A MEMS Smart Battery Monitoring and Hybrid Power System

A hybrid power system for military vehicles, consisting of a battery status controlled generator for charging and a battery/capacitor hybrid is proposed. The components of the system are controlled by identical MEMS based integrated smart controllers which are integral parts of the battery/capacitor/generator system and communicate wireless with each other, with the dashboard and with maintenance personnel. The inexpensive (~$25) controller design and system concept are the result of the Phase 1 effort. The hybrid increases available cranking capacity by utilizing the low current capacity of an automotive battery to charge a double layer capacitor bank, which in turn is used to start the engine at the required high currents. The proposed technology includes an innovative method for corrosion proof cell voltage access and a novel concept to eliminate all wiring, including inside the battery, by using advanced RFID technology. A new concept to manage battery heat at very low temperatures under arctic conditions to prevent low temperature extremes is also incorporated. The control system is designed for integration in off-the-shelf automotive batteries, and requires no changes to the battery case design of conventional batteries. The system implements a novel charge algorithm to reduce gassing.