Automobile Engineering

HYBRID VEHICLES
A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) has two types of
energy storage units, electricity and fuel
Electricity means that a battery is used to store
the energy, and that an electromotor will be used
as traction motor
Fuel means that a tank is required, and that an
Internal Combustion Engine is used to generate
mechanical power, or that a fuel cell will be used to
convert fuel to
electrical energy
CLASSIFICATION
Depending on the drive train structure (how
motor and engine are connected), we can
distinguish between parallel, series or
combined HEV
Depending on the share of the electromotor
to the traction power, we can distinguish
between
mild hybrid or full hybrid
Types by drive-train structure
Series hybrid
In a series hybrid system, the combustion engine
drives an electric generator (usually a three-phase
alternator plus rectifier) instead of directly driving the
wheels
The generator both charges a battery and powers
an electric motor that moves the vehicle. When
large amounts of power are required, the motor
draws electricity from both
the batteries and the generator
Series hybrids can be assisted by ultracaps (or a flywheel:
KERS=Kinetic Energy Recuperation System), which can improve
the efficiency by minimizing the losses in the battery. They
deliver peak energy during acceleration and take regenerative
energy during braking. Therefore, the ulracaps are kept
charged at low speed and almost empty at top speed.
Series hybrid
Series hybrid
Advantages of series hybrid vehicles:
There is no mechanical link between the combustion
engine and the wheels. The engine-generator group
can be located everywhere.
There are no conventional mechanical transmission
elements (gearbox, transmission shafts).
Separate electric wheel motors can be implemented
easily.
The combustion engine can operate in a narrow rpm
range (its most efficient range), even as
the car changes speed.
Series hybrids are relatively the most efficient during
stop-and-go city driving.
Series hybrid
Weaknesses of series hybrid vehicles:
The ICE, the generator and the electric motor are
dimensioned to handle the full power of the
vehicle. Therefore, the total weight, cost and size
of the powertrain can be excessive.
The power from the combustion engine has to run
through both the generator and electric
motor. During long-distance highway driving,
the total efficiency is inferior to a conventional
transmission, due to the several energy
conversions.
Parallel hybrid
Parallel hybrid systems have both an internal
combustion engine (ICE) and an electric motor in
parallel connected to a mechanical transmission.
Most designs combine a large electrical generator
and a motor into one unit, often located between
the
combustion engine and the transmission, replacing
both the conventional starter motor and the
alternator
The battery can be recharged during
regenerative breaking, and during cruising
Parallel hybrid
Parallel hybrid
Parallel hybrid
As there is a fixed mechanical link between
the wheels and the motor (no clutch), the
battery cannot be charged when the car isn’t
moving.
When the vehicle is using electrical
traction power only, or during brake while
regenerating energy,
the ICE is not running (it is disconnected by
a clutch) or is not powered (it rotates in an
idling
manner)
Parallel hybrid
Parallel hybrid
(a) electric power only: Up to speeds of usually 40
km/h, the electric motor works with only the
energy of the batteries, which are not recharged by
the ICE. This is the usual way of operating around
the city, as well as in reverse gear, since during
reverse gear the speed is limited.
(b) ICE power only: At speeds superior to 40 km/h,
only the heat engine operates. This is the normal
operating way at the road.
Parallel hybrid
(b) ICE + electric power: if more energy is needed (during
acceleration or at high speed), the electric
motor starts working in parallel to the heat engine,
achieving greater power
(c) ICE + battery charging: if less power is required, excess
of energy is used to charge the batteries.
Operating the engine at higher torque than necessary, it
runs at a higher efficiency
(d) regenerative breaking: While braking or decelerating,
the electric motor takes profit of the kinetic
energy of the he moving vehicle to act as a generator
Parallel hybrid
Advantages of parallel hybrid vehicles:
Total efficiency is higher during cruising
and long-distance highway driving.
Large flexibility to switch between electric
and ICE power
Compared to series hybrids, the
electromotor can be designed less
powerful than the ICE, as it
is assisting traction. Only one electrical
motor/generator is required.
Parallel hybrid
Weaknesses of parallel hybrid vehicles:
Rather complicated system.
The ICE doesn’t operate in a narrow or
constant RPM range, thus efficiency
drops at low
rotation speed.
As the ICE is not decoupled from the wheels,
the battery cannot be charged at
standstill.
Combined hybrid
Combined hybrid systems have features of both
series and parallel hybrids
There is a double connection between the engine
and the drive axle: mechanical and electrical
The power to the wheels can be either
mechanical or electrical or both. This is also
the case in parallel hybrids. But the main principle
behind
the combined system is the decoupling of the
power supplied by the engine from the power
demanded
by the driver
Combined hybrid
Combined hybrid
In a combined hybrid, a smaller, less flexible, and
highly efficient engine can be used
At lower speeds, this system operates as a series
HEV, while at high speeds, where the series
powertrain is less efficient, the engine takes over
This system is more expensive than a pure parallel
system as it needs an extra generator, a mechanical
split power system and more computing power to
control the dual system.
Combined hybrid
Advantages of combined hybrid vehicles:
Maximum flexibility to switch between
electric and ICE power
Decoupling of the power supplied by the
engine from the power demanded by the
driver
allows for a smaller, lighter, and more
efficient ICE design.
Combined hybrid
Weaknesses of combined hybrid vehicles:
Very complicated system, more expensive than
parallel hybrid.
The efficiency of the power train transmission
is dependent on the amount of power being
transmitted over the electrical path, as multiple
conversions, each with their own efficiency,
lead to a lower efficiency of that path (~70%)
compared with the purely mechanical path
(98%).
