There is currently a great focus on reducing carbon emissions and fossil fuel
consumption by means of alternative energy sources in transportation. An increasingly
popular option is the electric vehicle (EV). One of the main criticisms on EVs is their
limited range. Range is largely dictated by limitations of the batteries carried in the
vehicle. Battery technology is continuously improving but in order to get the most out
of current and future technologies, intelligent battery management and efficient use of
the energy is required. The management of charging and discharging of the batteries can
allow for increased range and extended battery life on current technology and can be
applied to new battery technologies as they become available.
This paper will cover the installation and implementation of battery management, power
supply and safety systems in a conventional vehicle converted to electric drive for the
Renewable Energy Vehicle (REV) Project at the University of Western Australia. These
systems will be based on a Lithium ion battery pack and will be predominately using
currently available technologies to provide a simple conversion that could be achieved
by general members of the public without access to high tech labs and workshops.
These systems will be tested and reviewed for their strengths and shortcomings.
Suggestions will be made as how to improve the systems for future works by the REV
Project in ongoing years.
This paper shows that while the systems are adequate, a number of improvements on
battery management, efficient power distribution and safety issues can be made.