Advanced Vehicle Simulator Research Articles

Simulation and Test of a Fuel Cell Hybrid Golf Cart

This paper establishes the simulation model of fuel cell hybrid golf cart (FCHGC), which applies the non-GUI mode of the Advanced Vehicle Simulator (ADVISOR) and the genetic algorithm (GA) to optimize it. Simulation of the objective function is composed of fuel consumption and vehicle dynamic performance; the variables are the fuel cell stack power sizes and the battery numbers. By means of simulation, the optimal parameters of vehicle power unit, fuel cell stack, and battery pack are worked out. On this basis, GUI mode of ADVISOR is used to select the rated power of vehicle motor. In line with simulation parameters, an electrical golf cart is refitted by adding a 2 kW hydrogen air proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stack system and test the FCHGC. The result shows that the simulation data is effective but it needs improving compared with that of the real cart test.

Optimisation of Fuzzy Control Strategy for Hybrid Electric Bus Based on Genetic-Ant Colony Algorithm

Hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) will provide fairly high fuel economy with lower emissions compared to conventional vehicles. The control strategy of HEV is essential to improve efficiency. In this paper, a fuzzy logic controller (FLC) for a parallel hybrid electric bus (PHEB) has been presented. To reduce fuel consumption and emissions, including hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide and particulate matter, a genetic-ant colony algorithm (GACA) is proposed for optimum the FLC of PHEB, which is based on the ability of the quick global searching of genetic algorithm and the mechanism of positive feedback of ant colonies algorithm. The presented FLC of PHEB is implemented and simulated via the advanced vehicle simulator (ADVISOR) and Matlab/Simulink in the Chinese urban driving cycle. Simulation results are demonstrated that the proposed control strategy based on GACA has improved the fuel consumption and reduce emissions in compared with the initial fuzzy control strategy.

Probabilistic Assessment of Vehicle Safety under Various Driving Conditions: A Reliability Approach

A probabilistic assessment model of vehicle safety under various driving conditions based on reliability method is developed. This model is built according to the advanced transient dynamic vehicle simulation models which can consider the coupling effects between vehicles and various driving conditions, such as wind gust, snow- covered or icy road surface and/or curving. By considering uncertainties of critical variables, the safety index is introduced to provide rational assessment of accident risks. In order to consider the complicated implicit limit state functions, the response surface method (RMS) is adopted to provide an efficient estimation of accident risks. Finally, the impacts of different critical variables on accident risks of a typical truck under several representative hazardous scenarios are investigated.

Development of Simulation Model for Series Hybrid Electric Crawler Bulldozer (SHECB) Based on ADVISOR

With the expansion of the hybrid electric technology, hybrid electric driving system is introduced from hybrid electric vehicle into construction machinery such as bulldozer. Therefore, the corresponding simulation models of hybrid electric bulldozers need to be developed firstly for further study of the new application. In this paper, through analyzing on the characteristics of crawler bulldozers, a whole vehicle module and a crawler module are created, then the relevant configuration files are modified, and finally the simulation model of series hybrid electric crawler bulldozer (SHECB) is built based on ADvanced VehIcle SimulatOR (ADVISOR).After loading an operational driving cycle of the bulldozer, a certain type of hybrid bulldozer being developed is simulated. The results show that the simulation model developed can simulate the performance of the SHECB favorably.

The Pure Electric Vehicle Dynamic Performance Simulation

Modeling and simulation technology is the key technical one of researching and developing pure electric car. Firstly analyzes system structure of the simulation software ADVISOR (Advanced Vehicle Simulator), use ADVISOR to model and simulate the dynamic performance of the pure electric vehicle. And then take a pure electric vehicle for example, mainly simulate the dynamic performance in the way of the typical working conditions CYC_UDDS, and compare dynamic performance simulation results under two different transmission, optimalize dynamic performance of pure electric vehicle.

THE PARAMETERS MATCHING OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE DRIVE MOTOR AND DRIVE SYSTEM

The determination principle of the transmission and the gear number in the electric vehicle driving system are studied in this paper. The results show that the rated power or torque and speed of the motor must reasonably match the parameters of transmission system. A type of electric vehicle is taken as the research object. Two of the five manual transmission speeds gears are calculated and analyzed, which are the equilibrium diagram of the driving force and the driving resistance force between the second gear and the third gear. The single gear-driven scheme of the fixed speed ratio reducer is proposed to replace the heavy mechanical gear reducer. It can reduce the mass of the whole vehicle and increase the driving distance from the theorem. Appling the simulation software Advanced Vehicle Simulator (ADVISOR) of electric vehicle to simulate the vehicle power performance and continued mileage, it verifies that the parameters determination principle and the method of the proposed drive system are correct.

