Two vehicular optimal control problems are visited. The first relates to the minimum lap time problem, which is of interest in racing and the second the minimum fuel problem, which is of great importance in commercial road vehicles. Historically, minimum lap time problems were considered impractical due to their slow solution times compared with the quasi-steady static (QSS) simulations. However, with increasing computational power and advancement of numerical algorithms, such problems have become an invaluable tool for the racing teams. To keep the solution times reasonable, much attention still has to be paid to the problem formulation. The suspension of a Formula One car is modelled using classical mechanics and a meta-model is proposed to enable its incorporation in the optimal control problem. The interactions between the aerodynamics and the suspension are thereby studied and various related parameters are optimised. Aerodynamics plays a crucial role in the performance of Formula One cars. The influence of a locally applied perturbation to the aerodynamic balance is investigated to determine if a compromise made in design can actually lead to lap time improvements. Various issues related to minimum lap time calculations are then discussed. With the danger of climate change and the pressing need to reduce emissions, improvements in fuel consumption are presently needed more than ever. A methodology is developed for fuel performance optimisation of a hybrid vehicle equipped with an undersized engine, battery and a flywheel. Rather than using the widely used driving cycles, a three-dimensional route is chosen and the optimal driving and power management strategy is found with respect to a time of arrival constraint. The benefits of a multi-storage configuration are thereby demonstrated. Finally, the nonlinear stability of a vehicle model described by rational vector fields is investigated using region of attraction (RoA) analysis. With the aid of sum-of-squares programming techniques, Lyapunov functions are found whose level sets act as an under-approximation to the RoA. The influence of different vehicle parameters and driving conditions on the RoA is studied.

Limitations in energy recovery technology require extended research for development of existing and alternative solutions. This thesis project has treated valuing pneumatic drivetrain independent energy recovery system as a potential solution. The prototype built during this project uses a piston compressor to transform kinetic energy into compressed air. The compressed air was then stored in two air tanks and transformed into kinetic energy with an air motor on demand. The prototype was built on a rig using a high power electrical engine to simulate energy input from the wheels during braking. The air motor was then used to rotate a Volvo S40 engine simulating energy output to the wheels. To further illustrate how the technology can be implemented in vehicles and to emphasize the variety of pneumatic energy recovery solutions a 3D CAD model was designed and other components was reflected. Such as using a screw compressor instead of piston and also using the compressor as a motor reducing the number of components optimizing the system. The system storing the kinetic energy does not mean that the vehicle can manage without an ordinary brake system. The regenerative braking effect rapidly reduces at lower speeds; therefore friction brake is still required in order to bring the vehicle to a complete halt.Analyses of strength of strained components acknowledge that limited energy recovery is possible without redimensioning the driveshaft´s. The limitation is regulated by the original dimension for engine load, with subject to the CV joint. Optimum positioning of the compressor due to the limited space in a modern vehicle is behind the gearbox in conjunction with the gearbox outgoing pinion for short energy transportation.Electrical energy recovery system is the solution with the highest potential on the market today but electrical vehicles covers just a fraction of the vehicle industry doe to technical and infrastructural limitations. Drivetrain independent pneumatic, hydraulic or mechanical energy recovery systems lay the foundation of a common ground for all vehicles and other waste energy machinery to use one energy recovery technology. The market research indicates that this type of technology is up-to-the-minute. / <p>Validerat; 20110106 (anonymous)</p>