A frequency domain approach to analyzing passive battery–ultracapacitor hybrids supplying periodic pulsed current loads

A Fourier-based analysis of passive battery–ultracapacitor hybrid sources is introduced in the manuscript. The approach is first introduced for a general load, and then is followed by a study for a case of periodic pulsed current load. It is shown that the ultracapacitor branch is perceived by the battery as a low-pass filter, which absorbs the majority of the high frequency harmonic current and letting the battery to supply the average load demand in addition to the small part of dynamic current. Design requirements influence on the ultracapacitor capacitance and internal resistance choice are quantitatively discussed. The theory is enforced by simulation and experimental results, showing an excellent agreement.

► Passive battery–ultracapacitor hybrids are examined.
► Frequency domain analysis is employed.
► The ultracapacitor branch operates as a low-pass filter for the battery.
► The battery supplies the average load demand.
► Design requirements are discussed.