Simulation Research on Dynamic Performance of Electric Vehicle Based on ADVISOR

The research of the dynamic performance is particularly important so as to improve the performance of electric vehicles. The method of computer modeling and simulation can be used to reduce the expense and shorten design cycle. The theory of dynamic performance standards of electric vehicle performance is introduced, and then, the main component of electric vehicle and the whole vehicle model are built up based on the advanced vehicle simulation software ADVISOR platform, which is developed by U.S. National Renewable Energy Laboratory. The curve results of the dynamic performance are obtained after the simulation of virtual electric vehicle, and it is consistent with the actual vehicle movement. At the same time, the simulation results can be served as essential reference for development and improvement of new vehicles.

Modeling and Simulation of a Vehicle Equipped with Power Split Automatic Transmission

his paper is concerned with the fuel economy of a mini car with power split automatic transmission (PSAT) by means of simulation. Firstly, a PSAT prototype is developed featured with high efficiency by power split. Secondly, mathematic models of PSAT, based on the PSAT scheme and experiment on the prototype, is established and embedded into the simulation software NREL’s Advanced Vehicle Simulator (ADVISOR) to carry out the whole vehicle fuel economy simulation. Thirdly, fuel economy comparison between vehicle with PSAT and traditional mechanical transmission is present, after fuel economy simulation under different driving cycle. Finally, approach to the energy save scheme of PSAT and matching between PSAT and the whole vehicle is discussed which builds up a good foundation for future optimization on control strategy of PSAT.

Policies for improving the efficiency of the Brazilian light-duty vehicle fleet and their implications for fuel use, greenhouse gas emissions and land use

The increase in greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, energy security issues and competition for land use are putting pressure on governments and policymakers. However, these three subjects are not usually treated in integrated form. This paper shows that the implementation of energy efficiency policies combined with policies to encourage use of biofuels can help reduce greenhouse gases emissions while easing land use competition from sugarcane ethanol in Brazil. By adapting the ADVISOR (Advanced Vehicle Simulator) software to evaluate vehicle efficiency, and by estimating the Brazilian light-duty vehicle market share based on historical data, this paper estimates the possible levels of GHG emissions and area planted with sugarcane in 2030 in the country. The findings indicate that reductions from 8% to 20% in greenhouse gas emissions and 0.9–1.8 million ha in sugarcane planted area are possible with no significant technological breakthroughs over the horizon to 2030 in comparison with a baseline scenario.

Powertrain system optimization for a heavy-duty hybrid electric bus

This research concerns the design of a powertrain system for a plug-in parallel diesel hybrid electric bus equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and presents a new design paradigm for the plug-in hybrid electric bus (HEB). The criteria and method for selecting and sizing powertrain components equipped in the plug-in HEB are presented. The plug-in HEB is designed to overcome the vulnerable limitations of driving range and performance of a purely electric vehicle (EV), and it is also designed to improve the fuel economy and exhaust emissions of conventional buses and conventional HEBs. Optimization of the control strategy for the complicated and interconnected propulsion system in the plug-in parallel HEB is one of the most significant factors for achieving higher fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions in the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). In this research, the proposed control strategy was simulated to prove its validity using the ADVISOR (advanced vehicle simulator) analysis simulation tool.

A Comparative Analysis of Fuel Economy and Emissions Between a Conventional HEV and the UTS PHEV

Unlike conventional hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), the novel powertrain configuration of the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS) plug-in HEV (PHEV) contains only one electric machine, which functions as either an electric motor or a generator in different time intervals specified by a special energy management strategy (EMS). This paper presents a comparative analysis of the fuel economy and the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions between a conventional HEV and the UTS PHEV, which includes vehicle modeling, EMS development, and a simulation model of the conventional HEV, which is embedded in the advanced vehicle simulator, and the UTS PHEV simulation code. The fuel economy and the emissions, such as hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides, are computed, analyzed, and compared for the two standard drive cycles, i.e., 1) the high-speed highway drive cycle and 2) the low-speed city drive cycle, proposed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and their combination.

