The objective of this research is to develop suitable models to simulate and analyse Electrical Vehicle (EV) power-trains to identify and improve some of the deficiencies of EVs and investigate new system architectures. Although some electro-chemical batteries improvements have lately been achieved in specific-energy, the power density is still low. Therefore, an efficient, cost-effective and high power density support unit could facilitate EV competitiveness compared to conventional internal combustion engine powered vehicles in the near future. The Na-Ni-Cl2, or ZEBRA battery as it is most commonly known, has good energy and power densities; it is very promising electro-chemical battery candidate for EV's. The thesis presents a detail simulation model for the ZEBRA technology and investigates its application in an EV power-train with regard to state-of-charge and voltage transients. Unlike other battery systems, the ZEBRA technology can sustain about 5-10% of failed cells. While this is advantageous in single series string or single battery operation it is problematic when higher numbers of batteries are connected in parallel. The simulation model is used to investigate faulted operation of parallel battery configurations. A non-linear capacitance versus voltage function is implemented for the supercapacitor model which yields good energy and terminal voltage predictions when the supercapacitor is cycled over dynamic regimes common to EV applications. A thermal model is also included. Multiple energy source systems are modelled and studied in the form of an energy dense ZEBRA battery connected in parallel with a power dense supercapacitor system. The combination is shown to increase available power, reduce the maximum power demanded from the battery and decrease battery internal power loss. Consequently, battery life would be increased and more energy would be recovered from regenerative braking, enhancing the energy conversion efficiency of the power-train.A combination of ICE and ZEBRA battery is implemented as a range extender for London taxi driving from Manchester to London. The hybridisation ratio of the system is discussed and applied to fulfil the requirement with minimum emissions. This study offers a suitable model for different energy sources, and then optimises the vehicle energy storage combination to realize its full potential. The developed model is used to assess different energy source combinations in order to achieve an energy efficient combination that provides an improved vehicle performance, and, importantly, to understand the energy source interconnection issues in terms of energy flow and circuit transients.

The Graphene term has become synonymous with layered carbon sheets having thicknesses ranging from the monolayer to stacks of about ten layers. For bulk volume production, graphite chemical exfoliation is the preferred solution. For this reason, much interest has congregated around different processes to oxidize and peel off graphite to obtain graphene oxide (GO) and its counterpart, reduced GO (rGO). The community at-large has quickly adopted those processes and has been intensively using the resulting (r)GO as active materials for a myriad of applications. Yet, partially given the absence of comparative studies in synthesis methodologies, a lack of understanding persists on how to best tailor these carbon materials for a given application. In this dissertation, the effect of using different chemical oxidation-reduction strategies for graphite, namely the impact on the structure and chemistry of GOs and rGOs is systematically discussed. Added to this, it is demonstrated that the drying step of the powdered materials cannot be neglected. Its influence is demonstrated in studies such as the optimization of capacitance of rGOs touted as electrochemical energy storage materials (Chapter 4). It is concluded that, in order to maximize the performance of GO and rGO materials for any particular application, there must be a judicious choice of their synthesis steps. Obvious as it may be for anyone working in Chemistry, this point has been surprisingly overlooked for too long by the vast majority of those working with these carbon materials.

