Race Car Auxiliary Battery Switching for Alternator-Free Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Racing vehicles face challenges in efficiently managing electrical power, particularly with internal combustion engines that rely on starter batteries without alternators, leading to weight reduction and parasitic load issues.
Innovation Solution
A power center system is developed to monitor electrical power levels in starter batteries and auxiliary power sources, switching components between the two when necessary, and utilizing swappable cordless power tool batteries for extended operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an alternator is installed to recharge the starter battery during operation, then the reliability of power supply is improved, but the weight of the vehicle increases and parasitic load is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the alternator from the vehicle system entirely, extracting the harmful component that causes weight increase and parasitic load. Instead of keeping an alternator and managing its operation, the system extracts this component and replaces it with a dual-battery architecture where the secondary battery provides supplemental power during high-demand periods without the need for continuous recharging infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the power supply architecture from a single battery with alternator recharging to a dual-battery system with independent power sources. This parameter change in system configuration allows the secondary battery to supplement power during ignition and high-load operations, eliminating the need for alternator-based recharging and its associated weight and parasitic load penalties.
2Device complexity
If the starter battery is used to power all components including auxiliary systems, then the device complexity is reduced, but the duration of operation decreases requiring more frequent pit stops
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power supply function into two independent battery systems: a primary starter battery dedicated to engine starting operations and a secondary battery dedicated to auxiliary power consumption. This segmentation allows each battery to be optimized for its specific function and enables the secondary battery to extend operational duration during races by providing supplemental power during high-draw periods without complicating the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The secondary battery serves multiple functions: it supplements power during ignition operations, provides power during high auxiliary load periods (helmets, blowers, drink systems), and extends race duration between pit stops. This multi-functionality allows a single additional component to address multiple power management challenges simultaneously.
3Duration of action of moving object
If lithium batteries are used to extend range and reduce pit stops, then the duration of action is improved, but the operational window becomes very narrow between charged and dead states
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dual-battery system where the secondary battery serves as a cushion or buffer that prevents the primary lithium battery from being fully depleted. During high-power demand periods such as ignition and auxiliary system operation, the secondary battery supplements power delivery, thereby cushioning the primary battery from deep discharge conditions and extending its operational window between charge cycles and pit stops.
Data Source
AI summary
A system configured to monitor a primary battery and a backup battery in a vehicle. The system includes one or more active components, such as a controller, that switch power between the primary battery and the backup battery. The system is configured to switch power from the primary battery to the backup battery when the power level of the primary battery drops below a threshold level. The system is generally implemented on a vehicle having an internal combustion engine. Power from the primary battery is used to start the engine. The backup battery is typically a swappable and interchangeable battery, such as a cordless power tool battery. In one example, the vehicle does not include an alternator.