Comparison of real driving cycles and consumed braking power in suburban Slovakian driving

Gechev, Tsvetomir; Mruzek, Martin; Barta, Dalibor · 2017 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1051/matecconf/201713302003

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Summary

This study investigates the potential for energy regeneration in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) by analyzing real-world driving cycles in suburban Slovakia. The research is motivated by the disconnect between standardized laboratory tests, such as the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), and actual driving conditions, particularly regarding braking energy recovery. The authors aim to quantify the amount of braking energy dissipated during typical commuter trips to assess the efficiency gains achievable through regenerative braking in HEVs operating on graded suburban routes. The experimental design involved measuring four distinct driving cycles on two suburban road sections near Žilina, Slovakia: Žilina–Rajecke Teplice and Žilina–Terchova, in both directions. A Hyundai ix20 commuter vehicle was equipped with a DAS 3 unit for velocity and acceleration data, a CORRSYS DATRON force pedal sensor for braking detection, and a GPS receiver for elevation profiling. Data processing and calculations were performed using Matlab, employing a Savitzky-Golay filter to smooth velocity data. The study utilized vehicle force balance equations to calculate tractive and braking energy, accounting for aerodynamic drag, rolling resistance, inertia, and road grade. Additionally, the authors modeled the impact of varying vehicle masses (from a single driver to maximum permissible load) and the presence of road elevation on braking energy consumption. The results indicate significant variations in driving characteristics based on route topology and traffic density. Cycles on the longer Terchova route exhibited higher maximum velocities, while the Rajecke Teplice route showed denser traffic patterns. Crucially, the elevation profile heavily influenced braking energy. In cycle F7 (Terchova to Žilina), which featured a significant downgrade, braking energy accounted for 43% of the total tractive energy. The study found that incorporating road grade increased braking energy by up to 146% compared to flat routes of equal distance. Furthermore, increasing vehicle mass correlated with higher braking energy dissipation; operating at maximum permissible mass increased braking power by up to 35% compared to lighter loads. Specific braking energy values ranged from 0.68 kWh to 1.33 kWh per cycle, depending on the route and mass. The authors conclude that suburban driving in mountainous regions like Žilina presents substantial opportunities for energy regeneration. The high proportion of braking energy relative to tractive energy, particularly on graded routes, suggests that HEVs can significantly improve energy efficiency, reduce fuel costs, and lower emissions in these environments. The findings support the adoption of hybrid technology for commuter vehicles in similar topographical conditions, highlighting the importance of real-world driving cycle analysis over standardized laboratory tests for accurate efficiency assessments.

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• urban rural setting