Browse Topic: Energy conservation

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A New Electrified Planetary Gear Set - The Cost- and Fuel-Efficient Alternative to Continuously Variable Transmissions2025-01-0309To be published on 07/02/2025
In order to mitigate the effects of climate change, the global transport sector, one of the largest emitters of CO2, needs to drastically reduce its emissions. Although hybridization and electrification are becoming increasingly popular as a solution for a variety of applications, their use in two- and three-wheelers, as well as in recreational and powersports vehicles, remains limited due to their high costs and complexity compared to conventional drivetrains with continuously variable transmissions (CVTs). Despite their affordability and simplicity, CVTs suffer from low mechanical efficiency, with transmission losses ranging from 20–50 %, highlighting a significant opportunity for improvement. In response to these limitations, this study presents the development and experimental evaluation of an electrified planetary gear set (ePGS) in a lightweight off-road vehicle. It is designed to overcome the efficiency limitations of CVTs while maintaining high driving comfort and low system
Jakoby, Moritz, Engels, Michael, Fahrbach, Timm, Andert, Jakob
Technical Paper
Modular Thermal Management Framework for Electric Drive System Development2025-01-0262To be published on 07/02/2025
The automotive industry is undergoing a major shift from internal combustion engines (ICE) to hybrid (HEV) and battery-electric vehicles (BEV), which has led to significant advancements and increased complexity in drivetrain design and thermal management systems. This complexity reflects the growing need to optimize energy efficiency, extend vehicle range, and ensure system reliability in modern electric vehicles. At the Institute of Automotive Engineering, a specialized synthesis tool for drivetrain optimization is used to identify the best drivetrain configurations based on specific boundaries and requirements. Building up on this toolchain a modular and adaptable thermal management framework has been developed, addressing another critical aspect of vehicle and drive development: efficient thermal circuit layout and its impact on energy consumption and overall system reliability. The thermal framework emphasizes the dynamic interactions between key components, such as electric
Notz, Fabian, Sturm, Axel, Sander, Marcel, Kässens, Christoph, Henze, Roman
Technical Paper
Investigation on Thermal Management of Heavy-Duty Commercial FCEV with Focus on Vehicle System Efficiency2025-01-0265To be published on 07/02/2025
The primary approach to meet the objectives of the EU Heavy Duty CO2 Regulation involves decarbonizing the road transport sector by battery electric vehicles (BEV) or hydrogen-fueled vehicles. Even though the well-to-wheel efficiency of hydrogen-fueled powertrains like fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV) and H2-internal combustion engines (H2-ICE) is much lower in comparison to BEV, they are better suited for on-road heavy-duty trucks, long haul transport missions and regions with scarce charging infrastructure. Hence, this paper focuses on heavy-duty FCEVs and their overall energetic efficiency enhancement by intelligently managing energy transfer across coolant circuit boundaries through waste heat recovery, while ensuring that all relevant components remain within required temperature boundaries under both cold and hot ambient conditions. Results were obtained using a 1D-model that comprises all thermal fluid circuits (refrigerant, coolant, air) created through GT-Suite software
Uhde, Sophia, Langhorst, Thorsten, Wuest, Marcel, Naber, Dirk
Technical Paper
Simulation-Based Investigation and its Experimental Validation of the Thermal Behaviour of a Battery Electric City Bus2025-01-0266To be published on 07/02/2025
Electrification of city busses is an important factor for decarbonisation of the public transport sector. Due to its strictly scheduled routes and regular idle times, the public transport sector is an ideal use case for battery electric vehicles (BEV). In this context, the thermal management has a high potential to decrease the energy demand or to increase the vehicles range. The thermal management of an electric city bus controls the thermal behaviour of the components of the powertrain, such as motor and inverters, as well as the conditioning of the battery system and the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) of the drivers’ front box and the passenger room. The focus of the research is the modelling of the thermal behaviour of the important components of an electric city bus in MATLAB/Simscape including real-world driving cycles and the thermal management. The heating of the components, geometry and behaviour of the cooling circuits as well as the different mechanisms of
Schäfer, Henrik, Meywerk, Martin, Hellberg, Tobias
Technical Paper
Effect of Gasoline Component on Fuel Economy of WLTC Drive with EGR and Lean Combustion2025-01-0305To be published on 07/02/2025
It is becoming increasingly clear that research into alternative fuels, including drop-in fuels, is essential for the continued survival of the internal combustion engine. In this study, the authors have evaluated olefinic and oxygenated fuels as drop-in fuels using a single-cylinder engine and considering fuel characteristic parameters. The authors have assessed thermal efficiency by adding the EGR or air from 0 to the maximum value that allows stable combustion. Next, we attempted to predict fuel efficiency for four types of passenger cars (Japanese small K-car N/A, K-car T/C, Series-HV, and Power-split-HV) by changing the fuels. We created a model in OpenModelica to estimate fuel efficiency during WLTC driving. The results indicated that fuel economy could potentially be improved by adding an olefin fuel that burns stably even with a large amount of EGR or air and an oxygen fuel whose octane number increases. It was observed that the fuel economy improvement rate was particularly
Moriyoshi, Yasuo, Xu, Fuguo, Wang, Zhiyuan, Tanaka, Kotaro, Kuboyama, Tatsuya
Technical Paper
Experimental Evaluation of Purge Strategies in the Recirculation Path of a PEM Fuel Cell System2025-01-0316To be published on 07/02/2025
PEM fuel cell technology plays a vital role in realizing an emission-free mobility and, depend-ing on the considered use case, offers significant advantages over battery electric solutions as well as hydrogen combustion engines. When high performance over a longer period of time as well as short refuelling times are key requirements, fuel cell powertrains show their core strengths. However, the adaption of fuel cells in the mobility sector strongly depends on their efficiency which directly relates to the vehicle’s fuel consumption, range and ultimately cost to operate. Therefore, the influence on efficiency and power of different purge strategies used to operate PEM fuel cells is experimentally investigated and compared. A concentration-dependant purge strategy is developed and examined in reference to a charge-dependant strategy. The concentration-dependent purge strategy manages the purge process based on the measured hydrogen concentration in the anode recirculation path. The
Hauser, Tobias, Allmendinger, Frank
Technical Paper
Enhanced Equivalent Consumotion Minimization Strategy Based on Bayesian Optimization2025-01-0194To be published on 06/16/2025
The Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy (ECMS) is an effective approach for managing energy flow in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), balancing the use of electric energy and fuel consumption. The strategy’s performance depends heavily on the Equivalent Factor (EF), which governs this trade-off. However, the optimal EF varies under different driving conditions and is influenced by the inherent randomness in factors such as traffic, road gradients, and driving behavior, making it challenging to determine through traditional methods. This paper introduces Bayesian Optimization (BO) as a solution to address the stochastic nature of the EF parameter tuning process. By using a probabilistic model, BO efficiently navigates the complex, uncertain performance landscape to find the optimal EF parameters that minimize fuel consumption and emissions across variable conditions. Simulation results under WLTP cycles show that the proposed method reduces fuel consumption by 0.9% and improves
Zhang, Cetengfei, Zhou, Quan, Jia, Yiqi, Xiong, Lu
Technical Paper
Development of After-Treatment Systems and Control Strategy for a Hybrid-Dedicated Homogeneous Lean Burn Engine2025-01-0217To be published on 06/16/2025
The development of lean-burn gasoline engines has continued due to their significant improvements in thermal efficiency. However, challenges associated with NOx emissions have hindered their mainstream adoption. As a result, the development of an effective NOx after-treatment system has become a key focus in lean-burn engine research. Additionally, HC emissions pose another challenge, as they tend to increase under lean combustion conditions while their conversion efficiency simultaneously declines. This study presents a novel after-treatment system incorporating a lean NOx trap(LNT) and a passive SCR(pSCR) system. This configuration enables efficient NOx reduction at a competitive cost while maintaining operational simplicity. Moreover, conventional catalyst technologies, including three-way catalysts (TWCs) and fuel-cut NOx traps (FCNTs), were optimized to maximize conversion performance under lean operating conditions. To further enhance system performance, various control
Oh, Heechang, Lee, Jonghyeok, Sim, Kiseon, Lim, SeungSoo, Park, Jongil, Park, Minkyu, Kang, Hyunjin, Han, Donghee, Lee, Kwiyeon, Song, Jinwoo
Technical Paper
Evaluating the Impact of Displacing Injected Gasoline with Aspirated Ammonia in a Direct Injection Spark Ignition Engine2025-01-0226To be published on 06/16/2025
Replacing fossil fuels with renewable ammonia could provide a crucial step towards the decarbonisation of transport sectors. However, many challenges remain in utilising ammonia within combustion systems: the volumetric energy density of ammonia is significantly lower than that of gasoline, exposure to ammonia (including ammonia slip) can be detrimental to human health, and the production of emissions, including unregulated emissions (such as N2O), from ammonia combustion can be catastrophic for the environment if not treated appropriately. Therefore, there is a need to determine the efficacy of ammonia as a fuel for internal combustion engines and the impact on the efficiency of energy release and the resulting exhaust emissions. A modern spark ignition engine was modified such that ammonia was aspirated through the engine intake air to incrementally displace engine gasoline and maintain a constant work output. It was found that displacing the fuel energy supplied by direct injected
Sivaranjitham, Annaniya Mitchell, Hellier, Paul, Ladommatos, Nicos, Millington, Paul, Alcove Clave, Silvia
Technical Paper
Decarbonisation of GDI Engines Utilising On-Board Hydrogen Production in an Improved Design Thermochemical Exhaust-Assisted Fuel Reformer2025-01-0186To be published on 06/16/2025
Engine intake charge enrichment with hydrogen (H2) is one way to enhance engine thermal efficiency and decrease pollutant emissions while replacing carbon-based fuel. Waste energy from hot exhaust gas can be thermochemically recovered as hydrogen in catalytic exhaust gas fuel reforming, which can then be used in combustion. This study focuses on tailoring the design of the fuel reformer, including the catalyst chemistry and coating on ceramic and metallic structures, to benefit the whole system’s fuel economy and decrease engine out emissions. The main reformer improvements focused on exhaust flow management and interaction with the engine's after-treatment system, while the final stage focused on the reformer's internal design structure. The new design iteration enabled hydrogen production improvements between 78% and 86% in the critical exhaust gas temperature range of 410°C to 520°C with gas hourly space velocities (GHSVs) in highly demanding engine operating conditions ranging from
Lee, Seung Woo, Wahbi, Ammar, Herreros, Jose, Zeraati Rezaei, Soheil, Tsolakis, Athanasios, Millington, Paul
Technical Paper
Multi-Objective Robust Optimization for a Parallel Link Steering System: A Six Sigma and Monte Carlo Approach2025-01-503606/03/2025
The steering system is one of the most important assemblies for the vehicle. It allows the vehicle to steer according to the driver’s intention. For an ideal steering system, the steering angle for the wheel on the left and right side should obey the Ackman equation. To achieve this goal, the optimization method is usually initiated to determine the coordinates of the hard points for the steering system. However, the location of hard points varies due to the manufacturing error of the components and wear caused by friction during their working life. To decrease the influence of geometry parameter error, and system mass, and improve the robust performance of the steering system, the optimization based on Six Sigma and Monte Carlo approach is used to optimize the steering system for an off-road vehicle. At last, the effect is proved by the comparison of other methods. The maximum error of the steering angle is decreased from 7.78° to 2.14°, while the mass of the steering system is
Peng, Dengzhi, Deng, Chao, Zhou, Bingbing, Zhang, Zhenhua
Technical Paper
Experimental Investigation of Carbon Nanotube Additives Effect on Performance and Emission of a High-Injection Pressure Common Rail Diesel Engine03-18-03-002005/16/2025
Due to the continuous decrease in fossil fuel resources, and drawbacks of some biofuel properties, in addition to restricted environmental concerns, it becomes a vital manner to innovate some approaches for energy saving and emission reduction. One of the promising approaches is to enhance the fuel properties via adding nanoparticles. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) blended with biofuels get extensive investigations by researchers using conventional diesel engines at relatively limited operating regimes. The objective of this work is to extend these studies using diesel fuel, rather than biofuels, on a high-injection pressure (1400–1600 bar) common rail diesel engine at wide operating conditions and higher CNT concentrations. Experimental results show an increase in peak pressure up to 24.46% than pure diesel when using 100 ppm CNTs concentration. Also, BSFC has decreased by 33.19%, and BTE increased by 54.2% compared to pure diesel fuel at high speeds and loads. NOx and CO2 emissions raised
Moaayet, Sayed, Neseem, Waleed Mohamed, Amin, Mohamed Ibrahim, Shahin, Motasem Abdelbaky
Journal Article
A Computational Process to Predict and Mitigate Liftgate Gap Noise2025-01-002805/05/2025
This study introduces a computational approach to evaluate potential noise issues arising from liftgate gaps and their contribution to cabin noise early in the design process. This computational approach uses an extensively-validated Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver to predict the transient flow field and exterior noise sources. Transmission of these noise sources through glass panels and seals were done by a well-validated statistical energy analysis (SEA) solver. Various sealing strategies were investigated to reduce interior noise levels attributed to these gaps, aiming to enhance wind noise performance. The findings emphasize the importance of integrating computational tools in the early design stages to mitigate wind noise issues and optimize sealing strategies effectively.
