Power electronics in hybrid electric vehicle applications

Hybrid electric vehicles are enjoying moire widespread customer acceptance than battery electric vehicles because of their performance and economy. Today two of the major global automotive companies have hybrid electric vehicles for sale in most areas of the globe with cumulative sales now exceeding 120k. Whereas battery electric vehicles may find niche applications in route travel and short commuting the hybrid electric vehicle provides un-compromised utility and fuel economy benefits ranging from 5% to 50% or higher compared to the nonhybrid base vehicle. AC drives are now ubiquitous in hybridized power trains due to their high durability and ease of control via power electronics. However, because of the unique application requirements of an automotive propulsion system the present AC drives are still inadequate in meeting the full drive system performance requirements and package volume targets. Consequently, today´s hybridized power trains continue to utilize AC drives that have either over rated electric machines or power electronics or both. This paper is motivated by the premise that the most economical solution to wide CPSR and overall performance of AC drives for hybrids rests on power electronics. The paper describes the present situation and what efforts are underway, principally in transmission systems, to provide AC drives that are better matched to personal transportation vehicles.