Mechanical optimization of series hybrid electric vehicle with plant oil electric generator

We propose a new hybrid electric vehicle which uses natural energy, consumes little fuel, and operates over a long distance. We are designing a series hybrid system, in which a diesel engine operating on plant oil rotates an electric generator, and runs the vehicle using the generated electricity. The generated electricity may also be stored in batteries, which are also able to power the electric vehicle. The general intention of the proposed system is to reduce the use of non-renewable fossil fuels, and to reduce overall costs. Plant oil is ecological, and allows for the creation of a carbon neutral system in its production. Some forms of plant oils, such as non-esterified straight vegetable oil (NE-SVO) and waste vegetable oil (NE-WVO), are promising alternatives used in order to reduce fuel costs. In this paper, we will explain the concept of the proposed series hybrid electric vehicle system using plant oil, and will provide some experimental results of mechanical optimization in the electric generation system and the vehicle drive system. Considering fuel efficiency and the drive torque, optimum reduction ratios were obtained in the experimental results.