Vehicle with battery power supply

Abstract

The utility model provides a vehicle with a battery power supply, which comprises a power supply comprising a battery pack, and the battery pack is provided with at least one battery; a battery pack case that accommodates the battery pack; and a bracket for stabilizing the position of the at least one battery of the battery pack in the battery pack housing, the bracket having means for attaching the bracket to the battery pack housing, the surface of the bracket is contacted with the surface of the at least one battery to fix or at least stabilize the position of the at least one battery relative to the battery pack shell; wherein the support includes a housing having an interior space, the interior space housing a supercapacitor bank, the supercapacitor bank being electrically connected to the battery pack.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present utility model relates to a vehicle. In particular, but not exclusively, the present utility model relates to a vehicle having a battery power source. BACKGROUND

[0002] Vehicles having a battery pack as a power source, and in particular vehicles having a battery pack for providing motive power, are very common. Such vehicles can rely exclusively on the battery pack as the sole power source for motive power, but can include hybrid vehicles that combine the battery pack power source with another power source, such as an internal combustion engine.

[0003] Battery packs store energy as chemical energy, which is a stable form of storing energy with little loss over long periods of time. However, battery packs have some limitations. Battery packs typically work best within a limited temperature range of -20°C to +40°C. This is effective for most operating environments, but not all. Lower operating environment temperatures reduce chemical reaction activity, resulting in lower power and energy capacity. Conversely, higher operating environment temperatures can result in thermal runaway, causing the battery pack to overheat and even explode. Another limitation of battery packs is that repeated charging of the battery pack causes the battery pack to age and potentially fail, requiring replacement of the battery pack or some or all of the cells comprising the battery pack. This can be very expensive, especially in the case of electric vehicles (EVs), where the cost of replacing the battery pack can be almost as high as the cost of a new vehicle. Another limitation of battery packs is that they can be difficult to deliver energy quickly, especially in situations where short power pulses or bursts of energy are required, such as when a vehicle starts moving or accelerates.

[0004] Super capacitors can be used in combination with battery packs to provide energy in the form of short power pulses or bursts, thereby reducing the stress on the battery pack. However, the combination of a super capacitor pack with a battery pack often requires engineering and design trade-offs. One of the challenges is finding the physical space to install the battery pack and the capacitor pack, and how to electrically connect the super capacitor pack to the battery pack conveniently.

[0005] Accordingly, among other things, it is desirable to have an improved arrangement for a power source for a vehicle including a combination of a battery pack and a super capacitor pack.

[0006] UTILITY MODEL OBJECTIVE

[0007] It is an object of the present utility model to mitigate or eliminate, to some extent, one or more problems associated with known vehicles having a power source including or comprising a battery pack.

[0008] The above objective is achieved by the combination of features of the main claim; the dependent claims disclose further advantageous embodiments of the utility model.

[0009] It is a further object of the present utility model to provide a novel device for extending the life of a vehicle battery pack.

[0010] It is a further object of the present utility model to provide a supercapacitor pack for a vehicle having a power source comprising or including a battery pack.

[0011] Other objects of the present utility model will be derived from the following description by persons skilled in the art. Therefore, the above object recitations are not exhaustive and are only intended to illustrate a portion of the many objects of the present utility model. Utility model content

[0012] In a first main aspect, the present utility model provides a vehicle having a battery power source, comprising: a power source comprising a battery pack, the battery pack having at least one battery; a battery pack housing containing the battery pack; and a bracket for stabilizing the position of the at least one battery of the battery pack in the battery pack housing. The bracket has means for attaching the bracket to the battery pack housing such that a surface of the bracket contacts a surface of the at least one battery to fix or at least stabilize the position of the at least one battery relative to the battery pack housing. The bracket comprises a housing having an internal space, the internal space containing a supercapacitor pack, the supercapacitor pack being electrically connected to the battery pack, thereby extending the life of the battery pack.