Moron, Philippe, Jantzen, Andreas, Kim, Minsuk, Senthooran, Sivapalan
Technical Paper
New Study Showcases 3D Photonics with Record Performance for AITBMG-5301305/01/2025
Artificial intelligence (AI) systems promise transformative advancements, yet their growth has been limited by energy inefficiencies and bottlenecks in data transfer. Researchers at Columbia Engineering have unveiled a groundbreaking solution: a 3D photonic-electronic platform that achieves unprecedented energy efficiency and bandwidth density, paving the way for next-generation AI hardware.
Magazine Article
Development of a High-Frequency Measurement Apparatus for Evaluating Piston Friction in a Small Gasoline Engines2024-32-010004/18/2025
Efforts to enhance fuel efficiency in small gasoline engines, vital for reducing CO2 emissions, are concentrated on minimizing piston friction losses. Achieving this balance while addressing concerns such as piston seizure prevention and minimizing oil consumption presents challenges, particularly in small gasoline engines operating at higher speeds where the risk of piston seizure is significant. Hence, there is a critical need for accurate methods to measure piston friction. This study introduces the development of a measurement apparatus employing the floating liner method, initially devised by Takiguchi [1] and further adapted by Yamasaka for a mono-cylinder air-cooled gasoline engine [2, 3]. Yamasaka’s research successfully investigated the correlation between the apparatus’s natural frequency and the maximum engine speed measurable, achieving piston friction measurement up to 5000 rpm. Expanding on this achievement, this research aims to broaden the application of the floating
Honda, Riku, Ito, Akemi, Saika, Santa, Yamase, Ryouta, Hasegawa, Tatsuhiko, Sakioka, Takeru, Suda, Naoyuki, Ninomiya, Yoshinari
Technical Paper
Studying the Lean Burn Operation in Two-Wheelers to Increase Fuel Efficiency and Investigate the Use of Lean NOx Trap Catalyst (LNT) for Lean Burn System2024-32-005804/18/2025
This study offers an overview of the impact of lean burn technology in two-wheeler vehicles, specifically concentrating on enhancing the fuel economy and addressing the challenges associated with its adoption. Lean burn systems, characterized by a fuel-air mixture with a higher air content than stoichiometric ratio. The study focuses on technology which meets stringent emission standards while enabling the optimization of fuel efficiency. The lean burn system employs strategies to optimize air-fuel ratio using electronic fuel injection, ignition timing control, and advanced engine control algorithms like - updated torque modulation control algorithm for drivability, lambda control algorithm for rich and lean switch and NOx modelling algorithm for LNT catalyst efficiency tracking. The challenges related to lean burn systems, includes issues related to combustion stability, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, and their impact on drivability, is summarized in the study. Mitigation strategies
Somasundaram, Karthikeyan, Sivaji, Purushothaman, John Derin, C, Vishal, Karwa, Manoj Kumar, S, Maynal, Rajesh
Technical Paper
Techniques and Analysis Methods Used in Development of 13.4kW Horizontal Water-Cooled Diesel Engine2024-32-011604/18/2025
Horizontal water-cooled diesel engines are single-cylinder engines equipped with all the necessary components for operation such as a fuel tank and a radiator. Due to their versatility, there are used in a wide range of applications in Asia, Africa, South America, etc. It is necessary to comply with strengthened emissions regulations year by year in countries where environmental awareness is increasing such as China, India, etc. We have developed a new compact and high-power 13.4kW(18HP) engine which meets these needs. We realized a high-power density by using our unique expertise to maintain an engine size and increase a displacement. In addition, by optimizing a layout of crankcase ribs through structural analysis, we have achieved a maximum bore and “Reduction of the weight of the crankcase and lubricating oil consumption (LOC), and reduction of friction with narrow-width low-tangential load piston rings”. Furthermore, by designing an intake port using 3D CFD, we have optimized a
Shiomi, Kenta, Hosoya, Ryosuke, Komai, Yoshinobu, Takashima, Yusuke, Kitamura, Takahiro, Fujiwara, Tsukasa, Suematsu, Kosuke
Technical Paper
Development of Cylinder Deactivation Control during Idle for Conventional Engines2024-32-001904/18/2025
This report examines the advancement and utilization of cylinder deactivation technology that enhances fuel efficiency in conventional engines without hardware modifications. It operates by halting fuel supply to some of the cylinders in multi-cylinder engines and increasing the output power of the remaining active cylinders to maintain an idle state. By implementing this technology in the mass-produced 90° V-twin engine, the U502, and deactivating one of its two cylinders, fuel consumption during idling is reduced by over 30%. The focus of this study is on the technology developed to minimize engine speed fluctuations during the transition to cylinder deactivation and reactivation for the engine. By making various modifications to the fuel injection control sequence and optimizing the throttle opening of each cylinder in idle and driving conditions, engine speed fluctuations were minimized. This allows users to reduce fuel consumption while maintaining the engine’s original
YANAGIDA, Shoji
Technical Paper
Development of the Mild Hybrid System for Off-Road Machinery2024-32-006704/18/2025
