A Matter of Dedication: A Simulative Study of ICE Efficiency Potential in Hybrid Powertrains

Authors

Christian TRAPP, Maximilian BÖHME
Universität der Bundeswehr München

Summary

As increasingly large battery capacities become viable in hybrid vehicles, the ICE is no longer the primary power source in many driving situations. This enables a shift of attention in ICE development from dynamics and power to efficiency and pollutant emissions: “Dedicated Hybrid Engines” are the result. Parallel, power-split and serial hybrids allow for different levels of phlegmatization and pose different challenges to component design and operating strategy. In this paper, the efficiency potential of a dedicated plug-in serial hybrid powertrain topology (SPHEV) using a highly efficient, ultra-low emission phlegmatized ethanol internal combustion engine, is compared in AVL CruiseM with state-of-the-art conventional powertrains using comprehensive real-driving data. A new predictive operating strategy (PrOpS) for the SPHEV is proposed and used for controlling the SPHEV powertrain in the simulations.