Este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de estudar a aplicação, para sistema de frenagem veicular, de uma máquina elétrica sem escovas, de armadura toroidal, e fluxo magnético axial produzido por ímãs permanentes de terras raras, a chamada máquina Torus. A máquina foi construída no LMEAE e estudada inicialmente como motor em outro trabalho. Mas, para que se possa avaliar seu funcionamento em sistema de frenagem, o foco é do ponto de vista da máquina como gerador. São realizados testes dinâmicos e estáticos experimentalmente e modelo numérico pelo método dos elementos finitos com um formato de ímãs permanentes de seção setorial, possibilitando o comparativo com a versão anterior da máquina que empregou ímãs de seção quadrada. Mudanças físicas e no sistema de acionamento da máquina, e ensaios de frenagem dinâmica foram realizados. Modelagem analítica para indução magnética foi desenvolvida utilizando-se da técnica de Transformação Conforme. O trabalho busca apresentar as características da máquina e justificativas que demonstram o seu potencial de aplicabilidade em um subsistema veicular sob frenagem regenerativa e a capacidade de fornecimento de energia a um sistema de armazenamento com uma parte de energia cinética, ou seja, baterias e supercapacitores. / This work is carried out with the aim to study the application, by a vehicular braking system, of a brushless electrical machine with a toroidal armature core, and axial magnetic flux delivered by rare earth permanent magnets, the so-called Torus machine. The machine was built in the LMEAE, and previously studied as a motor by other work. However, in order to assess its performance in a braking system, the focus is the point of view of the machine as a generator. Static and dynamic tests are implemented as well as a numerical model by means of the finite element method, in order to compare the machine with sector poles permanent magnets and with square magnet poles. Physical changes and on the driving system of the machine, and dynamic braking tests are performed. The analytical modelling for the magnetic induction was developed using the technique of conformal transformation. The study aims to present the features of the machine and demonstrates its potential applicability to a vehicular subsystem under regenerative braking and the ability to supply an energy storage system with part of the kinetic energy, i.e. batteries and super capacitors.

Unmanned ground and aerial vehicles (UGVs and UAVs) have strict payload limitations, limited free space affecting on board power availability resulting in limited endurance and operational range. This limitation is exacerbated by the addition of sensors, actuators and other related equipment needed to accomplish mission objectives in diverse applications. Two energy sources are mainly available for mobile applications; batteries and fuel cells. Batteries are a relatively cheap, tested technology with good performance under varying loads. On the other hand, fuel cells offer fast and easy refueling solutions. Furthermore, preliminary studies have shown that a hybrid system can combine the advantages of both technologies offering a superior system. It is true that for most outdoors applications, payload needs, sensor suite utilization and energy requirements are apriori unpredictable. This makes proper sizing of energy storage devices and the prediction of remaining available energy rather difficult tasks. This research proposes an indirect way of improving the operational range for UAVs of Vertical Take Off and Landing (VTOLs), since the VTOL vehicle is transported to the mission site without the need to fly. The proposed gimballed platform, which will be a power source itself, rotates around two axes perpendicular to each other, allowing the VTOL to take-off and land, regardless of the position of the UGV, while securing it during transportation. The UGV can also serve as a charging station for the VTOL. Furthermore, this research proposes a Matlab Simulation tool that can simulate the energy and power demand of small to mid-sized robotic vehicles. This model will simulate the power consumption in the motors based on Skid steering, road gradient, linear and angular velocity. With the energy and power requirements estimated, a Matlab optimization tool is proposed to be used to determine the optimal configuration of a power system for mobile applications under constraints relating to capacity/runtime, weight, volume, cost, and system complexity. The configuration will be based on commercially available batteries, and fuel cells to significantly reduce cost and delivery time. The optimization tool can be used for any mobile application. Finally, a new model is proposed for the accurate prediction of battery runtime and remaining energy for single battery discharge. This model reformulates Peukert's equation and achieves higher accuracy by introducing a new concept of variable exponent which is a function of battery capacity and discharge current.

Este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de estudar a aplicação, para sistema de frenagem veicular, de uma máquina elétrica sem escovas, de armadura toroidal, e fluxo magnético axial produzido por ímãs permanentes de terras raras, a chamada máquina Torus. A máquina foi construída no LMEAE e estudada inicialmente como motor em outro trabalho. Mas, para que se possa avaliar seu funcionamento em sistema de frenagem, o foco é do ponto de vista da máquina como gerador. São realizados testes dinâmicos e estáticos experimentalmente e modelo numérico pelo método dos elementos finitos com um formato de ímãs permanentes de seção setorial, possibilitando o comparativo com a versão anterior da máquina que empregou ímãs de seção quadrada. Mudanças físicas e no sistema de acionamento da máquina, e ensaios de frenagem dinâmica foram realizados. Modelagem analítica para indução magnética foi desenvolvida utilizando-se da técnica de Transformação Conforme. O trabalho busca apresentar as características da máquina e justificativas que demonstram o seu potencial de aplicabilidade em um subsistema veicular sob frenagem regenerativa e a capacidade de fornecimento de energia a um sistema de armazenamento com uma parte de energia cinética, ou seja, baterias e supercapacitores. / This work is carried out with the aim to study the application, by a vehicular braking system, of a brushless electrical machine with a toroidal armature core, and axial magnetic flux delivered by rare earth permanent magnets, the so-called Torus machine. The machine was built in the LMEAE, and previously studied as a motor by other work. However, in order to assess its performance in a braking system, the focus is the point of view of the machine as a generator. Static and dynamic tests are implemented as well as a numerical model by means of the finite element method, in order to compare the machine with sector poles permanent magnets and with square magnet poles. Physical changes and on the driving system of the machine, and dynamic braking tests are performed. The analytical modelling for the magnetic induction was developed using the technique of conformal transformation. The study aims to present the features of the machine and demonstrates its potential applicability to a vehicular subsystem under regenerative braking and the ability to supply an energy storage system with part of the kinetic energy, i.e. batteries and super capacitors.

