A complete chain of analysis and synthesis system identification tools for detectability assessment and adaptive identification of parameters with physical interpretation that can be found commonly in control-oriented powertrain models is presented. This research is motivated from the fact that future powertrain control and monitoring systems will depend increasingly on physically oriented system models to reduce the complexity of existing control strategies and open the road to new environmentally friendly technologies. At the outset of this study a physics-based control-oriented dynamic model of a complete transient engine testing facility, consisting of a single cylinder engine, an alternating current dynamometer and a coupling shaft unit, is developed to investigate the functional relationships of the inputs, outputs and parameters of the system. Having understood these, algorithms for identifiability analysis and adaptive identification of parameters with physical interpretation are proposed. The efficacy of the recommended algorithms is illustrated with three novel practical applications. These are, the development of an on-line health monitoring system for engine dynamometer coupling shafts based on recursive estimation of shaft’s physical parameters, the sensitivity analysis and adaptive identification of engine friction parameters, and the non-linear recursive parameter estimation with parameter estimability analysis of physical and semi-physical cyclic engine torque model parameters. The findings of this research suggest that the combination of physics-based control oriented models with adaptive identification algorithms can lead to the development of component-based diagnosis and control strategies. Ultimately, this work contributes in the area of on-line fault diagnosis, fault tolerant and adaptive control for vehicular systems.

Technology advancements enable and encourage higher system electrifications in various applications. More electrified applications need more capable and higher performing sources of energy in terms of power delivery, power regeneration, and energy capacity. For example, in electric, hybrid electric, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle applications (EVs, HEVs, and PHEVs), the power and energy ratings of the vehicle energy storage system (ESS) have a direct impact on the vehicle performance. Many researchers investigated and studied various aspects of hybrid energy storage systems (HESS) wherein multiple ESSs are combined together to share system loads, increase ESS capabilities, and cycle life. Various configurations and their application specific topologies were also proposed by other researchers; the potential of HESS has been proven to be very promising. In this research, the goal is to present the theory of a HESS configuration that has not been discovered thus far. This HESS configuration is called a series-parallel reconfigurable HESS (SPR-HESS) since it is capable of recombining multiple storage systems into different series, parallel, or series-parallel configurations, via power electronic converters, to accommodate different operation modes and load requirements. Simulations, as well as experimental verifications, are presented in this thesis. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

<div>The commercial vehicle sector is an important enabler of the economy and is heavily dependent on fossil fuels. In the fight against climate change, reduction of emissions by improving fuel economy is a key step for the commercial vehicle sector. Improving fuel economy deals with reducing energy losses from fuel to the wheels. This study aims to analyze efficiency improvements for two systems that are important in reducing CO2 emissions - hybrid powertrains and natural gas engines. At first, a prototype series hybrid powertrain was analyzed based on on-highway data collected from its powertrain components. Work done per mile by the electrical components of the powertrain showed inefficient battery operation. The net energy delivery of the battery was close to zero at the end of the runs. This indicated battery was majorly used as an energy storage device. Roughly 15% of losses were observed in the power electronics to supply power from battery and generator to the motor. Ability of the hybrid system to capture regenerative energy and utilize it to propel the vehicle is a primary cause for fuel savings. The ability of this system to capture the regenerative energy was studied by modeling the system. The vehicle model demonstrated that the system was capturing most of the theoretically available regenerative energy. The thesis also demonstrates the possibility of reduction of vehicular level losses for the prototype truck. Drag and rolling resistance coefficients were estimated based on two coast down tests conducted. The ratio of captured regenerative to the drive energy energy for estimated drag and rolling resistant coefficients showed that the current system utilizes 4%-9% of its drive energy from the captured regenerative energy. Whereas a low mileage Peterbilt 579 truck could increase the energy capture ratio to 8%-18% for the same drive profile and route. Decrease in the truck’s aerodynamic drag and rolling resistance can potentially improve the fuel benefits.