Patent ID: 8339110
Filing Date: 2012-12-25
Classification: H02M

Abstract:
1. An apparatus to store energy, the apparatus comprising: a switch module connected to ground, the switch module comprising an open state and a closed state; an inductance module connected between a direct current (“DC”) voltage source and a the switch module; a first capacitance module connected to the switch module and to the inductance module; a first current blocking module connected between the DC voltage source and the first capacitance module, wherein the first current module allows current to flow from the DC voltage source toward the first capacitance module and prevents current from flowing through the first current blocking module to the DC voltage source; a second capacitance module connected to ground; a second current blocking module connected to a node between the first capacitance module and the first current blocking module, and connected to the second capacitance module, wherein the second current blocking module allows current to flow to the second capacitance module in a first direction and prevents current from flowing through the second current blocking module in a direction opposite to the first direction; a voltage limiting module that limits voltage across the second capacitance module to a predefined limiting voltage that is higher than a voltage of the DC voltage source; wherein when the switch module is in the closed state, current flows through the inductance module in a direction from the DC voltage source toward the switching module, and wherein current flows through the first current blocking module to store energy in the first capacitance module; and wherein when the switch module is in the open state, current in the inductance module flows to the first capacitance module, and from the first capacitance module through the second current blocking module to the second capacitance module.