Solar Trickle Charging Control for EV Supercapacitor Range Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
The effective driving range of electric vehicles is limited by the power capacity of their energy storage units, such as batteries, which can be enhanced by using supercapacitors, but efficient charging and discharging strategies are needed to optimize energy management.
Innovation Solution
A system incorporating a solar cell, energy controller, and trickle charging circuitry predicts optimal charging times based on energy storage unit discharge patterns, using machine learning and anticipatory algorithms to manage energy distribution efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solar cells are used to charge energy storage units, then renewable energy utilization is improved, but charging efficiency and timing optimization are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The energy controller predicts optimal charging time periods in advance by analyzing historical discharging data and current energy levels, then proactively schedules charging during these predicted optimal periods rather than passively charging whenever solar energy is available, thereby optimizing charging efficiency while maintaining renewable energy utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors and tracks discharging patterns of the energy storage unit over time, using this feedback data to refine predictions of optimal charging times and adjust charging strategies dynamically, improving both renewable energy utilization and charging efficiency through iterative optimization
2Duration of action of moving object
If supercapacitors are used to enhance power capacity, then vehicle range is improved, but energy management complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage unit autonomously manages its own charging and discharging cycles by predicting optimal charging times and automatically executing charging during these periods without requiring complex external management systems, thereby extending vehicle range while minimizing energy management complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of discharging patterns and predicts future energy needs in advance, allowing the energy storage unit to proactively charge during optimal periods before power deficits occur, simplifying real-time energy management decisions while maximizing vehicle operational duration
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
Optimizes energy storage unit charging and discharging to enhance vehicle range and performance by proactively adjusting to power demands, ensuring efficient and balanced energy delivery.
Implementation Method 1
A solar cell is disclosed that generates energy in response to receiving light
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for energy management. A system, such as a vehicle, includes a solar cell that generates energy in response to receiving light. The system includes an energy controller, which includes a processor and memory, that predicts an optimal time period for charging an energy storage unit based on information tracking discharging of the energy storage unit over time. The system includes trickle charging circuitry that provides the energy to the energy storage unit during the optimal time period, and the energy storage unit that stores the energy and discharges the energy to power at least one component, such as a vehicle propulsion mechanism.