Publication Abstract
The Design and Development of a Through-the-Road Parallel Diesel Electric Hybrid
Young, M., Molen, M., Oglesby, D., Crawford, K., Walp, K., Whitt, C., Lewis, R., & Phillips, S. (2007). The Design and Development of a Through-the-Road Parallel Diesel Electric Hybrid. IEEE VPPC 07 Arlington, TX: IEEE.
Abstract
Mississippi State University students in their third
year of Challenge X competition have transformed a 2005
Chevrolet Equinox into a diesel-electric hybrid at a 99% buyoff
vehicle readiness level. The vehicle, configured in a charge
sustaining, through-the-road parallel architecture, offers
significant improvements over the stock vehicle with a 45%
increase in fuel economy and a 3.5% increase in 0 – 60 mph
acceleration, while maintaining a Tier 2 Bin 8 EPA emissions
rating with an impressive towing capacity of 2500 lbs.
The MSU Equinox utilizes a 1.9 L diesel engine burning
B20 biodiesel fuel with a six-speed manual transmission that is
augmented by an ac induction electric motor-transaxle
assembly. A nickel metal hydride (NiMH) battery pack
provides sufficient energy storage to accomplish peak shaving
so that the engine operates in its most efficient regime.
Optimal vehicle performance was achieved with the
Powertrain System Analysis Toolkit (PSAT™) and
MATLAB™ that facilitated the design of an advanced vehicle
architecture and control strategy to reduce energy
consumption and emissions. Simulation results are compared
with actual experimental data obtained on a four-wheel
chassis dynamometer and road tests so as to validate the
mathematical model. These studies together with several
documented vehicle improvements bring the MSU Equinox to
a 99% buy-off readiness level so as to comply with competition
requirements.