The automotive industry is seen to be making a monumental paradigm shift from manual to semi-autonomous to fully Autonomous Vehicles. An Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) forms a major building block for realizing these next generation of highly Autonomous-capable Vehicles. Although the general ADAS architecture is widely discussed, limited details are available about the functionality of the modules and their interactions, backed up by scientific justification. This limits the utilization of such an architecture for pragmatic implementation. A Cognitive ADAS Architecture for level 4 Autonomous-capable Electrified Vehicles (EV) is proposed in this thesis. Variations for levels 3 and 3.5 (combination of levels 3 and 4, with the primary fallback through a human driver and the secondary through an Automated Driving System) are also presented. A validated simulation framework is built for highway driving based on the proposed level 4 architecture for an enhanced Tesla Model S. It was concluded that the autonomous control provided a 28% energy economy increase, on average, compared to human driver control. Through a quantitative sensitivity analysis, the optimal Mission/Motion Planning and energy management are seen in addition to a positive impact on the EV battery, motor, and dynamics, realized from the minimized instantaneous fluctuations. These factors are considered to contribute to this significant increase in the energy economy of an autonomous-controlled EV. Furthermore, this impact was seen to be relatively higher for autonomous longitudinal vehicle control compared to lateral. This difference in the improved operation of the Autonomous-capable EV components between the Automated Driving System and the human driver control was seen to be the highest for the battery current. In overall, an increase in vehicle autonomy, resulted in an improvement in the EV performance, dynamics and operation of the battery and motor, compared to a human driver control. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The use of composite materials in aerospace, electronics, and wind industries has become increasingly common, and these composite components are required to carry mechanical, electrical, and thermal loads simultaneously. A unique property of carbon fiber composites is that when an electric current is applied to the specimen, the mechanical strength of the specimen increases. Previous studies have shown that the higher the electric current, the greater the increase in impact strength. However, as current passes through the composite, heat is generated through Joule heating. This Joule heating can cause degradation of the composite and thus a loss in strength. In order to minimize the negative effects of heating, it is desired to apply a very high current for a very short duration of time. This thesis investigated the material responses of carbon fiber composite plates subjected to electrical current pulse loads of up to 1700 Amps. For 32 ply unidirectional IM7/977-3 specimens, the peak impact load and absorbed energy increased slightly with the addition of a current pulse at the time of an impact event. In 16 ply cross-ply IM7/977-2 specimens, the addition of the current pulse caused detrimental effects due to electrical arcing at the interface between the composite and electrodes. Further refinement of the experimental setup should minimize the risk of electrical arcing and should better elucidate the effects of a current pulse on the impact strength of the specimens.

