Auxiliary power buffer based on ultracapacitors

In this paper, an electric vehicle with hybrid energy storage system using batteries and ultracapacitors is presented. Even if until now the main case studies in energy saving and management have been spent in heavy automotive applications (electric vehicle EV and hybrid electric vehicles HEV), it will be proposed and discussed how such a solution could be suitable for a small and light vehicle as a wheelchair. The goal of the research is to manage and to optimize energy flow from sources considering consumer demand. Ultracapacitors are requested during power peak demand, so batteries function under better conditions by avoiding deep discharges. Experimental data are presented on the role of supercapacitors on reducing energy demand of the battery storage system.