Patent US6522031B2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US6522031B2
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Power load-leveling system and packet electrical storage
Assignee: American Electric Power Co Inc
•
Filing: 2001-10-10
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Granted: 2003-02-18
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Expires: 2021-10-10
Abstract
Abstract A large scale, capacitor-based electrical energy storage and distribution system capable of effectuating load-leveling during periods of peak demand on a utility. A capacitor or multitude of capacitors may be charged with electrical energy produced by the utility during periods of low demand, such as the evening hours, and discharged during periods of high electrical energy consumption to help reduce demand on the utility. One or more capacitors may be located at a consumer's residence or business for providing at least a portion of the consumer's electrical power requirements. Alternatively, a farm of capacitors may be provided at or near a utility, or at or near a location experiencing high demand, such that electrical energy stored in the capacitors can be discharged into the utility's distribution grid to increase the amount of electrical energy available for use.
Inventors
- 👤 John H. Provanzana
- 👤 John M. Schneider
- 👤 Ali Nourai
- 👤 Warren W. Walborn
- 👤 Brendan J. Ware
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 13:53
CPC Classifications
H; H02; H02J; H02J3/00; H02J3/28; H02M; H02M5/00; H02M5/40; H02J4/00; H02J4/20; H02J4/25; H02J7/00; H02J7/34; H02J7/345; Y; Y02; Y02P; Y02P80/00; Y02P80/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 72
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
An electrical energy distribution system, comprising: a source of electrical energy; at least one high energy storage capacitor connected to said source and further connected to a consumer energy usage network; an amount of electrical energy delivered from said source and stored at said at least one capacitor; discharged electrical energy from said at least one capacitor into said network; and another amount of electrical energy delivered from said source and stored at said at least one capacitor to recharge said capacitor after said capacitor has been at least partially discharged.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
91 words
An electrical energy distribution system, comprising: a source of electrical energy; at least one high energy storage capacitor connected to said source and further connected to a consumer energy usage network; an amount of electrical energy delivered from said source and stored at said at least one capacitor; discharged electrical energy from said at least one capacitor into said network; and another amount of electrical energy delivered from said source and stored at said at least one capacitor to recharge said capacitor after said capacitor has been at least partially discharged.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said network is a consumer's home electrical wiring system.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said network is a business office's electrical wiring system.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said network is a part of an electrical power distribution grid connected to said source.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said source is a fossil fuel power plant.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said source is a nuclear power plant.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said source is a hydro-electric power plant.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said source is a solar power plant.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said source is a wind power plant.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said at least one capacitor is an electrochemical capacitor.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said at least one capacitor is a cryogenic ceramic capacitor.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said at least one capacitor is an electrolytic capacitor.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 1 , further comprising a device for converting AC electrical energy from said source into DC electrical energy for storage in said at least one capacitor.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 1 , further comprising a device for converting DC electrical energy stored in said at least one capacitor to AC electrical energy for delivery to a load.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said at least one capacitor delivers DC electrical energy into said network to supply one or more DC loads in communication therewith.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 1 , further comprising control equipment for allowing communication between said source and said at least one capacitor, such that said at least one capacitor may be automatically charged by said source as needed.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said electrical energy is delivered to said at least one capacitor during a period of low electrical energy demand on said source.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said at least one capacitor has an energy storage capacity of at least 50 watt-hours.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 18 , wherein said at least one capacitor is charged at a first location, and discharged at one or more other locations.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein a packet of electrical energy required to recharge said at least one capacitor is released into said network by said source, said packet of electrical energy thereafter delivered to said at least one capacitor.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said at least one capacitor has an energy storage density of at least 50 Joules per cubic centimeter.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 20 , wherein there is a difference between the time required for said source to release said packet of electrical energy into said network and the time required for said at least one capacitor to store said electrical energy.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 20 , wherein the entirety of said packet of electrical energy is released into said network at once.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 20 , wherein the entirety of said packet of electrical energy is released into said network over an extended period of time.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 1 , wherein said discharge of electrical energy is of short duration and is used to maintain power quality.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
85 words
An electrical energy storage and distribution system, comprising: a source of electrical energy; at least one high energy storage capacitor connected to said source and further connected to an electrical energy distribution grid; a pathway for transferring an amount of electrical energy from said source to said at least one high energy storage capacitor for storage; and a pathway for delivering at least a portion of said electrical energy stored by said at least one high energy storage capacitor into said electrical energy distribution grid.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
85 words
An electrical energy storage and distribution system, comprising: a source of electrical energy; at least one high energy storage capacitor connected to said source and further connected to an electrical energy distribution grid; a pathway for transferring an amount of electrical energy from said source to said at least one high energy storage capacitor for storage; and a pathway for delivering at least a portion of said electrical energy stored by said at least one high energy storage capacitor into said electrical energy distribution grid.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 26 , wherein said source is a fossil fuel burning power plant.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 26 , wherein said source is a nuclear power plant.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 26 , wherein said source is a hydro-electric power plant.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 26 , wherein said source is a solar power plant.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 26 , wherein said source is a wind power plant.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 26 , wherein said at least one capacitor is an electrochemical capacitor.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
17 words
The system of claim 26 , wherein said at least one capacitor is a cryogenic ceramic capacitor.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
16 words
The system of claim 26 , wherein said at least one capacitor is an electrolytic capacitor.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
30 words
The system of claim 26 , further comprising a device for converting AC electrical energy from said source into DC electrical energy for storage in said at least one capacitor.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
31 words
The system of claim 26 , further comprising a device for converting DC electrical energy stored in said at least one capacitor to AC electrical energy for delivery to a load.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 26 , further comprising control equipment for allowing communication between said source and said at least one capacitor, such that said at least one capacitor may be automatically charged by said source as deeded.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
35 words
The system of claim 37 , wherein said control equipment further allows stored electrical energy to be automatically discharged from said at least one capacitor into said electrical energy distribution grid in response to demand.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 26 , wherein said electrical energy is delivered to said at least one capacitor during a period of low electrical energy demand on said source.
