EPE Association: EPE 2001 - Topic 09b: Power Electronics in Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

EPE 2001 - Topic 09b: Power Electronics in Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
You are here: EPE Documents > 01 - EPE & EPE ECCE Conference Proceedings > EPE 2001 - Conference > EPE 2001 - Topic 09: POWER ELECTRONICS AND DRIVES IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY > EPE 2001 - Topic 09b: Power Electronics in Electric and Hybrid Vehicles

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   Asynchronous Drive With Igbt Inverter For Traction Application
By M.Revisnyei; T.Szabó; L.Bojtor; E.Paál; I.Varjasi [View]
[Download]

Abstract: The paper introduces a new IGBT inverter fed asynchronous drive applied for urban traction systems like tram and trolley bus drives. The paper discuses in details the main circuit configuration, the hardware and software control system and components. In despite of the rough voltage fluctuation on the DC overhead line, the control structure ensures a smooth operation of the drive system what is a basic requirement in traction applications.

   Bidirectional Full-Electric Step-Less Gearbox
By W. Hofmann; M. Paul; B. Frei [View]
[Download]

Abstract: A full electric gearbox consisting of two motor/generators controlled by inverters for continuous transmission of mechanical energy with a high spread of speed has been investigated. The electronic power conversion is comprised of two dc-link connected voltage source inverters (VSI) Further the use of directcoupled matrix converter (MC) has been put up for discussion on this occasion. The electromagnetic converter is based on two permanent magnet excited synchronous machines with special arrangements of the magnetic circuit for higher torque utilisation in the overload region. To achieve a higher efficiency the basic construction has been improved and a special canned motor construction based on air-gap windings has been investigated. A new control principle for fast dynamic behaviour adapted on the specifications of transmission has been developed. The basic functions of the conversion system are verified in a typical environment of hybrid vehicles where the electronic gear-box is a part of an automatic transmission with electrical power splitting.

   Design Of A High Performance Electric Vehicle For Urban Use
By C. Spiteri Staines; J. Cilia; V. Buttigieg; C. Caruana [View]
[Download]

Abstract: This paper presents the design of an electric vehicle (EV) for operation over short distances (approximately 80km) with an average speed of 80km/h. These specifications were chosen to fulfill the daily transport needs of a small island such as Malta. The paper describes the individual components required for the EV design.

   Drive and Power Control in Hybrid-electric City Buses
By S. Ruppert; E. Holl [View]
[Download]

Abstract: The ELFA® (= Electrical Low Floor Axle) hybrid drive system was developed for serial production. It has been in serial use since summer 1999. The goal was to offer a flexible and modular system to the city-bus market, allowing bus manufacturers to design individual solutions for their customers. The system (figure 1) includes one or two drive motors and at least one generator which is connected to the diesel engine (ICE = Internal Combustion Engine). These electric machines are controlled by different DC/AC-converters and are connected to a DC-intermediate bus circuit (IBC). Moreover, a DC/DC-converter is connected to either a lower voltage battery or an ultra-capacitor for the purpose of energy storage. This DC/DC-inverter adapts the fluctuating battery voltage to the intermediate bus circuit voltage, which is determined by the drive motors and generator speed. The system may include a braking resistor with a converter unit, which is needed when the SOC (State of Charge) is too high for further energy dissipation. The diesel engine may also be used to dissipate energy, but the power is limited by the accepted noise level. For an emission-free system, one or two auxiliary motors are needed to run the auxiliary devices, e.g. steering pump or air pressure pump, which are normally run by the diesel engine. In the hybrid mode, the diesel engine may be switched off when the SOC of the energy storage is high enough and no further charge is expected.

   Energetic supervision for hybrid vehicles: application cases in Italy
By G. Bosia; R. Genova; M. Mazzucchelli [View]
[Download]

Abstract: The main goal of the Energetic Supervision is the optimization of the charging and discharging process of the main accumulators through the evaluation of charge status. Hybrid vehicles are assuming a growing relevance because of their reduced environmental impact, maintenance and running costs; in this paper, the authors describe an innovative supervision system developed for these particular classes of vehicles, allowing an improved maintenance strategy, a further reduction of pollution for hybrid and dual-mode vehicles and a continuos monitoring of system behaviour, to prevent potential malfunctioning and damages.

   Experimental Study of the DC/DC Converter for Electrical Motorcycles
By Y-M. Chen; J-L. Ju [View]
[Download]

Abstract: A DC/DC converter suitable for the use of the electric motorcycle is proposed in this paper. Considering the safety, the power rating, the reliability, and the efficiency of the converter, the circuit topology based on the DC/DC forward converter is proposed. Operation modes of the proposed DC/DC converter are introduced and some important voltage and current waveforms of the converter are also shown. The voltage stress suppression and energy recovery are achieved by using the passive snubber of the main switch. Two different feedback control strategies for the proposed DC/DC converter are adopted to compare the performance of the proposed DC/DC converter. Experimental results of the converter performance under different operation conditions using different control strategies are presented. Based on the experimental results, the voltage mode control is recommended. The proposed DC/DC converter can provide a very stable constant output voltage for the full range of load currents with the maximum efficiency of 90%. The current experimental results are very useful for the improvement task of the DC/DC converter.

   Experimental Study on EV´s Lateral Motion Stabilization with Fast Feed
By S-I. Sakai; S. Hara; Y. Hori [View]
[Download]

Abstract: Electric motors in Electric Vehicles (EVs) has quite fast torque response, thus fast minor feedback loops can be applied for vehicle motion stabilization. This paper clariﬁed that such feedback loop can stabilize the dynamics of driven wheel on the slippery road surface. With such loop, driven wheel has large inertia equivalently. It can stabilize the vehicle’s lateral dynamics, if minor feedback loops are independently installed in the driven wheels. This eﬀect was demonstrated with simulations and experiments. It suggests the eﬀectiveness of minor feedback loops in the total control system like DYC (Direct YawMomen t Control). This paper also introduces our novel 4-motored EV “UOT Electric March II”, which is newly constructed for these experiments.

   Modelling & control of a flywheel powered ultra-light rail bus
By J. Wang; R. Perryman [View]
[Download]

Abstract: This paper describes the modelling and control system design of an integrated electric drive train for a flywheel powered ultra light rail bus. The vehicle is developed to provide an alternative means of transportation for an inner city area in order to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion. Brushless permanent magnet machine drive technology is chosen to maximise energy and volumetric efficiencies of the drive train. The modelling of key elements and their interaction in the system are highlighted. A co-ordinated control strategy to regulate the power flow balance is proposed, and its design detail presented. The validity and effectiveness of the control and design methodology have been confirmed by computer simulation and will be demonstrated on a prototype vehicle.

   Power scheduling of the Emafer high-speed flywheel
By H. Huisman; E.J.F.M. Smits [View]
[Download]

Abstract: A flywheel unit with integrated motor-generator is used as an energy buffer and power booster for a light-rail vehicle. Severe demands are placed on the quality of the motor-generator currents. The use of a pair of paralleled voltage source inverters (VSI’s) allows to obtain a double effective switching frequency. Measured results are shown to confirm the operation of the system.

   Realization and tests of EV drives with driving comfort optimization
By L. Ferraris; F. Profumo; A. Tenconi [View]
[Download]

Abstract: The problem of the optimisation of AC motor control for EV is considered. Preliminary tests and the realisation of an EV prototype with a new motor drive have been realised aiming at the performances optimisation on urban cycles. Special quantitative parameters have been introduced and evaluated, in good agreement with the drivers sensations, and tested in comparison with the performance of two traditional cars and a commercial EV.

   Sim. of HEV with typical driving cycle for a crowded city application
By Z. V. Lakaparampil; K. A. Fathima; G. Poddar; B. Sreekumari; R. V. Chacko; V. K. Neelakandhan [View]
[Download]

Abstract: Electric vehicles (EVs) are now seen as a possible solution to alleviate air pollution in cities, because of their zero emission characteristics. Limitations to the acceptance of EVs are due to the moderate performance of the traditional battery, mainly the range limitations between two consecutive charges, the lengthy time taken for recharge, and the modest service life. This limitation is overcome to a certain extent by Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs). HEVs save energy and minimise emission by combining the superior characteristics of both Electric Motors and the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). Electric Motors are capable of operating from no load to full load over the entire speed range, and ICEs have optimum performance at fixed speed and near full load. In a series Hybrid Electric Vehicle, the steady state cruising energy is supplied from the ICE, and the peak energy demands during acceleration and the other specified operational missions will be supplied from the battery through Electric Motor. ER&DCI(T) is developing an HEV suitable for operation in metros. Different types of Urban Driving Schedule have evolved. In this paper, a driving schedule for a typical Indian metro is selected. HEV operation is simulated with this cycle, and simulation results are presented. During acceleration, vehicle needs positive tractive power; while decelerating negative power is generated by the motor; under cruising steadily the vehicle needs only a steady state power, which is usually a small percentage of the peak power requirement. The tractive power is supplied from the battery by the electric motor; a major portion of the regenerative energy during deceleration is absorbed by the battery, and the steady state power is supplied by the down sized ICE . The simulation is carried out with different ratings and operational characteristics of battery and ICE, and an optimum specification for the different blocks of the HEV is arrived. The results and the specification arrived, are presented in the paper.