This research systematically compares various electrified vehicles based upon electrification levels and powertrain configurations. A series of novel hybrid electric powertrain systems based on the newly proposed Hybridized Automated Manual Transmission (HAMT) concept are introduced. One representative hybrid powertrain system is selected to illustrate their operation principle. The new HAMT-based hybrid powertrain system overcomes the bottleneck problem of mainstream power-split hybrid systems with relatively low torque capacity and the constraint for utility vehicle electrification, and presents advantages over other hybrid powertrain systems in efficiency and costs. In addition, the new hybrid powertrain system can deliver continuous output torque by filling torque hole during gearshift, through coordinated control of engine, motor, and transmission, improving the driveability of regular Automated Manual Transmission (AMT), whose applications have been hampered by torque hole over the past years. The proposed HAMT-based hybrid systems with improved torque capacity, efficiency, costs, and driveability come with a compact design and more flexible operation through the amount of gearwheels equivalent to a 5-speed AMT to achieve 8 variable gear ratios for the Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) mode and Electric Vehicle (EV) mode operations of a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV). Model-based optimization, dynamics analysis, and powertrain control strategies have been introduced for a PHEV with a representative 8-speed HAMT. Vehicle simulations have been made to study and verify the capability and advantages of the new electrified powertrain system. Firstly, the operation principles of various HAMTs are discussed through detailed power flows at each gear. The fundamental principles of typical HAMT variations are explained using a new power-flow triangle with three ports. Based on the concept of Torque Gap Filler (TGF), a set of HAMT system designs have been introduced and closely studied to provide continuous and stable output torque. The selected hybrid powertrain system equipped with a representative HAMT system supports both HEV mode and EV mode with eight variable gear ratios for each mode. Among the eight forward gear ratios, six are independent and two are dependent on the other gears. Combinations of dog clutches at all gears are designed to eliminate torque holes. Gear ratios and gearshift schedule of the 8-speed HAMT are designed to support the new design. Torque paths at each gear are illustrated and transient scenarios including gearshifts and mode transitions are investigated. The gear ratio of each gear is determined by considering the unique clutch combination of this HAMT, using the classical gear ratio design method - Progressive Ratio Steps. Due to the broader high efficiency operation region of electric motors, a model-based optimization method is used to determine the two gear ratios for the EV mode to achieve better fuel economy and avoid unnecessary gearshifts. Dynamic Programming (DP) is used to identify the optimal gear ratios, considering vehicle fuel economy for the EPA75 and Highway Fuel Economy Fuel Test (HWFET) driving cycles. The 4th and 6th gears among the eight gear ratios in the EV mode of PHEV are based on 2-speed gearbox design for an EV, and their gearshift schedules are determined by optimization. Combining the considerations for the hybrid and EV modes of a PHEV, key elements of the proposed HAMT system, including gearshift schedule, clutch combination, and gear ratios for highly efficient operation are determined. The more challenging driveability issues during mode transition from EV to HEV and power-on gearshift with TGF during acceleration are addressed. Both of these two operations require relatively high power/torque outputs and involve multiple powertrain components, including engine, motor, main clutch and gearbox, within a period of two seconds. A lumped-mass model (LMM) of the HAMT-based hybrid vehicle is built to analyze the driveline dynamics in two steady states and four transient states. Each of these states is analyzed independently, according to states of main clutch and gear selectors, considering different phases of the TGF operation and EV-HEV mode transition. The methods for modeling the discontinuity of clutch torque and dog clutch inside the HAMT are discussed to support the subsequent powertrain system modeling and control development. To identify the optimal control schemes for model transition and gearshift, the model-based optimization method for a post-transmission parallel PHEV is developed. The vehicle powertrain model was initially built using AUTONOMIE and MATLAB/Simulink with primary parameters from a prototype PHEV and its dSPACE ASM model developed at University of Victoria. System dynamics in EV mode and hybrid mode are described as a group of state-space equations, which are further discretized into matrix form to simplify the optimization search. A DP-based global optimization method is used to identify the optimal control inputs, including engine torque, motor torque, and main clutch torque. Four principles for desirable EV-HEV mode transitions are extracted based on the results of the optimization. To model different operation modes and complex power flows, the initial baseline powertrain system model is then replaced by a customized MATLAB/SimDriveline model. In this new physics-based powertrain model, gearshift actuators and controller are added to model the gearshift and mode transition processes. To achieve good driveability, the TGF feature of the HAMT design is split into five transient and two steady phases, each corresponding to a fundamental operating mode. Control logics of upshift and downshift, as well as EV-HEV mode transition are introduced. Four principles of mode transition derived from global optimization results are introduced for powertrain system control. Simulations of the HAMT-based hybrid powertrain operations have been carried out to verify the functionality and advantages of the proposed HAMT design in achieving excellent driveability during mode transition and gearshifts. Through controlled coordination of engine, motor and main clutch, EV-HEV mode transition can be achieved smoothly within a period of 2-3 seconds. Even slight driveline fluctuation can be eliminated by dedicated anti-shuffle control with the motors as actuators. The same simulation model also demonstrates excellent driveability during power-on gearshift. Comparing simulation results with and without TGF shows that this new hybrid powertrain system can effectively eliminate torque holes during gearshift. With the demonstrated advantages of this new system in efficiency, torque capacity, simplicity in design and manufacturing costs over its existing rivals, the research provides a promising alternative to mainstream power-split hybrid electric powertrain system design. / Graduate

This thesis proposes a novel framework for solving the energy management problem of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs). We aim to establish a practical and effective approach targeting an optimal Energy Management Strategy (EMS). A situation-specific Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy (ECMS) is developed to minimize fuel consumption and improve battery charge sustainability while maintaining an acceptable drive quality. The investigated methodology will be broadly applicable to all HEV applications; however, it will be well-suited for hybrid electric delivery applications. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

