Energy Flow and Electric Drive Mode Efficiency Evaluation of Different Generations of Hybrid Vehicles under Diversified Urban Traffic Conditions

Abstract

Hybrid propulsion dedicated to light duty vehicles is seen as an evolutionary change from internal combustion engine (ICE) to electric propulsion. Widespread direct replacement of convection ICEs in the current energy system is impossible because ICEs are vehicles’ main source of mechanical energy. The hybrid powertrain uses the advantages of electric propulsion with the ability to charge the traction battery or have the internal combustion engine assist the system. The article compares different types of hybrid drives (with a small share of plug-in hybrid propulsion) under typical urban driving conditions. Nine vehicles were tested, and the tests were conducted over several months in various cities in Poland. The terms of the research conducted were not under the requirements of the driving test. However, they are authoritative when using the vehicle in real traffic conditions. Such conditions take into account many aspects that are relevant to a road test. It was found that urban conditions are a very suitable environment for hybrid propulsion systems, as they cover more than 50% of the distance in electric mode, regardless of the initial battery charge, in most cases.

Analysis and Regulation of Mechatronic Systems in Advanced Mobile Machines

“…An integral part of this transmission system is a mechatronic management system for gear ratio modification (8) during load-induced machine movement. This system communicates input signals via a Controller Area Network (CAN) Bus to a microcontroller (6). These signals are derived from various sensors: the revolution number of the diesel engine (7.1), the revolution number of hydraulic motors (7.3) related to both 5 and 5.1, and the gearbox output shaft (7.4).…”

“…Additionally, they offer adaptability based on users' requirements. Extant research on the mechatronic control system of mobile machines has predominantly focused on energy efficiency, the evolution of hybrid drive systems [4,5], dynamic mathematical model creation for robotized machine manipulators [6,7], and machine operation automation [8,9].…”

Assessment of the Effect of Road Load on Energy Consumption and Exhaust Emissions of a Hybrid Vehicle in an Urban Road Driving Cycle—Comparison of Road and Chassis Dynamometer Tests

“…It is also important to introduce gearboxes with several ratios in the drivetrains, so that the traction electric motor operates in the area of higher efficiency for different speed ranges (urban, extra-urban driving). Issues related to the optimization of hybrid propulsion in terms of improving energy consumption are the subject of many studies, including [17][18][19][20].…”