This master thesis project aims to complete and verify core functions of a test rig that is designed and built to emulate drive cycles for measuring the energy consumption of HEVs, especially a vehicle named ELBA from KTH Integrated Transport Research Lab (ITRL). To fulfill this goal, a simplified model is created for the test rig, whose involved parameters are identified through various experiments. Then the model is verified by both step voltage responses and sinusoidal current responses. Meanwhile, vehicle dynamics is modeled to calculate required resistance force for road slope emulation. Moreover, an existing method, vehicle equivalent mass, is utilized to compensate dynamic force of the vehicle body, enabling simulation of regenerative braking without an extra flywheel. Together with test rig’s model that is responsible for converting required resistance force to demanded current reference, the rig’s functions are completed and ready for final verification. As a result, the driver of the DC motor on the rig is found to has lower current limitation than required so that the rig is not able to entirely compensate dynamic force of the car. However, the feasibility of the principle is still proved by the tests. Based on the result, recommendations are given to solve the problem and achieve other improvements in the future. / Detta examensarbete syftar till att slutföra och verifiera kärnfunktioner i en testrigg som är designad och byggd för att emulera körcykler för att mäta energiförbrukningen för elhybridbilar, särskilt ett fordon som heter ELBA från KTH Integrated Transport Research Lab (ITRL). För att uppfylla detta mål skapades en förenklad modell för testriggen, vars parametrar identifieras genom olika experiment. Sedan verifieras modellen av både stegspänningssvar och sinusformade strömsvar. Under tiden modelleras fordonsdynamiken för att beräkna erforderlig motståndskraft för väglöpemulering. Samtidigt modelleras fordonsdynamiken för att beräkna den erforderliga motståndskraften för emulering av väglutningar. Dessutom används en befintlig metod, fordonsekvivalentmassa, för att kompensera fordonskroppens dynamiska kraft, vilket möjliggör simulering av regenerativ bromsning utan extra svänghjul. Tillsammans med testriggens modell som är ansvarig för att konvertera erforderlig motståndskraft till efterfrågad strömreferens, är riggens funktioner färdig och redo för slutlig verifiering. Som ett resultat har föraren av likström motorn på riggen visat sig ha lägre strömbegränsning än vad som krävs så att riggen inte helt kan kompensera bilens dynamiska kraft. Emellertid bevisas principens genomförbarhet fortfarande av testerna. Baserat på resultatet ges rekommendationer för att lösa problemet och uppnå andra förbättringar i framtiden.

Optimal control of energy flows in a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) is crucial to maximising the benefits of hybridisation. The problem is complex because the optimal solution depends on future power demands, which are often unknown. Stochastic Dynamic Programming (SDP) is among the most advanced control optimisation algorithms proposed and incorporates a stochastic representation of the future. The potential of a fully developed SDP controller has not yet been demonstrated on a real vehicle; this work presents what is believed to be the most concerted and complete attempt to do so. In characterising typical driving patterns of the target vehicles this work included the development and trial of an eco-driving driver assistance system; this aims to reduce fuel consumption by encouraging reduced rates of acceleration and efficient use of the gears via visual and audible feedback. Field trials were undertaken using 15 light commercial vehicles over four weeks covering a total of 39,300 km. Average fuel savings of 7.6% and up to 12% were demonstrated. Data from the trials were used to assess the degree to which various legislative test cycles represent the vehicles’ real-world use and the LA92 cycle was found to be the closest statistical match. Various practical considerations in SDP controller development are addressed such as the choice of discount factor and how charge sustaining characteristics of the policy can be examined and adjusted. These contributions are collated into a method for robust implementation of the SDP algorithm. Most reported HEV controllers neglect the significant complications resulting from extensive use of the electrical powertrain at high power, such as increased heat generation and battery stress. In this work a novel cost function incorporates the square of battery C-rate as an indicator of electric powertrain stress, with the aim of lessening the affliction of real-world concerns such as temperatures and battery health. Controllers were tested in simulation and then implemented on a test vehicle; the challenges encountered in doing so are discussed. Testing was performed on a chassis dynamometer using the LA92 test cycle and the novel cost function was found to enable the SDP algorithm to reduce electrical powertrain stress by 13% without sacrificing any fuel savings, which is likely to be beneficial to battery health.

Une des voies d’amélioration des véhicules hybrides et électriques est l’utilisation de moteurs tournant plus vite, jusqu’à plus de 42.000tr/min. Le but est d’augmenter la densité de puissance et le rendement des groupes motopropulseurs. Pour utiliser ces moteurs de nouveaux réducteurs mécaniques doivent être développés. Cela doit se faire sans générer de surcoût important face aux solutions utilisées à basse vitesse et en assurant un niveau de performance énergétique élevé. Cette thèse se situe en amont de la phase de conception d’un réducteur haute vitesse lubrifié par barbotage. Elle a pour but d’identifier les problèmes d’échauffement et de pertes de puissance ainsi que de proposer des pistes d’amélioration énergétique. Ce travaille propose la modélisation thermomécanique de l’étage grande vitesse (GV) du réducteur, réalisée à l’aide de la méthode des réseaux thermiques. Ce modèle couple les pertes de puissance avec les températures. Une attention particulière est portée sur la modélisation des roulements de l’arbre GV. Un nouveau modèle thermomécanique de roulement est développé. Les pertes par barbotage deviennent importantes à grande vitesse. Une méthode permettant de fortement les réduire est caractérisée. / A way to improve both electric and hybrid vehicles is to use high speed motors, operating over than 42.000rpm. The goal is to increase the power density and the efficiency of powertrains. Using these new motors, new gearboxes should be developed. This must be done without generating significant additional cost regarding already mastered low speed solutions. High energy performance level also has to be maintained. This PhD comes before the design phase of a high-speed oil bath lubricated gearbox. It aims to identify the warm-up and power loss problems, and propose ways to improve efficiency. This work proposes a thermomechanical modelling of the gearbox’s first stage, using the thermal network method. This model links power losses with temperatures. Particular attention is paid to high speed bearing modelling. A new thermomechanical model of rolling element bearing is developed. As churning losses being significant at high speeds, a method to greatly reduce this power loss is characterized.