Optimal power distribution of front and rear motors for minimizing energy consumption of 4-wheel-drive electric vehicles

In this paper, the optimal power distribution of the front and rear motors for minimizing energy consumption of a 4WD EV is investigated. An optimal power distribution control is developed based on the mathematical energy consumption model of an EV. The objective function is defined while ignoring time. And, the time effect is applied by considering the objective function for every single driving point which consists of the vehicle driving force and velocity. From the optimization problem, the optimal torque distribution maps of the front and rear motors can be obtained for all vehicle driving force and velocity ranges. These maps can be expressed using a 3-dimensional map. If the vehicle driving force and velocity are determined, the optimal front and rear motor torques can be determined using these maps. These maps can distribute the front and rear motor torques for the entire velocity range. Thus, these maps can perform the optimal power (torque times speed) distribution of the front and rear motors for minimizing the energy consumption of the 4WD EV. The performance of the optimal power distribution is evaluated by comparing the energy consumption to that of simple power distribution control. For obtaining the energy consumption, a vehicle driving simulation is performed. For the simulation, the driving cycle is required, and the NEDC (New European Driving Cycle) is used. From the simulation results, it is found that the energy consumption of simple power distribution is 4.8 % larger than the optimal one. Thus, the optimal power distribution can minimize the 4WD EV energy consumption as the optimization objective function.     

Modeling and ratio control of an electromechanical continuously variable transmission

A new type of electromechanical continuously variable transmission (EMCVT) was investigated. The EMCVT uses a direct current (DC) motor to push the driving pulley, which in turn changes the transmission ratio without a hydraulic system. This paper introduces the principle of the EMCVT and establishes a dynamic ratio control model. Ratio control strategies using both position and speed closed-loop control are proposed. Simulation results show that the simulation ratio curves of the EMCVT follow pre-designed ratios well for ramp and sine curves. Control software is based on MATLAB/Simulink/Stateflow and MotoHawk platforms. A prototype vehicle equipped with an EMCVT has been developed. Vehicle test results show that the control performance of the EMCVT satisfies the requirements of vehicle operation. The effectiveness of the EMCVT ratio control strategy proposed in this paper is validated with test data for the prototype vehicle.     

Design of a compact 18-speed epicyclic transmission for a personal mobility vehicle

This paper describes the design and shifting dynamics of a novel and small-sized transmission which composed of three epicyclic gear modules and a hub shaft in conjunction with several clutches. The proposed epicyclic gear train can be used in a personal mobility vehicle such as an electric utility vehicle and small car, etc. And it is distinguished from others for its small size, light weight, high efficiency, and wide speed range up to 18 gear steps. In this paper, its dynamic behavior is dealt with in order to ensure the automatic and robust shifts according to the shift commands, focused on the shift mechanism design. First the overall structure and operating principles of the transmission are described in detail. Based on the CAD data of whole components, a detailed multibody dynamic model is built using ADAMS software which can analyze the dynamic behavior of a mechanical system. Then numerical simulations are performed during the shift and whole operating period. From the simulation and experiment results, the overall performance and operating principles of the 18 speed epicyclic transmission are discussed and the design of shift device is optimized to ensure the robust shift finally.     

Full-slip kinematics based estimation of vehicle yaw rate from differential wheel speeds

Vehicle yaw rate is a key parameter required for various active stability control systems. Accurate yaw rate information may be obtained from the fusion of some on-vehicle sensors and GPS data. In this study, the closed-form expression of the yaw rate–written as a function of front wheel rolling speeds and steering angle–was derived via kinematic analysis of a planar four-wheel vehicle on the assumption of no longitudinal slip at the both front tires. The obtained analytical solution was primarily verified by computational simulation. In terms of implementation, the 1:10th scaled rear-wheel-drive vehicle was modified so that the front wheel rolling speeds and the steering angle could be measured. An inertial measurement unit was also installed to provide the directly measured yaw rate used for validation. Preliminary experiment was done on some extremely random sideslip maneuvers beneath the global positioning using four recording cameras. Comparing with the vision-based and the gyro-based references, the vehicle yaw rate could be well approximated at any slip condition without requiring integration or vehicle and tire models. The proposed cost-effective estimation strategy using only on-vehicle sensors could be used as an alternative way to enhance performance of the GPS-based yaw rate estimation system while the GPS signal is unavailable.     

