Semi-Trailer Auxiliary Power Storage for Electric Truck Range
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric semi-trucks face limitations in range and power due to heavy batteries, requiring frequent recharging and increased weight, and existing solutions like larger batteries or fast-charging infrastructure introduce complications.
Innovation Solution
An auxiliary power system mounted to a semi-trailer, comprising a power storage device and solar panels, provides supplemental power to extend range and boost performance, with modular batteries and intelligent power management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If larger battery systems are used to extend range, then the range is improved, but the vehicle weight increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The power storage system is divided into two independent parts: main batteries mounted on the truck and auxiliary power devices mounted on the trailer. This segmentation allows the truck to operate with a smaller, lighter battery while the trailer provides additional energy capacity, resolving the contradiction between extended range and reduced vehicle weight.
2Productivity
If faster charging is implemented to reduce recharging time, then the productivity is improved, but the dependence on specialized infrastructure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-charging by allowing the truck to draw power from the auxiliary power devices mounted on its own trailer during operation. This eliminates dependence on external charging infrastructure and allows flexible, on-demand recharging without specialized stations, improving both productivity and adaptability.
3Power
If additional power capacity is added to the truck to improve acceleration and performance, then the power is improved, but the vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power system is segmented between the truck and trailer, with the auxiliary power device providing additional power capacity on the trailer. This allows the truck to access increased power output for acceleration and performance without adding heavy batteries to the truck itself, thus improving power while minimizing weight increase on the moving 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 the semi-truck's range and power output, reducing recharging frequency and weight, while optimizing energy use and extending battery lifespan through intelligent power distribution and renewable energy integration.
Implementation Method 1
The renewable energy integration mode incorporates solar panels to generate supplemental energy
Implementation Method 2
The auxiliary power system includes a power storage device mounted to a semi-trailer
Data Source
AI summary
An auxiliary power system for an electric semi-truck is disclosed. The auxiliary power system includes a power storage device mounted to a semi-trailer. One or more main batteries provide propulsion to a semi-truck and are in electrical communication with the power storage device to receive auxiliary power therefrom. The power storage device is operable to increase the range over which the semi-truck travels between recharging. The power storage device may be configured to either provide supplemental power to increase the power output of the semi-truck in real-time or may be configured to increase the range between recharging of the main batteries of the semi-truck.