Background

Battery systems for electric vehicles (EV) and other applications can be improved by combining power optimized cells and energy optimized cells, rather than compromising with a single chemistry to meet both the power and energy demands of the application. However, in most cases, single chemistry solutions are used due to the complexity of combining cells of different voltages and current limits. Hence, there is a need for an energy storage system architecture that achieves the benefits of combining different battery chemistries, without the additional cost and complexity of previously proposed methods.

Technology Overview

CU Boulder researchers have developed a new energy storage system architecture that realizes the full capabilities of heterogeneous energy and power-optimized cells without the loss, complexity and cost associated with power conversion or power management functions. This innovative architecture named Composite Heterogeneous Energy Storage System (CHESS) uses capacitors in addition to different types of battery cells to achieve 50% longer EV range for equal weight, volume, life and cost compared to commercial state-of-the-art EV battery systems.

Further Details:

• “Heterogeneous energy storage system and method of controlling a heterogeneous energy storage system.” Dragan Maksimovic, Khurra K. Afridi, Regan A. Zane, Gregory L. Plett, Michael S. Trimboli. August 31, 2017.

Stage of Development

Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 3.

Benefits

• 50% increased EV range for equivalent battery weight, size and cost
• 40% decreased weight for equivalent battery range
• More efficient battery performance

Applications

• Electric vehicle batteries
• Residential and commercial energy storage

Opportunity

Available for exclusive or non-exclusive licensing