion is arranged on a side facing away from the planar side of the respective collector, contacting the ion-selective diaphragm or spacers, and the dispersion at least partially penetrates the respective collector.

Abstract: A hybrid battery includes a converter, a controller, a power source, and an ultracapacitor configured to be discharged. The converter is operable to receive a control signal and to regulate a current level that is allowed to be drawn from the power source to charge the ultracapacitor in accordance with the control signal. The controller is operable to generate and provide the control signal to the converter. The controller is operable to generate the control signal based at least in part on a measure of the voltage level of the ultracapacitor and a measure current being drawn to charge the ultracapacitor.

Abstract: Systems devices and methods for flash charging a portable device with a charging device. The portable device may be a ruggedized hand-held controller. In some examples, the portable device includes a capacitive power supply which comprises one or more capacitors, e.g. supercapacitors. In use, the capacitive power supply may receive charge, store the charge, and provide power to power-using components of the portable device, when needed. In some examples, the system includes a charging device, such as a docking station. The charging device may couple to the portable device to charge the portable device. The charging device may include a capacitive power supply, which may comprise one or more capacitors, such as supercapacitors. In some cases, the system flash charges the capacitive power supply within the portable device, via the capacitive power supply of the charging device.

Abstract: A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). To charge, the machines employ electrical current from an external source, such as the electrical grid or an electrical service of an installation location. The charging and distribution machines may distribute portable electrical energy storage devices of particular performance characteristics and other attributes based on customer preferences and/or customer profiles. The charging and distribution machines may provide instructions to or otherwise program portable electrical energy storage devices stored within the charging and distribution machines to perform at various levels according to user preferences and user profiles.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a charging circuit is provided. The apparatus includes a first detector, a second detector, and a controller. The first detector detects a voltage level at a first time and generates a first indication value corresponding to the voltage level at the first time, where the voltage level corresponds to an output voltage of the charging circuit. The second detector detects the voltage level at a second time after the first time and generates a second indication value corresponding to the voltage level at the second time. The controller receives the first and second indication values, and generates a control signal according to the first and second indication values for turning the charging circuit on and off.

Abstract: A capacitor charging circuit is provided in a utility meter. The utility meter includes a measurement circuit configured to provide consumption data, a memory configured to store the consumption data from the measurement circuit, and a communications device configured to transmit the consumption data to a remote location. The utility meter also includes a power supply configured to supply an unregulated DC voltage and a regulated voltage within the utility meter. The regulated DC voltage is output from a voltage regulator and is provided to the measurement circuit. The unregulated DC voltage is supplied to the communications device. The capacitor charging circuit is configured to charge a capacitor with the unregulated DC voltage when the regulated DC voltage is provided to the charging circuit from the voltage regulator. The capacitor charging circuit may be a supercapacitor charging circuit.

Abstract: The invention provides an energy storage system having storage elements linked for collective charging and discharging. Monitoring circuitry is provided for monitoring each of the storage elements independently. Preferably, the system includes control circuitry configured for controlling the linking of individual storage elements in order to enhance system performance. In preferred embodiments, the system also includes storage elements in an arrangement whereby they may be selectably linked and delinked, in series, parallel, or in one or more series/parallel combination.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an electric energy storage apparatus, a voltage equalization module thereof, and a voltage equalization method. There is provided an electric energy storage apparatus, including: a plurality of electric energy storage cells connected in series; voltage sensing units sensing voltage charged in each of the electric energy storage cells, respectively; first bypass discharge units connected to each of the electric energy storage cells in parallel, respectively, and bypassing and discharging electric energy charged; second bypass discharge units additionally connected to each of the electric energy storage cells in parallel, respectively, and bypassing and additionally discharging electric energy; and a control unit receiving voltage information from the voltage sensing units, determining whether controlling or not and controlling operations of each of the first and second bypass discharge units so as to equalize charged voltage values of the electric energy storage cells.