Claim 42
Dependent Claim
19 words
The system of claim 26 , wherein said at least one capacitor is located at or near said source.
Claim 43
Dependent Claim
34 words
The system of claim 26 , wherein said at least one capacitor is portable, and may be transported to a location requiring additional electrical energy and connected to said location's electrical energy distribution grid.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 26 , wherein a multitude of capacitors are connected together to provide increased electrical energy storage capacity.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 26 , wherein said at least one capacitor is transportable.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 43 , wherein said at least one capacitor is charged at a first location, and discharged at one or more other locations.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
44 words
The system of claim 26 , wherein a packet of electrical energy of a size required to recharge said at least one capacitor is released into said pathway by said source, said packet of electrical energy thereafter delivered to said at least one capacitor.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system of claim 45 , wherein there is a delay between the release of said packet of electrical energy into said pathway by said source and the delivery of said packet of electrical energy to said at least one capacitor.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
43 words
The system of claim 45 , wherein there is a difference between the time required for said source to release said packet of electrical energy into said pathway and the time required for said at least one capacitor to store said electrical energy.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 45 , wherein the entirety of said packet of electrical energy is released into said pathway substantially at once.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 45 , wherein the entirety of said packet of electrical energy is released into said pathway over an extended period of time.
Claim 52
Independent Claim
161 words
A method of storing and distributing electrical energy to effect electrical power load leveling, said method comprising: providing a source of electrical energy; providing at least one high energy storage capacitor capable of storing a significant amount of electrical energy sufficient to power a plurality of devices simultaneously, through a consumer energy usage network, said at least one high energy storage capacitor in communication with said source; supplying an amount of electrical energy to said at least one high energy storage capacitor to charge said at least one high energy storage capacitor during a period of low electrical energy demand on said source; discharging at least a portion of said electrical energy stored in said at least one high energy storage capacitor to a load supplied by said source, during a period of high demand on said source; and repeatedly charging and discharging said at least one high energy storage capacitor during periods of low and high electrical energy demand respectively.
Claim 53
Independent Claim
161 words
A method of storing and distributing electrical energy to effect electrical power load leveling, said method comprising: providing a source of electrical energy; providing at least one high energy storage capacitor capable of storing a significant amount of electrical energy sufficient to power a plurality of devices simultaneously, through a consumer energy usage network, said at least one high energy storage capacitor in communication with said source; supplying an amount of electrical energy to said at least one high energy storage capacitor to charge said at least one high energy storage capacitor during a period of low electrical energy demand on said source; discharging at least a portion of said electrical energy stored in said at least one high energy storage capacitor to a load supplied by said source, during a period of high demand on said source; and repeatedly charging and discharging said at least one high energy storage capacitor during periods of low and high electrical energy demand respectively.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 50 , further comprising an electrical energy distribution network in communication with said at least one capacitor.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 50 , wherein said at least one capacitor is located at a residence.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 50 , wherein said at least one capacitor is located at a business.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 50 , wherein said at least one capacitor is located at or near said source.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 50 , wherein said electrical energy distribution network resides in a residence and is adapted to transport electrical energy from said at least one capacitor to at least one load located therein.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method of claim 50 , wherein said electrical energy distribution network resides in a business and is adapted to transport electrical energy from said at least one capacitor to at least one load located therein.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method of claim 50 , wherein said electrical energy distribution network is a part of an electrical energy distribution grid provided to transport electrical energy from said source to its customers.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 57 , wherein said at least one capacitor is designed to store an amount of electrical energy for later introduction into said electrical energy distribution grid.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 50 , wherein said at least one capacitor is designed to store and later provide at least a portion of the electrical energy required by at least one specific load.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 50 , wherein said at least one capacitor is portable and may be transported to a location where load leveling is needed, said at least one capacitor adapted for connection to an electrical energy distribution grid in communication with said source.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 60 , wherein said at least one capacitor is charged at a first location, and discharged at one or more other locations.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 50 , further comprising converting AC electrical energy from said source into DC electrical energy for storage by said at least one capacitor.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method of claim 50 , further comprising converting DC electrical energy from said at least one capacitor into AC electrical energy for delivery to a load.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method of claim 50 , further comprising providing control equipment for allowing communication between said source and said at least one capacitor, such that said at least one capacitor may be automatically charged and discharged as needed.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
41 words
The system of claim 50 , wherein a packet of electrical energy of a size required to recharge said at least one capacitor is released by said source, said packet of electrical energy thereafter delivered to said at least one capacitor.
Claim 69
Dependent Claim
38 words
The system of claim 65 , wherein there is a delay between the release of said packet of electrical energy by said source and the delivery of said packet of electrical energy to said at least one capacitor.
Claim 70
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system of claim 66 , wherein there is a difference between the time required for said source to release said packet of electrical energy and the time required for said at least one capacitor to store said electrical energy.
Claim 71
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 66 , wherein the entirety of said packet of electrical energy is released by said source substantially at once.
Claim 72
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 66 , wherein the entirety of said packet of electrical energy is released by said source over an extended period of time.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2006-02-17 | 2006-08-19 | 2007-02-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2010-02-17 | 2010-08-19 | 2011-02-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2014-02-17 | 2014-08-19 | 2015-02-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |