For the next two decades a strong growth of the transportation sector is still to be foreseen, at least 40% by 2015. Not only the infrastructural consequences but also the environmental impacts are dramatic. Therefore, efforts are being developed that strive for reduction of private transportation in favor of public transportation. Another option for a further reduction of the emissions in the inner cities is the substitution of conventional vehicles by electrical transportation system. The large-scale introduction of such a system has a substantial impact on the electricity distribution network and a positive impact on the electricity production. It extends the load levveling effect of night rechargers and uses the base load units better. But electrical transportation is not the only way to reduce the pollution by exhaust gases. Many efforts for developing internal combustion engines with low consuption are taking place for some years and in this respect another of the further options is the combination of electric and internal combustion (i.c.). These drives are called hybrid systems. This solution allows a reduction of consumption for long distances and exhaust free driving in the cities. Hydrogen as fuel for i.c. engines, other liquified gases and fuel cells are also solutions to be considered seriously for the future. They offer a less negative environmental impact. The solutions will result from the best balance between technical and economical considerations and environmental impact taking also into account the less rational impact of social acceptance. This survey paper aims to discribe the state of the art of the different components associaterd with electric and hybrid vehicles i.e. energy sources, power electronics and control systems, motors and battery charging infrastructure. Due to the fact that this technology is not yet strongly widespread, a discussion of the reason why it attracts now so much attention and development efforts will be performed initially.
To be continued in EPE Journal Volume 1992-3 and EPE Journal Volume 1992-4.
| Filename: | Unnamed file |
| Filesize: | 881.4 KB |