In recent years, the importance of achieving carbon neutrality has been highlighted in response to the escalating severity of climate change. In the leading automobile market, the share of electric vehicles is gradually expanding, especially in passenger car sector. However, it is not same in commercial vehicle sector. In the off-road machinery market, as with electrification in commercial vehicles, the factors such as the need to install charging infrastructure and the requirement for large batteries to expand operating duration are significant challenge to full electrification. As one of the realistic solutions toward carbon neutrality for off-road machines, methods to utilize both internal combustion engines (ICE) and their applied products are being reconsidered. Under the circumstances, we have developed a mild-hybrid (MH) system for small off-road machinery. This system adopts a 48V power supply in order to minimize size of the system offers as a “Drop-in” package solution. This
Koyama, Kazuaki, Kimura, Ryota, Nagamori, Yuko, Horita, Tatsuhiko, Nosaka, Kento
Technical Paper
Adapting Basic On-Road Data to the Heavy Heavy-Duty Diesel Truck Schedule for Guiding the Electrification of Long-Haul Truck Transport14-14-02-001104/10/2025
Heavy heavy-duty diesel truck (HHDDT) drive cycles for long-haul transport trucks were developed over 20 years ago and have a renewed relevance for performance assessment and technical forecasting for transport electrification. In this study, a model was constructed from sparse data recorded from the real-life on-road activity of a small fleet of class 8 trucks by fitting them into separate driving-type segments constituting the complete HHDDT drive cycle. Detailed 1-s resolution truck fleet raw data were also available for assessing the drive cycle model. Numerical simulations were conducted to assess the model for trucks powered by both 1.0 MW charging and 300 kW-level e-Highway, accounting for elevation and seasonally varying climate conditions along the Windsor–Quebec City corridor in Canada. The modeling approach was able to estimate highway cruising speeds, energy efficiencies, and battery pack lifetimes normally within 2% of values determined using the detailed high-resolution
Darcovich, Ken, Ribberink, Hajo, Soufflet, Emilie, Lauras, Gaspard
Journal Article
PRODUCT BRIEFS25TOFHP04_1104/01/2025
Magazine Article
Power Loss Estimation in Poly-V Belts for Micro and Mild Hybrid Powertrains Using the Generalized Maxwell Model2025-01-831604/01/2025
In modern automotive powertrains, the front-end accessory drive represents a crucial subsystem that guarantees the proper functioning of micro and mild hybrid configurations and auxiliary vehicle functionalities. The motor/generator (12 V or 48 V), the air conditioning compressor and other accessories rely on this subsystem. Therein, the poly-V belt is the main transmission mechanism. From an efficiency standpoint, its behavior is usually represented through slip and elastic shear phenomena. However, the viscoelastic nature of the compounds that constitute the belt layers demand a more detailed approximation of the loss mechanisms. The quantification of such losses allows evaluating the performance of the e-machine integrated in the powertrain. This work models the belt through a lumped-parameter time-domain model, where domains are discretized into multiple elements and represented through the generalized Maxwell model. Loss contributions due to bending, stretching, compression and
Galluzzi, Renato, Amati, Nicola, Bonfitto, Angelo, Hegde, Shailesh, Zenerino, Enrico, Pennazza, Mario, Staniscia, Emiliano
Technical Paper
Coupled Routing and Charge Schedule Optimization of Electrified Delivery Truck Fleets: Feasibility Analyses2025-01-860204/01/2025
Electrifying truck fleets has the potential to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions from the freight transportation sector. However, the range limitations and substantial capital costs with current battery technologies imposes constraints that challenge the overall cost feasibility of electrifying fleets for logistics companies. In this paper, we investigate the coupled routing and charge scheduling optimization of a delivery fleet serving a large urban area as one approach to discovering feasible pathways. To this end, we first build an improved energy consumption model for a Class 7-8 electric and diesel truck using a data-driven approach of generating energy consumption data from detailed powertrain simulations on numerous drive cycles. We then conduct several analyses on the impact of battery pack capacity, cost, and electricity prices on the amortized daily total cost of fleet electrification at different penetration levels, considering availability of fast
Wendimagegnehu, Yared Tadesse, Ayalew, Beshah, Ivanco, Andrej, Hailemichael, Habtamu
Technical Paper
On-Vehicle Optimum Route Selection for a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle2025-01-838804/01/2025
This paper presents a methodology to optimally select between routes proposed by mapping software. The objective of the optimization is to make the best trade-off between travel time and energy consumption when deciding between different routes. The method uses an Intelligent driver model to convert the data from the mapping software into a vehicle speed & torque profile, then uses a reduced order energy model to find the vehicle energy consumption for each route. Weightings are applied to the difference in energy and travel time for each route compared to the primary route. The vehicle used in this investigation is the Stellantis Pacifica PHEV. Results support energy savings of up to 20% compared to the primary route, which depends on the routes and initial battery State of Charge (SOC).
