Dual Battery EV Power Switching With Onboard Fuel Cell Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicles face limitations such as range anxiety, limited charging infrastructure, prolonged charging times, and reduced efficiency in extreme weather conditions, necessitating a self-charging system with real-time power management and multiple power sources for long-distance travel.
Innovation Solution
A self-charging electric vehicle integrating a dual traction battery system and a hydrogen fuel cell with swappable hydrogen tanks, featuring a power controller that switches between battery packs and automatically reallocates power based on driving conditions, climate, and terrain, while the hydrogen fuel cell recharges inactive battery packs during operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a single large battery pack is used to extend driving range, then the driving range is improved, but the charging time and dependency on external charging infrastructure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into multiple separate battery packs instead of using a single large battery pack. This allows the vehicle to carry multiple smaller energy storage units that can be individually managed, swapped, or recharged, thereby extending the effective driving range without requiring a single large-capacity battery that would take excessively long to charge.
Solution Approach 2:
The vehicle incorporates an onboard fuel cell system that generates electricity to recharge battery packs while the vehicle is in operation. This self-charging capability reduces dependency on external charging infrastructure and minimizes charging time by enabling continuous energy replenishment during normal vehicle operation.
2Length of moving object
If multiple battery packs are integrated to extend range, then the driving range is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery packs are designed with standardized interfaces and uniform specifications, allowing them to serve multiple functions: primary power source, energy storage for regenerative braking, and interchangeable units for range extension. This universality simplifies the power management system by enabling automated selection and switching between identical modular units rather than managing heterogeneous battery components.
3Loss of time
If fast-charging technology is implemented to reduce charging time, then the charging speed is improved, but the battery performance and efficiency are reduced in extreme weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of attempting to charge a single large battery pack quickly (which stresses the battery in extreme temperatures), the system uses multiple smaller battery packs that can be charged in parallel or swapped. This distributes the charging load across multiple units, reducing thermal stress on individual batteries while maintaining fast overall charging capability. The fuel cell system also provides an alternative power source that is not affected by temperature-related battery performance degradation.
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
Enables continuous power replenishment, reduces dependency on external charging, and extends driving range by allowing real-time energy transfer and switching between battery packs, facilitating long-distance travel without frequent stops.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrogen fuel cell system including at least one fixed hydrogen tank and a plurality of swappable (i.e., selectively removable) hydrogen tanks, the hydrogen fuel cell being configured to generate electricity for battery charging and direct propulsion
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a self-charging battery-powered electric vehicle (EV) that integrates a dual traction battery system and a hydrogen fuel cell to enhance driving range and efficiency. The EV features a first traction battery pack and a second traction battery pack, wherein a power controller automatically switches between battery packs and enables the hydrogen fuel cell to recharge the inactive pack while driving. A hydrogen fuel cell system, coupled with swappable (i.e., selectively removable) and fixed hydrogen tanks, generates electricity for battery charging and direct propulsion. Additionally, a hydrogen tank swapping station provides secure and automated hydrogen refueling. The system optimizes energy distribution based on driving patterns, terrain, and climate conditions.