This research investigates the effects of both a Hybrid Energy Storage System and an Electrified Turbocharger in a consumer performance vehicle. This research also attempts to support the development of a prototype vehicle containing a Hybrid Energy Storage System currently being developed at McMaster University. Using a custom simulation tool developed in Matlab Simulink, Simulink models of each of the technologies were developed to predict the behavior of these subsystems across multiple physical domains. Control modeling, optimization and testing was completed for both systems. In addition, controls modeling for the Hybrid Energy Storage System was integrated with the development effort for a prototype vehicle considering the specifics of real world components. To assess the impact of these technologies on a performance vehicle platform, the simulation tool tested each technology using multiple vehicle variations. Three vehicle variants were developed, representing: a conventional performance hybrid design, a hybrid vehicle containing an electrified turbocharger, and a vehicle containing a Hybrid Energy Storage System. Electrical system peak output power was the vehicle specification held constant between each vehicle variant. Each vehicle variant was simulated against a number of traditional drive cycles representing everyday driving scenarios in an attempt to compare fuel economy while identifying each technologies individual impact on the vehicles performance. Finally, each vehicle variant was simulated using a custom performance drive cycle in a virtual race. Both technologies as assessed and in comparison to a larger battery variant, did not result in improved fuel economies during conventional vehicle driving. Both the Hybrid Energy Storage System and electrified turbocharger demonstrated improved vehicle performance in particular scenarios. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc) / Electrified vehicles have not typically been viewed as performance vehicles. A recent trend has seen a growing number of manufacturers turn to hybrid and electric powertrains to produce high performing vehicles. However, a performance vehicle's electrical power is conventionally limited by the size and power of its battery, adding weight and cost. Two technologies offer the ability to increase the power of these electrified components without the need for a large battery. First, Hybrid Energy Storage System combines ultra-capacitors and batteries to increase the power density of the system. Second, an Electrified Turbocharger improves the turbo lag of a turbocharged engine and also recovers waste heat energy from the exhaust gases which is then used to propel the vehicle. This research identifies and demonstrates the potential impact these two technologies have when included in an American Muscle Car.

Aggressive demands for high power density and low-cost power modules in the automotive sector pose significant challenges to the thermal management systems. These challenges necessitate adopting highly effective cooling technologies in power modules to remain competitive in the semiconductor industry. Furthermore, the thermal management strategy must be simple, easy to integrate, compact, effective, efficient, reliable, and economical. This thesis is an effort to investigate the impact of fin geometry on the overall performance of finned-type liquid-cooled power electronic modules in electrified transportation. The cooling system's performance metrics, including thermal resistance, pressure drop, pumping power, and mass, are discussed in depth. Various cooling technologies are benchmarked. The finned-type cooling technique is chosen over other methods due to simplicity and low pressure drop. Integrated cooling or direct cooling of the module’s baseplate is selected due to considerable thermal resistance reduction because of thermal grease elimination. Potential fabrication techniques are thoroughly explored and compared in terms of mass production and prototyping suitability. Four different fin shapes, including circular (baseline), drop-shaped, symmetric convex lens, and offset strip in the staggered arrangement, are studied herein. The cooling agent is Water and Ethylene Glycol 50% volumetric mixture (WEG 50%). Typical operating conditions in electrified vehicles (EVs) such as flow rate and inlet temperature are assumed for the numerical analysis. A grid convergence study is carried out to ensure numerical solutions are within an acceptable error band. The thermal performance evaluation results showed that, on average, offset strip, drop-shaped, and the convex lens performed 39%, 20%, and 6% better than the baseline design, respectively. Additionally, the design candidates are compared in terms of mass and estimated machining cost. The results of the baseline case are verified against empirical correlations from the literature. The maximum deviation is less than 1% and 1.2% for finned-surface temperature and pressure drop, respectively. The difference is attributed to the end-wall effects. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc)

This thesis provides an insight into battery modeling in electric vehicles which includes degradation mechanisms as in automotive operation in electric vehicles. As electric vehicles with lithium ion batteries increase in popularity there is an increased need to study and model the capacity losses in such batteries. If there is a good understanding of the phenomena involved and an ability to predict these losses there is also a foundation to take measures to minimize these losses. In this thesis a battery model for lithium ion batteries which includes heat dissipation is used as groundwork. This model is expanded with the addition of capacity losses due to usage as well as storage. By combining this with a simple vehicle model one can use these models to achieve an understanding as to how a battery or pack of several batteries would behave in a specific driving scenario. Much of the focus in the thesis is put into comparing the different factors of degradation to highlight what the major contributors are. The conclusion is drawn that heat is the main cause for degradation for batteries in electric vehicles. This applies for driving usage as well as during storage. As heat is generated when a battery is used, the level of current is also a factor, as well as in which state of charge region the battery is used.

