Method and System for Storing Energy and Providing a Regulated Output

Abstract

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.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An energy storage system for storing potential energy and providing a regulated output of electrical energy for powering an electrical load, the system comprising:
 an array of storage capacitors including a plurality of storage capacitors coupled in series;   a balance control device operative to balance a voltage on each of the storage capacitors in the array;   an input control device adapted to receive an electrical power source input, wherein the input control device is operative to:
 charge the array of storage capacitors; 
 isolate the power source input from the array of storage capacitors when the input voltage falls below a total voltage of the storage capacitor array; and 
 isolate the power source input from the array of storage capacitors when the input voltage is above a maximum total voltage of the of the storage capacitor array; 
   an output power supply device having an input coupled to the storage capacitor array and operative to provide regulated power to an electrical load; and   a power monitor device operative to electrically decouple the storage capacitor array from the electrical load when the total voltage of the storage capacitor array falls below a preset minimum level.   
     
     
         2 . The energy storage system of  claim 1  wherein the array of storage capacitors includes a plurality of capacitors coupled in parallel. 
     
     
         3 . The energy storage system of  claim 1  wherein the output power supply is configured to provide regulated DC output power at a voltage greater than the total voltage of the storage capacitor array. 
     
     
         4 . The energy storage system of  claim 1  wherein the output power supply is configured to provide regulated DC output power at a voltage that is less than the total voltage of the storage capacitor array. 
     
     
         5 . The energy storage system of  claim 1  wherein the output power supply is operative to convert DC power from the storage capacitor array to regulated AC output power.