Engineering
Combined Capacitor/Inductor Reduces Circuit Bulk
WARF: P140216US01
Inventors: Daniel Ludois
The Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF) is seeking commercial partners interested in developing a method for integrating capacitors and inductors into a single energy storage component.
Overview
Inductors and capacitors are fundamental building blocks in many electrical devices and provide energy storage. Inductors store energy in the form of a magnetic field in the vicinity of a coiled conductor. Capacitors provide for energy storage in the form of an electric field generated between two plates of different voltage separated by an insulator.
The physical sizes of these components make it difficult to fabricate smaller circuits.
The physical sizes of these components make it difficult to fabricate smaller circuits.
The Invention
A UW–Madison researcher has designed a combination capacitor/inductor configured to share energy storage volumes, thereby significantly reducing the bulk of devices. In essence, the capacitor incorporates into its layers a material of high magnetic permeability (e.g., iron or an iron alloy laminated with a nonferrous metal) so that it may fit into the inductor coil in place of the normal core.
Applications
- Manufacturing integrated capacitors and inductors
- Power electronics for aerospace, automotive applications and utility/microgrids
Key Benefits
- Compact package
- Component size can be reduced up to 50 percent
- Simple to manufacture
- Ideal for applications where space is at a premium
Stage of Development
A preliminary prototype and testing have been carried out.
The development of this technology was supported by WARF Accelerator. WARF Accelerator selects WARF's most commercially promising technologies and provides expert assistance and funding to enable achievement of commercially significant milestones. WARF believes that these technologies are especially attractive opportunities for licensing.
The development of this technology was supported by WARF Accelerator. WARF Accelerator selects WARF's most commercially promising technologies and provides expert assistance and funding to enable achievement of commercially significant milestones. WARF believes that these technologies are especially attractive opportunities for licensing.
Additional Information
For More Information About the Inventors
Related Technologies
For current licensing status, please contact Emily Bauer at [javascript protected email address] or 608-960-9842