[0013] In a second main aspect, the present utility model provides a bracket for a vehicle having a power source, the power source comprising a battery pack contained in a battery pack housing. The bracket comprises means for attaching the bracket to the battery pack housing of the vehicle such that a surface of the bracket contacts a surface of at least one battery of the battery pack to fix or at least stabilize the position of the at least one battery relative to the battery pack housing. The bracket comprises a housing having an internal space, the internal space being configured to contain a supercapacitor pack, the supercapacitor pack being electrically connectable to an electrical port provided on the housing, the electrical port enabling the supercapacitor pack to be electrically connected to the battery pack of the vehicle.

[0014] In a third main aspect, the present utility model provides a supercapacitor pack for a vehicle having a power source, the power source comprising a battery pack contained in a battery pack housing. The supercapacitor pack comprises: a housing having means for attaching the supercapacitor pack to the battery pack housing of the vehicle such that a surface of the housing contacts a surface of at least one battery of the battery pack to fix or at least stabilize the position of the at least one battery relative to the battery pack housing. The supercapacitor pack housing has an internal space, the internal space containing one or more supercapacitor devices comprising the supercapacitor pack, the one or more supercapacitor devices being electrically connected to an electrical port provided on the housing, enabling the supercapacitor pack to be electrically connected to the battery pack of the vehicle.

[0015] In a fourth main aspect, the utility model provides a golf cart. The golf cart comprises: a power supply comprising a battery pack, the battery pack having a plurality of batteries electrically connected in series; a battery pack housing containing the battery pack; and one or more braces for stabilizing the position of the plurality of batteries of the battery pack in the battery pack housing, each brace having means for attaching the brace to the battery pack housing such that a lower surface of the brace presses on a portion of an upper surface of at least two or more of the plurality of batteries to fix or at least stabilize the position of the at least two or more of the plurality of batteries relative to the battery pack housing; wherein at least one of the braces comprises a housing having an internal space, the internal space containing a supercapacitor pack, the supercapacitor pack being electrically connected in parallel with the battery pack, the supercapacitor pack comprising a plurality of identical supercapacitor devices; wherein the brace housing having the internal space containing the supercapacitor pack has a plurality of cylindrically shaped sections formed in the internal space to each contain a supercapacitor device, the sections in the internal space of the brace housing being shaped to complement and have the same dimensions as the cylindrical outer shape of the supercapacitor devices; and wherein the dimensions of the brace housing having the internal space containing the supercapacitor pack are adapted to fit within a space on the portion of the upper surface of the at least two or more of the plurality of batteries, wherein the maximum dimensions of the space are defined by the position of the vent caps on the upper surface of the at least two or more of the plurality of batteries.

[0016] The abstract of the utility model does not necessarily disclose all the features that are essential to define the utility model; the utility model can exist in subcombinations of the disclosed features.

[0017] The foregoing has outlined rather broadly the features of the utility model in order that the detailed description of the utility model that follows can be better understood. Additional features and advantages of the utility model will be described hereinafter which form the subject of the claims of the utility model. Those skilled in the art will realize that the concepts and specific embodiments disclosed can be readily utilized as a basis for modifying or designing other structures for carrying out the same purposes of the utility model. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0018] The foregoing and other features of the utility model will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of preferred embodiments, which are provided by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0019] The above and other features of the utility model will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of preferred embodiments, which are provided by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0020] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a golf cart as an example of a vehicle in which aspects of the utility model can be implemented;

[0021] Figure 2 is a schematic top view of a battery pack housing or compartment of a vehicle comprising a battery position stabilizing bracket according to the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 is another top view of a battery pack housing or compartment of a vehicle comprising a battery position stabilizing bracket according to the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a battery position stabilizing bracket or supercapacitor pack according to the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 5 is Figure 4 a top view of a battery position stabilizing bracket or supercapacitor pack according to the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 6 is Figure 4 a bottom view of a battery position stabilizing bracket or supercapacitor pack according to the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a bottom housing shell of a housing comprising a battery position stabilizing bracket or supercapacitor pack according to one embodiment of the present utility model; and

[0027] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a bottom housing shell of a housing comprising a battery position stabilizing bracket or supercapacitor pack according to one embodiment of the present utility model; and DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The following description is merely of the preferred embodiments and is not intended to limit the scope of the application as claimed.

[0029] In this specification, reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the application. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Also, the various features described in this specification can be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.

