Dual Chemistry Battery Module for Regenerative Power Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional 12 volt battery systems in micro-hybrid vehicles are inefficient in capturing and storing regenerative power due to lower coulombic efficiency and charge power acceptance rate, leading to increased costs and reduced fuel economy.
Innovation Solution
A dual chemistry battery module system using a lead-acid battery for high current supply and a second battery with higher coulombic efficiency and charge power acceptance rate, connected in various parallel architectures such as passive, semi-passive, switch passive, semi-active, or active architectures, to optimize power storage and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional lead-acid battery is used in micro-hybrid vehicles, then the vehicle can maintain compatibility with traditional designs, but the coulombic efficiency and charge power acceptance rate are lower, reducing fuel economy and increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two different battery chemistries (lead-acid battery and a second battery with higher coulombic efficiency) into a dual chemistry battery module system. This merging allows the system to achieve both compatibility with traditional vehicle designs (through the lead-acid component) and improved fuel economy (through the high-efficiency battery component that better captures regenerative power)
2Device complexity
If a traditional lead-acid battery is used, then the system structure remains simple, but the ability to capture and store regenerative power is inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a lead-acid battery with a second high-efficiency battery into a dual chemistry system. The lead-acid battery maintains structural simplicity and compatibility, while the second battery efficiently captures regenerative power through its superior charge power acceptance rate and coulombic efficiency, thereby reducing energy loss
3Ease of manufacture
If a single battery chemistry is used, then the system is simpler to manufacture, but the power storage and power distribution efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two battery chemistries with complementary strengths into a dual chemistry battery module. The lead-acid battery provides proven manufacturing processes and reliability, while the second battery chemistry enables superior power storage and distribution efficiency through higher coulombic efficiency and charge power acceptance rate
4Power
If regenerative braking is implemented, then electrical power can be generated during deceleration, but the traditional battery system cannot efficiently store this power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges a lead-acid battery with a second high-efficiency battery to create a dual chemistry system. When regenerative braking generates electrical power, the second battery with its superior charge power acceptance rate and coulombic efficiency can store significantly more of this energy compared to a traditional single battery system, thereby increasing the quantity of stored electrical energy
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 dual chemistry battery module system enhances fuel economy by 3-5% and reduces undesirable emissions by efficiently capturing and distributing regenerative power, while maintaining compatibility with traditional vehicle designs.
Implementation Method 1
as vehicle reduces in speed, a regenerative braking system may convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, which may then be stored and/or used to power to the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
dual chemistry battery modules may include a first battery utilizing a first battery chemistry and a second battery utilizing a second battery chemistry
Data Source
AI summary
A 12 volt automotive battery system includes a first battery coupled to an electrical system, in which the first battery includes a first battery chemistry. The first battery is charged with a relatively constant first voltage, in which an alternator outputs the relatively constant first voltage. The 12 volt automotive battery system further includes a second battery coupled in parallel with the first battery and selectively coupled to the electrical system via a DC/DC converter, in which the second battery includes a second battery chemistry that has a higher coulombic efficiency than the first battery chemistry. The DC/DC converter boosts the first voltage to a second voltage to charge the second battery during regenerative braking, in which the second voltage is higher than a maximum charging voltage of the first battery.