Dual-Battery EV Charging With Regenerative Role Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles face limitations in range and charging time, with existing methods failing to effectively extend range and reduce charging duration, particularly in trips with equal uphill and downhill driving.
Innovation Solution
A dual-battery system with a traction motor and low-loss generator, where one battery pack powers propulsion while the other is charged using regenerative energy, switching roles when charge levels reach a predetermined threshold to maintain optimal charge levels in both packs, reducing the need for utility-powered charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a single battery pack is used for propulsion, then the vehicle structure is simple, but the driving range is limited and charging frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into two separate battery packs: a propulsion battery pack dedicated to powering the motor and an auxiliary battery pack for regenerative charging. This segmentation allows each battery to be optimized for its specific function, extending the overall driving range while maintaining manageable system complexity through clear functional separation.
2Loss of energy
If regenerative braking is used during downhill driving, then energy is recovered, but the energy is lost during uphill portions of the journey
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary battery pack serves as an intermediary energy storage device that decouples the regenerative braking process from the propulsion system. During downhill driving, the auxiliary battery captures regenerative energy without affecting the propulsion battery's charge level. This intermediary approach allows energy recovery during downhill portions while maintaining propulsion capability during uphill sections, effectively reducing overall energy loss across varied terrain.
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
The system enhances driving range and reduces the frequency and duration of utility-powered charging by efficiently managing charge levels between two battery packs, minimizing energy loss and extending the vehicle's operational range.
Implementation Method 1
Both the traction motor and low-loss generator are linked to the drive shaft, or equivalent, such that when the vehicle is propelled using the charge from a first battery pack, the generator subsystem is concurrently charging a second battery pack via a regenerative system, such as regenerative braking.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed system includes two battery packs, at least one motor, a generator subsystem, controllers, and a switch wherein the battery packs are independent of one another but can either be undergoing charging or propelling an EV separately. A controller monitors comparative charge levels of the two battery packs and at a predetermined charge-difference value triggers the switch to reverse the roles of the battery packs.