Robare, Andrew, Poovalappil, Aman, Udipi, Anirudh, Bhure, Mayur, Bahramgiri, Mojtaba, Robinette, Darrell, Naber, Jeffrey, Chen, Bo
Technical Paper
Assessing the Energy Consumption Impact of Intelligent Driving Technologies on Electric Vehicles: A Comprehensive Review2025-01-859804/01/2025
With the continuous advancement of artificial intelligence technology, the automation level of electric vehicles (EVs) is rapidly increasing. Despite the improvements in travel efficiency, safety, and convenience brought about by automation, cutting-edge intelligent technologies also pose the potential of increased energy consumption, such as the computational power required by advanced algorithms and the energy usage of high-precision equipment, leading to higher overall energy consumption for connected or autonomous electric vehicles (CAEVs). To assess the impact of intelligent technologies on AEVs, this study innovatively provides a comprehensive evaluation of the impact of intelligent technologies on CAEV energy consumption from both positive and negative perspectives. After reviewing 59 relevant studies, the findings highlight energy savings achieved through Vehicle-to-Infrastructure and Vehicle-to-Vehicle cooperation as positive effects, while increased energy consumption from
Liu, Tianyi, Qi, Hao, Ou, Shiqi (Shawn)
Technical Paper
Improving Modal Frequencies in Class 5 Truck Fuel Cell Tank Structure through Topology Optimization2025-01-864804/01/2025
In addition to electric vehicles (EVs), hydrogen fuel cell systems are gaining attention as energy-efficient propulsion options. However, designing fuel cell vehicles presents unique challenges, particularly in terms of storage systems for heavy hydrogen tanks. These challenges impact factors such as NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) and safety performance. This study presents a topology optimization study for Hydrogen Energy Storage System (HESS) tank structure in Class 5 trucks, with a focus on enhancing the modal frequencies. The study considers a specific truck configuration with a HESS structure located behind the crew cab, consisting of two horizontally stacked hydrogen tanks and two tanks attached on both sides of the frame. The optimization process aimed to meet the modal targets of this hydrogen tank structure in the fore-aft (X) and lateral (Y) directions, while considering other load cases such as a simplified representation of GST (global static torsion), simplified
Yoo, Dong Yeon, Chavare, Sudeep, Viswanathan, Sankar, Mouyianis, Adam
Technical Paper
Impact of Hybrid Electric Vehicles on Energy Consumption and Emission Reduction for Agricultural Applications2025-01-854004/01/2025
As the agricultural industry seeks to enhance sustainability and reduce operational costs, the introduction of mild hybrid technology in tractors presents a promising solution. This paper focuses on downsizing internal combustion (IC) engine, coupled with integration of electric motor, to reduce fuel consumption and meet stringent emission regulations while maintaining power requirement for agricultural applications in India. The hybridization aims to deliver instant power boosts during peak loads and capitalizes on energy recovery during part loads and braking. Furthermore, the idle avoidance feature minimizes fuel consumption during periods of inactivity thus improving fuel efficiency. The hybridization also aims to hybridize auxiliary systems for flexible power management, enabling operation of either engine, auxiliaries, or both as needed. A newly developed hybrid supervisory control prototype efficiently manages electric power and mechanical power, enabling intelligent management
Prasad, Lakshmi P., PS, Satyanarayana, Paygude, Tejas, Gangsar, Purushottam, Thakre, Mangesh, Choudhary, Nagesh, Gitapathi, Ajinkya
Technical Paper
Series and IMMD+: Performance Comparison and Analysis of Hybrid Vehicles with Additive Clutches2025-01-853804/01/2025
In hybrid vehicle systems, the addition of a clutch at the engine end can significantly enhance the overall energy efficiency of the vehicle. In this paper, a novel multi-mode series-parallel configuration is proposed based on the Honda IMMD system and a comprehensive comparison is made with series and series-parallel configurations. Firstly, this paper analyses the various operational modes induced by the inclusion of a clutch at the engine end based on the IMMD system. Subsequently, the fuel consumption of the novel optimized series-parallel configuration is assessed using a rapid dynamic programming method aimed at minimizing fuel consumption during the powertrain operation; additionally, its dynamic performance is analyzed through dynamic programming algorithms. Finally, the performance of different configurations is quantitatively evaluated in terms of acceleration and fuel consumption. The findings reveal that the IMMD + Clutch configuration significantly enhances dynamic
Zhang, Yuxin, Zou, Yunge, Yang, Yalian
Technical Paper
Increasing Energy Efficiency of Vehicles Using Combined Electromechanical Engine-Transmission Systems2025-01-852704/01/2025
The rise of electric and hybrid vehicles with separate axle or wheel drives enables precise torque distribution between the front and rear wheels. The smooth control of electric motors allows continuous operation on high-resistance roads, optimizing torque distribution and improving efficiency. In hybrid vehicles, synergistic control of both internal combustion engines and electric motors can minimize energy consumption. Using the internal combustion engine for steady driving and electric power for acceleration enhances dynamic performance. Keeping the internal combustion engine at a constant speed is key to improving energy efficiency and vehicle responsiveness. The proposed method aids in selecting optimal power levels for both engines during the design phase. As acceleration time decreases, the ratio of electric motor power to internal combustion engine power increases. The torque distribution system, relying on sensors for axle loads, vehicle speed, and engine power, can reduce
Podrigalo, Mikhail, Sergyjovych, Oleksandr Polianskyi, Kaidalov, Ruslan, Dubinin, Yevhen, Abramov, Dmytrii, Molodan, Andrii, Andrey, Korobko, Kholodov, Mykhailo, Omelchenko, Vasyl, Krasnokutskyi, Maksym
Technical Paper
Modal Analysis Approach for Analysis and Design of Vehicle Transient Behavior2025-01-879404/01/2025
In order to manage the serious global environmental problems, the automobile industry is rapidly shifting to electric vehicles (EVs) which have a heavier weight and a more rearward weight distribution. To secure the handling and stability of such vehicles, understanding of the fundamental principles of vehicle dynamics is inevitable for designing their performance. Although vehicle dynamics primarily concerns planar motion, the accompanying roll motion also influences this planar motion as well as the driver's subjective evaluation. This roll motion has long been discussed through various parameter studies, and so on. However, there is very few research that treats vehicle sprung mass behavior as “vibration modes”, and this perspective has long been an unexplored area of vehicle dynamics. In this report, we propose a method to analytically extract the vibration modes of the sprung mass by applying modal analysis techniques to the governing equations of vehicle handling and stability
Kusaka, Kaoru, Yuhara, Takahiro
Technical Paper
Energy Savings and Range Extension from Aerodynamic Improvements of Emerging Zero-Emission Heavy Vehicle Concepts2025-01-878704/01/2025
