ABSTRACT
Significant research efforts are considered in the automotive industry on hybrid-electrified powertrains in order to improve the fuel economy of vehicles. Powertrains electrification resulted in a wide range of hybrid architectures where the fuel consumption strongly relies on the energy converter performance in term of efficiency and power density. This study investigates the fuel savings potential of an extended range hybrid electric vehicle (EREV) using different thermodynamic energy converters. An exergo-technological explicit selection methodology is conducted to identify the potential thermodynamic configurations. The combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) system is considered as exemple and compared to other energy converters. An EREV model is developed and energy consumption simulations are performed on the worldwide-harmonized light vehicles test cycle (WLTC). Results show a potential of 10% to 25% of fuel savings when considered the CCGT and the internal combustion gas turbine machines as auxiliary-power-unit as substitute to the reference internal combustion engine.
