Martin Koppers

Modeling of a Thermoelectric Generator for Thermal Energy Regeneration in Automobiles

In the field of passenger transportation a reduction of the consumption of fossil fuels has to be achieved by any measures. Advanced designs of internal combustion engine have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions, but still suffer from low efficiencies in the range from 33% to 44%. Recuperation of waste heat can be achieved with thermoelectric generators (TEGs) that convert heat directly into electric energy, thus offering a less complicated setup as compared with thermodynamic cycle processes. During a specific driving cycle of a car, the heat currents and temperature levels of the exhaust gas are dynamic quantities. To optimize a thermoelectric recuperation system fully, various parameters have to be tested, for example, the electric and thermal conductivities of the TEG and consequently the heat absorbed and rejected from the system, the generated electrical power, and the system efficiency. A Simulink model consisting of a package for dynamic calculation of energy management in a vehicle, coupled with a model of the thermoelectric generator system placed on the exhaust system, determines the drive-cycle-dependent efficiency of the heat recovery system, thus calculating the efficiency gain of the vehicle. The simulation also shows the temperature drop at the heat exchanger along the direction of the exhaust flow and hence the variation of the voltage drop of consecutively arranged TEG modules. The connection between the temperature distribution and the optimal electrical circuitry of the TEG modules constituting the entire thermoelectric recuperation system can then be examined. The simulation results are compared with data obtained from laboratory experiments. We discuss error bars and the accuracy of the simulation results for practical thermoelectric systems embedded in cars.

Einfluss verschiedener Nebenverbraucher auf Elektrofahrzeuge

Die Elektromobilitat ist zurzeit ein beherrschendes Thema nicht nur in den Forschungsund Entwicklungsbereichen nahezu aller Automobilhersteller und -zulieferer sondern auch in der gesamten Gesellschaft. Ursachlich hierfur ist das grose Potential, welches diese Technologie hinsichtlich Umweltschutz und Ressourcenschonung bietet.

HiL simulation of electric vehicles in different usage scenarios

This paper describes the simulation of an electric vehicle drive train via a hardware in the loop (HiL) setup in combination with an interactive driving simulator based on MATLAB/Simulink. This setup provides the possibility to test the suitability of electric vehicles in different usage scenarios using a laboratory environment. Another aspect is that by a comprehensive analysis of the measurement data, system components of the drive train can be tested under realistic conditions and further developed in order to improve the efficiency of such vehicles.

Investigations on the Impact of Different Electric Vehicle Traction Systems in Urban Traffic

Currently electric vehicles are introduced in e.g. public transport and individual traffic in order to reduce i.a. the green house gas emissions. The main disadvantage of electric vehicles compared to vehicles with conventional drive is the shorter operating distance. In contrast this disadvantage is partially negligible in urban usage scenarios, like e.g. taxi or delivery services. This paper focuses on the simulation of electric vehicle propulsion systems using a Hardware in the Loop (HiL) model. The model consisting of components used in actual electric vehicles is scaled using Buckinghams Pi-Theorem in order to analyze the impact of different electric traction systems on the vehicles energy consumption. Thus the available operating distance of such vehicles can be optimized in urban traffic.

Driving pattern analysis of hybrid and electric vehicles in a German conurbation including a drive system evaluation

The official vehicle consumption data given by the vehicle manufacturer are in many countries based on standardised test cycles such as the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC). In reality, vehicle consumption normally differs depending on the individual usage profile. However, the knowledge of realistic consumption patterns plays an important role especially in the case of electric vehicles due to the range reduction due to energy consumption. This paper gives an overview of the typical usage profiles of electric and hybrid cars based on real driving data, which was recorded within a German conurbation. Based on these recorded driving profiles in combination with appropriate vehicle simulation models realistic consumption patterns and ranges are generated. Effects of different charging scenarios and various battery sizes are discussed. Finally, the suitability and efficiency of conventional cars as well as battery electric and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles for the regarded driving profiles are compared and evaluated.

