Battery–Supercapacitor Hybrid Energy Storage System for Performance Optimization in Electric Vehicles

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable transportation has accelerated research in electric vehicle (EV) technologies, with energy storage systems playing a pivotal role in achieving higher efficiency and reliability. However, lithium-ion batteries, though advanced, face limitations during transient acceleration due to erratic load profiles and high-current peaks, resulting in voltage sag, heating, and accelerated degradation. This paper presents a microcontroller-based hybrid energy storage system (HESS) integrating a lithium-ion battery with a supercapacitor bank to mitigate these issues. The system adaptively manages power flow during acceleration using an ATMEGA328 microcontroller and an acceleration sensor to engage or disengage the supercapacitor via a ULN2003 relay driver. Experimental results demonstrate a 30% reduction in peak battery current and improved voltage and temperature stability, validating the hybrid system’s effectiveness in enhancing battery longevity and overall EV performance.

Introduction

The advancement of electric vehicles (EVs) relies on efficient energy storage systems capable of handling dynamic driving conditions. Lithium-ion batteries, while widely used, face challenges under rapid load fluctuations, leading to chemical aging, thermal stress, and reduced cycle life. Integrating supercapacitors in a hybrid energy storage system (HESS) addresses these limitations by providing rapid, high-current bursts during acceleration, reducing battery stress and improving overall efficiency.

The proposed system combines a 12V lithium-ion battery with a supercapacitor bank, controlled by an ATMEGA328 microcontroller and relay circuits. Real-time acceleration data triggers the supercapacitor to supply peak power during rapid acceleration, while the battery handles steady-state operation. Experimental results show a ~30% reduction in peak battery current, improved voltage stability, lower thermal stress, and enhanced battery longevity.

This microcontroller-controlled battery–supercapacitor hybrid system demonstrates smoother power delivery, higher operational efficiency, and better protection for EV batteries. While promising, practical deployment requires addressing supercapacitor cost, size, and energy density, with potential for further optimization via advanced control strategies.

Conclusion

The presented lithium-ion battery-supercapacitor hybrid energy storage system demonstrates significant potential for improving electric vehicle performance. By intelligently distributing power between the battery and supercapacitor, the system reduces peak current stress, enhances thermal stability, and prolongs battery life. The experimental findings confirm the viability of this approach, paving the way for more efficient, reliable, and durable energy storage solutions in next-generation EVs.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Mr. Dushyant C. Khadse, Roshan D. Sayankar, Yash C. Parkhi, Dewachchh D. Gurve, Prathamesh O. Akare, Rakesh S. Chapade. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.