För att nå utsatta klimatmål i Sverige och på EU-nivå är begränsningen av fossil fordonstrafik en hörnsten. Lösningen kan vara eldrift, men dilemmat vid långa transporter är påfyllnad av drivmedel. Utmaningen blir att tillgodose den ökade efterfrågan på energi – både gällande distribution och produktion – på ett miljömässigt försvarbart sätt. En litteraturstudie samt en intervju utförs för att undersöka om vägar kan göras smartare för att främja en grönare, eldriven fordonstrafik och ge möjlighet för energiutvinning i vägområdet samt elektrisk energidistribution till fordon under färd. Teknologin till energidistribution och energiutvinningssystem finns, men den kan alltid utvecklas för billigare tillverkning och effektivare produkter. Studerade energidistribueringssystem är induktion och konduktion. Energiutvinningssystemen som har behandlats är solenergi, piezoelektricitet och vindkraft. Pilotprojekt inom de bägge områdena existerar och fler projekt är under utveckling. / Sweden and the EU has a lot of climate goals, to achieve these goals the use of fossil fuels must be reduced. One solution can be electric powered vehicles, when travelling long distances there is a problem to replenish fuel. The challenge is to meet the increased demand for energy - both in terms of production and distribution - in an environmentally sound manner. A literature study as well as an interview is carried out to investigate whether roads can be made smarter to promote a greener, electric vehicle traffic and the possibility of energy harvesting systems and energy distribution in the road area. The technology for energy harvesting systems and energy distribution is available, but it can always be further developed for cheaper manufacturing and more efficient products. Energy distribution systems studied are induction and conduction. The energy harvesting systems in this report are solar energy, piezoelectricity and wind power. Pilot projects in both areas exists and more projects are under development.

För att nå utsatta klimatmål i Sverige och på EU-nivå är begränsningen av fossil fordonstrafik en hörnsten. Lösningen kan vara eldrift, men dilemmat vid långa transporter är påfyllnad av drivmedel. Utmaningen blir att tillgodose den ökade efterfrågan på energi – både gällande distribution och produktion – på ett miljömässigt försvarbart sätt. En litteraturstudie samt en intervju utförs för att undersöka om vägar kan göras smartare för att främja en grönare, eldriven fordonstrafik och ge möjlighet för energiutvinning i vägområdet samt elektrisk energidistribution till fordon under färd. Teknologin till energidistribution och energiutvinningssystem finns, men den kan alltid utvecklas för billigare tillverkning och effektivare produkter. Studerade energidistribueringssystem är induktion och konduktion. Energiutvinningssystemen som har behandlats är solenergi, piezoelektricitet och vindkraft. Pilotprojekt inom de bägge områdena existerar och fler projekt är under utveckling. / Sweden and the EU has a lot of climate goals, to achieve these goals the use of fossil fuels must be reduced. One solution can be electric powered vehicles, when travelling long distances there is a problem to replenish fuel. The challenge is to meet the increased demand for energy - both in terms of production and distribution - in an environmentally sound manner. A literature study as well as an interview is carried out to investigate whether roads can be made smarter to promote a greener, electric vehicle traffic and the possibility of energy harvesting systems and energy distribution in the road area. The technology for energy harvesting systems and energy distribution is available, but it can always be further developed for cheaper manufacturing and more efficient products. Energy distribution systems studied are induction and conduction. The energy harvesting systems in this report are solar energy, piezoelectricity and wind power. Pilot projects in both areas exists and more projects are under development.

Electrified fencing is commonly used throughout the world to control animals with smaller and cheaper fence constructions than would otherwise be necessary with non-electrified wires. Typical installations have a long wire or wires starting from an electric fence energiser and then surrounding fields in various complex configurations. Faults on electric fences can be difficult to locate, with the average fence using tens of kilometres of wire. Basic fault-finding tools allow an operator to read the peak fence voltage, requiring the user to decide whether a fault is present and to randomly search for the source of the problem. The focus of this thesis is to develop a device that reduces the time to locate faults on a fence by providing more information about the location and nature of a fault, and will point in the direction of the fault.