Types by degree of hybridization
Parallel and combined hybrids can be
categorized depending upon how balanced
the different portions
are at providing motive power
 In some cases, the combustion engine is the
dominant portion; the electric motor turns on
only when a boost is needed. Others can run
with just the electric system
operating
Types by degree of hybridization
2.1. Strong hybrid ( = full hybrid)
A full hybrid EV can run on just the engine,
just the batteries, or a combination of both. A
large, highcapacity battery pack is needed for
battery-only operation.
2.2. Medium hybrid ( = motor assist hybrid)
Motor assist hybrids use the engine for primary
power, with a torque-boosting electric motor
connected in parallel to a largely conventional
powertrain.
Types by degree of hybridization
2.3. Mild hybrid / micro hybrid (= start/stop
systems with energy recuperation)
Mild hybrids are essentially conventional vehicles
with oversized starter motors, allowing the
engine to be turned off whenever the car is coasting,
braking, or stopped, yet restart quickly and cleanly.
many people do not consider these to be hybrids,
since there is no electric motor to drive the vehicle,
and these vehicles do not achieve the fuel
economy of real hybrid models
Types by degree of hybridization
2.4. Plug-in hybrid (= grid connected hybrid
= vehicle to grid V2G)
A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) is a full
hybrid, able to run in electric-only mode,
with larger
batteries and the ability to recharge from the
electric power grid. Their main benefit is that
they can be
gasoline-independent for daily commuting,
but also have the extended range of a hybrid for
long trips
Types by degree of hybridization
Optimum operation
Internal combustion engines
ICEs convert linear motion from pistons into rotational
motion. To do so they must turn at a speed which allows
for proper fuel combustion and allows the engine to
overcome the internal friction of its many components.
For this reason, ICEs do not operate much below 700
RPM and do not develop any significant torque until at
least 1000 RPM (Fig. 1). Typical passenger vehicle
gasoline ICEs develop their maximum torque at around
3500 RPM and are most efficient when operating
between 2000 RPM and 2500 RPM. Gasoline engines
on passenger vehicles are between 20% and 25%
efficient (diesel engines are about 30% more efficient)
Optimum operation
Optimum operation
Electric motors
Electric motors develop torque from the
interaction of magnetic fields between their rotor
and stator. Compared to an ICE, they have very
few components and very little internal friction.
Electric motors can also operate at any speed
from 0 RPM up to their absolute maximum RPM.
They have an almost flat (constant) torque profile
from 0 RPM up to their maximum rated power,
beyond that point torque starts to drop off (Fig.
2). Electric motors have efficiencies ranging from
70% to 95%.
Optimum operation
Advantages of Hybrid vehicles
1. Environmentally Friendly
As it runs cleaner and has better gas
mileage, which makes it environmentally
friendly.
A hybrid vehicle runs on twin powered
engine (gasoline engine and electric motor)
that cuts fuel consumption and conserves
energy.
2. Less Dependence on Fossil Fuels
A Hybrid car is much cleaner and requires
less fuel to run, which means fewer emissions
and less dependence on fossil fuels.
Advantages of Hybrid vehicles
3. Regenerative Braking System
Each time you apply the brake while driving a
hybrid vehicle, it helps you to recharge your
battery a little. An internal mechanism kicks in that
captures the energy released and uses it to charge
the battery, which in turn eliminates the amount of
time and need for stopping to recharge the battery
periodically.
4. Assistance From Electric Motor
The electric motor assists the internal combustion
engine in case of accelerating, passing or climbing
a hill.
Advantages of Hybrid vehicles
5. Smaller Engines
The gasoline engines used in hybrid cars are usually
small, light, and highly efficient as they don’t have to
power the car alone.
6. Electric-Only Drive
Hybrid vehicles can be driven entirely with
electricity. This usually happens while moving at low
speeds, when the engine is idling at a stoplight or
when the engine starts up. Normally, the internal
combustion engine starts operating only at higher
speeds, where it has more efficiency. This helps
increase the overall fuel efficiency of the vehicle.
Advantages of Hybrid vehicles
In comparison to traditional hybrid vehicles,
PHEVs can drive longer distances at higher
speeds. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have
lower energy emissions because they emit
only water vapor and warm air.
Disadvantages of a Hybrid Car
1. Less Power
Hybrid cars are twin powered engine. The
gasoline engine, which is the primary source
of power, is much smaller as compared to
what you get in single-engine powered cars
while the electric motor is of low power. The
combined power of both is often less than
that of a gas-powered engine. It is therefore
suited for city driving and not for speed and
acceleration.
Disadvantages of a Hybrid Car
2. Can be Expensive
Hybrid cars are comparatively expensive than a regular
petrol car and can cost $5000 to $10000 more than a
standard version. However, that extra amount can be
offset with lower running costs and tax exemptions.
3. Poorer Handling
A hybrid car houses a gasoline-powered engine, a lighter
electric engine and a pack of powerful batteries. This
adds weight and eats up the extra space in the car. Extra
weight results in fuel inefficiency and manufacturers cut
down weight, which has resulted in motor and battery
downsizing and less support in the suspension and body.
Disadvantages of a Hybrid Car
4. Higher Maintenance Costs
The presence of a dual engine and continuous
improvement in technology make it difficult for
mechanics to repair the car and maintenance cost
is also much higher.
5. Accident from High Voltage in Batteries
In case of an accident, the high voltage present
inside the batteries can prove lethal for you. There
is a high chance of you getting electrocuted in such
cases, which can also make the task difficult for
rescuers to get other passengers and driver out of
the car.
Disadvantages of a Hybrid Car
6. Battery Replacement is Pricey
if a battery needs to be replaced, it can get
pricey.