Dual-Store Battery Voltage Conversion for Range and Acceleration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing battery systems for electric and hybrid vehicles often compromise between range and acceleration due to the trade-off between specific energy, specific power, and discharge rate, leading to suboptimal performance in both areas.

Innovation Solution

A battery system comprising two electrical energy stores with different nominal voltages and a voltage conversion unit that allows adaptable energy supply based on vehicle conditions, enabling efficient utilization of both high specific energy and high specific power stores.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single electrical energy store is used, then the system is simple, but the vehicle cannot achieve both extended range and high acceleration performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance adaptabilityVSAvoidbattery system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The battery system is divided into two separate electrical energy stores: a first energy store optimized for high specific energy (range extension) and a second energy store optimized for high specific power (acceleration). This segmentation allows each store to be independently optimized for its specific function while working together through a voltage conversion unit to provide versatile performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Duration of action of moving object

If high specific energy stores are used, then range is extended, but acceleration performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational rangeVSAvoidacceleration power

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the energy storage function into two specialized stores: the first energy store with high specific energy characteristics for extended range, and the second energy store with high specific power characteristics for acceleration. The voltage conversion unit enables seamless switching and combination of these stores based on performance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The voltage conversion unit provides multi-functionality by enabling the first energy store to supply power directly to the output, charge the second energy store, or combine with the second energy store for high-power output. This universal interface allows the system to adapt to different performance demands using the same hardware configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Power

If high specific power stores are used, then acceleration performance is improved, but range capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacceleration powerVSAvoidoperational range

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If two separate voltage conversion units are used for charging and power conversion, then functionality is complete, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage conversion functionalityVSAvoidconversion unit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The voltage conversion unit is designed as a universal, bidirectional converter that can operate in multiple modes: converting from the first energy store to the output, charging the second energy store from the first energy store, and combining both stores for high-power output. This single multi-functional unit replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate conversion units, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining complete functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 achieves improved vehicle performance by optimizing energy supply for extended cruising or high-power demands, enhancing both range and acceleration without the downsides of single-type energy stores.

Implementation Method 1

the voltage conversion unit connecting the first electrical energy store and the second electrical energy store and being configured to convert between the first voltage and the second voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical energy conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12592572B2Battery system comprising first and second electrical energy stores and a voltage conversation unit having multiple voltage conversion functionalities that share circuitry

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 MCLAREN AUTOMOTIVE LTD

AI summary

A battery system including: a first electrical energy store being configured to provide a first electrical energy output at a first voltage and being connected to a voltage conversion unit; a second electrical energy store being configured to provide a second electrical energy output at a second voltage and being connected to an output of the battery system; and the voltage conversion unit connecting the first electrical energy store and the second electrical energy store and being configured to: perform a first voltage conversion functionality, in which the voltage conversion unit is configured to convert between the first voltage and the second voltage; and perform a second voltage conversion functionality, in which the voltage conversion unit is configured to convert between a third voltage and the first or second voltage; the first voltage conversion functionality and the second voltage conversion functionality sharing circuitry of the voltage conversion unit.