BATTERY-SUPERCAPACITOR HYBRID ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM FOR IMPROVED PERFORMANCE OF TRACTION SYSTEM OF A SOLAR VEHICLE

Abstract

This study presents the design and simulation of a battery-supercapacitor hybrid energy storage system (HESS) aimed at enhancing the performance of the traction system in solar vehicles. The research focuses on optimizing the combined use of batteries and supercapacitors to achieve improved energy storage capacity, charge/discharge cycle efficiency, and overall system performance. A comprehensive energy management strategy is developed to effectively coordinate power flow between the battery and supercapacitor, optimizing state of charge and meeting dynamic power demands of the traction motor. Simulations are conducted using MATLAB/Simulink to model system behavior under various driving
conditions and solar energy availability. The hybrid system demonstrates significant improvements in vehicle acceleration, driving range, and regenerative braking energy recovery, compared to conventional battery-only systems. Thermal management is also examined to mitigate overheating risks and enhance component lifespan. Economic analysis evaluates the cost-effectiveness of the hybrid system integration in solar vehicles. Finally, the study explores prototype design and control implementation, validating the feasibility and advantages of the proposed HESS in practical solar vehicle applications. The results suggest that this hybrid approach can substantially advance solar vehicle traction system efficiency and reliability.