Abstract
Our objective is to identify the attributes of an idea energy storage technology that will enable battery powered electrical vehicle (EV) to become the sustainable mobility solution of the future. We analyze the demanding performance parameters of the EV energy storage device. We study the technology evolution of the current batteries by analyzing the patents at three levels – the subsystem – energy storage device, the system EV and the super system that includes energy source, the charging infrastructure etc. We define the attributes of an ideal energy storage device using TRIZ systematic innovation methodology. When we apply the TRIZ tool - the Ideal Final Result (IFR), we are able to simplify the analysis to three key dimensions – useful functional features (Primary & Secondary), harmful features (either from functional or sustainability perspective) and cost. The simplicity of the IFR approach helps us steer away from the complexities of various competing battery technologies and remain focused on truly sustainable energy storage technologies. The focus of our work is on those energy storage technologies that will be desirable, feasible, scalable, viable and most importantly sustainable.