Este trabalho foi desenvolvido com o objetivo de estudar a aplicação, para sistema de frenagem veicular, de uma máquina elétrica sem escovas, de armadura toroidal, e fluxo magnético axial produzido por ímãs permanentes de terras raras, a chamada máquina Torus. A máquina foi construída no LMEAE e estudada inicialmente como motor em outro trabalho. Mas, para que se possa avaliar seu funcionamento em sistema de frenagem, o foco é do ponto de vista da máquina como gerador. São realizados testes dinâmicos e estáticos experimentalmente e modelo numérico pelo método dos elementos finitos com um formato de ímãs permanentes de seção setorial, possibilitando o comparativo com a versão anterior da máquina que empregou ímãs de seção quadrada. Mudanças físicas e no sistema de acionamento da máquina, e ensaios de frenagem dinâmica foram realizados. Modelagem analítica para indução magnética foi desenvolvida utilizando-se da técnica de Transformação Conforme. O trabalho busca apresentar as características da máquina e justificativas que demonstram o seu potencial de aplicabilidade em um subsistema veicular sob frenagem regenerativa e a capacidade de fornecimento de energia a um sistema de armazenamento com uma parte de energia cinética, ou seja, baterias e supercapacitores. / This work is carried out with the aim to study the application, by a vehicular braking system, of a brushless electrical machine with a toroidal armature core, and axial magnetic flux delivered by rare earth permanent magnets, the so-called Torus machine. The machine was built in the LMEAE, and previously studied as a motor by other work. However, in order to assess its performance in a braking system, the focus is the point of view of the machine as a generator. Static and dynamic tests are implemented as well as a numerical model by means of the finite element method, in order to compare the machine with sector poles permanent magnets and with square magnet poles. Physical changes and on the driving system of the machine, and dynamic braking tests are performed. The analytical modelling for the magnetic induction was developed using the technique of conformal transformation. The study aims to present the features of the machine and demonstrates its potential applicability to a vehicular subsystem under regenerative braking and the ability to supply an energy storage system with part of the kinetic energy, i.e. batteries and super capacitors.

L’utilisation des plusieurs sources d’énergies de caractéristiques différentes, à bord du véhicule électrique VE) nécessite l’adoption de convertisseurs statiques. Ces derniers peuvent avoir la fonction de conditionneur ’énergie des différentes sources et/ou commander les machines électriques du véhicule.Généralement les VE disposent d’un bus continu « de quelques centaines de volts » dont la stabilité est assurée par un groupe de convertisseurs élévateurs de tension (du fait que les sources ont généralement un niveau de tension faible ; quelques dizaines de volts). Lors des démarrages/arrêts très fréquents du VE en mode urbain, les sources pourraient alimenter directement le moteur de traction sans avoir recours aux convertisseurs élévateurs de tension. Afin d’exploiter cette fonctionnalité, nous proposons d’explorer une deuxième architecture de convertisseur basée sur l’adoption d’un niveau de tension variable du bus continu. Dans cette approche, la tension minimale de ce dernier est fixée en fonction des niveaux de tensions disponibles du côté des sources et de la vitesse requise (niveau des f.é.m du moteur de traction). Ainsi, le rapport variable d’élévation de la tension est minimal à faible vitesse du véhicule en mode urbain et il est maximal à grande vitesse, en modes route et autoroute. Ceci apportera une amélioration du rendement énergétique de l’ensemble sources-moteurs notamment en mode urbain. Par ailleurs, l’utilisation grand public de ces véhicules exige des contraintes maximales de disponibilité (continuité de service) des fonctions principales notamment l’alimentation embarquée. A travers le travail de cette thèse nous proposons une nouvelle topologie du convertisseur de puissance entre les sources (une Pile à combustibles associée à un pack de super-condensateurs) et les charges (moteur de traction et réseau de bord alimentant les auxiliaires du véhicule). Ce convertisseur adopte une tension variable du bus continu et une redondance de l’alimentation du moteur de traction. Après la présentation du convertisseur proposé et son positionnement par rapport à la littérature, une analyse du fonctionnement et la modélisation de sa partie DC-DC est détaillée notamment à travers des résultats de simulation de ses différents modes. A ce titre un programme de simulation fine (à l’échelle des impulsions de commande) du système entier a été développé. Dans un deuxième temps, la commande automatique et rapprochée des interrupteurs de puissance a été développée en se basant respectivement sur la méthode de contrôle par petits signaux et la commande hystérésis de courant, triangulaire-rapport cyclique et triangulaire-sinus. Les résultats de simulation des fonctionnalités principales attendues mettent en évidence la faisabilité de l’architecture du convertisseur de puissance proposée. Enfin, une maquette expérimentale à échelle réduite a été développée dans le but de valider l’étude théorique. Les premiers tests expérimentaux de la partie DC-DC du convertisseur donnent des résultats satisfaisant et valident ainsi le processus de conception. Le travail futur sera la réalisation d’une maquette à échelle 1 dans laquelle la conception du refroidisseur sera intégrée en amont de la réalisation du plan de masse dudit convertisseur. Nous pensons que cela permettra une meilleure optimisation de l’espace à bord du véhicule et améliorera le rendement énergétique de la chaine de traction. / The use of many energy sources of different kind in a electrical vehicle (EV) needs the adoption of static converters. These can have the function of either conditioning energy or driving the electrical machines of the vehicle. EV’s generally have a DC bus of some hundred volts, whose stability is ensured by a set of boost converters, since the voltage level of the several sources is as low as about some tens of volts. During frequent start/stop phases of EV’s in urban mode, energy sources can feed the motors directly without using the converters. On the basis of this consideration this thesis proposes a novel converter topology adopting a variable DC voltage level. In this approach the lowest level of the DC bus is determined as a function of the voltages available from the sources and of the required speed (back fem of the traction motor). In this way the variable step-up voltage ratio is minimal at low speeds of the EV in urban mode and maximal at higher speeds in motorway modes. This would result in an energy efficiency improvement of the sources-motors system, especially in urban mode. On the other hand the use of this EV demands some constraints as for the service continuity of the main functions of the EV, particularly the energy supply.This thesis proposes a novel power converter topology between the sources (a Fuel Cell System associated with a pack of Super-capacitors) and the loads ( traction motor and auxiliary supply system). This converter adopts a variable DC bus voltage and a redundant supply of the traction motor. After presenting the proposed converter in the framework of the state of the art, the analysis and modelling of its DC/DC part is presented, especially with simulation results of the different modes of operation. With this regard a complete simulation program has been developed down to the scale of switching pulses. Afterwards the control of the power devices has been developed by using the small signal control and the hysteresis control, triangular duty cycle and triangular sine. The simulation results of the main modes show the feasibility of the proposed power converter architecture. Finally an experimental rig has been set up, at reduced scale, for assessing the theoretical analysis. The experimental results of the DC/DC part yield satisfactory results thus proving the effectiveness of the design. Future work will focus on setting up e real scale converter, where the cooling system design will be added before realizing the mass board of the converter. This should lead up to the optimization of the volume occupied in the EV and to the improvement of the energy efficiency of the traction chain.

