Development and experimental validation of a novel hybrid powertrain with dual planetary gear sets for transit bus applications

Abstract

Given that energy conservation and environmental protection are two important goals for the automotive industry, the application of a hybrid electric powertrain can improve vehicle energy efficiency while decreasing fuel consumption and engine emissions. Planetary gear-based power-split hybrid powertrains have become widely used in passenger vehicles, but remain rarely employed on transit buses. This study proposes a novel hybrid powertrain based on two planetary gear sets (CHS) and presents its operating principles along with development of a control strategy for the powertrain. The CHS hybrid powertrain operates in electric mode when the driving power demand is low, and changes to a hybrid electric mode according to the power-split principle of the planetary gear set. To validate the feasibility of the designed CHS hybrid powertrain, a prototype transit bus equipped with the designed hybrid powertrain system was built, and the operating characteristics of the system were analyzed through a performance test conducted on a chassis dynamometer. Compared with a conventional powertrain, the CHS hybrid powertrain can reduce fuel consumption by 39%. Thus, the CHS hybrid powertrain is a good solution for heavy-duty applications such as hybrid transit buses because of its simple structure and excellent fuel efficiency.