Batteries and Ultracapacitors

Research begins into how to optimize the energy storage system of an electric vehicle (EV). It has been discussed that ultracapacitors and batteries need to work in conjunction to create an attractive solution. Just as important as the energy storage elements themselves is how to interconnect and control these two elements. Efficient charging/discharging of each element requires a system which knows the state of charge (SOC) of each element, current power requirements, and a driving pattern history. This controller will be able to properly handle power flow and extend battery life, thus leading to lower operating costs for an EV. This hybrid controller will be known as a Hybrid Energy Storage System (HESS).