[0030] This specification describes the principles of the application. Therefore, it is to be understood that various modifications can be made by those skilled in the art that, while not expressly mentioned or implied in this document, nonetheless fall within the spirit and scope of the application.

[0031] Furthermore, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the utility new and specific examples thereof are intended to encompass both structural and functional equivalents. Additionally, it is intended that such equivalents include both currently known equivalents as well as equivalents developed in the future that perform the same function, regardless of structure. The scope of the utility new thus inter alia is intended to cover any replacement of the equivalent structures to perform substantially the same function in substantially the same way to achieve substantially the same results.

[0032] Thus, for example, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the block diagrams presented herein represent conceptual views of systems and devices embodying the principles of the utility new.

[0033] Referring now to Figures 1 to 3 , a schematic view of a golf cart 10 is shown as an example of a vehicle in which aspects of the utility new can be implemented. The description of aspects of the utility new will be provided below with respect to the golf cart 10 of Figure 1 , but it is to be understood that aspects of the utility new can be implemented in any vehicle 10 having a battery power pack and battery support arrangement similar to that described below.

[0034] The golf cart 10 includes a wheeled vehicle, but the vehicle can also include tracked treads, tank treads, or rollers. The vehicle can include a three-wheeled vehicle. The golf cart 10 includes a power source 11 that includes a battery pack 12 Figure 2 ). The power source 11 preferably provides power to the golf cart 10 to generate motive power, but the power source 11 can also provide power for other functions of the vehicle. The battery pack 12 is housed in a battery pack housing or compartment 13, as best seen in Figure 2 and Figure 3 . Reference herein to the battery pack housing 13 is to be considered as reference to the battery pack compartment 13, and vice versa. The battery pack compartment 13 is located below a seat 14 of the golf cart 10, but this is not required. However, the battery pack compartment 13 is typically located below the seat 14 of the golf cart 10 as it provides an easily accessible and convenient space to house the battery pack 12. The main seat cushion 14A can be pivoted upwardly relative to the seat back 14B to reveal the battery pack compartment 13.

[0035] It is to be understood that in some embodiments the power source 11 can include only the battery pack 12 improved in accordance with the utility new, but in other embodiments the power source 11 can include a hybrid power source that includes the battery pack 12 improved in accordance with the utility new operating in combination with another power source, such as but not limited to an internal combustion engine (not shown).

[0036] The battery pack 12 includes at least one battery 12A, but preferably includes a plurality of batteries 12A. A cradle 15 is provided for stabilizing the position of the at least one battery 12A in the battery pack compartment 13. The cradle 15 has means 16 for attaching the cradle 15 to the battery pack compartment 13, such that a surface of the cradle 15 contacts a surface of the at least one battery 12A to secure or at least stabilize the position of the at least one battery 12A relative to the battery pack compartment 13. In some embodiments, the attachment means 16 can include a hole 17A Figure 4 ) in a housing 17 of the cradle 15 into which a bolt 18 can be inserted, the bolt 18 threadably engaging a threaded hole provided in a floor or the like of the battery pack compartment 13. The hole 17A is preferably positioned along a longitudinal centerline of the cradle housing 17 and is spaced inwardly from one end edge 17B of the housing 17. The hole 17A is preferably located sufficiently inwardly from the one end edge 17B of the housing 17 such that, when the bolt 18 is threadably engaged in the threaded hole provided in the floor of the battery pack compartment 13 and the bolt 18 is tightened, respective portions of the lower planar surface of the cradle 15 press downwardly on corresponding upper surface portions of at least two batteries 12A of the battery pack 12, thereby stabilizing the position of the at least two batteries 12A relative to the battery pack compartment 13.

[0037] In Figure 2 and 3 the exemplary embodiment of the utility model shown, the battery pack 12 includes six batteries 12A arranged in an "I-shaped" configuration and having two cradles 15, each cradle 15 being arranged to stabilize the position of three of the six batteries 12A. In this embodiment, the battery pack 12 includes six 8-volt flooded lead acid batteries 12A, which are connected in series via their terminal electrodes by a cable 22 to provide an output voltage of 48 volts. However, the batteries 12A can include lithium ion batteries, absorbed glass mat (AGM) batteries, or AES batteries. The flooded lead acid batteries 12A include vent caps 19 in a known manner, and these vent caps are typically arranged along a longitudinal centerline of the batteries 12A as shown.

