Energy storage systems (ESS) are becoming essential as a solution for troublesome industrial systems. This study focuses on the application of a type of ESS, a high-power technology known in the literature as supercapacitors or electric double layer capacitors (EDLC). This technology has had a huge impact during the last decade on research related to the electric traction drives, renewable sources and powergrids. Related to this aspect, this paper summarizes the most relevant scientific publications in the last five years that study the use of supercapacitor technology (SCs) in electric traction applications (drives for rail vehicles and drives for road vehicles), generation systems for renewable energy (wind, solar and wave energy), and connection systems to the electric grid (voltage and frequency regulation and microgrids). The technology based on EDLC and the practical aspects that must be taken into account in the op-eration of these systems in industrial applications are briefly described. For each of the aforementioned applications, it is described how the problems are solved by using the energy storage technology, drawing the solutions proposed by different authors. Special attention is paid to the control strategies when combining SCs with other technologies, such as batteries. As a summary, some conclusions are collected drawn from the publications analyzed, evaluating the aspects in which it is necessary to conduct further research in order to facilitate the integration of EDLC technology.

Supercapacitors, one of the most promising energy storage technologies for high power density industrial applications, exchange the energy mostly through power electronic converters, operating under high frequency components due to the commutation. The high frequency produces important effects on the performance of the supercapacitors in relation to their capacitance, inductance and internal resistance (ESR). These parameters are fundamental to evaluate the efficiency of this energy storage system. The aim of the paper is to obtain an accurate model of two supercapacitors connected in series (functional and extrapolated unit) to represent the frequency effects for a wide range of frequencies. The methodology is based on the definition of an appropriate equivalent electric circuit with voltage dependance, obtaining their parameters from experimental tests, carried out by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and the use of specific software tools such as EC-Lab ® and Statgraphics Centurion ® . The paper concludes with a model which reproduces with accuracy both the frequency response of the model BCAP3000 supercapacitors, provided by the manufacturer, and the experimental results obtained by the authors.Energies 2020, 13, 1156 2 of 18 reducing the battery stress and extending the lifespan of the system. Moreover, in applications where long-time backups are not required, SCs can totally replace the battery storage system [8][9][10]. Thirdly, SCs are used in the energy harvesting industry for their integration with non-dispatchable renewable energy sources, i.e., wind and solar energies. The intermittent nature and uncertain prediction of these energy resources results in voltage and frequency fluctuations, which can destabilise the electric grid. Hence, energy storage systems, particularly SCs, play an important role in frequency regulation and peak shaving [11][12][13].SCs modelling has become of maximum importance when designing and dimensioning SC installations since it is the way to know in advance about the behaviour and performance of the energy storage system when applied to particular operation profiles or conditions. Control strategies or operational parameters and limits can also be obtained from a model, enlarging the lifetime of the storage technology and therefore achieving a higher level of reliability and competitiveness. Numerous SC models have been published in the literature for different purposes, including capturing electrical dynamic behaviour, which is of utmost importance for the aforementioned industrial applications. The models that capture electrical behaviour of SCs can be classified in three main categories: electrochemical models, intelligent models and equivalent circuit models [2].Commonly, electrochemical models account for high accuracy and low calculation efficiency, since they capture the reactions inside the SCs by employing coupled partial differential equations (PDEs). Among the electrochemical models, the three-domain model based on the uniform formulation of e...

This chapter is focused on Power Take-Off (PTO) systems for wave energy converters (WEC), being one of the most important elements since PTOs are responsible to transform the mechanical power captured from the waves into electricity. It presents Direct-Drive PTO (DDPTO) as one of the most reliable solutions to be adapted to some particular types of WEC, such as point absorbers. A discussion about modularity and adaptability, together with intrinsic characteristics of direct-drive PTOs, is also included. Among the different technologies of electric machines that can be used in direct-drive linear PTOs, switched reluctance machines (SRM) are described in further detail. In particular, the Azimuthal Multi-translator SRM is presented as a suitable solution in order to increase power density and reduce costs. Not only the electric machine, but also the associated power electronics are described in detail. The description includes the different configurations and topologies of power converters and the most appropriate control strategies. Finally, a superconducting linear generator solution is described, presenting it as a reliable alternative for the application of direct-drive PTOs. An example of concept and preliminary design is included in order to highlight the main challenges to be faced during this process.

The paper analyses the alternatives for the power supply of a Hyperloop type railway transport. The particular case of the technology of the Spanish company ZELEROS was studied. Based on previous technical specifications related to both the first prototype and a commercial system, different options were analyzed. We selected the use of a linear motor driven by a single power electronic converter, a distribution scheme comprising different sections along the acceleration area of the track, and an energy storage system based on supercapacitors for the energy supply. The power/energy ratio and the cycle capability are the reasons to become a feasible and competitive solution. A preliminary design methodology for the energy storage requirements is presented in the paper. Once the type of linear motor was selected, the power supply scheme was presented, based on a motor-side power electronic converter and a DC/DC converter which connects to the energy storage devices. An additional low power grid-tie converter for the recharge of the energy storage system was also used. Different track sections were defined, connected to the power electronic converter through corresponding switches, being supplied sequentially when the capsule presence is detected along the track. The particular characteristics of this application, with relatively short traction track area, as well as the high energy recuperation ratio due to the low losses, make more suitable the use of energy storage systems as the source of power supply than the direct connection to the grid.