</div><div>The second study aimed to reduce the engine level pumping losses for a natural gas spark ignition engine by cylinder deactivation (CDA). Spark ignited stoichiometric engines with an intake throttle valve encounter pumping/throttling losses at low speed, low loads due to the restriction of intake air by the throttle body. A simulation study for CDA on a six cylinder natural gas engine model was performed in GT- Power. The simulations were ran for steady state operating points with a torque range 25-560 ftlbs and 1600 rpm. Two , three and four cylinders were deactivated in the simulation study. CDA showed significant fuel benefits with increase in brake thermal efficiency and reduction in brake specific fuel consumption depending on the number of deactivated cylinders. The fuel benefits tend to decrease with increase in torque. Engine cycle efficiencies were analyzed to investigate the efficiency improvements. The open cycle efficiency is the main contributor to the overall increase in the brake thermal efficiency. The work done by the engine to overcome the gas exchange during the intake and exhaust stroke is referred to the pumping losses. The reduction in pumping losses cause an improvement in the open cycle efficiency. By deactivating cylinders, the engine meets its low torque requirements by increase in the intake manifold pressure. Increased intake manifold pressure also resulted in reduction of the pumping loop indicating reduced pumping losses. A major limitation of the CDA strategy was ability to meet EGR fraction requirements. The increase in intake manifold pressure also caused a reduction in the delta pressure across the EGR valve. At higher torques with high EGR requirements CDA strategy was unable to meet the required EGR fraction targets. This limited the benefits of CDA to a specific torque range based on the number of deactivated cylinders. Some variable valve actuation strategies were suggested to overcome this challenge and extend the benefits of CDA for a greater torque range.</div><div><br></div>

<p>The electrification trend affecting off-road vehicles is paving the way toward dedicated electrified hydraulic actuation systems. Although traditional centralized fluid power architectures are still utilized in many applications for low cost, power density, and reliability, nowadays emission policy results in an increasing interest in developing electro-hydraulic actuator (EHA) solutions. EHAs enable non-throttling actuation and energy recuperation during overrunning loads, leading to higher transmission efficiency and lower fuel consumption. These features in energy efficiency make EHAs competitive in meeting emission regulations compared to conventional hydraulic solutions.</p> <p>The key challenge in developing the EHA solution comes from the high cost and space requirements, especially for the adoption of self-contained EHAs in mobile applications. In this study, two architectures for the EHA are proposed, a closed-circuit architecture and an open-circuit one, to determine the most practical and efficient configuration. The most effective open-circuit architecture with distributed concepts is further investigated for implementation, which requires less modification of the mechanical structures and performs more efficiently than the closed-circuit alternative. The proposed EHA is driven by an electro-hydraulic unit (EHU) consisting of a variable-speed electric motor and a fixed-displacement hydraulic pump, which is relatively cost-effective. A novel hydraulic configuration is proposed, which allows the EHA to cover full-speed operating ranges in four quadrants. </p> <p>To verify the EHA design, the behavior of the proposed system should be predicted prior to costly experiments and demonstrations. For this purpose, an integrated simulation model is developed based on the lumped parameter approach in the Amesim environment. The model includes the electric system, the hydraulic system, and the mechanism to be implemented, which are capable of flexible analysis of functionality, efficiency, and thermal performance.