Capacitive Electric
Load Leveling Systems
English 317 Oral Presentation
November 29, 2004
Erin Davis
Fred Jessup
Benton O’Neil
Background
• Senior Capstone Design Course
• National Institute for Advanced Vehicle
Transportation Technology (NIATT)
• American Trucking Association (ATA)
2
Problems and Purpose
• ATA
– Diesel is expensive – fuel efficiency
– Batteries are expensive and die quickly
• Replacement takes time and money
• NIATT
– Transportation Technology Improvements
• Senior Design
– Requirement for Graduation
– Beneficial to make our own design
3
Test Results from the Explorer
Starting Engine - Battery and Alternator Current
500
Starting Engine
400
300
Battery (A)
Alternator (A)
Current (A)
200
Alternator Charging Battery Turning Key "OFF"
100
Turning Key "ON"
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
-100
Time (s)
4
Problem Solving Methods
• Resources
– Modeling – Testing different ideas
– Testing – Hands on experimenting
– Professors – Theoretical knowledge
– Suppliers – Product information
– Mentor – Practical experience
– Customer – Requirements for design
5
Ultracapacitors
• Large Energy for Short Time
• Light Weight
• Longer Life
• (10 years versus 4 years)
6
Final Design
• Uses ultracapacitors to start engine
– Lighter battery
– Improved fuel efficiency
Old Battery / Tall Tank New Battery / Shallow Tank
Small Pressure = Low Flow
Capacitor / Bucket
Big Pressure = High Flow
7
Benefits
• Applications
– Trucks, Cars, Planes
• Gas Mileage
• Lead Acid Batteries
– Production and Disposal
• Development of New Technologies
– Ultracapacitors
8
Questions?