EV Swap Battery Control for Range and Weight Trade-Offs
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenges of increased weight and cost in electrified vehicles due to large battery capacity, long charging times, and the difficulty in swapping batteries without dedicated infrastructure, along with the driver's inability to recognize the impact of detachable batteries on fuel efficiency, hinder the usability of electrified vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A system that learns travel data to determine the swap or detachment timing of a swap battery based on whether it is mounted, using a travel distance control unit to notify the driver through an output device, optimizing battery usage and informing when to swap or detach the battery for improved efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to increase EV travel distance, then travel distance is improved, but vehicle weight and price significantly increase
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is divided into a main battery mounted at all times and a detachable swap battery. This segmentation allows the vehicle to have a smaller main battery (reducing weight) while providing extended range through the addition of a swap battery when needed, resolving the contradiction between travel distance and vehicle weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery configuration is made dynamic and adjustable. The swap battery can be detached or mounted based on travel needs, allowing the vehicle to adapt its battery capacity dynamically. This enables the vehicle to operate with lighter weight during daily commutes and switch to higher capacity for long-distance travel.
2Length of moving object
If battery capacity is increased to increase EV travel distance, then travel distance is improved, but charging time significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the battery into main and swap components, the system enables faster recharging. Instead of charging a large-capacity main battery for extended range, users can swap to a pre-charged battery module, significantly reducing the time lost to charging while maintaining the ability to achieve extended travel distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The swap battery can be pre-charged in advance at designated stations. This preliminary charging action allows users to quickly exchange pre-charged battery modules rather than waiting for the main battery to charge, thereby reducing charging time while maintaining extended range capability.
3Weight of moving object
If a detachable battery is used to reduce weight and cost, then fuel efficiency is improved, but driver awareness of efficiency impact is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that notify the driver about the swap or detachment timing of the swap battery and provide information on fuel efficiency impact. This feedback ensures the driver is aware of how battery configuration affects efficiency, preventing information loss while maintaining the weight benefits of detachable batteries.
4Ease of operation
If battery swap infrastructure is expanded to enable easy swapping, then ease of operation is improved, but infrastructure cost significantly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The swap battery is designed to be universally compatible and can serve multiple functions. It can be used for extended range trips, quick energy top-ups, or removed entirely for weight reduction during daily commuting. This multi-functionality reduces the need for specialized infrastructure, as the same swap battery serves various purposes, thereby reducing overall infrastructure requirements and cost.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of power source control for the electrified vehicle includes: learning travel data in consideration of whether or not a swap battery is mounted in a vehicle in which a main battery is mounted at all times; determining a travel distance according to a currently mounted battery based on the travel data and a current driving point of the vehicle; and outputting information on swap or detachment of the swap battery based on the determined travel distance when the swap battery is mounted.