Studies on Energy Consumption of Electric Light Commercial Vehicle Powered by In-Wheel Drive Modules

Piotr Szewczyk,Andrzej Łebkowski

doi:10.3390/en14227524

Abstract

This article presents the results of energy consumption research for an electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV) powered by a centrally located motor (4 × 2 drive system) or motors placed in the vehicle’s wheels (4 × 4 drive system). For the considered constructions of electric drive systems, mathematical models of 4 × 2 and 4 × 4 drive systems were developed in the Modelica simulation environment, based on real data. Additionally, the influence of changes in the vehicle loading condition on the operation of the motor mounted in the wheel and the energy consumption of the drive module was investigated. On the basis of the conducted research, a comparative analysis of energy consumption by electric drive systems in 4 × 2 and 4 × 4 configurations was carried out for selected test cycles. The tests carried out with the Worldwide harmonized Light vehicles Test Cycles (WLTC) test cycle showed a roughly 6% lower energy consumption by the 4 × 4 drive system compared to the 4 × 2 configuration.

Highlights

Energies 2021, 14, 7524. https://The operational properties of electric drive systems, such as no noise emissions or exhaust gases at the place of vehicle operation, high dynamics and high torque generated by the motor in the full rev range, low operating costs, simplicity of design, and small number of mechanical elements, mean that they have become a permanent technology applied by car manufacturers
Tests of the drive modules of an electric light commercial vehicle (eLCV) vehicle showed that an increase in unsprung mass from 79.41 kg to 150.63 kg did not adversely affect the operation and durability of the entire suspension
The increase in unsprung mass did not have a significant effect on the increase of forces acting on the pins and bolts securing the suspension to the body

Summary

Introduction

Energies 2021, 14, 7524. https://The operational properties of electric drive systems, such as no noise emissions or exhaust gases at the place of vehicle operation, high dynamics and high torque generated by the motor in the full rev range, low operating costs, simplicity of design, and small number of mechanical elements, mean that they have become a permanent technology applied by car manufacturers. The use of direct drives influences the traction properties of vehicles with motors installed in their wheels [4,5,6], including the comfort of traveling. This phenomenon may be unfavorable in sports vehicles, where weight minimization due to the occurring overloads is sought. The low frequencies (4–6 Hz) generated by the cyclic movements caused by the tires rolling on uneven roads can cause resonance phenomena.

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion