Field of the invention
[001] The present invention relates to the field of uninterruptible power supply in telecommunication systems. More specifically, the present invention relates to starting generators used in telecommunication.
Background of the invention
[002] In traditional telecommunication systems, battery banks and generators are used to provide backup power to the grid in the event of power outages. Battery banks are used to provide backup power when the primary power supply fails for short durations typically ranging from a couple of seconds to five to ten minutes. In addition, battery banks provide backup power until the generators are up and running. The generators generally employed in traditional telecommunication systems are diesel generators. Further, these generators may be started manually or automatically using a Diesel Generator battery (DG battery). DG batteries are rechargeable batteries, and the most commonly used battery for starting diesel generators is the lead-acid battery.
[003] Lead-acid batteries are one of the oldest types of rechargeable batteries, and have been widely used because of being a cheap and effective source of power. However, there are a large number of drawbacks in using lead-acid batteries. It has been observed that these batteries are usually bulky and are not environment friendly. Further, these batteries typically have a limited service life (about 10,000 switching cycles), which further gets affected due to operative conditions and when used for starting diesel generators. Moreover, it takes a significantly large amount of time, typically in the range of two to four hours, to completely recharge these

batteries. In addition, since lead-acid batteries are suitable for domestic usage, there is a risk of the batteries being stolen for personal use.
[004] Lead acid batteries do not perform efficiently when used for supplying high-current as required for starting diesel generators. Usually, batteries having increased capacity are required for supplying high-current. Accordingly, such batteries have an increased weight, which in turn increases the weight of the diesel generator assembly. Further, the power output of these batteries is unsteady, which in turn affects the operating efficiency of the diesel generator. Lead acid batteries also do not perform efficiently when used in cold weather conditions and usually fail to provide required energy for starting up. Subsequently, the batteries need to be recharged or replaced.
[005] In light of the above, there is a need for an alternate and improved energy source for providing energy for starting generators in telecommunication systems.
Summary of the invention
[006] In an embodiment, the present invention discloses an energy storage device for providing energy for starting a generator. The energy storage device comprises at least one electric-double-layer capacitor (EDLC) for storing energy; and supplying the stored energy at a predetermined voltage level for starting the generator; and an electronic control module (ECM) operationally coupled with the EDLC for controlling: the storage of energy in the EDLC, and the supply of energy from the EDLC for starting the generator. In an embodiment, the generator is employed in a telecommunication system.

What is claimed is:
1. An energy storage device for providing energy for starting a generator, the
energy storage device comprising:
a. at least one electric-double-layer capacitor (EDLC) for storing
energy; and supplying the stored energy at a predetermined voltage
level for starting the generator; and
b. an electronic control module (ECM) operationally coupled with the
EDLC for controlling: the storage of energy in the EDLC, and the
supply of energy from the EDLC for starting the generator.
The energy storage device of claim 1 wherein the generator is employed in a telecommunication system.
The energy storage device of claim 1 wherein the ECM comprises:
a. a voltage monitoring module for measuring an output voltage level of
the EDLC;
b. a circuit control module coupled with the voltage monitoring module
for: receiving the measured output voltage and comparing the
received output voltage with a predetermined threshold voltage; the
circuit control module generating a changeover signal if the received
output voltage is less than the threshold voltage;
c. a changeover module coupled with the circuit control module for
receiving the generated changeover signal, the changeover module
connecting the EDLC with one of the generator and a secondary
power source based on the changeover signal;
d. a relay module coupled with the changeover module for controlling
charging of the EDLC via the secondary power source if the
changeover module connects the EDLC with the secondary power
source; and
e. a charge monitoring module for monitoring energy transferred from the secondary power source for charging the EDLC and the energy discharged from the EDLC for starting the generator.
The energy storage device of claim 1, wherein the predetermined threshold voltage is 7 volts.
The energy storage device of claim 1, wherein the ECM is operationally connected with one or more secondary power sources configured to provide energy for charging the EDLC.
The energy storage device of claim 1, wherein the ECM is operationally connected with one or more batteries via at least one of a voltage converter and a filter, the batteries providing energy for charging the EDLC, the voltage converter converting energy received from the batteries from a first voltage level to a second predetermined voltage level, the energy at the second voltage level being provided for charging the EDLC.
The energy storage device of claim 6, wherein the voltage converter is a DC-DC converter.
The energy storage device of claim 1, wherein the ECM comprises a voltage monitoring module for periodically measuring an output voltage value of the EDLC, the measured output voltage value being used for determining a charge state of the EDLC, if the charge state of the EDLC is less than a predetermined threshold voltage level the EDLC is charged by using a secondary power source.
The energy storage device of claim 1, wherein the ECM comprises a reverse polarity protection circuit for protecting the EDLC from reverse polarity damage when the EDLC is supplying energy for starting the generator.
The energy storage device of claim 1 wherein the generator is a diesel generator.
The energy storage device of claim 1 starting the generator via a starter motor.
The energy storage device of claim 1 comprising six EDLCs, wherein each capacitor having a capacity of 650 farad and an Equivalent Series Resistance (ESR)of 0.8 milliohm.
The energy storage device of claim 1 wherein the ECM comprises a power control module for regulating a current and voltage output of the EDLC.
An energy storage device for providing energy for starting a generator, the energy storage device comprising:
a. at least one electric-double-layer capacitor (EDLC) for storing
energy; and supplying the stored energy at a predetermined voltage
level for starting the generator; and
b. an electronic control module (ECM) operationally coupled with the
EDLC for controlling: the storage of energy in the EDLC, and the
supply of energy from the EDLC for starting the generator; the ECM
comprising:
i. a voltage monitoring module for measuring an output voltage level of the EDLC;
ii. a circuit control module coupled with the voltage monitoring module for: receiving the measured output voltage and comparing the received output voltage with a predetermined threshold voltage; the circuit control module generating a changeover signal if the received output voltage is less than the threshold voltage;
iii. a changeover module coupled with the circuit control module for receiving the generated changeover signal, the changeover module connecting the EDLC with one of the generator and a secondary power source based on the changeover signal;
iv. a relay module coupled with the changeover module for controlling charging of the EDLC via the secondary power source if the changeover module connects the EDLC with the secondary power source;
v. a charge monitoring module for monitoring energy transferred from the secondary power source for charging the EDLC and the energy discharged from the EDLC for starting the generator.