Ultracapacitor Module Stabilizes DC Voltage for Start-Stop Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
The frequent shutdowns of vehicle engines lead to stress on batteries and starter motors, causing weakened batteries and reduced system performance, especially in extreme conditions, and result in higher power requirements from the on-board energy storage system, affecting other vehicle components like ECUs, relays, and pumps.
Innovation Solution
An energy start and battery support module using Ultra Capacitors (UCs) that supplies energy directly to the vehicle's DC voltage bus, stabilizing voltage during engine stops, supporting battery health, and extending starter life by modulating energy transfer, and can recharge UCs automatically when possible, without requiring wiring changes or vehicle alterations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the engine is shut down during stops to save fuel, then fuel efficiency is improved, but stress on the battery and starter motor increases leading to weakened batteries and reduced system performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an ultracapacitor module as an intermediary energy storage device between the battery and starter motor. The ultracapacitor handles high-power transient demands during engine starting, mediating the stress that would otherwise fall directly on the battery and starter motor, thus resolving the contradiction between fuel efficiency and component reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The ultracapacitor module pre-charges during engine operation and automatically discharges to provide high current during engine starting sequences. This preliminary energy storage action prepares the system in advance, reducing the instantaneous burden on the battery and starter motor when the engine needs to be restarted
2Use of energy by moving object
If the engine is shut down frequently, then fuel consumption is reduced, but the power requirements from the on-board energy storage system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the energy storage function by introducing a dedicated ultracapacitor module that handles high-power transient demands separately from the main battery system. This segmentation allows the battery to operate in its optimal range while the ultracapacitor handles peak power requirements during frequent start-stop cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The ultracapacitor module changes the electrical parameters of the energy storage system by providing low-impedance high-current capability. This parameter change enables the system to meet increased power requirements during frequent shutdowns without compromising the battery's operational parameters
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the engine is shut down during stops, then emissions are reduced, but voltage conditions on the DC electrical bus deteriorate stressing other vehicle components
Solution Approach 1:
The ultracapacitor module acts as an intermediary voltage support device on the DC electrical bus. During engine shutdowns, it provides voltage support to prevent excessive voltage drops, thereby protecting sensitive electronic components from voltage stress while maintaining the emissions benefits of engine shutdown
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
The module effectively stabilizes DC voltage, prolongs battery and starter life, and eliminates the need for jump-starts by automatically recharging UCs, ensuring the vehicle can start even with dead batteries, while maintaining system efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a DC boost converter that recharges the UCs
Implementation Method 2
supply of energy directly to the vehicle's direct current (DC) voltage bus using Ultra Capacitors (UCs)
Data Source
AI summary
An Engine Start and Battery Support Module for a vehicle is provided that utilizes a bank of Ultra Capacitors (UCs) charged with or without running the vehicle's alternator to levels that support both engine starting assistance and hotel load support. The UCs' per-cell charge can be adjusted and raised during periods of low temperatures and even higher during ultralow temperatures. The adjustment, which can be dynamic and/or automatic, increases the UC energy storage capability. Further, the release of energy from the UCs is controlled by a pulse width modulation (PWM) controller based on the DC bus voltage. The UCs can be charged either from an onboard DC/DC converter, an AC hook up, or from smartly switching the banks of UCs between parallel and serial configurations.