Electric Motor Vehicle Energy Storage Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited storage capacity of electric vehicle batteries and the inefficiency of existing charging systems restrict the range and usability of electric motor vehicles, particularly during long journeys or in areas with insufficient charging infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
An electric motor vehicle with a control unit that manages energy flow between an onboard energy storage device and interchangeable energy stores, allowing for sequential discharge and charging strategies to optimize energy use, and providing additional storage capacity through modular, user-exchangeable energy stores positioned in various vehicle locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the onboard energy storage capacity is increased to extend the vehicle range, then the range is improved, but the vehicle cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is segmented into a fixed onboard energy store and multiple removable replacement energy stores. The onboard energy store provides base range, while replacement energy stores can be added or removed based on travel requirements, allowing range extension without permanently increasing vehicle weight.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the onboard energy storage capacity is increased to extend the vehicle range, then the range is improved, but the vehicle cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The energy storage system is segmented into a fixed onboard energy store and multiple removable replacement energy stores. The onboard energy store provides base range, while replacement energy stores can be added or removed based on travel requirements, allowing range extension without permanently increasing vehicle weight.
3Loss of time
If the charging time is reduced to improve usability, then the charging efficiency is improved, but the charging infrastructure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Replacement energy stores are pre-charged at external stations before being installed in the vehicle. This preliminary charging action transfers the charging time requirement from the vehicle usage period to the preparation period, enabling rapid energy replenishment during vehicle operation without requiring complex fast-charging infrastructure at every location.
4Duration of action of moving object
If replacement energy stores are introduced to increase storage capacity, then the range is improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically manages the complexity of coordinating multiple energy stores by implementing self-service functions: it autonomously monitors the state of charge of all energy stores, determines optimal discharge sequences, manages energy flow between stores and motor, and controls the interface for connecting/disconnecting replacement stores, thereby hiding system complexity from the user.
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 vehicle's range and adaptability by allowing additional energy storage to be easily added or exchanged, reducing reliance on limited onboard capacity and improving travel flexibility, especially in areas with sparse charging stations.
Implementation Method 1
at least one vehicle-mounted energy store (22)... at least one exchange energy store (38, 40)... control unit (24) for influencing the energy flow between the at least one electric motor (18) and the at least one vehicle-mounted energy store (22)
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
An electrically powered vehicle comprises a drive unit (16) with at least one electric motor (18), at least one vehicle-mounted energy storage device (22) and a control unit (24) for influencing the energy flow between the at least one electric motor (18) and the at least one vehicle-mounted energy storage device (24), further comprising an interface (30) with at least one connection area (32, 34, 36) for an exchangeable energy storage device (38, 40).