PhD Thesis - Cranfield University

Chapter 1
7. As the hybridisation of multiple electric power sources requires an interfacing
mechanism, a design philosophy of a power electronics interface architecture and the
associated component-sizing methodology is presented in this work. The systematic
approach and numerical design description of a purpose built test vehicle, provides a
technical insight for researchers seeking information on experimental setup
procedures. A variation in the standard form of designing the power electronics
converter is presented in order to accommodate the process shell architecture
concept.
8. The experimental effort carried out in this work provides experimental verification
that ultracapacitors are more receptive to regenerative power compared to batteries
specifically in the electric vehicle application domain.
1.8 Thesis Outline
Chapter 2 begins with a review of power and energy considerations in the context of electric
vehicles. The trends in research activities in the context of publications in the area of electric
vehicles are given as a chronological overview. The methods and propositions made by
active researchers are investigated to gain an understanding of arising problems. This follows
with a review of a specific technology-enabling device that has given the EV a significant
boost in achieving its performance milestone. Various techniques that have been used to
address the fundamental issue of managing vehicular power and energy are revisited to
substantiate the above research rationale statements.
Chapter 3 discusses modelling and applications of the energy storage systems selected for
this work. The chapter provides a theoretical background on batteries and ultracapacitors as
well as the modelling of these energy systems for EV system studies. Focusing on the
specifics of power delivery, usable energy content and the operating constraints of the two
systems, the parameters required for a strategic power and energy management framework
are presented. Simulations of the models developed are presented as a case to justify the
hybridisation of batteries with ultracapacitors.
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