Removable EV Range Extender Battery for OCV-Matched Parallel Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face challenges related to range anxiety due to limited battery capacity, especially in high-demand situations, and the need for efficient charging infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a secondary battery system, or range extender, that works in tandem with the primary battery, including power conversion systems and control strategies to manage energy distribution and switching between SOE balancing and OCV matching for optimized driving and high-speed charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the primary battery capacity is increased to extend driving range, then the vehicle's range is improved, but the vehicle weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into a primary battery integrated into the vehicle and a secondary battery housed in a removable range extender unit. This allows the energy storage capacity to be divided between two separate systems, enabling range extension without proportionally increasing the permanent vehicle weight, as the secondary battery can be removed when not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a single-dimensional approach (one large battery) to a two-dimensional approach (primary battery + removable range extender). This allows the system to provide extended range capability on demand without permanently increasing the vehicle's base weight, effectively adding range capacity in a separate dimension that can be engaged or disengaged as needed.
2Duration of action of moving object
If a larger primary battery is used to extend range, then driving range is improved, but charging time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into a primary battery integrated into the vehicle and a secondary battery housed in a removable range extender unit. This allows the energy storage capacity to be divided between two separate systems, enabling range extension without proportionally increasing the permanent vehicle weight, as the secondary battery can be removed when not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The range extender with secondary battery can be prepared and charged in advance separately from the vehicle. When range extension is needed, the pre-charged range extender is simply attached to the vehicle, eliminating the need to charge a large combined battery system at the vehicle itself, thus reducing charging time loss.
3Weight of moving object
If the primary battery capacity is reduced to decrease vehicle weight, then vehicle weight is improved, but driving range decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into a primary battery integrated into the vehicle and a secondary battery housed in a removable range extender unit. This allows the energy storage capacity to be divided between two separate systems, enabling range extension without proportionally increasing the permanent vehicle weight, as the secondary battery can be removed when not needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its effective battery capacity based on the attachment of the range extender. The vehicle can operate with just the lightweight primary battery for short trips, or attach the range extender for longer journeys, providing dynamic range adjustment without permanent weight penalty.
4Productivity
If complex power management systems are implemented to manage multiple batteries, then energy distribution efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power management system operates autonomously using control circuitry that automatically monitors battery states, manages charge/discharge flows, and switches between power sources based on real-time conditions. This self-service capability achieves efficient energy distribution without requiring complex manual intervention or overly sophisticated control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where control circuitry continuously monitors the state of charge, voltage, and current of both primary and secondary batteries, and adjusts power distribution accordingly. This feedback-based control achieves efficient energy management through relatively simple automated responses to measured conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances driving range, reduces charging time, and addresses range anxiety by providing flexible energy management, especially in scenarios like towing and hill climbing, while ensuring efficient and safe charging.
Implementation Method 1
an electric vehicle having a primary battery pack and an auxiliary battery pack
Implementation Method 2
power conversion systems and control strategies to manage energy distribution
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods to manage a plurality of battery packs of an electric vehicle include initiating a charging process for a primary battery pack and an auxiliary battery pack, determining that an Open Circuit Voltage (OCV) of the primary battery pack matches an OCV of the auxiliary battery pack, and based on determining that the OCV of the primary battery pack matches the OCV of the auxiliary battery, connecting the primary and auxiliary battery packs in parallel and initiating parallel charging of the primary battery pack and the auxiliary battery pack.