The document summarizes the Spartan Superway project which aims to develop a power module to efficiently deliver power from a battery-supercapacitor system to an electric motor. It describes the initial design of using 16 supercapacitors in series with a lithium-ion battery pack and battery management system. Simulations were created to analyze the supercapacitor charging and discharging profiles. Based on the maximum output power calculated from the simulations, a 1500W motor was selected. The document also includes a Gantt chart laying out the project timeline and tasks.

1. Steven Goh
San Jose State University
Joe Lau
San Jose State University
Eric Near
San Jose State University
Spartan Superway – Power Module

2. SPARTAN Superway project aims to reduce traffic and GHG
emissions
Eric Near
https://sites.google.com/a/sjsu.edu/spartan-superway/partners

3. Power modules aims to deliver power to motor efficiently using a
battery/supercapacitor combination
Eric Near
https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/autocraft-marine-battery-group-size-24m-
800-cca-m24-3/16940017-P
https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/maxwell-technologies-
inc/BCAP3000-P270-K04/1182-1021-ND/3079285

4. Solving problems that will arise
Eric Nearhttps://www.psychestudy.com/cognitive/thinking/psychological-
steps-problem-solving

5. Usage of battery-supercapacitor systems are gaining traction
Eric Nearhttps://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/9/5/341/html

6. Usage of a Battery Management System (BMS) is difficult
Eric Nearhttps://www.mpoweruk.com/bms.htm

7. Supercapacitors will be used to accelerate the Pods from rest
http://www.motiongenesis.com/MGWebSite/MGGetStarted/
MGExampleDCMotorWithRLCircuit/MGExampleMotorWithRLCircuit.html Joe Lau
2.45 𝑚
𝑠2
Desired Acceleration
13 𝑚
𝑠
5.3 𝑠
Time Required
Final Velocity

8. We have upgraded our design accounting all the improvements
we have so far
Joe Lau

9. The system consist of 16 supercapacitors, li-ion battery pack,
Battery Management System (BMS), Printed-Circuit-Board (PCB),
and other safety components
Joe Lau
http://www.hessprecisionlaser.com/lithium-ion-battery-packs/
https://www.digikey.com/product-detail/en/maxwell-technologies-inc/
BCAP0350-E270-T11/1182-1016-ND/3079280

10. Multilayer Printed-Circuit-Board (PCB) will replace much of the
unnecessary wiring
https://makezine.com/2016/08/15/7-fatal-mistakes-avoid-printed-circuit-board-
pcb-design/
Eric Near

11. Reducing the number of supercapacitors in series will reduce in-
rush current. Therefore, quick charging is more achievable.
35.13
Amps
140.52
Amps
4 parallel configuration 1 parallel configuration
Steven Goh

12. First, we consider the capabilities of the charger from Howland
Technology
Steven Goh

13. Off-the-shelf BMS such as Orion BMS Jr. can only support a
maximum of 16 cells in series
Steven Goh

14. Next, we created simulations that predict the behavior of
supercapacitors
35.95531014
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Voltage[V],Current[A]
Time [s]
Supercapacitor Charging Profile
Voltage Current Series3
𝐼 =
𝑉0
𝑅𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙
𝑒−
𝑡
𝑅𝐶
𝑉 = 𝑉0(1 − 𝑒−
𝑡
𝑅𝐶)
Steven Goh

15. 0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Voltage[V],Current[A]
Time [s]
Supercapacitor Discharge Profile
Voltage Current
36.0 V
35.1 A
Max Output Current
Max Output Voltage
Steven Goh

16. Then, we pick a motor that have a power rating higher than
maximum power output
0
200
400
600
800
1000
1200
1400
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140
Power(Watt)
Time [s]
Power Output (W)
Power
𝑃𝑜𝑤𝑒𝑟 = 𝑉𝑜𝑙𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒 × 𝐶𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡
1263.1W
Max Output Power
Steven Goh

17. We concluded that a motor with power rating of 1500W is
sufficient for this project
https://www.sevendaysvt.com/vermont/bird-electric-scooters-land-in-
montpelier-with-mixed-results/Content?oid=22185888
Steven Goh

18. Now, we calculate how much energy is need from the li-on
battery pack (Ah)
31.25 A
Motor Supply Current
60.0 s
Motor Run Time
520.83
mAh
Battery Capacity
Steven Goh

19. Gantt Chart
Eric Near
Sept October
Tasks 25 2 9 16 23 30
Research on Discharge of
Supercaps
Design of housing for
components
FEA Analysis
PCB Design
Alternate Capacitor Charging
Thermal Analysis/Cooling
System
Prototyping
Final Presentation/Report
Ordering Parts
Steven Goh
Eric Near
Joe Lau
All

20. November
Tasks 6 13 20 27
Research on Discharge of Supercaps
Design of housing for components
FEA Analysis
PCB Design
Alternate Capacitor Charging
Thermal Analysis/Cooling System
Prototyping
Final Presentation/Report
Ordering Parts
Steven Goh
Eric Near
Joe Lau
All
Eric Near

21. December
Tasks 4 11 18
Research on Discharge of Supercaps
Design of housing for components
FEA Analysis
PCB Design
Alternate Capacitor Charging
Thermal Analysis/Cooling System
Prototyping
Final Presentation/Report
Ordering Parts
Steven Goh
Eric Near
Joe Lau
All
Eric Near

22. Motor will depend on the weight of the cart and battery
storage
https://www.norfolkwaterfrontvenues.com/manufacturer-of-electric-motor/
https://simplay3.com/easy-haul-flat-bed-cart/
Joe Lau

23. Thank You!
Questions?