</p> <p>In this work, a dedicated test rig for EHA testing is developed. The test rig can help verify EHA performance, test the control algorithm, and diagnose errors before implementing the system on real applications. The experimental results from the test rig also validate the simulation model. An independent load drive of the test rig allows testing all possible  loading conditions of the proposed EHA, thus demonstrating the energy performance in four quadrants. Thermal behavior is investigated with long duty cycles to determine the need for additional cooling equipment. After the validation of the hydraulic configuration, a power electronics setup is added to the test rig, which allows to drive the EHA system with the novel designed EHUs. Validation on the test platform paves the way for implementation in a vehicle. </p> <p>As a final step, the proposed EHA system is implemented in a reference vehicle, a Case New Holland TV380 skid steer loader. A novel designed EHU is adopted to drive the system for technology demonstration. The energy savings capacity of the EHA is investigated in comparison to the baseline measurements of the traditional open-center hydraulic architecture. The impressive savings from the reduction of throttling losses and energy recovery guide the possible commercialization of such EHAs in mobile hydraulic applications. The controller design of the implemented EHA system is investigated with the aim of improving the dynamic performance, e.g., reducing damping oscillation. Basic power management strategies are also studied to integrate EHA with the power train of current hydraulic machines. Regarding future work, based on this research but not within the scope of this study, the proposed EHA system can be adopted with different types of prime movers, such as axial piston machines as the hydraulic part of an EHU. Furthermore, the design approach proposed in this study can help resize the EHA system for other applications with different loading conditions and power requirements, and the energy savings capability can be further investigated. With this, a comprehensive market analysis will be performed for the commercialization of EHA. </p>

<p dir="ltr"><b><i>Background</i></b><b>:</b> The increase in EV deployment is presenting numerous energy challenges to the utility distribution infrastructure. The energy demands created by EV charging sessions and the growing call to develop a network of DCFC charging facilities increases operational risk to the utilities in the ability to provide safe and reliable electricity to all customers.</p><p dir="ltr"><b><i>Purpose:</i></b> The purpose of this study is to identify the extent of impact to the utility distribution grid from an increasing EV (electric vehicle) adoption.</p><p dir="ltr"><b><i>Setting</i></b><b>: </b>In total, there were 3,020 rows of distribution circuit feeder data collected from the PG&E DIDF and National Grid NY System Reporting Tool between 2022 – 2023. Additionally, 48 documents, engineering reports, rate filings, articles, research studies, and utility whitepapers were examined.</p><p dir="ltr"><b><i>Research Design:</i></b> Impact analysis using a mixed methodology.</p><p dir="ltr"><b><i>Data Collection and Analysis:</i></b> A single research question was used to formulate an impact analysis to the utility distribution infrastructure under a mixed methodology. A quantitative analysis to determine circuit burden based on historical feeder capacity data and conduct hypothetical impact testing based on a set of ten variables. A qualitative analysis was administered to support these results and further design recommendations for the utility system under a logic model.</p><p dir="ltr"><b><i>Findings:</i></b> The PG&E and Utility National Grid EV and Circuit Impact Analysis demonstrated high susceptibility to overburden under a moderate number of level 2 EV chargers and significantly more when the loading impact was the result of DCFC facilities. The additional exploratory research yielded a consistent theme of mitigation strategies applicable to all electric utilities.</p><p><br></p><p dir="ltr"><b><i>Conclusions</i></b><i>:</i> Portions of the electric distribution infrastructure, operated by hundreds of utilities across the United States must be analyzed, upgraded, and adequately managed under systematic programs which promote facility upgrades, energy management, technology integration, such as AMI. Further, the execution of regulatory strategies for smart policy development and investment into hosting capacity tools are critical to reducing EV impact to the utility.</p><p dir="ltr"><b><i>Keywords</i></b><i>: </i>EV, electric utility, EV grid impacts, EV grid analysis, EV managed charging, EV AMI infrastructure.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Electric roadways (ERs) represent a new paradigm for electrified transportation that is</p><p dir="ltr">enabled by the emerging dynamic (in-motion) wireless power transfer technology. Large-scale</p><p dir="ltr">integration of DWPT systems into power grids can pose a problem due to its high-power</p><p dir="ltr">requirements, significant number of power electronic converters and spatial concentration.</p><p dir="ltr">Despite their potential magnitude, the operational impacts of DWPT on the power grid have</p><p dir="ltr">not been fully studied in the literature. This dissertation contributes to our understanding</p><p dir="ltr">of how ERs could be successfully integrated with the electric power system at a diverse range</p><p dir="ltr">of spatial and temporal levels.