초록 ▼

A large-scale, capacitor-based electrical energy storage and distribution system capable of effectuating load-leveling during periods of peak demand on a utility, and of effectuating a cost savings associated with the purchase of electrical energy. A capacitor or multitude of capacitors may be charg

A large-scale, capacitor-based electrical energy storage and distribution system capable of effectuating load-leveling during periods of peak demand on a utility, and of effectuating a cost savings associated with the purchase of electrical energy. A capacitor or multitude of capacitors may be charged with electrical energy produced by the utility, such as during periods of low demand or low cost, and discharged during periods of high electrical energy consumption or high electrical energy cost. One or more capacitors may be located at a consumer's residence or business. Alternatively, a farm of capacitors may be provided at or near a utility, or at or near a location experiencing high demand. In another embodiment, one or more capacitors may be located in or on a vehicle, such as an automobile, a truck, or a train of a light rail system.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of storing and distributing electrical energy to achieve a cost savings associated with the purchase thereof, said method comprising:providing a source of electrical energy; providing at least one electrical energy storage capacitor capable of storing a significant amount of electrical e

1. A method of storing and distributing electrical energy to achieve a cost savings associated with the purchase thereof, said method comprising:providing a source of electrical energy; providing at least one electrical energy storage capacitor capable of storing a significant amount of electrical energy, said at least one electrical energy storage capacitor in communication with said source; providing control equipment associated with said at least one electrical energy storage capacitor, said control equipment adapted to analyze and monitor the real-time cost of purchasing electrical energy from said source and to predict future cost; supplying an amount of electrical energy to said at least one electrical energy storage capacitor to charge said at least one electrical energy storage capacitor in response to a charge signal from said control equipment; discharging at least a portion of said electrical energy stored in said at least one electrical energy storage capacitor to a load normally supplied by said source in response to a discharge signal from said control equipment; and repeatedly charging and discharging said at least one electrical energy storage capacitor as often as deemed necessary by said equipment to maximize cost savings. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein electrical energy discharged from said at least one high energy storage capacitor is sold back to said source by said owner of said at least one high energy storage capacitor.3. The method of claim 2, further comprising deducting the value of said electrical energy sold back to said source from any costs of purchasing electrical energy from said source incurred by said owner of said at least one high energy storage capacitor.4. The method of claim 1, wherein said load is an electric power transmission and distribution grid that is connected to said source.5. A cost-saving system for storing and distributing electrical energy, comprising:a source of electrical energy; at least one electrical energy storage capacitor capable of storing a significant amount of electrical energy, said at least one electrical energy storage capacitor in communication with said source; and control equipment associated with said at least one electrical energy storage capacitor and adapted to monitor and analyze the real-time cost of purchasing electrical energy from said source, predict future cost, and thereby determine when to charge or discharge said at least one electrical energy storage capacitor; wherein, as a result of a signal from said control equipment, an amount of electrical energy is either delivered from said source to said at least one electrical energy storage capacitor to effectuate at least a partial recharging thereof, or discharged from said at least one electrical energy storage capacitor to a load normally supplied by said source. 6. The cost-saving system of claim 5, further comprising a means by which electrical energy discharged from said at least one high energy storage capacitor is sold back to said source by said owner of said at least one electrical energy storage capacitor.7. The cost-saving system of claim 6, further comprising a deduct meter for recording the value of said electrical energy sold back to said source and allowing said value to be deducted from any costs of purchasing electrical energy from said source incurred by said owner of said at least one high energy storage capacitor.8. An electrical energy storage and distribution system for use with a vehicle, comprising:a source of electrical energy; at least one high energy storage capacitor associated with said vehicle; control equipment to monitor and analyze the real-time cost of purchasing electrical energy from said source, predict future cost, and determine when to charge or discharge said at least one high energy storage capacitor; and a device for facilitating the charging and/or discharging of said at least one high energy storage capacitor, said device in electrical communication with said source, said at least one high energy storage capacitor, and said control equipment; wherein electrical energy from said at least one high energy storage capacitor is available to power a drive means of said vehicle when said vehicle is in use; wherein, when said vehicle is not in use, an amount of electrical energy from said at least one high energy storage capacitor is available for supply to one or more loads that are separate from said vehicle and normally supplied by said source; and wherein, as a result of a signal from said control equipment, an amount of electrical energy is delivered from said source to recharge said at least one high energy storage capacitor if said at least one high energy storage capacitor has been at least partially discharged. 9. The electrical energy storage and distribution system of claim 8, wherein electrical energy is delivered from said source to said at least one high energy storage capacitor at a time when said vehicle is not in use.10. The electrical energy storage and distribution system of claim 9, wherein said electrical energy is delivered during off-peak hours.11. The electrical energy storage and distribution system of claim 9, wherein said electrical energy is delivered during a period of low energy cost.12. The electrical energy storage and distribution system of claim 8, wherein said vehicle is part of a light rail system.13. The electrical energy storage and distribution system of claim 8, wherein said vehicle is an automobile.14. The electrical energy storage and distribution system of claim 8, wherein said vehicle is a truck.15. The electrical energy storage and distribution system of claim 8, wherein a user can prevent said control system from allowing electrical energy to be withdrawn from said at least one high energy storage capacitor for supply to said one or more loads.16. The electrical energy storage and distribution system of claim 8, wherein said control system ensures that enough electrical energy is stored in said at least one high energy storage capacitor to power said drive means of said vehicle at some predetermined time.17. The electrical energy storage and distribution system of claim 8, further comprising a means by which electrical energy drawn from said at least one high energy storage capacitor is sold back to said source by an owner of said vehicle.18. The electrical energy storage and distribution system of claim 17, further comprising a deduct meter for recording the value of said electrical energy sold back to said source and allowing said value to be deducted from any costs of purchasing electrical energy from said source incurred by said owner of said vehicle.