EGR 598: Assignment 1 Anuj Bajaj

Hybrid Electric Vehicle Architecture

A hybrid electric vehicle is a combination of an Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) and an Electric
Motor/Generator (I/G set) for propulsion of the vehicle. In a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle, there is
also an additional battery pack that is which can be recharge from the electric grid. There are four
main vehicle architectures that can be designed for an electric vehicle

SERIES HEVs:

 The ICE is completely decoupled from the wheels. This means that we have better control over the
engine and the engine can run at optimum speeds. Flexibility in engine location would mean the
ability to better control weight distribution and thermal aspects of the vehicle
 The engine powers a Generator which provides power to a motor which powers the wheels. The
generator can also charge a battery to store electricity.

ICE Generator Transmission

Motor
to Wheels

Battery

 At low speeds, the battery alone will power the motor and hence the ICE can stay off which helps
save fuel. At moderate power requirements, the ICE can start and both the Generator and the
Battery provide power to the motor.
 During highway cruising, the generator alone powers the motor and the battery is neither charged
nor discharged as it may already be in a high state of charge. And the power requirement will
prohibit the engine from turning off.
 Regenerative braking helps recharge the battery wherein the motor works as a generator and uses
the kinetic energy of the vehicle to generate power, thereby also providing braking effect.

Series set up may provide long range and higher efficiency, but will definitely lack in terms of
performance. Also, incorporation of a separate motor and generator adds to weight and cost.
Parallel Split:

 This system has the engine coupled to the wheels via a transmission unit. A planetary gear set is
generally used. This system is also powered by an I/G unit which is powered by a battery.
 There is an incorporation of another motor which works exclusively as a generator which is
connected to the engine
 The batteries are charged by using this generator as well as by regenerative braking.
 This architecture offers maximum flexibility in terms of optimization based on operating
conditions.
 A heavy vehicle like an SUV can need high torque at the start which a relatively small engine cannot
provide at low RPMs. This is where the motor can provide high torque. At higher speeds, it is
necessary to supply maximum power to maintain performance, which the engine can do better
than the motor at that point. This makes it an excellent option for cars. The cost component
however is a major issue.

Generator ICE

Transmission
to Wheels

Battery Motor

Parallel Through the road:

This system is similar to the parallel split but has these main differences:

 The batteries are charged by using this generator as well as by regenerative braking.
 This system is employed for the all-wheel drive architecture. Wherein the power is supplied to one
axle by the ICE and to the other by the Motor.

ICE

Transmission
Transmission to Wheels
to Wheels

Motor
Battery
References:

[1]Mi, Chris;Masrur, M. Abul;Gao, David Wenzhong MIL EAN/ISBN: 9781280767708 Pub e-EAN/ISBN:
9781119998907
Subject (LC Class): TL221 - Motor vehicles. Cycles