A numerical investigation on the efficiency of range extending systems using Advanced Vehicle Simulator

Series plug-in hybrid electric vehicles of varying engine configuration and battery capacity are modeled using Advanced Vehicle Simulator (ADVISOR). The performance of these vehicles is analyzed on the bases of energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions on the tank-to-wheel and well-to-wheel paths. Both city and highway driving conditions are considered during the simulation. When simulated on the well-to-wheel path, it is shown that the range extender with a Wankel rotary engine consumes less energy and emits fewer greenhouse gases compared to the other systems with reciprocating engines during many driving cycles. The rotary engine has a higher power-to-weight ratio and lower noise, vibration and harshness compared to conventional reciprocating engines, although performs less efficiently. The benefits of a Wankel engine make it an attractive option for use as a range extender in a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle.

Economic value and utility of a powertrain system for a plug-in parallel diesel hybrid electric bus

This research is the first to develop a design for a powertain system of a plug-in parallel diesel hybrid electric bus equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and presents a new design paradigm of the plug-in hybrid electric bus (HEB). The criteria and method for selecting and sizing powertrain components equipped in the plug-in HEB are presented. The plug-in HEB is designed to overcome the vulnerable limitations of driving range and performance of a purely electric vehicle (EV) and to improve fuel economy and exhaust emissions of conventional bus and conventional HEBs. The control strategy of the complicated connected propulsion system in the plug-in parallel HEB is one of the most significant factors in achieving higher fuel economy and lower exhaust emissions of the HEV. In this research, a new optimal control strategy concept is proposed against existing rule-based control strategies. The optimal powertrain control strategy is obtained through two steps of optimizations: tradeoff optimization for emission control and energy flow optimization based on the instantaneous optimization technique. The proposed powertrain control strategy has the flexibility to adapt to battery SOC, exhaust emission amount, classified driving pattern, driving condition, and engine temperature. The objective of the optimal control strategy is to optimize the fuel consumption, electricity use, and exhaust emissions proper to the performance targets. The proposed control strategy was simulated to prove its validity by using analysis simulation tool ADVISOR (advanced vehicle simulator).

Reliability-based assessment of vehicle safety in adverse driving conditions

The framework of a reliability-based assessment model of vehicle safety under adverse driving conditions is developed. Such a framework is built based on the advanced transient dynamic vehicle simulation models which can consider the coupling effects between vehicles and adverse driving conditions, such as wind gust, snow-covered or icy road surface and/or curving. The single-vehicle safety index is introduced to provide rational assessment of accident risks by considering uncertainties of critical variables. In order to consider the complicated implicit limit state functions, the response surface method (RMS) is adopted to provide an efficient estimation of accident risks. Finally, a parametric study is conducted to demonstrate the methodology and the impacts of different critical variables on accident risks of a typical truck under several representative hazardous scenarios are investigated.

A study on optimization of hybrid drive train using Advanced Vehicle Simulator (ADVISOR)

This study investigates the advantages and disadvantages of three hybrid drive train configurations: series, parallel, and “through-the-ground” parallel. Power flow simulations are conducted with the MATLAB/Simulink-based software ADVISOR. These simulations are then applied in an application for the UC Davis SAE Formula Hybrid vehicle. ADVISOR performs simulation calculations for vehicle position using a combined backward/forward method. These simulations are used to study how efficiency and agility are affected by the motor, fuel converter, and hybrid configuration. Three different vehicle models are developed to optimize the drive train of a vehicle for three stages of the SAE Formula Hybrid competition: autocross, endurance, and acceleration. Input cycles are created based on rough estimates of track geometry. The output from these ADVISOR simulations is a series of plots of velocity profile and energy storage State of Charge that provide a good estimate of how the Formula Hybrid vehicle will perform on the given course. The most noticeable discrepancy between the input cycle and the actual velocity profile of the vehicle occurs during deceleration. A weighted ranking system is developed to organize the simulation results and to determine the best drive train configuration for the Formula Hybrid vehicle. Results show that the through-the-ground parallel configuration with front-mounted motors achieves an optimal balance of efficiency, simplicity, and cost. ADVISOR is proven to be a useful tool for vehicle power train design for the SAE Formula Hybrid competition. This vehicle model based on ADVISOR simulation is applicable to various studies concerning performance and efficiency of hybrid drive trains.

