OVERVIEW

The course introduces students to the fundamental issues and operating principles of propulsion systems for internal combustion engine vehicles, hybrid vehicles, and electric vehicles. In particular, different propulsion architectures will be analyzed, along with the main components that make up the powertrain.

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The module aims at analysing the main principles of vehicle propulsion, with particular focus on internal combustion engine vehicles, hybrid and electric vehicles. In particular, the different components used in the various vehicle architectures will be analysed. The teaching will include software activities with the aim of modelling the topics analysed in the theoretical lessons.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the teaching unit the student will be able to:

• Understand the problems related to greenhouse gas emissions and local pollutant of internal combustion engine vehicles.
• Analize the vehicle resistance forces.
• Evaluate the motor-load coupling  and the necessity of using a gearbox.
• Understand the main characteristics of spark ignition engines and of Diesel engines.
• Evaluate efficiency and fuel economy of internal combustion engine vehicles in ideal and real missions.
• Understand the structure and the working principles of the main hybrid vehicle architectures: parallel, series/parallel and series.
• Evaluate and compare the efficiency of different hybrid architectures in ideal and real working conditions.
• Understand the working principles of fuel cell vehicles and the different way to produce hydrogen.
• Analize the different type of electrochemical storages, comparing their typical parameters.
• Understand the different algorithms for state of charge estimation.
• Analize the structure and the functioning of a permanent magnet synchronous motor, with particular attention on the flux weaking area.
• Analize the field oriented control scheme for a permanent magnet synchronous motor.
• Analize different sensorless control for permanent magnet synchronous motors.
• Understand the functioning of different topologies of isolated DC-DC and DC-AC converters, with particular attention on charging systems for electric vehicles.
• Realized a MATLAB/Simulink model to evaluate the efficiency and the fuel economy of different hybrid vehicle architectures.
• Realized a MATLAB/Simulink model of a field oriented control for a permanent magnet synchronous motor.
• Realize a MATLAB/Simulink model of a Dual Active Bridge converter.
• Implement a field oriented control on a real motor drive using dSpace platform.

PREREQUISITES

Knowledge of electrical matters, in particular relating to electric drives and power electronics.

TEACHING METHODS

Classroom lectures supported by course slides.
Individual simulation exercises using the MATLAB/Simulink environment.
Group laboratory sessions in a hardware lab, during which a control algorithm will be implemented and tested on a real electric drive system.

Students with valid certifications for Specific Learning Disorders (SLDs), disabilities or other educational needs are invited to contact the teacher and the School's contact person for disability at the beginning of teaching to agree on possible teaching arrangements that, while respecting the teaching objectives, take into account individual learning patterns. Contacts of the teacher and the School's disability contact person can be found at the following link Comitato di Ateneo per l’inclusione delle studentesse e degli studenti con disabilità o con DSA | UniGe | Università di Genova

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

• Greenhouse gas emissions and local pollutant of internal combustion engine vehicles.
• Vehicle resistance forces.
• Motor-load coupling  and the necessity of using a gearbox.
• Characteristics of spark ignition engines and of Diesel engines.
• Efficiency and fuel economy of internal combustion engine vehicles in ideal and real missions.
• Structure and working principles of the main hybrid vehicle architectures: parallel, series/parallel and series.
• Efficiency of different hybrid architectures in ideal and real working conditions.
• Working principles of fuel cell vehicles and the different way to produce hydrogen.
• Electrochemical storages, comparing their typical parameters.
• Algorithms for state of charge estimation.
• Structure and functioning of a permanent magnet synchronous motor, with particular attention on the flux weaking area.
• Field oriented control scheme for a permanent magnet synchronous motor.
• Sensorless control for permanent magnet synchronous motors.
• Functioning of different topologies of isolated DC-DC and DC-AC converters, with particular attention on charging systems for electric vehicles.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

Lecture slides made available on AulaWeb, together with bibliographic material provided throughout the course.

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Oral exam.

Use of MATLAB/Simulink software during the oral exam.

ASSESSMENT METHODS

The exam aims to verify the student's ability to deal with complex problems as a synthesis of multidisciplinary skills acquired in analogy to what might be required in the workplace.
The ability to create a simulation model in MATLAB/Simulink environment will be evaluated using the software directly during the exam.
During the group laboratory exercises, the ability to manage social interactions with a collaborative attitude and the ability to develop critical reflection and strategic thinking will be evaluated.