[0038] The housing 17 of each cradle 15 is preferably sized to fit within the space above its respective three batteries 12A, which is defined by the respective vent caps 19 of the batteries 12A. Preferably, the housing 17 of each cradle 15 is sized to provide sufficient clearance between the side and end surfaces of the housing 17 to enable the vent caps 19 of the batteries 12A to be manually manipulated without obstruction or resistance.

[0039] The housing 17 of each cradle 15 includes an interior space 20 Figure 7 and 8 . The interior space 20 of each cradle 15 houses a supercapacitor pack 21 (Figure 8 ).

[0040] Although the description herein refers to each cradle 15 housing a supercapacitor pack 21, it is to be understood that in some embodiments only one of the cradles 15 includes a supercapacitor pack 21. In such a case, the remaining cradles, which do not include a supercapacitor pack 21, can comprise conventional cradles, i.e. they can comprise cradles which are not configured in accordance with the present utility. In the case where an existing vehicle 10 is modified to include one modified cradle 15 in accordance with the present utility, only one of the conventional cradles needs to be replaced with a modified cradle 15 in accordance with the present utility.

[0041] The supercapacitor pack 21 of each cradle 15 is electrically connected to the battery pack 12 in use. Preferably, each supercapacitor pack 21 of each cradle 15 is electrically connected to the battery pack 12 in parallel via a cable 23. Each supercapacitor pack 21 preferably comprises a plurality of supercapacitor elements or devices 21A. However, in some embodiments, the supercapacitor pack 21 can comprise only one supercapacitor element or device 21A.

[0042] Preferably, the housing 17 of each cradle 15 has a connector port 24, and the plurality of supercapacitor elements or devices 21A of the supercapacitor pack 21 are electrically connected internally within the housing 17 to the connector port 24. The supercapacitor pack 21 can then be readily electrically connected to the battery pack 12 via the cable 23 in use.

[0043] The cradle housing 17 is preferably a sealed housing 17, making it waterproof or at least water resistant. A grommet 25 can be provided with the cable 23 to seal the connector port 24 from the exterior of the housing 17.

[0044] Referring to Figure 7 The cradle housing 17 is formed from a housing base or half-shell 17C and a housing top or half-shell 17D which, when connected together, define the interior space 20 of the cradle housing 17. The base shell 17C and the top shell 17D can be formed by 3D printing, by moulding or any suitable manufacturing process. Preferably, the base shell 17C and the top shell 17D are formed from a plastic material. Furthermore, preferably, the base shell 17C and the top shell 17D are formed from a thermally conductive plastic material, enabling the cradle housing 17 to dissipate heat.

[0045] The base shell 17C and the top shell 17D defining the interior space 20 of the cradle housing 17 each have one or more complementary sections or wells 26, separated by shoulders 27, to each house one or more supercapacitor devices 21A comprising the supercapacitor pack 21. The one or more sections 26 and shoulders 27 of the base shell 17C and the top shell 17D of the cradle housing 17 are each shaped to complement the outer shape of the one or more supercapacitor devices 21A. In Figure 7In the exemplary embodiment, the complementary sections 26 are semi-cylindrical in shape, such that when the bottom shell 17C and the top shell 17D of the cradle housing 17 are connected to form the sealed housing, the sections 26 and the shoulders 27 define a cylindrical shaped well, and the well has the same dimensions as the outer shape of the supercapacitor device 21A, thereby securely holding the supercapacitor device 21A within the cradle housing 17.

[0046] In this embodiment, the complementary sections 26 of the bottom shell 17C and the top shell 17D are thus separated by the recessed shoulders 27. These are advantageous, as the recessed shoulders 27 not only act to securely position the supercapacitor device 21A, protecting the device 21A from impacts, shocks or the like due to movement of the vehicle 10, but also act to reinforce the cradle housing 17. It will be appreciated that the cradle housing 17 must exhibit sufficient strength and robustness to effectively function as a battery position stabilizing cradle 15 in the manner described herein. Forming the cradle 15 as largely hollow to define the interior space 20 weakens the structure of the cradle housing 17, but the provision of the shoulders 27 reinforces the cradle housing 17 to some extent, which at least compensates for the loss of strength. The housings of conventional battery cradles are typically formed from solid or thick-ribbed plastic material, and thus conventional cradles have little or no enclosed interior space. It is therefore possible to manufacture the cradle housing 17 according to the present application using a lighter plastic material than is typically used for conventional battery position stabilizing cradles, and still provide an interior space for housing the supercapacitor pack 21.