Emissions simulation in a 7000 kg-grade diesel hybrid electric vehicle

Hybrids combine a combustion engine with an electric motor and battery. The two technologies can be combined to reduce fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. This paper presents the concept of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) applied to truck or van vehicles with diesel engines. The simulation results from the advanced vehicle simulator (ADVISOR) demonstrate that the required power may be properly shared between the internal combustion engine and electric motor. The simulation can also be used to prove that the technique is useful for improvements in driving performance; additionally, the technique is suitable for hybrid electric vehicles, allowing for good fuel economy and low emissions performance.

Simulation of an electrical engine powered by fuel cell solar energy hybrid system

Theoretical simulation has been carried out to find the performance of an electric engine using Advanced Vehicle Simulator (ADVISOR) software. The electric power necessary to operate the engine is supplied either using solar energy that has been converted into electrical energy and then stored in batteries, or using hydrogen fuel cells, which continuously produce electric power that is stored in the batteries. The results obtained under these two conditions were used to compare the performance of the engine. It was found that the engine had better performance when using hydrogen fuel cells than when it is driven by solar energy.

Solar-Assisted Electric Auto Rickshaw Three-Wheeler

Auto rickshaws are three-wheeled vehicles that are extensively used in many Asian countries as taxis of people and goods. Although the vehicle design is well suited to the environment in which it operates, it is a crude and inefficient design. Due to poor vehicle maintenance and the use of inefficient two- or four-stroke engines with very little pollution control, auto rickshaws present a grave pollution problem in major Indian cities. This paper details the overall development of an advanced solar-assisted electric auto rickshaw. Research on the conventional auto rickshaw is presented, as well as future conceptual infrastructure designs for electric rickshaws and the recent design research, simulations, and experimental validation of the next auto rickshaw. The proposed solar/battery electric three-wheeler is meant to match and exceed the conventional vehicle's performance but with a more intelligent and efficient design. We introduce the next overall design of the rickshaw in this paper as Auto Rickshaw 2.0, where the conventional vehicle is version 1.0. The technical development aim for Auto Rickshaw 2.0 is to decrease the total electric power needed for propulsion with an optimized battery system and a more efficient motor and inverter. Four system drive-train options are covered, a rickshaw prototype is built, and several configurations are simulated and analyzed in the Advanced Vehicle Simulator (ADVISOR) software. Additionally, conceptual infrastructure designs are modeled and optimized in the Hybrid Optimization Model for Electric Renewables (HOMER) software.

Integrated Design of Powertrain Controllers in Series Hybrid Electric Vehicles for Efficiency Enhancement and Battery Lifetime Extension

In this study, a control strategy for the series hybrid electric vehicle (SHEV) powertrain, based on the design of fixed-boundary-layer sliding mode controllers (FBLSMCs) and a battery charge scenario, is presented to enhance engine efficiency as well as extend battery cycle life. An appropriate battery charge scenario is designed to remove surge charge current, keep the battery staying in a high state-of-charge (SOC) region and avoid persistently-high charge power, which are positive factors to the battery lifetime extension. To locate the engine operation in the optimal efficiency area, two robust FBLSMCs against uncertain disturbances are configured in the powertrain control system, responsible for engine speed control and engine torque control, respectively. Simulation results are obtained for comparison between the proposed and conventional powertrain control schemes by using the Advanced Vehicle Simulator (ADVISOR). Through these simulations, the effectiveness and superiority of the FBLSMC-based SHEV power train control strategy are validated.

Design and Analysis of Fuel-Cell Hybrid Systems Oriented to Automotive Applications

Hybridization with high specific energy-storage devices such as supercapacitors (SCs) has important advantages in fuel-cell (FC)-based systems. This paper presents an approach for the design and analysis of FC hybrid systems (FCHSs) oriented to automotive applications. The FCHS is considered to be the most attractive long-term option for propulsion of passenger cars. The design stage includes the determination of the electrical topology and the determination of the hybridization degree (HD) according to drivability conditions. With the selected design, the optimal hydrogen consumption for different driving cycles and the energy flows in the hybrid vehicle are analyzed. The entire study is performed with a detailed model of the FCHS in the Advanced Vehicle Simulator (ADVISOR): the determination of the HD according to drivability requirements, the analysis of the energy flows, and the computation of the optimal hydrogen consumption. The results show that hybridization allows a significant improvement in the hydrogen economy through the recovered energy from breaking. At the same time, the results suggest a conflict between a design according to drivability conditions and a design for the highest efficiency. The conclusion is that hybridization with SCs in FC-based vehicles is a meaningful procedure that enhances performance.