Cílem práce byl návrh a implementace řídicích algoritmů pro optimalizaci spotřeby energie elektrického vozidla. Hlavním úkolem byla optimalizace rozložení energie mezi hlavním zdrojem energie (bateriemi) a super-kapacitory v průběhu jízdního cyklu. Jízdní výkonový profil je odhadován a předpovězen na základě 3D geografických souřadnic a matematického modelu vozidla. V první části jsou uvedeny komponenty vozidla a jejich modely. Poté jsou představeny algoritmy na základě klouzavého průměru a dynamického programování. Byly provedeny simulace a analýzy pro demostraci přínosů algoritmů. V poslední části je popsána Java implementace algoritmů a také aplikace pro operační systém Android.

Cílem práce byl návrh a implementace řídicích algoritmů pro optimalizaci spotřeby energie elektrického vozidla. Hlavním úkolem byla optimalizace rozložení energie mezi hlavním zdrojem energie (bateriemi) a super-kapacitory v průběhu jízdního cyklu. Jízdní výkonový profil je odhadován a předpovězen na základě 3D geografických souřadnic a matematického modelu vozidla. V první části jsou uvedeny komponenty vozidla a jejich modely. Poté jsou představeny algoritmy na základě klouzavého průměru a dynamického programování. Byly provedeny simulace a analýzy pro demostraci přínosů algoritmů. V poslední části je popsána Java implementace algoritmů a také aplikace pro operační systém Android.

Les variateurs de vitesse modernes sont exclusivement basés sur l’utilisation de moteurs triphasés alimentés par des onduleurs à modulation de largeur d’impulsion (MLI). La plupart des applications modernes de la variation de vitesse, comme les ascenseurs, les grues et les machines-outils sont caractérisées principalement par un rapport élevé entre la puissance crête et la puissance moyenne et une forte demande de freinage à la puissance nominale. Dans les variateurs de vitesse ordinaires, l’énergie de freinage, qui est de l’ordre de 30 à 50% de l’énergie consommée, est dissipé dans une résistance. Outre les problèmes « énergétiques », les interruptions et dégradations de la tension d’alimentation ainsi que la qualité du courant d’entrée et la fluctuation de la charge, sont d’autres questions à aborder et à résoudre.Le super-condensateur dédié aux applications de conversion de puissance est ainsi proposé. Un variateur de vitesse équipé avec des super-condensateurs est présenté dans la thèse. Les super-condensateurs, interconnectés par un convertisseur DC-DC sont utilisés pour stocker et ré-injecter l'énergie de freinage. De plus, le convertisseur DC-DC contrôle le courant du redresseur et la tension du bus DC. Le THD du courant d’entrée est ramené à 30%. La tension du bus DC est élevée et en permanence contrôlée et lissée indépendamment de la charge et de la variation de la tension réseau. Pour terminer, les pics de puissance peuvent être lissés. La solution présentée est analysée théoriquement et vérifiée par un ensemble de simulations et expérimentations. Les résultats sont présentés et commentés / Modern controlled electric drives are exclusively based on three-phase motors that are fed from three-phase pulse width modulated (PWM) inverters. Most of modern controlled electric drive applications, such as lifts, cranes and tooling machines are characterized by high ratio of the peak to average power, and high demand for braking at the rated power. In ordinary drives, the braking energy, which represents 30-50% of the consumed energy, is dissipated on a braking resistor. Apart from the “energetic” issue, the mains interruption and degradation, the input current quality and the load fluctuation are additional issues to be addressed and solved.The ultra-capacitor dedicated for power conversion applications has been discussed. In comparison to electrochemical batteries, the ultra-capacitors have higher power density and efficiency, longer life time and greater cycling capability. This makes the ultra-capacitor an excellent candidate for power conversion applications.A new electric drive converter equipped with the ultra-capacitor is presented in the dissertation. The ultra-capacitor with an inter-connection dc-dc converter is used to store and recover the drive braking energy. Moreover, the dc-dc converter controls the rectifier current and the dc bus voltage. The drive input current THD is reduced to 30%. The dc bus voltage is boosted and controlled constant and ripple free regardless on the load and the mains voltage variation. Moreover, the drive input peak power can be smoothed. The presented solution is theoretically analysed and verified by set of simulations and experiments. The results are presented and discussed