AVTC Model Based Design

Curriculum Development
Project

An Introduction to
Modeling an
Energy Storage System (ESS)
Lesson 1.1
What Is A Battery?
Donald Docimo
Mohammad Ghanaatpishe
Hosam Fathy

Basics of a Battery
It is a device that allows the
storage of energy [1]
Ability to save extra energy
that cannot be used when
originally produced.
Useful for hybrid vehicles,
renewable resources, and
portable devices.

Methods of storing/using
energy:
Storage: conversion of
electrical power into chemical
energy.
Use: conversion of chemical
energy into electrical power.

A pair of nickel-cadmium batteries

Uses in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs)

Basic diagram of a
series hybrid electric
vehicle powertrain.

Regenerative braking [1]:

Propulsion motor is used as a generator to brake, and the
energy generated is stored.
Helps eliminate mechanical braking, which dissipates energy to
reduce speed.

Certain hybrid systems allow the internal combustion

engine to become detached from the drive system [1].
Allows engine to be run at highest efficiency [1].

Pros and Cons of Batteries

Benefits [1]
High efficiency, so little loses.
Higher energy to weight ratios than most other
energy storage devices

Drawbacks [1]
High initial cost
Limited life span

A lithium-polymer rechargeable battery.

5

References
[1] C. Rahn and C.Y. Wang. Battery Systems
Engineering. Chichester: John Wiley &
Sons, 2013.