Search Results (5)

Being able to predict the behaviour of Rechargeable Energy Storage Systems (RESS) such as batteries and Electric Double-Layer Capacitors (EDLC) relies on the models used to represent them. Research on the development and enhancement of these models is performed on two tracks: on one hand by defining the model topology, where a trade-off is sought between the reduction of components in the model equivalent scheme and the ability of the model to describe all potential system behaviour and, on the other hand by improving the method of calculating the magnitudes of the different components in the model. The storage devices examined in this paper are divided in two groups, electrochemical devices and electrical double layer capacitors. The first group consists of lead-acid, lithium, Ni-Cd and Ni-MH batteries. The second group comprises of Electric Double-Layer Capacitors (EDLC). For every model used to describe a battery or EDLC, different techniques are implemented to calculate the magnitude of the components. The work presented in this paper will elaborate to the calculating method used in NREL's FreedomCAR test-manual adapted to fit different battery- and EDLC models. This method consists of an iterative approach to the equations of the model using data gathered from performing tests on the battery or supercapacitor. Validation of the models obtained through this calculating method will be done by performance tests on the storage devices. As the models of batteries and supercapacitors are a key aspect in the simulation software for hybrid-vehicles more accurate models result in more accurate simulations. These simulation programs depend upon the underlying component models, the data generated by which determines the accuracy of the program's data-output. The availability of reliable storage RESS models will thus be a key element in to allow overall vehicle modelling. Full article

In this article the development and use of a data acquisition system for the optimization of hybrid propulsion systems is proposed. This versatile system can be used for different hybrid driveline architectures and for off- and on-road data logging. It retrieves the necessary parameters to develop or assess the power flow control algorithm of the vehicle under test, in order to optimize the driveline and reduce energy consumption and emissions. It is based on a cRIO^TM programmable controller of National Instruments in combination with dedicated sensors and interfaces for the data acquisition of electrical and mechanical parameters. The assets and configuration of the system are discussed. Experimental data are given and discussed. In addition the HEV simulation platform developed in parallel is briefly described. Full article

The Erasmus University College Brussels (EHB) and its partner the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) constitute the University Association Brussels (UAB), developing a common integrated policy towards the creation of a university space within the capital of Europe. In this framework, the Master degree curricula at EHB, including the industrial engineering curriculum at the IWT department, are now in a phase of academization, which means the introduction of a research-based academic culture necessary to grant academic Master degrees. One of the main challenges with reforming the contemporary higher education landscape remains the transition from traditional ex-cathedra teaching to a more student-centered education sphere focused on the creation of competences. Although the acquisition of a sound theoretical knowledge will always remain the base foundation of the education of the intellectual, the introduction of projectoriented curriculum elements is a key factor in creating a learning environment allowing acquiring and exercising a wide array of skills and competences, including non-cognitive ones, to bene t the industrial and societal deployment of the engineer. The industrial engineer, as formed by EHB in a four year curriculum (three bachelor years and one master year), shall in fact be a polyvalent, operative intellectual, who is able to implement innovative solutions and to solve problems occurring in industrial practice. The involvement of master students in a multidisciplinary project is a premier occasion to create a learning environment enabling student personal development in such direction, including teamwork dynamics. The choice of an electrically propelled competition vehicle as pedagogical project presents several key bene ts. Not only concerns it a subject which greatly appeals to students and which has a large potential for dissemination and student attraction, but it also presents an occasion to enlighten students towards the philosophy of electric transportation which represents the key solution for future sustainable mobility. In urban traffic, due to their bene cial effect on environment, electric vehicles are an important factor for improvement of traffic and more particularly for a healthier living environment. But also when performance is what it is aimed for, electric traction presents substantial environmental and technical bene ts compared with legacy technologies. The introduction of this environmental consciousness enhances the curriculum and contributes to the formation of morally and socially responsible industrial engineers, which is a major bene t for their own personal development as well as for society as a whole. The current project is aimed at the realization of a hybrid electric formula-type vehicle, based on a "Predator" class car body. This type of vehicle is used for competitions in Italy, albeit with a legacy drive train, and presents a versatile platform to implement new drive train technologies. Full article

The electrically propelled vehicle makes use of various technologies and is thus faced with diverse standardization and regulation cultures. The relevant standardization landscape is a complex one, particularly if new energy vectors such as hydrogen are taken into account. The growing interest for the deployment of (hybrid) electric drive technology has given rise to specific standardization issues, which are being tackled by specific technical teams. Currently enforced rating standards to evaluate the performance of ground vehicles must in fact be adapted to hybrid electric vehicles, with particular problems arising when considering plug-in hybrids which use both fuel and mains electricity. New standards are needed to evaluate the potential benefits of the hybrid systems against the future vehicle requirements within specifically applicable bounds and regulations. The paper highlights current evolutions in the field, discussing the ongoing work programme of international standardization committees (particularly ISO TC22 SC21 and IEC TC69), and more particularly the interaction between these committees. Special attention will be given to a number of pending issues such as the definition of reliable performance and energy consumption tests for plug-in hybrid vehicles with both fuel and electricity energy supply, the specific need for infrastructure standardization and the impact of the introduction of new technologies such as hydrogen on vehicle safety standardization. The paper will report on activities in this field, providing direct feedback from the international standardization shopfloor, and will recommend specific work areas for standardization, highlighting the potential interaction of ongoing international standardization activities. Full article

This review paper gives an overview of state-of-the-art technology regarding supercapacitors, briefly discusses the aspect of supercapacitor balancing and compares and assesses two system designs incorporating supercapacitors, batteries and in one case with an interconnected converter. Supercapacitors offer a high power density and long life cycle and could improve a battery-only setup subjected to peak loads. An electric kart test setup will be used to evaluate a simple direct parallel connection between the batteries and the supercapacitor bank. Measurements on a more advanced setup, incorporating an interconnected converter between the batteries and supercapacitors, will illustrate the effect of such an implementation compared to a plain parallel connected setup. Full article