An energy storage system is described for use in, for example, electronics
systems such as a bank of computers. The disclosed energy storage systems
allows the use of an efficient energy source, such as ultracapacitors,
while providing a desired voltage level for an extended period of time.
One embodiment of the energy storage system provides power to a load. The
system includes a power module including at least one ultracapacitor
adapted to store and discharge energy. The power module provides an
output voltage as the ultracapacitor discharges energy. The system also
includes a voltage regulator for boosting the output voltage of the power
module. The voltage regulator may include a voltage converter. The
voltage converter may be adapted to boost the output voltage when the
output voltage falls below a predetermined threshold. The voltage
converter may include a plurality of interleaving inductor circuits, each
of the circuits including a switch and an inductor. The switches are
adapted to be sequentially closed and opened, thereby in sequence storing
energy in the inductors and discharging energy to the load.