Topological analysis of powertrains for refuse-collecting vehicles based on real routes–Part II: Hybrid electric powertrain

In this two-part paper, a topological analysis of powertrains for refuse-collecting vehicles (RCVs) based on simulation of different architectures (internal combustion engine, hybrid electric, and hybrid hydraulic) on real routes is proposed. In this second part, three different hybrid electric powertrain architectures are proposed and modeled. These architectures are based on the use of fuel cells, ultracapacitors, and batteries. A calculation engine, which is specifically designed to estimate energy consumption, respecting the original performance as the original internal combustion engine (ICE), is presented and used for simulations and component sizing. Finally, the overall performance of the different architectures (hybrid hydraulic, taken from the first paper part, and hybrid electric, estimated in this second part) and control strategies are summarized in a fuel and energy consumption table. Based on this table, an analysis of the different architecture performance results is carried out. From this analysis, a technological evolution of these vehicles in the medium- and long terms is proposed.     

A planning model for multiple‐mode transportation system operations

The problem of generating a set of “good” transportation alternatives during the early and intermediate stages of transportation planning is addressed in this paper. A linear programming model of a multi‐modal transportation system is developed. The model is run interactively to determine optimal operating levels for all modes for various transport policy decisions. The model described is a component of a composite network generation model incorporating dynamic changes. The linear programming component determines optimal operating policies for given points in time. The composite model incorporates these in a dynamic programming framework to determine optimal staged investment policies over several time periods.     

The drinking driver: a medical view

Accidents are the third main cause of death in Europe with 40% of them due to road traffic accidents (RTAs). These victims are mainly young male drivers/riders and elderly pedestrians. One quarter of the deaths and 10% of the injuries are associated with alcohol. Consumption of alcohol is generally increasing. Ignorance of the effects of alcohol on the body and on the performance of skilled mental and physical tasks contributes to the number of road users who are impaired by alcohol. Alcohol is a depressant drug which impairs information processing in the brain. The risk of being involved in a RTA increases very rapidly with increasing concentration of alcohol in the body. There are probably two groups of drivers, the majority who do not drink, or who drink very little, before driving and those who regularly drink whether or not they are going to drive. The former (the social drinker) can do without his drink, the latter (the problem drinker) cannot. Various legislative measures have been introduced in different countries with varying success. Most developed countries now make it illegal to drive with more than a stipulated concentration of alcohol in the body. Much discussion centres round what further legal steps should be taken to reduce drinking and driving, especially the more widespread use of random roadside breath testing of drivers. Doctors are much concerned in this public health problem which causes such misery and waste of resources and are involved in research on the physical and psychological effects of alcohol, the best methods of educating drivers on these effects and, where necessary, identifying those who are misusing alcohol to the extent that they should be kept off the road.     

The Development of a Visualization Methodology for Integrated Coastal Management

Coastal management information is frequently communicated to stakeholders and the public through complicated management documents and engineering plans. With the recognition that public involvement in coastal decision-making processes should be widened have come calls to develop new techniques to communicate complicated coastal information. Using Virtual Reality Geographical Information Systems and visualization packages, such information may be presented using formats more suitable for public consultation and information dissemination exercises than those currently employed. Using a site on the north Norfolk coast of England, an integrated Geographical Information Systems based methodology is presented that allows the visualization of proposed coastal management interventions. Visualizations have been produced that can be published in traditional paper-based management documents, or electronically. The different visualizations are compared and the technical issues surrounding their use discussed. It is argued that the methodology has clear advantages over traditional communication methods, although further research is necessary to determine how it may be practically employed by coastal managers.     

An Assessment of Lake-Level Fluctuations on Beach and Shoreline Changes

Using data collected from May 1978 to November 1996, this article assesses the effects of fluctuating water levels on the beach and shoreline at the Northeast Beach, Point Pelee, Lake Erie, Canada. To compare the serial dynamics of lake levels with net shoreline positional changes and beach net sediment flux, the data are transformed to standard scores to deal with the differences in the units and in the scale associated with each variable. The results demonstrate that over the 18-year period, fluctuating lake levels are associated with shifts in shoreline position and the development of various aggradational and degradational states at the beach. A sustained rapid rise in lake levels will initiate an erosional sequence which will persist even with declining water levels. With a persistent decline in water levels the beach and shoreline will adjust very gradually from unstable, erosional states to an aggradational state. Other results emphasize that those beach sectors directly governed by artificial structures suffered disproportionately higher erosion during high-water levels. Coastal managers must, therefore, be cognizant of the fact that shore protection devices must be carefully designed in order to be effective against the influence of fluctuating lake levels.     

“This train is without a destination”: a cost benefit analysis of the retention of railway services — the Penistone line

The paper undertakes a cost‐benefit analysis of a disinvestment using readily available data and demonstrates that a relatively straightforward yet systematic approach can provide useful input to the decision‐making process. Despite various assumptions necessitated by the analysis, it is argued that the net benefits of the railway line retention are unlikely to be significantly sensitive to their variation within feasible limits. The most significant component in the analysis is seen to be the operative costing system and it is argued that this should be revised.