Study Programmes 2015-2016
MECA0478-4  
Electric, hybrid and non-conventional propulsion systems
Duration :
30h Th, 8h Pr, 6h Labo., 16h Proj.
Number of credits :
Master in electro-mechanical engineering (120 ECTS)5
Master in electro-mechanical engineering (120 ECTS)5
Master in mechanical engineering (120 ECTS)5
Lecturer :
Pierre Duysinx
Language(s) of instruction :
French language
Organisation and examination :
Teaching in the first semester, review in January
Units courses prerequisite and corequisite :
Prerequisite or corequisite units are presented within each program
Course contents :
Facing 21st century environmental and energy challenges, electric, hybrid electric and fuel cell powered vehicles have regained interest. The lecture aims at studying, analyzing, comparing and designing these alternative vehicle propulsion systems for substituting piston engines and petrol fuels for road and railway vehicles. A particular focus is given to the assessment of environmental and economic impacts of the different solutions (energy consumption, emissions, noise, recyclability, life cycle assessment...)
The following topics will be visited:


  • Introduction to 21st century environmental and energy challenges
  • Selection of a propulsion system: criteria and review of possible motorization systems
  • Internal Combustion Engines: principles and performance curves
  • Introduction to performance evaluation of vehicles
  • Normalized measure of energy / fuel consumption and emissions
  • Electric traction systems for road and railway vehicles
  • Electric traction machines and power electronics
  • Electric energy storage systems: batteries, supercaps, flywheels...
  • Hybrid vehicles: definitions and architectures
  • Hybrid electric vehicles: parallel and series configuration: sizing and energy management
  • Fuel cell and hydrogen
The exercices and works are centered about the Shell Eco Marathon project at ULG or about up-to-date topics.
Learning outcomes of the course :
  • The goal of this lecture is to introduce the principles of alternative propulsion systems mainly based on electric traction. The students investigate the working principles, the sizing and the caracterization of propulsion systems and their components.
  • To be able to understand the working principles of alternative propulsion systems (electric, hybrid, hydraulic...)
  • To be able to select the components of an alternative propulsion system.
  • To be able to make computer program to do the preliminary sizing of EV and HEV vehicles
  • To be able to read, understand and exploit scienfitif papers of the field
  • To be able to make a computer program in MATLAB to calculate the performance and the energy consumption of and EV or HEV and to make the preliminary sizing of its major components.
Prerequisite knowledge and skills :
Applied thermodynamics. Conversion of elecmagnetic energy.
Planned learning activities and teaching methods :
  • Computer exercices in Matlab-Simulink / Modelica
  • Laboratories (Chassis dynamometer, fuel cell test bed)
  • Literature review
  • Case studies
  • Seminars by specialists and industry people
Mode of delivery (face-to-face ; distance-learning) :
The theoretical lectures are given at the first quadrimester from Septembre 15 to December 15 (13 lectures of 4 hours). There are completed by blackboard exercices, labs and a computer project. Exam in January.
Recommended or required readings :
  • Copy of slides (in Englsih) are available on the lab web site ww.ingveh.ulg.ac.be
  • Copy of papers and book chapters
References:
  • M. Ehsani, Y Gao, S. Gay and A. Emadi. Modern Electric, Hybrid Electric and Fuel Cell Vehicles. Fundamentals, Theory, and Design. CRC Press 2005.
  • CC Chan and KT Chau. Modern Electric Vehicle Technology. Oxford Science Technology 2001.
Assessment methods and criteria :
  • Oral exam on theory and exercises with open books
  • Presentation of the mini project results including a computer work and literature review
  • Lab reports.
Work placement(s) :
Organizational remarks :
The lectures are given on Friday afternoon along the first quadrimester (Septembre 15 to Decembre 15). Exam in January.
Contacts :
Pierre Duysinx,
LTAS - Automotive Engineering
Institute of Mechanics and Civil Engineering, Building B52
Chemin des chevreuils, 1, 4000 Liège
Téléphone : +32 4 366 9194,
Fax : +32 4 366 9159,
Email : P.Duysinx@ulg.ac.be
Items online :
Course web site
Course web site