In-Vehicle Evaluation of Lower-Energy Energy Storage System (LEESS) Devices (Presentation): NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory)

This presentation discusses current research at NREL on lower-energy energy storage system (LEESS) devices. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) can save fuel, but still have low market penetration. Improving ESS cost vs. benefit could increase penetration and aggregate savings. Through collaborations across the Department of Energy's Vehicle Technologies Office and with industry partners, NRELcreated an HEV test bed and is using it to evaluate LEESS devices, and assess nontraditional HEV ESS devices in a vehicle systems context. Results to date suggest technical viability for a LEESS HEV. Small energy lithium-ion capacitor conversion configurations achieved equal 0-60 mph acceleration and very similar fuel economy to a production system. As long as critical attributes (such as enginestart under worst-case conditions) can be retained, considerable ESS downsizing may minimally impact fuel savings.