Srdjan M. Lukic

Energy Storage Systems for Automotive Applications

The fuel efficiency and performance of novel vehicles with electric propulsion capability are largely limited by the performance of the energy storage system (ESS). This paper reviews state-of-the-art ESSs in automotive applications. Battery technology options are considered in detail, with emphasis on methods of battery monitoring, managing, protecting, and balancing. Furthermore, other ESS candidates such as ultracapacitors, flywheels and fuel cells are also discussed. Finally, hybrid power sources are considered as a method of combining two or more energy storage devices to create a superior power source.

Topological overview of hybrid electric and fuel cell vehicular power system architectures and configurations

This paper discusses the operational characteristics of the topologies for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), fuel cell vehicles (FCV), and more electric vehicles (MEV). A brief description of series hybrid, parallel hybrid, and fuel cell-based propulsion systems are presented. The paper also presents fuel cell propulsion applications, more specific to light-duty passenger cars as well as heavy-duty buses. Finally, some of the major fundamental issues that currently face these advanced vehicular technologies including the challenges for market penetration are highlighted.

Effects of drivetrain hybridization on fuel economy and dynamic performance of parallel hybrid electric vehicles

Hybrid electric vehicles have proved to be the most practical solution in reaching very high fuel economy as well as very low emissions. However, there is no standard solution for the optimal size or ratio of the internal combustion engine and the electric system. The optimum choice includes complex tradeoffs between the heat engine and electric propulsion system on one hand and cost, fuel economy, and performance on the other. Each component, as well as the overall system, have to be optimized to give optimal performance and durability at a low price. In this paper, we look at the effects of hybridization on fuel economy and dynamic performances of vehicles. Different hybridization levels from mild to full hybrid electric traction systems are examined. We also present the optimum level of hybridization for typical passenger cars. This study shows that low hybridization levels provide an acceptable fuel economy benefit at a low price, while the optimal level of hybridization ranges between 0.3 and 0.5, depending on the total vehicle power.

Power Management of an Ultracapacitor/Battery Hybrid Energy Storage System in an HEV

To overcome the power delivery limitations of batteries and energy storage limitations of ultracapacitors, hybrid energy storage systems, which combine the two energy sources, have been proposed. A comprehensive review of the state of the art is presented. In addition, a method of optimizing the operation of a battery/ultracapacitor hybrid energy storage system (HESS) is presented. The goal is to set the state of charge of the ultracapacitor and the battery in a way which ensures that the available power and energy is sufficient to supply the drivetrain. By utilizing an algorithm where the states of charge of both systems are tightly controlled, we allow for the overall system size to reduce since more power is available from a smaller energy storage system

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 vehicles 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.

Performance analysis of automotive power systems: effects of power electronic intensive loads and electrically-assisted propulsion systems

Demands for higher fuel economy, performance, and reliability as well as reduced emissions push the automotive industry to seek electrification of ancillaries and engine augmentations. In the future cars, throttle actuation, power steering, anti-lock braking, rear-wheel steering, air-conditioning, ride-height adjustment, active suspension, and electrically heated catalyst will all benefit from the electrical power system. Therefore, a higher system voltage, such as the proposed 42 V, is necessary to handle these new-introduced loads. On the other hand, due to the environmental concerns, there is a definite development towards new electrically-assisted propulsion systems that improve fuel economy. In this paper, the effects of the new introduced electrical systems including hotel and auxiliary loads on the electrical power systems of conventional and more electric cars are presented. Dynamic characteristics of electrical loads are defined for typical drive cycles. Finally, system level issues such as fuel economy and vehicle performances are addressed.

