Methodology for Fuel Saving Optimization of a Serial Hybrid Electric Vehicle using Gas Turbine as Energy Converter
Résumé
Significant research efforts have been invested in the automotive industry on hybrid-electrified powertrains in
order to reduce the passenger cars’ dependence on oil. Powertrains electrification resulted in a wide range
of hybrid vehicle architectures. Fuel consumption of these powertrains strongly relies on the energy
converter performance, as well as on the energy management strategy deployed on-board. This paper
investigates the potential of fuel consumption savings of a serial hybrid electric vehicle (SHEV) using a gas
turbine (GT) as energy converter instead of the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE). An exergotechno
explicit analysis is conducted to identify the best GT-system configuration. An intercooled
regenerative reheat cycle is prioritized, offering higher efficiency and power density compared to other
investigated GT-systems. A SHEV model is developed and powertrain components are sized considering
vehicle performance criteria. Energy consumption simulations are performed on WLTP cycle using dynamic
programing as global optimal energy management strategy. A sensitivity analysis is also carried out in order
to evaluate the effect of the battery size on the fuel consumption. Results show improved fuel consumption
with GT as auxiliary power unit (APU) compared to ICE. Moreover, GT offers other intrinsic advantages such
as reduced mass, suitable vehicle integration as well as a multi-fuel use capability. Consequently, the
studied GT-APU presents a potential for implementation on SHEVs.