Dual Battery Pack System for Vehicle Energy and Power Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical battery systems for vehicles face challenges in combining high performance, low cost, low weight, reduced volume, and improved lifetime, as parameters such as energy capacity, durability, and thermal management often have contradictory effects.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a dual battery pack system, where one pack is designed for high energy capacity and the other for high power output, with differential thermal insulation and voltage configurations, allowing for optimized performance and longevity while minimizing overall system volume and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a relatively high performance electrical battery system in terms of energy capacity is used, then energy capacity is improved, but the system becomes relatively large, heavy and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical battery system is divided into two separate battery packs: a first battery pack with high energy density cells for energy capacity, and a second battery pack with high power cells for peak power demands. This segmentation allows each pack to be optimized for its specific function, reducing the total weight compared to a single pack design that would need to accommodate both requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different battery cell types are used in different locations within the system. The first battery pack contains high energy density cells optimized for range, while the second battery pack contains high power cells optimized for acceleration and regenerative braking. This local quality differentiation allows each component to contribute its specialized function without compromising the other.
2Power
If high peak-acceleration and peak-regeneration are achieved, then performance is improved, but battery cell durability and lifetime are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments power delivery functions between two battery packs. The second battery pack with high power cells handles peak acceleration and regenerative braking demands, while the first battery pack with high energy density cells handles sustained power delivery. This segmentation protects the high energy density cells from the damaging effects of high-rate charging and discharging during peak power events.
Solution Approach 2:
The second battery pack with high power cells acts as a sacrificial component that absorbs the stress of high-power operations. These cells are designed to withstand high current rates but may have shorter operational lifetimes compared to the first battery pack, effectively protecting the more valuable high energy density cells from premature failure.
3Temperature
If the entire battery system is provided with thick thermal insulation, then cold start performance is improved, but the total volume of the electrical battery system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Thermal insulation is segmented and applied selectively only to the second battery pack containing high power cells, rather than insulating the entire battery system. This is because high power cells are more sensitive to temperature effects during high-rate charging and discharging. The first battery pack with high energy density cells receives minimal or no insulation, significantly reducing the total volume required for thermal management.
Solution Approach 2:
Different thermal insulation levels are applied to different battery packs based on their specific requirements. The second battery pack receives thick insulation to maintain optimal temperature during high-power operations, while the first battery pack receives minimal insulation. This local quality differentiation optimizes cold start performance where needed without unnecessarily increasing overall system volume.
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 approach ensures improved cold-start performance, extended battery life, and reduced replacement costs by utilizing a power-optimized smaller pack for high-demand scenarios and an energy-optimized larger pack for sustained operation, while maintaining a compact and efficient battery system.
Implementation Method 1
the battery cells of the second battery pack are better thermally insulated than the battery cells of the first battery pack
Data Source
AI summary
An electrical battery system for a vehicle includes a first battery pack and a second battery pack. The first battery pack has a larger total nominal energy capacity than the second battery pack. The first battery pack includes an array of a first type of battery cells and the second battery pack includes an array of a second type of battery cells. The second type of battery cells withstands a larger maximal 30-seconds discharge pulse current than the first type of battery cells. The first type of battery cells have a higher nominal energy capacity per unit volume than the second type of battery cells, and the battery cells of the second battery pack are better thermally insulated than the battery cells of the first battery pack. Additionally, a vehicle drive train includes such an electrical battery system or a vehicle includes such an electrical battery system.