Abstract: A power supply system comprises a battery which can be charged/discharged, a charging/discharging apparatus which charges/discharges the battery, and a charging/discharging power limit controller which outputs a charging/discharging power limit control signal obtained by amplifying a deviation between an output voltage command signal of the battery and a detected output voltage signal obtained by detecting an output voltage of the battery, wherein and the charging/discharging apparatus includes a charging/discharging controller which controls of charging/discharging power of the battery based on the charging/discharging power limit control signal.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for a single stage hybrid charge pump. A switch module is connected to ground. An inductance module is connected between a DC voltage source and the switch module. A first capacitance module is connected to the switch and to the inductance module. A first current blocking module is connected between the DC voltage source the first capacitance module. A second capacitance module is connected to ground. A second current blocking module is connected to a node between the first capacitance module and the first current blocking module and is also connected to the second current blocking module. The switch module is operated to switch between an open state and a closed state thereby causing a voltage across the second current blocking module to increase until it is limited by a voltage limiting module.

Abstract: A propulsion energy storage system for a hybrid vehicle includes ultracapacitor based energy storage to provide rechargeable energy storage. The rechargeable energy storage used performs well over a wide thermal range and thus permits vehicle designers and manufacturers to forego incorporation of temperature management systems. Further, as the rechargeable energy storage exhibit excellent thermal stability, the form factor of the cells of the rechargeable energy storage (e.g., ultracapacitors) may be adjusted to meet the desires of designers, manufacturers and users.

Abstract: A discharge mechanism including: a smoothing capacitor; a first terminal and a second terminal that are provided at both end sides of the smoothing capacitor respectively; and a short-circuiting clasp that is disposed apart from the first terminal and the second terminal by a predetermined clearance to short-circuit the first terminal and the second terminal to each other. The short-circuiting clasp is disposed so as to move in such a direction as to approach the first terminal and the second terminal through application of an external force to the short-circuiting clasp, and to discharge electric charges accumulated on the smoothing capacitor through abutment of the short-circuiting clasp on the first terminal and the second terminal.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for stabilizing voltage of an energy storage in which a plurality of unit cells are connected to each other in series, including: a bypass unit that is connected to the unit cell in parallel; and a controller that detects voltage of the unit cell and controls an operation of the bypass unit according to the detected voltage of the unit cell, wherein the bypass unit bypasses current flowing in the unit cell when the detected voltage of the unit cell is larger than predetermined reference voltage to generate the reusing voltage, whereby the voltage of each unit cell is stably equalized and reuses the voltage provided to the bypass path, thereby performing voltage equalization without loss.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an energy storage module including a first energy container, a second energy container that is connected to the first energy container in parallel, and a switching control unit that senses the energy containers corresponding to predetermined deterioration conditions among the first and second energy containers to selectively open the energy containers corresponding to deterioration conditions so as to selectively charge/discharge the energy containers, whereby the deterioration can be minimized without stopping the overall energy storage module.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a safety capacitor discharging method for AC-to-DC converters, wherein the AC-to-DC converters have a safety capacitor connected between two line voltages, the method comprising the steps of: detecting at least one line voltage to generate a line-off signal, wherein the line-off signal is at a first state when the peak voltage of the at least one line voltage is above a reference voltage, and the line-off signal is at a second state when the peak voltage of the at least one line voltage is below the reference voltage; and performing discharge of the safety capacitor by generating a conduction path between two plates of the safety capacitor when the line-off signal is at the second state. The present invention also provides a safety capacitor discharging apparatus for AC-to-DC converters.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for dense energy storage is disclosed. The inner tube of a multi-wall nanotube is reversibly withdrawn from the outer tube thereof via a facing electrode that is biased with respect to the nanotube by an external voltage source. As the inner tube is withdrawn, the potential energy of the van der Waals field between the inner tube and the outer tube increases, which manifests as a force that is directed opposite to the electrostatic force of attraction between the electrode and the inner tube. The storage apparatus is discharged by decreasing the applied voltage, which enables the van der Waals force to overcome the electrostatic force. As a consequence, the inner tube is drawn back into the outer tube. The electrode and nanotube define a variable capacitor and, as such, the change in capacitance based on movement of the inner tube results in a flow of charge to a load.

Abstract: Auxiliary power supplies include a capacitor (e.g., super capacitor) and a capacitor charging circuit, which is configured to provide a charging current to a first terminal of the capacitor. Enhanced failure detection is provided by a capacitor monitoring circuit, which may be electrically coupled to at least one terminal of the capacitor. The capacitor monitoring circuit is configured to detect when the capacitor is malfunctioning in an open condition as well as when the capacitor is malfunctioning in a short condition.