Energy source system having multiple energy storage devices

A method for controlling an energy source system, comprising:

• monitoring a parameter corresponding to a demand present at a load;
• determining, based on a rate of change of the monitored parameter over time, whether the rate of change of the monitored parameter is greater than or equal to a preset threshold;
• controlling a first switch to couple a battery to the load when the rate of change of the monitored parameter is not greater than or equal to the preset threshold;
• and
• controlling a second switch to couple an ultracapacitor to the load when the rate of change of the monitored parameter is greater than or equal to the preset threshold.

An energy source system, comprising:

• a battery comprising one or more electrochemical cells coupled in series with one another;
• an ultracapacitor;
• a first switching device coupled to the battery and configured to selectively connect and disconnect the battery to a load;
• a second switching device coupled to the ultracapacitor and configured to selectively connect and disconnect the ultracapacitor to the load;
• a direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converter configured to electrically couple the battery to the ultracapacitor;
• a sensing system configured to sense an operational parameter of the battery, an operational parameter of the ultracapacitor, and a load parameter;
• and
• a controller coupled to the first switching device, the second switching device, and the DC-DC converter and configured to determine, based on the sensed operational and load parameters, an energy flow between the battery, the ultracapacitor, the DC-DC converter, and the load and to control the first switching device, the second switching device, and the DC-DC converter to achieve the determined energy flow.

A method for controlling an energy source system, comprising:

• detecting an engine start signal;
• determining, based on a received input, if the energy stored in a battery is sufficient to start an internal combustion engine associated with an electromechanical vehicle;
• controlling a direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converter to transfer energy from the battery to an ultracapacitor when the energy stored in the battery is not sufficient to start the internal combustion engine;
• and
• controlling a switch coupled to the ultracapacitor to electrically couple the ultracapacitor to the internal combustion engine to enable a flow of energy from the ultracapacitor to the internal combustion engine to start the internal combustion energy when the energy stored in the battery is not sufficient to start the internal combustion engine.

A controller for an energy source system having a plurality of energy storage devices, configured to:

• detect an engine start signal;
• determine, based on a received input, if the energy stored in a battery is sufficient to start an internal combustion engine associated with an electromechanical vehicle;
• control a direct current to direct current (DC-DC) converter to transfer energy from the battery to an ultracapacitor when the energy stored in the battery is not sufficient to start the internal combustion engine;
• and
• control a switch coupled to the ultracapacitor to electrically couple the ultracapacitor to the internal combustion engine to enable a flow of energy from the ultracapacitor to the internal combustion engine to start the internal combustion energy when the energy stored in the battery is not sufficient to start the internal combustion engine.