329
Applications of Electrochemical Supercapacitors
(a)
(b)
(c)

Tank
Fuel cell
Converter
Power electronics
Transmission

Wheel
Electric
machine
AC
DC
Supercapacitor
Electronic load
(d)
FIGURE 8.7
(See color insert.) (a) EC powered Sinautec buses during charging; (b) and (c). Hybrid REVA
(Image courtesy of F. Hebbert) and AFS trinity vehicles using ES. (d) Electric drive train combining fuel cells with ESs..
it is possible to store some of the energy of an already moving vehicle, and
therefore increase fuel efficiency as well. Such EVs have already been constructed as shown in Figure 8.7. A scheme of an electric drive train using a
combined fuel cell–ES system is shown in Figure 8.7d [22].
In addition to their applications in EVs, ESs can also be used to maximize the efficiency of internal combustion engines (ICEs) in hybrid vehicles (HEVs). For example, 42 V electrical systems were proposed to meet the
increased power demands of luxury vehicles, and alternatives to devices
such as starter motors will become viable [23]. In a 42 V vehicle, one such an