Vehicle Propulsion Systems

The authors of this text have written a comprehensive introduction to the modeling and optimization problems encountered when designing new propulsion systems for passenger cars. It is intended for persons interested in the analysis and optimization of vehicle propulsion systems. Its focus is on the control-oriented mathematical description of the physical processes and on the model-based optimization of the system structure and of the supervisory control algorithms.

Offering in-depth coverage of hybrid propulsion topics, energy storage systems and modelling, and supporting electrical systems, this book will be an invaluable resource for practising engineers and managers involved in all aspects of hybrid vehicle development, modelling, simulation and testing.

Annotation Leading researchers provide a cohesive treatment of the complex issues in high-speed propulsion, as well as introductions to the current capabilities for addressing several fundamental aspects of high-speed vehicle propulsion development. Includes more than 380 references, 290 figures and tables, and 185 equations.

Better Understand the Relationship between Powertrain System Design and Its Control IntegrationWhile powertrain system design and its control integration are traditionally divided into two different functional groups, a growing trend introduces the integration of more electronics (sensors, actuators, and controls) into the powertrain system.

The book presents – based on the most recent research and development results worldwide - the perspectives of new propulsion concepts such as electric cars with batteries and fuel cells, and furthermore plug in hybrids with conventional and alternative fuels. The propulsion concepts are evaluated based on specific power, torque characteristic, acceleration behaviour, specific fuel consumption and pollutant emissions. The alternative fuels are discussed in terms of availability, production, technical complexity of the storage on board, costs, safety and infrastructure. The book presents summarized data about vehicles with electric and hybrid propulsion. The propulsion of future cars will be marked by diversity – from compact electric city cars and range extender vehicles for suburban and rural areas up to hybrid or plug in SUV ́s, Pick up ́s and luxury class automobiles.

The book on Sustainable Automotive Technologies aims to draw special attention to the research and practice focused on new technologies and approaches capable of meeting the challenges to sustainable mobility. In particular, the book features incremental and radical technical advancements that are able to meet social, economic and environmental targets in both local and global contexts. These include original solutions to the problems of pollution and congestion, vehicle and public safety, sustainable vehicle design and manufacture, new structures and materials, new power-train technologies and vehicle concepts. In addition to vehicle technologies, the book is also concerned with the broader systemic issues such as sustainable supply chain systems, integrated logistics and telematics, and end-of-life vehicle management. It captures selected peer reviewed papers accepted for presentation at the 4th International Conference on Sustainable Automotive Technologies, ICSAT2012, held at the RMIT, Melbourne, Australia.