Portable EV Battery Range Extension via Onboard DC/DC Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited range of electric vehicles due to the weight and cost constraints of large battery packs, which also require time-consuming and expensive replacement and recharging processes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves supplementing the stationary traction battery of an electric vehicle with a portable rechargeable battery during discharge, allowing the portable battery to recharge the stationary battery while driving, thereby extending the vehicle's range without increasing the size of the stationary battery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the capacity of the stationary traction battery is increased to extend the vehicle range, then the range is improved, but the weight and cost of the vehicle increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The battery system is segmented into two independent parts: a stationary traction battery and a portable rechargeable battery. The portable battery can be removed and recharged externally, allowing the vehicle to extend its range without permanently carrying a larger battery pack. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the energy storage function from the vehicle's permanent structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution adds a temporal dimension to energy management by enabling the portable battery to be recharged while the vehicle is stationary (e.g., at home or charging stations), rather than requiring the vehicle to stop during operation. This transforms the range extension problem from a spatial constraint (larger battery) to a temporal process (recharging cycles).
2Duration of action of moving object
If the capacity of the stationary traction battery is increased to extend the vehicle range, then the range is improved, but the cost of the vehicle increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the battery system into stationary and portable components, the expensive stationary battery can be kept at optimal size for the vehicle's base requirements, while the portable battery provides additional range at lower marginal cost. This segmentation allows cost-effective range extension without requiring a prohibitively large permanent battery installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable rechargeable battery acts as an intermediary energy carrier between external charging sources and the vehicle's stationary battery. This intermediary allows the system to achieve extended range using smaller, more cost-effective stationary battery capacity while utilizing external charging infrastructure that already exists in the environment.
3Loss of time
If fast recharging is used to reduce charging time, then the recharge rate is improved, but the battery degradation increases and energy losses occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses normal charging rates for the stationary battery during regular operation, and only employs the portable battery for additional range when needed. This partial action approach avoids the need for fast charging infrastructure and high-rate charging operations, thereby preserving battery lifespan while still providing range extension capability when required.
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
This solution increases the range of electric vehicles without the need for larger batteries, reduces wear on both batteries, and eliminates the need for high-power fast charging, making it a cost-effective and space-efficient solution for extending vehicle range.
Implementation Method 1
The portable rechargeable battery is inserted into the electric vehicle before driving and is connected to the stationary traction battery as an additional but replaceable source
Implementation Method 2
a DC/DC charger to which a portable rechargeable battery of safe voltage and a stationary traction battery are connected
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
The method for increasing the range of an electric vehicle powered by a stationary traction battery (1) wherein at least one portable rechargeable battery (2) is inserted into the electric vehicle before driving. The stationary traction battery (1) is then charged from the portable rechargeable battery (2) while driving by means of the DC/DC charger (7), or current is drawn from the portable rechargeable battery (2) to directly supply the electric vehicle with electrical energy. This arrangement serves to optimize the drawing of electrical energy from batteries (1, 2), for their slower wear and to compensate for fluctuations during drawing. The DC/DC charger (7) thus regulates the charging power in time for recharging the stationary traction battery (1) from the portable rechargeable battery (2), depending on the current capacity of the stationary traction battery (1) and the current driving mode of the electric vehicle. The electric vehicle created according to this method consists of at least one portable rechargeable battery (2) and a DC/DC charger (7) to which a portable rechargeable battery (2) of safe voltage and a stationary traction battery (1) are connected. The DC/DC charger (7) is connected to the battery control, communication and security unit (3) and is equipped with or connected to a device for instantaneous regulation of the charging power for recharging the stationary traction battery (1) from the portable rechargeable battery (2) while the electric vehicle is driving, depending on the current state of charge of the stationary traction battery (1) and on the current power drawn from the stationary traction battery (1) while driving.