Introduction to Hybrid Vehicle System Modeling and Control

Chapter 2: Basic Components of Hybrid Vehicle

Regardless of the type of hybrid vehicle system, the propulsion system is mainly comprised of the following components:

• Prime mover
• Electric motor with DC/DC converter, DC/AC inverter, and controller
• Energy storage system
• Transmission system

2.1 Prime mover

The prime mover of a hybrid vehicle is its main energy source, which generally is one of gasoline, diesel, or fuel cells. The selection of the prime mover is mainly based on the requirements of drivability, fuel economy, and emission.

2.1.1 Gasoline Engine

The gasoline engine is the most developed machine that converts natural fossil energy to mechanical work to propel a vehicle. The main advan tages of this type of engine are its high specific power (power– weight ratio), wide range of rotational speed, and higher mechanical efficiency. To perform hybrid system design and performance analysis, the engineer needs to understand the ICE's torque/power versus speed and fuel

consumption and emissions. An example curve of torque/power versus speed of a gasoline engine is shown in Fig. 2.1, and the fuel consumption contour is shown in Fig. 2.2.

Figure 2.1 Curve of torque/power vs. speed of gasoline engine.

Figure 2.2 Typical fuel consumption contour of gasoline engine.

2.1.2 Diesel Engine ...