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US 11,515,727 B2Granted
Electrolytic capacitive coupler for transmitting electrical power between moving mechanical elements
AssigneeWisconsin Alumni Research Foundation
InventorsDaniel Ludois, Kevin Frankforter
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A capacitive coupler provides high coupling capacitance through the use of an electrolyte and insulator formed as an oxide layer on at least one plate of the coupler. The coupler can be independent or provide a hydrodynamic or hydrostatic bearing as well as capacitive coupling, and the circulated dielectric can provide for cooling of associated machinery.
Claims20
A power coupler comprising:
- a first support providing a first electrically conductive material;
- a second support adapted to move with respect to and adjacent to the first support through a range of motion in opposition across a gap to the first support, the second support providing a second electrically conductive material having an insulating layer;
- a first and second conductor communicating with each of the first and second electrically conductive materials respectively to permit establishment of an electrical potential difference between the electrically conductive materials;
- and
- an electrolyte positioned within the gap between the insulating layer and the first electrically conductive material and cooperating with the first and second electrically conductive materials and the insulating layer to provide an electrolytic capacitor between the electrical connections of greater than 0.1 μF.
2 more elements
An electrical machine comprising:
- a stator providing a set of electrically conductive stator coils;
- a rotor positioned to move with respect to the stator and providing a set of electrically conductive stator coils, the rotor and stator operating to provide at least one of an electrical generator and electrical motor;
- and
- a first and second capacitive coupler each having:
- (a) a first support providing a first electrically conductive material;
- (b) a second support adapted to move with respect to and adjacent to the first support through a range of motion in opposition across a gap to the first support, the second support providing a second electrically conductive material having an insulating layer;
- (c) a first and second conductor communicating with each of the first and second electrically conductive materials to permit establishment of an electrical potential difference between respective of the first and second electrically conductive material;
- and
- (d) an electrolyte positioned within the gap between the insulating layer and the first electrically conductive material and cooperating with the first and second electrically conductive material and the insulating layer to provide an electrolytic capacitor between the electrical connections of greater than 0.1 μF.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.