Hybrid EV Power Switching With Supercapacitors for Peak Load
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric vehicles using electrochemical batteries face challenges with short shelf-life, low peak power, and limited charging/discharging cycles, necessitating a solution to enhance battery performance and extend their useful life.
Innovation Solution
An intelligent hybrid power system integrating electrochemical batteries with supercapacitors, utilizing relays and a processor to dynamically switch between them based on current flow, load predictions, and charge optimization using machine learning for efficient power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If electrochemical batteries are used to power electric vehicles, then electrical charge capacity is provided, but charging cycle life is limited and peak power is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrochemical batteries and supercapacitors into a hybrid power system. The electrochemical battery provides sustained electrical charge capacity while the supercapacitor handles peak power demands and frequent charging cycles, allowing both components to operate in their optimal ranges and extend overall system reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between electrochemical battery and supercapacitor power sources based on real-time conditions. The processor monitors current flow, voltage, and temperature to determine when to engage each power source, optimizing performance and extending charging cycle life through adaptive power management
2Duration of action of moving object
If electrochemical batteries are used to power electric vehicles, then sustained power is provided, but peak power bursts are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hybrid power system merges the sustained power delivery capability of electrochemical batteries with the high peak power burst capability of supercapacitors. The supercapacitor delivers instantaneous high power during acceleration or heavy loads while the battery provides continuous sustained power, achieving both objectives simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The supercapacitor acts as an intermediary between the electrochemical battery and the vehicle's power demands. It buffers peak power requirements, allowing the battery to operate in its optimal sustained discharge range while the supercapacitor handles transient high-power events
3Quantity of substance
If the number of charging cycles of electrochemical batteries is increased, then greater electrical charge is provided, but battery useful life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines electrochemical batteries with supercapacitors in a hybrid configuration where the supercapacitor absorbs the majority of charging cycles. This allows the electrochemical battery to provide greater total electrical charge over time while experiencing fewer stress cycles, thereby extending its useful life
Solution Approach 2:
The supercapacitor serves as an intermediary that handles frequent charging and discharging operations. By positioning the supercapacitor between the charging source and the electrochemical battery, it protects the battery from excessive cycling while still enabling greater total charge delivery to the vehicle
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
Enhances battery life by reducing charging cycles and providing higher peak power bursts, optimizing charge distribution, and ensuring smooth operation of electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
supercapacitors provide higher peak power bursts in smaller form factors and feature longer charge cycle life
Implementation Method 2
electrochemical batteries, e.g., lithium-ion and lead-acid batteries
Data Source
AI summary
A system for powering an electric vehicle includes at least one electrochemical battery, at least one supercapacitor battery, a first relay disposed on a first electrical path between the at least one electrochemical battery and the electric vehicle, the first relay to connect or disconnect the at least one electrochemical battery to or from the electric vehicle, and a second relay disposed on a second electrical path between the at least one supercapacitor battery and the electric vehicle, the second relay to connect or disconnect the at least one supercapacitor battery to or from the electric vehicle. The system also includes a processor communicatively coupled to first and second relays, wherein the processor, responsive to a first condition, disconnects the at least one electrochemical battery from the electric vehicle via the first relay and connects the at least one supercapacitor battery to the electric vehicle via the second relay.