EPE 2001 - Topic 09b: Power Electronics in Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
You are here: EPE Documents > 01 - EPE & EPE ECCE Conference Proceedings > EPE 2001 - Conference > EPE 2001 - Topic 09: POWER ELECTRONICS AND DRIVES IN THE AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY > EPE 2001 - Topic 09b: Power Electronics in Electric and Hybrid Vehicles
	[return to parent folder]

	Asynchronous Drive With Igbt Inverter For Traction Application By M.Revisnyei; T.Szabó; L.Bojtor; E.Paál; I.Varjasi	[View] [Download]
Abstract: The paper introduces a new IGBT inverter fed asynchronous drive applied for urban traction systems like tram and trolley bus drives. The paper discuses in details the main circuit configuration, the hardware and software control system and components. In despite of the rough voltage fluctuation on the DC overhead line, the control structure ensures a smooth operation of the drive system what is a basic requirement in traction applications.

	Bidirectional Full-Electric Step-Less Gearbox By W. Hofmann; M. Paul; B. Frei	[View] [Download]
Abstract: A full electric gearbox consisting of two motor/generators controlled by inverters for continuous transmission of mechanical energy with a high spread of speed has been investigated. The electronic power conversion is comprised of two dc-link connected voltage source inverters (VSI) Further the use of directcoupled matrix converter (MC) has been put up for discussion on this occasion. The electromagnetic converter is based on two permanent magnet excited synchronous machines with special arrangements of the magnetic circuit for higher torque utilisation in the overload region. To achieve a higher efficiency the basic construction has been improved and a special canned motor construction based on air-gap windings has been investigated. A new control principle for fast dynamic behaviour adapted on the specifications of transmission has been developed. The basic functions of the conversion system are verified in a typical environment of hybrid vehicles where the electronic gear-box is a part of an automatic transmission with electrical power splitting.

	Design Of A High Performance Electric Vehicle For Urban Use By C. Spiteri Staines; J. Cilia; V. Buttigieg; C. Caruana	[View] [Download]
Abstract: This paper presents the design of an electric vehicle (EV) for operation over short distances (approximately 80km) with an average speed of 80km/h. These specifications were chosen to fulfill the daily transport needs of a small island such as Malta. The paper describes the individual components required for the EV design.

	Drive and Power Control in Hybrid-electric City Buses By S. Ruppert; E. Holl	[View] [Download]
Abstract: The ELFA® (= Electrical Low Floor Axle) hybrid drive system was developed for serial production. It has been in serial use since summer 1999. The goal was to offer a flexible and modular system to the city-bus market, allowing bus manufacturers to design individual solutions for their customers. The system (figure 1) includes one or two drive motors and at least one generator which is connected to the diesel engine (ICE = Internal Combustion Engine). These electric machines are controlled by different DC/AC-converters and are connected to a DC-intermediate bus circuit (IBC). Moreover, a DC/DC-converter is connected to either a lower voltage battery or an ultra-capacitor for the purpose of energy storage. This DC/DC-inverter adapts the fluctuating battery voltage to the intermediate bus circuit voltage, which is determined by the drive motors and generator speed. The system may include a braking resistor with a converter unit, which is needed when the SOC (State of Charge) is too high for further energy dissipation. The diesel engine may also be used to dissipate energy, but the power is limited by the accepted noise level. For an emission-free system, one or two auxiliary motors are needed to run the auxiliary devices, e.g. steering pump or air pressure pump, which are normally run by the diesel engine. In the hybrid mode, the diesel engine may be switched off when the SOC of the energy storage is high enough and no further charge is expected.

	Energetic supervision for hybrid vehicles: application cases in Italy By G. Bosia; R. Genova; M. Mazzucchelli	[View] [Download]
Abstract: The main goal of the Energetic Supervision is the optimization of the charging and discharging process of the main accumulators through the evaluation of charge status. Hybrid vehicles are assuming a growing relevance because of their reduced environmental impact, maintenance and running costs; in this paper, the authors describe an innovative supervision system developed for these particular classes of vehicles, allowing an improved maintenance strategy, a further reduction of pollution for hybrid and dual-mode vehicles and a continuos monitoring of system behaviour, to prevent potential malfunctioning and damages.