An energy-use analysis is presented to examine the potential energy-savings and range-extension benefits of aerodynamic improvements to tractors and trailers used in commercial transportation. The impetus for the study was the observation of aerodynamically-redesigned/optimized tractor shapes of emerging zero-emission commercial vehicles that have the potential for significant drag reduction over conventional aerodynamic tractors. Using wind-tunnel test results, a series of aerodynamic performance models were developed representing a range of tractor and trailer combinations. From modern day-cab and sleeper-cab tractors to aerodynamically-optimized zero-emission cab concepts, paired with standard dry-van trailers or low-drag trailer concepts, the study examines the energy use, and potential savings thereof, from implementing various fleet configurations for different operational duty cycles. An energy-use analysis was implemented to estimate the energy-rate contributions associated
McAuliffe, Brian, Ghorbanishohrat, Faegheh
Technical Paper
Validation of a New Road and Contact Model for Vehicle-Soft Soil Terrain Interaction through an Elaborate Modeling of the FED-Alpha Vehicle2025-01-880004/01/2025
Employing multibody dynamic simulations with semi-empirical tire models is widely recognized as a cost-effective approach. A recent development introduces a novel road and tire-soil contact model that is not only swift and memory-efficient but also addresses limitations in classical semi-empirical models. This study conducts a thorough validation of the new road and contact model by creating a detailed multibody model of the four-wheeled vehicle, Fuel Efficiency Demonstrator (FED) – Alpha, integral to NATO's Next-Generation reference mobility model. The comprehensive model encompasses the chassis, suspension, tires, engine, transmission and various other components. Through simulations of various driving scenarios, accounting for complex terrain geometries, spatially varying soil properties, and multi-pass phenomena, the model's performance is evaluated. The simulation results are compared with physical measurements, providing a detailed assessment of the tire-soil model's predictive
Papapostolou, Lampros, Koutras, Evangelos, Leila, Felipe, Ribaric, Adrijan, Natsiavas, Sotirios
Technical Paper
Modeling and Simulation Analysis of an Electric Vehicle in Cold Ambient Conditions: Energy Consumption and Impact of Battery Heating on Driving Range2025-01-814204/01/2025
Thanks to greatly increased energy density of battery, the average driving range of an electric vehicle has been advanced quite a lot. However, drastic reduction of driving range in cold ambient conditions still greatly restricts the wide application of electric vehicles. This paper presents a methodology of establishing multi-discipline coupled full vehicle model in AMESim to investigate the energy consumption of a pure electric vehicle in cold ambient conditions. Different strategies of battery heating through Positive Temperature Coefficient (PTC) part and/or combination of Motor Waste Heat Recovery (MWHR) were also investigated to study whether there is an improvement of driving range. Firstly, basic framework of the full vehicle model established in AMESim was introduced. Next, modeling details of individual sub-systems were illustrated respectively. Then, full vehicle energy consumption test was carried out in -7°C ambient condition to check the simulation accuracy. Finally, a
Zhou, Shuai, Liu, Huaiju, YU, Huili, Yan, Xu, Yan, Junjie
Technical Paper
Reducing Power Consumption through Effective Data Sharing in Platooning Scenarios2025-01-805104/01/2025
Platooning occurs when vehicles travel closely together to benefit from multi-vehicle movement, increased road capacity, and reduced fuel consumption. This study focused on reducing energy consumption under different driving scenarios and road conditions. To quantify the energy consumption, we first consider dynamic events that can affect driving, such as braking and sudden acceleration. In our experiments, we focused on modeling and analyzing the power consumption of autonomous platoons in a simulated environment, the main goal of which was to develop a clear understanding of the different driving and road factors influencing power consumption and to highlight key parameters. The key elements that influence the energy consumption can be identified by simulating multiple driving scenarios under different road conditions. The initial findings from the simulations suggest that by efficiently utilizing the inter-vehicle distances and keeping the vehicle movements concurrent, the power
Khalid, Muhammad Zaeem, Azim, Akramul, Rahman, Taufiq
Technical Paper
Machine Learning-Based Digital Twin for Optimizing Automotive Components2025-01-820604/01/2025
This paper presents a Digital Twin approach based on Machine Learning (ML), aimed at creating software-based sensors to reduce the auxiliary devices of the vehicle and enabling predictive maintenance, thus reducing carbon footprint. The solution is applied to the electric Lubrication Oil Pump (eLOP), a crucial component within a vehicle's powertrain system. The proposed eLOP Digital Twin integrates ML-based sensors to estimate critical parameters such as temperature, pressure and flow rate, reducing the reliance on physical sensors and associated hardware. This approach minimizes manufacturing complexity and cost, enhancing energy efficiency during both production and operation. Furthermore, the Digital Twin facilitates predictive maintenance by continuously monitoring the component's performance, enabling early detection of potential failures and optimizing maintenance schedules. This leads to lower energy consumption and reduced emissions throughout the component's lifecycle. The
Khan, Jalal, D'Alessandro, Stefano, Tramaglia, Federico, Fauda, Alessandro
Technical Paper
Modular Dynamometer Testing Framework to Evaluate Energy Impacts of Longitudinal Automated Driving Systems2025-01-806504/01/2025
As longitudinal Automated Driving System (ADS) technologies, such as Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), become more prevalent, robust testing frameworks that encompass both simulation and vehicle-in-the-loop (VIL) methodologies are essential to ensure system reliability, safety, and performance refinement. Although significant research has focused on ACC algorithm development and simulation testing, existing VIL dynamometer testing frameworks are typically tailored to specific vehicle models and sensor simulation tools. These highly customized approaches often fail to account for broader interoperability while overlooking energy consumption as a key performance metric. This paper presents a novel modular framework for ACC dynamometer testing, designed to enhance interoperability across a diverse range of vehicle platforms, simulation tools, and dynamometer facilities with a focus on evaluating impacts of automated longitudinal control on the overall energy consumption of the vehicle. The
Goberville, Nicholas, Hamilton, Kayla, Di Russo, Miriam, Jeong, Jongryeol, Das, Debashis, Ord, David, Misra, Priyashraba, Crain, Trevor
Technical Paper
Control Trajectory Optimization of Electric Vehicle Heat Pump-Based Cabin Heating System2025-01-814404/01/2025
Optimal control of battery electric vehicle thermal management systems is essential for maximizi ng the driving range in extreme weather conditions. Vehicles equipped with advanced heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems based on heat pumps with secondary coolant loops are more challenging to control due to actuator redundancy and increased thermal inertia. This paper presents the dynamic programming (DP)-based offline control trajectory optimization of heat pump-based HVAC aimed at maximizing thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Besides deriving benchmark results, the goal of trajectory optimization is to gain insights for practical hierarchical control strategy modifications to further improve real-time controllers’ performance. DP optimizes cabin inlet air temperature and flow rate to set the trade-off between thermal comfort and energy efficiency while considering the nonlinear dynamics and operating limits of HVAC system in addition to typically considered cabin
Cvok, Ivan, Deur, Josko
Technical Paper
Optimizing Charging Infrastructure Management for Enhanced Grid Resilience2025-01-812004/01/2025
