Characterisation of micro turbine generator as a range extender using an automotive drive cycle for series hybrid electric vehicle application

Shah, Raja Mazuir Raja Ahsan; McGordon, Andrew; Rahman, Md Mostafizur; Amor-Segan, Mark; Jennings, Paul · 2021 · Crossref

DOI: 10.1016/j.applthermaleng.2020.116302

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Summary

This study investigates the viability of a micro turbine generator (MTG) as a range extender for series hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), addressing the challenge of slow transient response and optimizing fuel efficiency and emissions. The research compares four distinct power demand strategies (PDSs) derived from the New European Drive Cycle (NEDC): constant average power (PDS 1), speed-dependent power (PDS 2), micro-cycle average power (PDS 3), and instantaneous power following (PDS 4). The motivation stems from the need to validate MTG performance under realistic automotive conditions, balancing the technology’s high power density and clean combustion against its sluggish dynamic response compared to internal combustion engines. The methodology combined mathematical modeling with experimental validation. A vehicle model for an executive saloon (2000 kg) was used to calculate energy requirements for the NEDC, assuming a charge-sustaining mode with no regenerative braking. These calculated power profiles were then applied to a 25 kW “black box” MTG in a controlled test environment. The experimental setup included a battery load bank to mimic HEV energy storage, calibrated sensors for pressure and temperature, and a gas analyzer for emissions. The MTG was fueled with diesel, and performance metrics—including specific fuel consumption (SFC), net efficiency, and gaseous emissions (CO, NOx, HC)—were measured across all four strategies. Results indicated that the constant power strategy (PDS 1) yielded the best overall performance, achieving the lowest average SFC of 509 g/kW·h and the highest net efficiency of 17%. Dynamic strategies (PDS 3 and PDS 4) suffered from significantly higher SFCs (802 and 737 g/kW·h, respectively) and lower efficiencies (13%) due to the MTG’s inability to rapidly respond to transient power demands, leading to inefficient operation during ramp-up phases. However, PDS 1 required a larger battery pack to store excess energy generated during low-demand periods. Despite these differences, all strategies produced emissions well below Euro 6c limits. PDS 1 recorded the lowest cumulative emissions (0.04 g/km CO; 0.002 g/km NOx), while dynamic strategies showed slightly higher but still compliant emission levels. The study concludes that while MTGs are promising range extenders due to their low emissions and multi-fuel capability, their operational strategy significantly impacts efficiency and battery sizing. Constant power operation offers superior fuel economy and emissions performance but necessitates larger battery storage. Dynamic operation reduces battery size requirements but compromises fuel efficiency. The findings suggest that a hybrid control strategy, potentially combining constant power for steady-state driving with dynamic adjustments for high-load periods, could optimize both battery packaging and fuel consumption for commercial HEV applications.

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