Abstract
With a myriad of alternative vehicle powertrain architectures emerging in the industry, such as electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles, it is beneficial that the most appropriate system is chosen for the desired vehicle class and duty cycle, and to minimize a given cost function. This paper investigates this issue, by proposing a novel framework that evaluates different types of powertrain architectures under a unified modular powertrain structure. This framework provides a systematic and objective approach to comparing different types of powertrain architectures simultaneously, and will highlight the benefits that can be achieved from each architecture, thus making it possible to develop the reasoning for manufacturers to implement such systems, and potentially accelerate customer take-up of alternative powertrain technology. The results from this investigation have indicated that such analysis is indeed possible, by way of identifying the “cross-over point” between powertrain architectures, where one powertrain architecture transitions into a different architecture with increments in the required travel range.
Highlights
Stricter regulations and evolving environmental concerns have been exerting increasing pressure on the automotive industry to produce vehicles that are more fuel efficient and lower in emissions
The powertrain switching capability within the modular powertrain structure (MPS) is disabled for this case study, and locked to only the electric vehicle (EV) powertrain architecture
The proposed methodology, supported by this finding, opens a way for vehicle manufacturers to quantify the benefits that can be achieved from each type of powertrain architecture, and potentially accelerate the implementation and customer take-up of alternative powertrain technology
Summary
Stricter regulations and evolving environmental concerns have been exerting increasing pressure on the automotive industry to produce vehicles that are more fuel efficient and lower in emissions. One of the pathways to reducing road vehicle tail pipe emissions is the adoption of full-electric powertrains or hybrid powertrains (alternative powertrains). Hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) are becoming increasingly popular [2], driven by the notion of reduced running costs due to lower fuel consumption, when compared to a conventional vehicle (CV). The level of advantage that is gained from reduced fuel consumption is dependent on how the vehicle is used, with significantly higher fuel savings realized in city driving compared to highway driving. This is a result of the increased opportunities for energy recuperation in city conditions because of higher braking occurrences and speed variations.
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