Design and verification of novel powertrain management for multi-geared battery electric vehicles
- Publication Type:
- Thesis
- Issue Date:
- 2016
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Despite the long-term benefit of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to customers and the environment, the initial cost and limited driving range present the significant barriers for wide spread commercialization. The integration of multi-speed transmission to BEVs’ powertrain systems, which is in place of fixed ratio reduction transmission, is considered as a feasible method to improve powertrain efficiency and extend limited driving range for a fixed battery size. Additionally, regenerative braking also extends the mileage by recapturing the vehicle’s kinetic energy during braking, rather than dissipating it as heat. Both of these two methods reduce the requirement of battery pack capacity of BEVs without loss of performance. However, the motor-supplied braking torque is applied to the wheels in an entirely different way compared to the hydraulic friction braking systems. Drag torque and response delay may be introduced by transmitting the braking torque from the motor through a multi-speed transmission, axles and differential to the wheels. Furthermore, because the motor is usually only connected to one axle and the available torque is limited, the traditional friction brake is still necessary for supplementary braking, creating a blended braking system. Complicated effects such as wheel slip and locking, vehicle body bounce and braking distance variation, will inevitability impact on the performance and safety of braking. The aim of this thesis is to estimate if the multi-speed transmission and the mechanic-electric blended braking system are worthwhile for the customers, in terms of the price/performance relationship of others’ design solutions;
To do so a generic battery electric vehicle is modelled in Matlab/Simulink® to predict motor efficiency, braking performance of different strategies, energy consumption and recovery for single reduction, two-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and simplified Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) equipped BEVs. Braking strategies for different purposes are proposed to achieve a balance between braking performance, driving comfort and energy recovery rate. Special measures are taken to avoid any effects of motor failure. All strategies are analysed in detail for various braking events. Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), such as Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS) and Electro Control Brake Distribution (EBD), are properly integrated to work harmoniously with the regenerative braking system (RBS). Different switching plans during braking are discussed. The braking energy recovery rates and brake force distribution details for different driving cycles are simulated.
A credible conclusion is gained, through experimental validation of single speed and two-speed DCT scenarios and reasonable assumptions to support the CVT scenario, that both two-speed DCT and simplified CVT improve the overall powertrain efficiency, save battery energy and reduce customer costs, although each of the configurations has unique cost and energy consumption related trade-offs. Results for two of the cycles in an ‘Eco’ mode are measured on a drive train testing rig and found to agree with the simulated results to within approximately 10%. Reliable conclusions can thus be gained on the economic and dynamic braking performance. The strategies proposed in this thesis are shown to not only achieve comfortable and safe driving during all conditions but also to significantly reduce cost in both the short and long terms.
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