This study addresses the challenges of electrifying heavy-duty vehicle fleets, particularly school buses, by focusing on the development of dedicated depot charging infrastructure and grid resilience. A key challenge is managing recharging limitations while considering grid resilience in the electrification of school bus fleets. Using real operational data, the study introduces a two-phase approach to optimize both charging infrastructure and scheduling. In the first phase, the optimal number of chargers is determined to ensure sustainable fleet operations. In the second phase, charging schedules are refined to reduce peak power demand and improve grid resilience. Experimental results demonstrate that approximately half the fleet size is required in chargers, with distributed charging and peak shaving strategies reducing peak power demand by 20% to nearly 45%. These findings offer practical insights for fleet managers, grid operators, and policymakers on enhancing grid resilience and
Moon, Joon, Hanif, Athar, Ahmed, Qadeer
Technical Paper
10 % Fuel Economy Benefit at Part Load and up to 33 % at Idle for a Diesel Engine via Reducing Friction. Testing the Rotating Liner Engine and an Identical Baseline Under Load2025-01-839004/01/2025
The Rotating Liner Engine (RLE) is a design concept where the cylinder liner of a heavy-duty Diesel engine rotates at about 2-4 m/s surface speed to eliminate the piston ring and skirt boundary friction near the top and bottom dead center. Two single cylinder engines are prepared using the Cummins 4BT 3.9 platform, one is RLE, the other is baseline (BSL), i.e. conventional. In 2022, we published the test results of the RLE under load, but we lacked detail test data for the baseline. In this new set of experiments, we compare the RLE performance at idle and under load of up to about 7 bar IMEP (indicated mean effective pressure) to the baseline under similar conditions. It has been proven that the elimination of metallic contact between the compression rings and cylinder wall takes place with a liner speed of 1.5-2.3 m/s surface speed (283-426 rpm for the 102 mm bore) for the 850-1280 rpm crankshaft speed. The RLE FMEP is substantially reduced under load, which is a trend opposite to
Dardalis, Dimitrios, Hall, Matthew, Riley, Sebastian, Basu, Amiyo, Matthews, Ron
Technical Paper
Research on Energy Recovery Strategy in Braking of Electric Tractor-Semitrailer2025-01-829004/01/2025
Tractor-semitrailers play an important role in the transportation industry. However, global warming and the rapid advancement of energy technologies have driven the transformation of high-emission vehicles, such as tractor-semitrailers, to be powered by new energy sources in order to achieve goals related to energy conservation, emission reduction, and cost savings. By using the motor as the primary driving force, the energy recovered during braking or coasting can be converted into electricity and stored in the battery for later use. While much research has been conducted on braking control and energy recovery for passenger cars, there is limited research on tractor-semitrailers. Additionally, the jackknife is a critical factor to consider under high-speed conditions. To investigate the braking energy recovery of electric tractor-semitrailers, tire and motor models were developed based on the turning and braking conditions of such vehicles. Taking into account the load transfer effect
Chen, Runping, Duan, Yupeng
Technical Paper
Development of Prediction Model for Vehicle Road Load Using Machine Learning2025-01-825804/01/2025
In the modern automotive industry, improving fuel efficiency while reducing carbon emissions is a critical challenge. To address this challenge, accurately measuring a vehicle’s road load is essential. The current methodology, widely adopted by national guidelines, follows the coastdown test procedure. However, coastdown tests are highly sensitive to environmental conditions, which can lead to inconsistencies across test runs. Previous studies have mainly focused on the impact of independent variables on coastdown results, with less emphasis on a data-driven approach due to the difficulty of obtaining large volumes of test data in a short period, both in terms of time and cost. This paper presents a road load energy prediction model for vehicles using the XGBoost machine learning technique, demonstrating its ability to predict road load coefficients. The model features 27 factors, including rolling, aerodynamic, inertial resistance, and various atmospheric conditions, gathered from a
Song, Hyunseung, Lee, Dong Hyuk, Chung, Hyun
Technical Paper
Systematic Design Considerations of Motor Selections for EV Powertrain Abstract2025-01-850804/01/2025
As one of the most important design choices in the powertrain design cycle, motor selection is conventionally performed according to given automotive requirements. Motor-related powertrain design parameters like gear ratio, power output ratio between different axles, are excluded from the motor design process. In this paper, three comparative studies are performed to investigate the impact of these motor-related powertrain design parameters on the motor performance and the weight/cost/efficiency of the entire EV powertrain. In the first study, three PM motor designs—characterized by high, medium, and low rated speeds—will be assessed for a two-axle EV using various gear ratio configurations. The same motor design will be used for both axles. In the second study, five motor designs with varying power and ratings (PM, non-PM) but identical rated speeds will be evaluated for a two-axle EV, permitting different power ratings for the front and rear axles. The design trade-offs between motor
Movahed, Ehsan, Godbehere, Jonathan, Jia, Yijiang
Technical Paper
Development of the New 2.0L In-Line 4 NA Gasoline Direct Injection Engine2025-01-839504/01/2025
Honda Motor Corporation has developed a new naturally aspirated in-line 4-cylinder direct injection gasoline engine for C segment sedans that combines high environmental performance and power output. Development time and cost were greatly reduced by utilizing basic structures and components that had previously been developed engine for hybrid vehicles. In addition to the environmental performance at which hybrid engines excel, the driving performance required from a pure gasoline engine for C segment sedans with a low environmental impact was aimed to achieve by optimizing the shape of the combustion chamber to obtain rapid combustion, adjusting intake and exhaust valve timing, employing fuel injection control and adopting a two-piece water jacket that protects the exhaust system component by lowering the exhaust gas temperature at high load. As a result, the newly developed engine achieves a maximum thermal efficiency of 40% with knock suppression effect through rapid combustion
Kondo, Takashi, Ohmori, Takeyuki, Yamamoto, Junpei, Miki, Kentaro
Technical Paper
Research on the Parameter Optimization Method for a Dual-Motor Coupled Integrated Single-Axle Drive System2025-01-828404/01/2025
This paper explores a parameter optimization calculation method for a dual-motor coupled integrated single-axle drive system, aiming to achieve the optimal balance between vehicle dynamics, fuel efficiency, and system efficiency under this configuration. By constructing a vehicle longitudinal dynamics model and referencing motor models, the effective operating range is calculated. Vehicle acceleration time, gradeability, and maximum speed are used as constraints, while the proportion of the high-efficiency operating area of the drive system is taken as the objective function for optimizing relevant system parameters. This method improves computational efficiency by dividing the contour lines, thus eliminating the need to traverse all points in the constraint area and converting them into an intuitive analysis of the operating range, which reduces the need for point-by-point calculations across the entire working area.