[0047] Preferably, the cradle housing 17 has two rows of supercapacitor devices 21A, arranged on opposite sides of a central section 28 of the cradle housing 17. The two rows of supercapacitor devices 21A are preferably arranged with their electrical terminals 29 adjacent to or facing the central section 28 of the housing 17.

[0048] The central section 28 of the housing 17 preferably houses one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs) 30, to which the sets of electrical terminals 29 of the supercapacitor devices 21A are each electrically connected. The electrical terminals 29 of the supercapacitor devices 21A can be physically and directly electrically connected to the one or more PCBs 30. The arrangement of the supercapacitor devices 21A being physically and directly electrically connected to the one or more PCBs 30 further reinforces the cradle housing 17 and the supercapacitor assembly 31, which is the combination resulting from the assembly of the cradle housing 17 with the supercapacitor pack 21 as described above.

[0049] The central section 28 of the cradle housing 17 preferably has a wall 32 that extends between the bottom shell (lower cover) 17C and the top shell (upper cover) 17D of the cradle housing 17. The wall 32 further strengthens the cradle housing 17. The wall 32 preferably defines a slot 33 that provides an airflow path 34 through the slot 33 between the exterior space below the cradle housing 17 and the exterior space above the cradle housing 17. The airflow path 34 through the slot 33 preferably extends along a substantial portion of the longitudinal length of the housing 17. Having the airflow path 34 through the slot 33 formed along the centerline of the housing 17 has the advantage that: Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment of the slot 33, the airflow path 34 is aligned with the gap between some of the batteries 12A of the battery pack 12, enhancing the convective cooling of the battery pack compartment 13 and the supercapacitor device 31, which includes the combination of the cradle housing 17 and the supercapacitor pack 21 fitted in its interior space 20. The inner wall 32 that defines the slot 33 and the air passage 34 also strengthens the cradle housing 17, making it suitable for use as a battery position stabilizer cradle 15 and a supercapacitor pack 21 to be connected to the battery pack 12 to form a combined power source 11 for the vehicle 10.

[0050] A further air passage 35 is provided through the housing 17, aligned with the hole 17A and extending perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the housing 17. As can be seen, in Figure 2 and 3 In the exemplary embodiment of the slot 33, the airflow path 34 is aligned with the gap between some of the batteries 12A of the battery pack 12, enhancing the convective cooling of the battery pack compartment 13 and the supercapacitor device 31, which includes the combination of the cradle housing 17 and the supercapacitor pack 21 fitted in its interior space 20. The inner wall 32 that defines the slot 33 and the air passage 34 also strengthens the cradle housing 17, making it suitable for use as a battery position stabilizer cradle 15 and a supercapacitor pack 21 to be connected to the battery pack 12 to form a combined power source 11 for the vehicle 10.

[0051] Supercapacitors are designed to provide energy / power very quickly, making them an excellent complement to batteries. While a battery pack can typically provide 10 times more energy over a longer period of time than a supercapacitor pack, a supercapacitor pack can typically provide energy at 10 times the speed of a battery pack. This makes a combined battery pack and supercapacitor pack power source ideal for applications that require short bursts of energy / power, such as for generating power in electric and hybrid vehicles.

[0052] The rapid delivery of energy can put stress on a battery pack, thereby shortening its useful operational life. The combination of a supercapacitor pack with a battery pack can eliminate this stress on the battery pack, thereby extending the useful operational life of the battery pack.

[0053] In addition, charging a battery pack causes periodic stress, which degrades the battery electrode materials and electrolyte composition, which also shortens the useful operational life of the battery pack. The combination of a supercapacitor pack with a battery pack can reduce the frequency of charging the battery pack, thereby further extending the useful operational life of the battery pack.

