Gino D'Ovidio

City bus powered by hydrogen fuel cell and flywheel energy storage system

This paper presents the design and application of hybrid power train for city bus with zero greenhouse emissions and high work efficiency. The vehicle system configuration is based on two separately electric driven wheels powered by an hybrid unit composed by a hydrogen fuel cell and flywheel energy storage system. Numerical models were built to simulate the powertrain components and to downsize the fuel cell power satisfying the transient loads by the flywheel energy storage device. A simulation of the city bus (15 passengers of carrying capacity) was run over the European urban standard drive cycle in order to size the powertrain components. Finally the hydrogen production by water electrolysis was considered and consumption and CO2 emission per bus were estimated.

Design and Optimization of UAQ4 Experimental Maglev Module

This paper presents the design of a novel superconducting levitated module for UAQ4 train whose feasibility has been successfully tested and confirmed in laboratory. The work concept of self-balancing “V” shaped levitation module is described and the results of levitation tests performed using a measurement set up are discussed. Lastly the levitation module performances are also carried out using numerical finite element analyses by varying the sideslip angle of the module and work system configuration.

Energy storage system comparison for mini electrical bus

The paper concerns the analysis of urban electrical mini-bus power configurations based on two different energy storage systems. Full electrochemical battery power solution and hybrid power configuration based on battery and fuel cell are considered, modelled and analyzed. Performance analyses are carried out by modeling the two different powered mini-buses running along the same drive cycle experimentally tested in actual traffic conditions. The results are compared and discussed in term of performance.

High Speed Propulsion System for UAQ4 Magnetic Levitating Train

This paper presents the design of a novel high speed propulsion system for UAQ4 magnetic levitating train, the feasibility of which has been successfully tested and confirmed in laboratory. A direct-current linear stepper motor that uses permanent magnets distributed on the central beam of track as the stator and the direct current power supplied coils on-board the vehicle as the rotor is proposed and analyzed. The motor performances are evaluated by varying the system parameters by carrying out a finite element numerical model refined with experimental data. The main components of a real scale motor with speed up to 580 km/h for the UAQ4 train application is measured and discussed.

KERS Technology Coupled with Fuel Cell to Power City Bus with Solar-Hydrogen Energy Cycle

Reported here the application and design of a hydrogen fuel cell hybridized with a kinetic energy recover system for powering a city bus based on in-wheel electric traction motors and on “zero emission” energy cycle. A bus, with 25 passengers of carrying capacity, run over the European urban standard drive cycle with different road slopes is considered and simulated. Powertrain components are measured for reducing the fuel consumption and for overcoming the use of chemical batteries for traction. The energy balance between the traction consumption per a bus yearly travel and the electrical energy produced by photovoltaic devices used for hydrogen production by electrolysis is performed. The results are discussed also in terms of CO2 emissions.

Suspension Dynamic Behaviour of HTS Magnetically Levitated Bogie

This article illustrates the dynamic behaviour of the suspension of the bogie of the UAQ4 experimental superconducting levitating train. The levitation system uses high temperature (liquid nitrogen cooled) superconductor bulk materials on board and permanent magnets distributed on the guideway. The magnetic interaction between the two, and the Meissner effect, both lift and guide the vehicle. A model with one degree of freedom of the bogie is developed and parametric dynamic analyses are performed and discussed by varying the most significant system parameters.

LIGHT RAIL MAGLEV WITH SUPERCONDUCTOR MATERIALS: SYSTEM DESIGN

This research provides a study of an innovative Light Rail Maglev system that can obtain simultaneously the levitation, propulsion, and guidance of vehicles, and provides environmentally sound options for urban transit. The Maglev system uses a short vehicle supported by magnetic forces employing high temperature superconductor materials. The systems primary characteristics are presented and discussed.