</p><p dir="ltr">On a macroscopic level, a framework for assessing the financial viability of ERs is proposed.</p><p dir="ltr">Annual ER load estimations from traffic flow models of electric vehicles are used to</p><p dir="ltr">generate energy forecasts and carry out a financial evaluation. These models are also used to</p><p dir="ltr">plan distribution system capacity expansion. On a mesoscopic level, a data-driven design of</p><p dir="ltr">ERs and their interconnection with the distribution grid is presented. A data-based stochastic</p><p dir="ltr">traffic flow model is developed and used for designing the interconnection of the DWPT</p><p dir="ltr">system with the distribution grid ensuring adequate power transmission to high penetration</p><p dir="ltr">levels of heavy-duty trucks. The model is also used for conducting a series of quasi-steady</p><p dir="ltr">state studies on the power distribution system. On a microscopic level, a methodology for</p><p dir="ltr">modeling ER systems for time-domain simulations is proposed. Dynamic component models</p><p dir="ltr">are developed for the DWPT system. Power electronics are modeled using average-value</p><p dir="ltr">representations and integrated with models of the distribution grid. The models are used for</p><p dir="ltr">time-domain system simulations, transient analysis, fault analysis and power quality studies.</p><p dir="ltr">Theoretical analysis as well as numerical case studies and simulations of the proposed</p><p dir="ltr">methodologies are presented.</p>

<p dir="ltr">In this thesis, a MATLAB model was used to simulate a 2-vehicle platoon where the lead truck is a conventional class 8 vehicle while the key parameters of the following truck was tested in various road conditions to minimize Inter vehicular Distance (IVD) and maximize fuel savings while ensuring safety</p>

<p>  </p> <p>The trucking industry seems to be resistant to electrification, even though truck electrification can lead to large societal as well as user benefits. This dissertation develops a framework to inform policy making and enhance electric vehicle (EV) preparedness in the trucking industry through the study of two interrelated elements: (a) the adoption of electric trucks and (b) the appropriate implementation of electric truck technology. These two elements cover the user perspective, which is not adequately studied, and the agency perspective, which is pivotal in the decision-making process. Specifically, this study addressed the following research questions: (i) which factors affect the purchase decisions of truck fleet managers or owners for electric trucks? (ii) what is the ranking of and interrelationships between the barriers to the adoption of electric trucks? (iii) which location criteria should be considered for the strategic implementation of dynamic wireless charging (DWC) in a freight transportation network and where should this technology be located based on these criteria, and (iv) what is the impact of electric truck adoption on highway revenue and potential of alternative funding mechanisms to recover the revenue loss?</p> <p>For the adoption of electric trucks, a stated preference survey was designed and distributed online to truck fleet managers/owners in the U.S., gathering 200 completed responses. Statistical and multi-criteria decision-making approaches were employed to identify the factors that affect the purchase intentions of truck fleet managers and explore the barriers to electric truck adoption. The results showed that the purchase intentions of truck fleet managers are affected by trucking firm and truck fleet characteristics, behavioral factors/opinions regarding electric trucks, and awareness of innovative charging technologies. Furthermore, electric truck adoption would be accelerated if stakeholders focused on the barriers related to the business model, product availability, and charging time. Additionally, electric truck adopters and non-adopters may not be viewed as one homogenous group, since differences were found in the ranking and interrelationships of barriers to electric truck adoption between these two groups. </p> <p>The implementation of electric truck technology was examined based on the truck fleet managers’ survey, secondary data sources and the case of Indiana, U.S. A multi-criteria decision-making spatial approach was proposed to identify the candidate locations for the deployment of DWC. It was concluded that the most suitable locations for DWC lanes were on interstates, near airports and ports and away from EV charging stations. A data-driven framework was also developed to quantify the impact of electric truck adoption and estimate the optimal fee for each truck to recover the revenue loss. Using the market penetration levels estimated based on the survey data collected, the average annual fuel tax revenue loss for Indiana was approximately $349M. To maintain the same tax revenue per vehicle, annual fees ranging from $969 (in 2021) to $1,243 (in 2035) for single-unit trucks and $6,192 to $7,321 for combination trucks would be needed. To address public relations problems of EV fee implementation, this study also discussed alternative mitigation measures: a vehicle-miles-traveled fee and a pay-as-you-charge fee.