Vehicle Starting Backup Using Supercapacitor Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles powered by internal combustion engines face reliability issues due to battery failures, which can lead to immobilization, especially when the battery cannot supply enough electrical energy to start the engine, particularly in heavy-duty vehicles.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an electrical energy storage system, such as a supercapacitor, connected to the starter and charged by the starter in generator mode or a separate charger, to provide power for starting the engine when the battery fails, with a control unit managing the charging and power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the battery is used to power the starter for engine starting, then the engine can be started, but the battery lifespan is limited and it may fail during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical energy storage function is segmented into two separate systems: the battery for long-term energy storage and the electrical energy storage system (supercapacitor) for high-power starting operations. This segmentation allows each system to operate within its optimal performance range, with the supercapacitor handling the high current demands of the starter while the battery provides sustained energy over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical energy storage system acts as an intermediary between the battery and the starter. During engine starting, it buffers the high current demand, protecting the battery from excessive discharge currents and providing the necessary power surge. This intermediary role extends battery life while ensuring reliable starting operation.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the alternator charges both the battery and the electrical energy storage system, then both systems can be recharged, but the charging time increases and energy distribution becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical energy storage system is pre-charged during engine operation through the alternator before it is needed for starting. This preliminary charging ensures that when the starting event occurs, the system is already ready to deliver high power immediately, eliminating any delay that would occur if charging had to happen during the starting sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging system is designed with local quality optimization where the alternator prioritizes charging the electrical energy storage system first (as it has higher power density and shorter charging time requirements), then charges the battery. This differentiated charging approach optimizes overall recharging efficiency by matching each system's specific energy characteristics.
3Reliability
If a separate charger is used to charge the electrical energy storage system, then the system can be charged independently, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alternator is designed with multi-functionality to serve both the battery and the electrical energy storage system. Through a smart control unit, the alternator can dynamically switch between charging modes, prioritizing the supercapacitor when high power is needed and the battery when sustained energy is required. This universal approach eliminates the need for separate charging equipment while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The charging functions for both the battery and the electrical energy storage system are merged into a single alternator-based charging architecture. The control unit intelligently manages power distribution, combining the charging operations into one coordinated system rather than requiring independent charging circuits for each energy storage device.
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
Ensures reliable engine starting even after battery failure, extending vehicle operation without the need for external assistance, and prolongs battery life by isolating the alternator's charging function to the battery alone.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical energy storage system, such as a supercapacitor, connected to the starter and charged by the starter in generator mode or a separate charger
Implementation Method 2
charged by the starter in generator mode
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle comprises an internal combustion engine, a battery, an alternator, a starter, configured to start the internal combustion engine, a charger, distinct from the battery, and an electrical energy storage system, connected to the starter and to the charger, and distinct from the battery. To allow the engine to be started in case of a battery failure, a method for operating the vehicle comprises: starting the internal combustion engine, measuring a state of charge of the battery, comparing the measured state of charge with a predetermined threshold value, if the measured state of charge is lower than the predetermined threshold value: charging the electrical energy storage system with the charger, then starting the internal combustion engine with the starter, by powering the starter with the electrical energy storage system, when restarting the internal combustion engine is required.