Usage Pattern Development for Three-Wheel Auto Rickshaw Taxis in India

Autorickshaws are one of the chief modes of transport in many Asian countries. In India, these vehicles are mainly used as taxis. Since there is heavy congestion on the roads of India, the small size and narrow body of this three wheeled vehicle is perfectly suited to navigate the roads. These vehicles are usually powered by a two or four stroke gasoline engine. Due to this design and other factors, rickshaws are typically highly polluting. In recent years, alternative models such as compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) models have been introduced to deal with the pollution problem. Electric powered rickshaws were also considered, but there are no successful commercial products available yet. Illinois Institute of Technology has set out to solve the pollution problem caused by existing rickshaws by developing an electric auto rickshaw. Auto rickshaws are an ideal candidate for electrification due to the low speeds of the vehicle and relatively low distance covered in a day. With this idea, the team set out to develop a driving cycle of the auto rickshaw in a typical large Indian city - in this case, Delhi. This paper will describe the process by which the driving cycle was made for auto rickshaws in India. First, the existing cycles used in India are considered as candidates. Since these data are not applicable, GPS data collected at various times of the day were applied to the analysis. The new driving cycle was derived from information gathered via GPS data as well as surveys of auto rickshaw drivers in India, which helped to get the entire picture for the driving cycle.

Entrepreneurial Projects Program at Illinois Institute of Technology: Solar/Battery Hybrid Three-Wheel Auto Rickshaw for India

The interprofessional projects (IPRO) program at the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) offers a multidisciplinary, practical learning experience by allowing students from different majors to apply their skills to real world projects. In the companion entrepreneurial IPRO (EnPRO) program, which brings together business and engineering majors, the vital link between business and technology is explored. Students of EnPRO projects work not only on developing but also commercializing new products and services, or solving broader societal problems through their business strategies. This paper summarizes the work of EnPRO 351: solar/battery hybrid (electric) three- wheel auto rickshaw for India. EnPRO 351 parallels a funded technical research and development effort that is taking place at IIT. Students in the project were introduced to the auto rickshaw and its role in the culture and economy of India. Members of this team investigated the political, economic and technological scene in India today with respect to this vehicle. In addition, the concept of electric vehicles (EVs) was examined and the team determined the feasibility of different types of EV auto rickshaws. Investigation into the current petrol (gas), compressed natural gas (CNG) and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) stations also revealed the possibilities for building supporting infrastructure for EV auto rickshaws, as well as incorporating solar technology in current and future stations. This paper gives insight into the research methods employed by the teams during different semesters of the project and the outcomes of this research. Many EnPROs have laid the foundation for new startup ventures, and this is the anticipated result of this project, especially with the parallel development of a solar/battery prototype vehicle. The thorough and detailed work presented here, including a feasibility study and opportunity analysis, may serve as a guideline to future development not only on the vehicle but on new infrastructure as well.

Effects of Electrical Loads on 42V Automotive Power Systems

Demands for higher fuel economy, performance, reliability, convenience, as well as reduced emissions push the automotive industry to seek electrification of ancillaries and engine augmentations. In cars of the future, throttle actuation, steering, anti-lock braking, rear-wheel steering, active suspension and ride-height adjustment, air-conditioning, and electrically heated catalyst will all benefit from the electrical power system. Therefore, a higher system voltage, such as the proposed 42V, is necessary to handle these new introduced loads. In this paper, an overview of the systems that will benefit from the 42V bus is presented. Effects of the new introduced electrical loads on the electrical power systems of conventional cars are described. Dynamic characteristics of each load for a typical drive cycle are defined. In addition, system level issues and vehicle performances such as fuel economy are addressed.

A PSIM-based modeling tool for conventional, electric, and hybrid electric vehicles studies

The More Electric Vehicles (MEV) concept emphasizes the utilization of electrical systems instead of mechanical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems to optimize vehicle fuel economy, emissions, performance, and reliability. In addition, the need for improvement in comfort, convenience, entertainment, safety, security, and communications necessitates more electric automotive systems. As a result, an electric power distribution system with larger capacity and more complex configuration is required to facilitate increasing electrical loads. Due to the environmental concerns, there is also a definite development towards new propulsion systems for the future cars in the form of electric and hybrid electric vehicles (EV and HEV). Most of these new electrical systems in advanced cars utilize power electronic converters and motor drives. In this paper, a modeling tool, which has been developed to study automotive systems using PSIM software, is presented. Different heat engines, transmissions, differentials, mechanical systems, control strategies, batteries, solar cells, and fuel cells have been modeled to enable simulation of vehicular systems. Suitability of the software package in design of different automotive systems is explored as well.