Vergleich von Antriebskonzepten auf Basis realer Fahrdaten

Die aktuellen Entwicklungs- und Forschungsaktivitaten im Bereich der Fahrzeugantriebe von Personenkraftwagen (PKW) werden im Wesentlichen durch die Forderungen nach energieeffizienten Antriebslosungen getrieben. Dies begrundet sich dabei nicht ausschlieslich auf politische sondern vielmehr auch auf gesellschaftliche Diskussionen und weitere Treiber (vgl. [1]). Neben der Optimierung von Verbrennungsmotoren bieten hierbei insbesondere elektrifizierte oder teilelektrifizierte Fahrzeugantriebe ein groses Potential zur Reduzierung von Betriebskosten und Schadstoffausstos.

Thermoelektrische Generatoranlage zur Energierückgewinnung im Kraftfahrzeug

Die aktuellen Entwicklungen in der Automobilindustrie haben im Wesentlichen eine Effizienzsteigerung von Kraftfahrzeugen zum Ziel. Die Motivation zur Entwicklung von innovativen technischen Masnahmen basiert zum Einen auf der breit gefuhrten gesellschaftlichen Diskussion um Energie und Emissionen und zum Anderen auf dem daraus entstehenden okologischen Bewusstsein [1]. Die bekannte Endlichkeit des Basisrohstoffes Erdol und die stetig steigenden Kraftstoffpreise unterstutzen dabei den nutzerseitigen Wunsch nach effizienter Mobilitat.

Entwurf des NRWCars 2030

Die Frage nach der Zukunft der Mobilitat ist immer verbunden mit der Frage nach der Zukunft der Stadt. Um Masnahmen fur die kunftige Planung hiesiger Siedlungsraume und ihren Verkehrsraumen zu entwickeln, ist ein Blick auf die gegenwartigen Lebensweisen und Gewohnheiten unabdingbar. Denn ausgehend davon werden die gesellschaftlichen Entwicklungen einen Einfluss auf die Stadt- und Mobilitatsstrukturen der Zukunft haben. Im Rahmen des Projektes wurden sowohl globale Anforderungen als auch lokale Auswirkungen einbezogen.

Vorarbeiten für den Entwurf des neuen Fahrzeugkonzepts

Das Gesamtgefuge der Stadt der Gegenwart funktioniert in seiner Vielschichtigkeit als stadtebauliche Erinnerung, stetig werden neue Bestandteile hinzugefugt. Und kontinuierlich reagiert die Stadt auf neue Ereignisse. Derartige raumliche Entwicklungen, bedingt durch soziokulturellen, technologischen, okonomischen Wandel, lassen sich jeweils im Stadtgrundriss und in der Bautypologie wiederfinden. Zudem spiegeln sie sich in unbebauten Zwischenraumen, Strasen und Wegen oder auch Platzen und Grunflachen. Bei naherer Betrachtung wird deutlich, dass Leitbilder in der Vergangenheit fur die Gestalt unserer Stadte pragend waren, die entscheidende Auswirkungen auf die Lebensqualitat hatten und noch haben.

Simulator setup according to use case scenarios - A human-oriented method for virtual development

This contribution presents a method for a virtual development process using a driving simulator. Driving simulators are widely used as development tools in the automotive industry. Amongst others the development of advanced driver assistance systems or the gain of detailed data for the energy efficiency of different powertrain concepts based on driving data are possible fields of application. Here the different needs according to the goal of the intended simulator studies and the thereby required stimuli of the simulator for real driver behavior in the virtual environment are discussed. Afterwards the dynamic driving simulator used at the University of Duisburg-Essen and its various fields of usage are shown with example studies. As examples studies the interaction with a Hardware-in-the-Loop test bed for an electric powertrain and a study on the drivers intention identification to enhance the comfort performance of a modern driver assistance system are used. For both of the studies the driver and its interactions with the respective vehicular system are set as the point of interest. The used simulator setup is then judged upon the degree of immersion which is reached due to different sensory channels that are addressed in the setup.