[0054] The supercapacitor bank provides other advantages in that it stores charge electrostatically with charge, and therefore can undergo almost unlimited charge / discharge cycles. It can also be charged very quickly compared to a battery bank, in order to be ready for the next energy / power burst cycle in a very short time. Thus, the supercapacitor bank can supplement the battery bank, more efficiently utilize the energy stored in the combined power source, reduce the stress on the battery bank to extend its useful operational life, and deliver power in short bursts to accelerate and start movement of the vehicle.

[0055] The present utility model enables the existing vehicle with a battery bank power source to be easily modified to connect one or more supercapacitor banks to the battery bank, while using space in the vehicle that was not previously used, and while using space that enables the supercapacitor bank to be easily and conveniently connected to the installed battery bank.

[0056] While the utility model has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and above description, it will be understood by its nature to be illustrative and not restrictive, and it should also be understood that only exemplary embodiments are shown and described, which do not limit the scope of the utility model in any way. It can be understood that any of the features described herein can be used with any embodiment. The illustrative embodiments are not mutually exclusive, or do not exclude other embodiments not described herein. Accordingly, the utility model also provides embodiments including combinations of one or more of the above illustrative embodiments. Modifications and changes to the utility model as set forth herein can be made without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, and therefore such limitations should only be imposed as indicated in the appended claims.

[0057] In the following claims and the foregoing description of the utility model, the term "comprising" or its variants, unless the context requires otherwise, is used in the sense of "including" i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the utility model.

[0058] It is to be understood that if reference is made in this text to any prior art publication, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art.

Claims

1. A vehicle having a battery power source, comprising: a power source comprising a battery pack having at least one battery; a battery pack housing containing the battery pack; and a bracket for stabilizing the position of the at least one battery of the battery pack in the battery pack housing, the bracket having means for attaching the bracket to the battery pack housing such that a surface of the bracket contacts a surface of the at least one battery to fix or at least stabilize the position of the at least one battery relative to the battery pack housing; wherein the bracket comprises a housing having an interior space containing a supercapacitor pack, the supercapacitor pack being electrically connected to the battery pack. the supercapacitor pack is electrically connected to an electrical port provided on the housing of the bracket, and a cable electrically connects the electrical port to the battery pack.

2. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, the interior space of the housing of the bracket has one or more sections adapted to each contain one or more supercapacitor devices comprising the supercapacitor pack.

3. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, each of the one or more sections of the interior space of the housing of the bracket is shaped to complement the outer shape of the one or more supercapacitor devices comprising the supercapacitor pack.

4. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein, the outer shape of the one or more supercapacitor devices is cylindrical, and each of the one or more sections of the interior space of the housing of the bracket is shaped to be cylindrical and has the same dimensions as the outer shape of the one or more supercapacitor devices.

5. The vehicle of claim 4, wherein, the supercapacitor pack comprises a plurality of supercapacitor devices arranged in two rows on opposite sides of a central section, the central section extending along a portion of a longitudinal centerline of the housing of the bracket, the plurality of supercapacitor devices being arranged in two rows with electrical terminals of the plurality of supercapacitor devices adjacent to or facing the central section of the housing.

6. The vehicle of claim 3, wherein, the central section of the housing contains one or more printed circuit boards, the electrical terminals of the plurality of supercapacitor devices being electrically connected to the one or more printed circuit boards and / or the central section of the housing of the bracket has a wall extending between a lower cover and an upper cover of the housing of the bracket, a slot of the wall providing an airflow path between an exterior space below the housing of the bracket and an exterior space above the housing of the bracket.

7. The vehicle of claim 6, wherein, one or more additional air channels are provided in the housing of the bracket, the one or more additional air channels being aligned with the means for attaching the bracket to the battery pack housing and extending along a line perpendicular to the longitudinal centerline of the housing of the bracket.

8. The vehicle of claim 7, wherein, the battery pack comprises a plurality of batteries electrically connected in series, and the supercapacitor pack is electrically connected in parallel to the battery pack.

9. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, the vehicle is a golf cart.

10. The vehicle of claim 1, wherein, ​

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