Gu, Zhuangzhuang, You, Jianhui, Wu, Jinglai, Zhang, Yunqing
Technical Paper
Bi-Level Control Co-Design for Parallel Electric-Hydraulic Hybrid Vehicles2025-01-858204/01/2025
This study presents a control co-design method that utilizes a bi-level optimization framework for parallel electric-hydraulic hybrid powertrains, specifically targeting heavy-duty vehicles like class 8 semi-trailer trucks. The primary objective is to minimize battery energy consumption, particularly under high torque demand at low speed, thereby extending both battery lifespan and vehicle driving range. The proposed method formulates a bi-level optimization problem to ensure global optimality in hydraulic energy storage sizing and the development of a high-level energy management strategy. Two nested loops are used: the outer loop applies a Genetic Algorithm (GA) to optimize key design parameters such as accumulator volume and pre-charged pressure, while the inner loop leverages Dynamic Programming (DP) to optimize the energy control strategy in an open-loop format without predefined structural constraints. Both loops use a single objective function, i.e. battery energy consumption
Taaghi, Amirhossein, Yoon, Yongsoon
Technical Paper
Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Gearbox Churning Loss and Oil Splash Characteristics in Electric Vehicle Drive Units2025-01-818204/01/2025
The efficient operation of electric vehicles (EVs) heavily relies on the proper lubrication of the E-drive unit components, particularly the transmission gears and bearings. Improper oil supply can lead to mechanical failures, while excessive oil can increase power loss due to churning. This study focuses on utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to analyze the impact of drive speed, oil level, and temperature on gear churning loss in E-drive units. The research also investigates the influence of a baffle plate on power loss and oil splash characteristics. The simulations, conducted using the volume of fluid (VOF) method in Simerics-MP+, consistently illustrate a reduction in power loss with rising oil temperature and reveal decreased gear churning loss with a baffle plate, especially under high-speed conditions, highlighting its potential for enhancing energy efficiency in EVs. Additionally, post-processing analysis of oil splash patterns sheds light on the
Kumar, P. Madhan, Motin, Abdul, Pandey, Ashutosh, Ganamet, Alain, Maiti, Dipak, Gao, Haiyang, Ranganathan, Raj
Technical Paper
European Initiatives for User-Centric Design of Electric Vehicles2025-01-880704/01/2025
E-mobility is revolutionizing the automotive industry by improving energy-efficiency, lowering CO2 and non-exhaust emissions, innovating driving and propulsion technologies, redefining the hardware-software-ratio in the vehicle development, facilitating new business models, and transforming the market circumstances for electric vehicles (EVs) in passenger mobility and freight transportation. Ongoing R&D action is leading to an uptake of affordable and more energy-efficient EVs for the public at large through the development of innovative and user-centric solutions, optimized system concepts and components sizing, and increased passenger safety. Moreover, technological EV optimizations and investigations on thermal and energy management systems as well as the modularization of multiple EV functionalities result in driving range maximization, driving comfort improvement, and greater user-centricity. This paper presents the latest advancements of multiple EU-funded research projects under
Ratz, Florian, Bäuml, Thomas, Kompara, Tomaž, Kospach, Alexander, Simic, Dragan, Jan, Petra, Möller, Sebastian, Fuse, Hiroyuki, Paredes Barros, Esteban, Armengaud, Eric, Amati, Nicola, Sorniotti, Aldo, Lukesch, Walter
Technical Paper
Safe and Energy-Efficient Quasi-Solid Battery for Electric Vehicles and DevicesTBMG-5279604/01/2025
Technological advances have led to the widespread use of electric devices and vehicles. These innovations are not only convenient but also environmentally friendly, offering an alternative to polluting fuel-driven machines. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used in electrical appliances and vehicles. Commercial LIBs comprise an organic electrolyte solution, which is considered indispensable to make them energy efficient. However, ensuring safety becomes a concern and may be difficult to achieve with the rising market demand.
Magazine Article
Systematic Predictive Energy Management Algorithm Testing in MIL/SIL with Realistic Traffic Simulation2025-01-858304/01/2025
Energy management strategy is essential for HEV’s to achieve an optimum of energy consumption. With predictive energy management, taking future vehicle speed predicted from ADAS map information, in-vehicle navigation traffic flow status information, and current speed into account, one could anticipate a considerable improvement in energy-saving. The major validating approach widely adopted for energy management algorithms nowadays is real-world vehicle testing, of which the economic and time costs are relatively high. Moreover, with advanced algorithms featuring AI coming into light, putting forward higher requirement in the richness of test cases, the drawback in coverage of vehicle testing is revealed. This paper proposed a MIL/SIL testing approach for predictive energy management algorithms, providing a partial replacement to, and overcome the limitations of, vehicle testing. In the testing setup, random traffic generated by MATLAB® based on real-time traffic condition will be taken
Yan, Yue, Ma, Xiudan, Wei, Xinli, Xiong, Jie, Deng, Yunfei, Bradfield, Donald Edward
Technical Paper
Design and Evaluation of a Conceptual Zero-Emission Truck Model Considering Aerodynamic Efficiency2025-01-878404/01/2025
Emerging zero-emission-powertrain concepts are providing opportunities to re-shape heavy trucks for improved aerodynamic performance. To investigate the potential for energy savings through aerodynamic improvements, with a goal to inform operators and regulators of such benefits, a multi-phase project was initiated to design and evaluate aerodynamic improvements for Class 8 tractor-trailer combinations. While the focus was battery-electric and hydrogen-fuel-cell powered trucks, improvements for internal-combustion powered trucks were also examined. Previously-reported activities included a scaled-model wind-tunnel test that demonstrated the potential for up to 9% drag reduction from simple shape adaptations, with a follow-up CFD study providing guidance towards further optimization. This paper presents wind-tunnel-test results using a high-fidelity 30%-scale model of a new aerodynamic tractor concept, with comparison to a conventional North American Class 8 tractor with a modern
Ghorbanishohrat, Faegheh, McAuliffe, Brian, O'Reilly, Harrison
Technical Paper
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