</p> <p>In summary, this dissertation contributes to the body of literature by providing significant insights regarding the perspectives of truck fleet managers for electric trucks as well as a comprehensive list of all the location criteria for DWC. The proposed frameworks and study findings can be used by policymakers and other major stakeholders of the EV ecosystem to frame certain strategies to accelerate electric truck adoption, identify the most suitable locations for charging infrastructure, better understand the impact of electric trucks on the highway revenue, and provide the groundwork for developing EV roadmaps.</p>

<p dir="ltr">In our daily lives, we rely on a multitude of discrete products to meet our needs. Traditional product design approaches have primarily focused on economic and technical aspects, often overlooking the pressing environmental and social challenges facing society. Recognizing the limitations of our ecological systems to cope with the waste generated by our current industrial processes, there is a growing need to anticipate the potential consequences of product design across technical, economic, environmental, and social dimensions to pave the way for a sustainable future. One promising strategy within this context is the integration of sustainability principles into optimization-based design models that consider a product's entire life cycle. While there have been previous efforts to optimize product life cycles, a comprehensive exploration of optimization-based design methods with a focus on multiple objectives for discrete products is essential. This dissertation explores the integration of sustainability principles with optimization-based design by taking the electric traction motor used in electric vehicles as a case study. This complex and environmentally significant technology is ideal for investigating the tradeoffs and benefits of incorporating sustainability objectives into the design process.</p><p dir="ltr">The key tasks undertaken in this study are as follows:</p><ul><li>Development of a parametric design and optimization framework for a surface-mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor. In this task, a special emphasis is placed on reducing reliance on materials with a high supply risk, such as rare earth elements.</li><li>Creation of a parametric life cycle assessment model that combines life cycle assessment and optimization-based design to minimize a single-score environmental impact. This model offers insights into the environmental performance of product design and underscores the importance of minimizing environmental impact throughout a product's life cycle.</li><li>Integration of a life cycle costing model, incorporating techno-economic assessment and total cost of ownership perspectives, into the parametric life cycle assessment and optimization-based design models. This model is used to minimize levelized production and driving costs, shedding light on the trade-offs within this family of cost metrics and the optimization of manufacturing systems for motor production.</li><li>Proposal of a circular economy model/algorithm to assess the advantages of integrating the circular economy paradigm during the early design phase. All the mentioned objective functions are considered to study the impacts of applying the circular economy paradigm.</li></ul><p dir="ltr">The contributions of this research can be summarized as follows:</p><ul><li>Utilized a diverse array of analytical methodologies to parameterize the design process of a motor, incorporating the integration of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Techno-Economic Analysis (TEA) models, as well as the incorporation of disassembly planning for informed decision-making in the early stages of design.</li><li>Proposed a generalized objective function denoted as the Supply Risk-equivalent (SR-eq.), aimed at mitigating the risks associated with the dependency on critical materials in product manufacturing.</li><li>Introduced a novel approach for visualizing non-dominated solutions within a multi-objective framework, with experimentation conducted on up to six distinct objectives.</li><li>Substantiated the significance of decarbonizing the electric grid while maintaining competitive cost structures, the importance of advancing non-destructive evaluation (NDE) procedures for assessing the condition of end-of-life (EoL) subassemblies, and optimizing the collection rate of EoL motors.</li></ul><p dir="ltr">Demonstrated that the optimization of technical metrics as surrogate indicators for economic and environmental performance does not necessarily yield designs that are concurrently optimal in economic and environmental terms.</p>