Booster Battery and Capacitor System for Engine Starting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional combustion engine starting systems inefficiently manage energy storage, leading to depletion of primary battery systems by non-critical loads, which can prevent critical loads from powering the engine for restart.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a capacitor energy storage system and booster batteries connected in parallel with the primary battery system, controlled by a switch and controller to selectively isolate and connect the booster batteries based on target voltage levels and external inputs, ensuring critical loads receive necessary power for engine start.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional battery systems are used to power engine starting, then the system is simple in structure, but the primary battery can be depleted by non-critical loads preventing engine restart
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is segmented into two distinct components: a primary battery system for continuous operation and a capacitor system for high-power starting events. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, preventing the primary battery from being depleted by non-critical loads while maintaining engine restart capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A controller acts as an intermediary between the primary battery, capacitor system, and engine starter. It manages power distribution by directing the capacitor to supply high-current starting pulses while preventing non-critical loads from draining the primary battery, thus protecting the engine restart capability without requiring direct modification of the battery system.
2Power
If the primary battery is used to provide high current for engine starting, then the system is simple, but the battery voltage drops below operational levels after depletion
Solution Approach 1:
The capacitor system is pre-charged during normal operation when the engine is running and the alternator is generating power. This preliminary energy storage ensures that when engine starting is required, the capacitor can immediately deliver the necessary high current without requiring the primary battery to discharge deeply, thus preventing voltage drop below operational levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters by using the capacitor to deliver high-current starting pulses rather than relying on the primary battery alone. The capacitor's ability to rapidly discharge high current maintains voltage within operational levels during starting, while the controller manages the primary battery's discharge rate to prevent depletion.
3Power
If the capacitor system is always connected to the primary battery, then power delivery is maximized, but energy is wasted through continuous discharge to non-critical loads
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the capacitor system and primary battery is made dynamic rather than static. The controller continuously monitors system conditions and adjusts the connection state accordingly - connecting the capacitor when high power is needed for starting, and disconnecting it when the engine is running or during normal operation to prevent energy waste to non-critical loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller uses feedback from voltage sensors and system state monitoring to determine when to connect or disconnect the capacitor system. By detecting voltage levels and operational conditions, the controller ensures the capacitor is only connected when needed for critical starting functions, preventing unnecessary energy discharge to non-critical loads while maintaining maximum power availability when required.
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
This solution effectively manages energy distribution to maintain sufficient voltage for critical loads, improving engine start reliability by preventing unnecessary discharge of primary batteries and utilizing booster batteries to support engine starting even when primary batteries are depleted.
Implementation Method 1
The capacitor system includes one or more capacitors
Implementation Method 2
The one or more booster batteries are connected in parallel with the capacitor system
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a engine start system. In one aspect, the engine start system includes: a booster battery selectively connected in parallel with the primary batteries of the engine. The booster battery is disconnected when the battery voltage of the primary batteries is below a first target voltage. The booster battery is connected when the battery voltage of the primary batteries is at or above the second target voltage, or in response to an external input.