	Experimental Study of the DC/DC Converter for Electrical Motorcycles By Y-M. Chen; J-L. Ju	[View] [Download]
Abstract: A DC/DC converter suitable for the use of the electric motorcycle is proposed in this paper. Considering the safety, the power rating, the reliability, and the efficiency of the converter, the circuit topology based on the DC/DC forward converter is proposed. Operation modes of the proposed DC/DC converter are introduced and some important voltage and current waveforms of the converter are also shown. The voltage stress suppression and energy recovery are achieved by using the passive snubber of the main switch. Two different feedback control strategies for the proposed DC/DC converter are adopted to compare the performance of the proposed DC/DC converter. Experimental results of the converter performance under different operation conditions using different control strategies are presented. Based on the experimental results, the voltage mode control is recommended. The proposed DC/DC converter can provide a very stable constant output voltage for the full range of load currents with the maximum efficiency of 90%. The current experimental results are very useful for the improvement task of the DC/DC converter.

	Experimental Study on EV´s Lateral Motion Stabilization with Fast Feed By S-I. Sakai; S. Hara; Y. Hori	[View] [Download]
Abstract: Electric motors in Electric Vehicles (EVs) has quite fast torque response, thus fast minor feedback loops can be applied for vehicle motion stabilization. This paper clariﬁed that such feedback loop can stabilize the dynamics of driven wheel on the slippery road surface. With such loop, driven wheel has large inertia equivalently. It can stabilize the vehicle’s lateral dynamics, if minor feedback loops are independently installed in the driven wheels. This eﬀect was demonstrated with simulations and experiments. It suggests the eﬀectiveness of minor feedback loops in the total control system like DYC (Direct YawMomen t Control). This paper also introduces our novel 4-motored EV “UOT Electric March II”, which is newly constructed for these experiments.

	Modelling & control of a flywheel powered ultra-light rail bus By J. Wang; R. Perryman	[View] [Download]
Abstract: This paper describes the modelling and control system design of an integrated electric drive train for a flywheel powered ultra light rail bus. The vehicle is developed to provide an alternative means of transportation for an inner city area in order to reduce air pollution and traffic congestion. Brushless permanent magnet machine drive technology is chosen to maximise energy and volumetric efficiencies of the drive train. The modelling of key elements and their interaction in the system are highlighted. A co-ordinated control strategy to regulate the power flow balance is proposed, and its design detail presented. The validity and effectiveness of the control and design methodology have been confirmed by computer simulation and will be demonstrated on a prototype vehicle.

	Power scheduling of the Emafer high-speed flywheel By H. Huisman; E.J.F.M. Smits	[View] [Download]
Abstract: A flywheel unit with integrated motor-generator is used as an energy buffer and power booster for a light-rail vehicle. Severe demands are placed on the quality of the motor-generator currents. The use of a pair of paralleled voltage source inverters (VSI’s) allows to obtain a double effective switching frequency. Measured results are shown to confirm the operation of the system.

	Realization and tests of EV drives with driving comfort optimization By L. Ferraris; F. Profumo; A. Tenconi	[View] [Download]
Abstract: The problem of the optimisation of AC motor control for EV is considered. Preliminary tests and the realisation of an EV prototype with a new motor drive have been realised aiming at the performances optimisation on urban cycles. Special quantitative parameters have been introduced and evaluated, in good agreement with the drivers sensations, and tested in comparison with the performance of two traditional cars and a commercial EV.

	Sim. of HEV with typical driving cycle for a crowded city application By Z. V. Lakaparampil; K. A. Fathima; G. Poddar; B. Sreekumari; R. V. Chacko; V. K. Neelakandhan	[View] [Download]
Abstract: Electric vehicles (EVs) are now seen as a possible solution to alleviate air pollution in cities, because of their zero emission characteristics. Limitations to the acceptance of EVs are due to the moderate performance of the traditional battery, mainly the range limitations between two consecutive charges, the lengthy time taken for recharge, and the modest service life. This limitation is overcome to a certain extent by Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs). HEVs save energy and minimise emission by combining the superior characteristics of both Electric Motors and the Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). Electric Motors are capable of operating from no load to full load over the entire speed range, and ICEs have optimum performance at fixed speed and near full load. In a series Hybrid Electric Vehicle, the steady state cruising energy is supplied from the ICE, and the peak energy demands during acceleration and the other specified operational missions will be supplied from the battery through Electric Motor. ER&DCI(T) is developing an HEV suitable for operation in metros. Different types of Urban Driving Schedule have evolved. In this paper, a driving schedule for a typical Indian metro is selected. HEV operation is simulated with this cycle, and simulation results are presented. During acceleration, vehicle needs positive tractive power; while decelerating negative power is generated by the motor; under cruising steadily the vehicle needs only a steady state power, which is usually a small percentage of the peak power requirement. The tractive power is supplied from the battery by the electric motor; a major portion of the regenerative energy during deceleration is absorbed by the battery, and the steady state power is supplied by the down sized ICE . The simulation is carried out with different ratings and operational characteristics of battery and ICE, and an optimum specification for the different blocks of the HEV is arrived. The results and the specification arrived, are presented in the paper.