System design and energetic characterization of a four-wheel-driven series–parallel hybrid electric powertrain for heavy-duty applications

Wang, E., Guo, D. and Yang, F. (2015) System design and energetic characterization of a four-wheel-driven series–parallel hybrid electric powertrain for heavy-duty applications. Energy Conversion and Management, 106, pp. 1264-1275. (doi: 10.1016/j.enconman.2015.10.056)

Abstract

Powertrain topology design is vital for system performance of a hybrid electric vehicle. In this paper, a novel four-wheel-driven series–parallel hybrid electric powertrain is proposed. A motor is connected to the differential of the rear axle. An auxiliary power unit is linked to the differential of the front axle via a clutch. First, a mathematical model was established to evaluate the fuel-saving potential. A rule-based energy management algorithm was subsequently designed, and its working parameters were optimized. The hybrid powertrain system was applied to a transit bus, and the system characteristics were analyzed. Compared to an existing coaxial power-split hybrid powertrain, the fuel economy of the four-wheel-driven series–parallel hybrid powertrain can be at the same level under normal road conditions. However, the proposed four-wheel-driven series–parallel hybrid powertrain can recover braking energy more efficiently under road conditions with a low adhesive coefficient and can alleviate the torsional oscillation occurring at the existing coaxial power-split hybrid powertrain. Therefore, the four-wheel-driven series–parallel hybrid powertrain is a good solution for transit buses toward more robust performance.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Wang, Dr Enhua
• Authors: Wang, E., Guo, D., and Yang, F.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Journal Name: Energy Conversion and Management
• Publisher: Elsevier
• ISSN: 0196-8904
• ISSN (Online): 1879-2227