Hybrid Vehicles and the Future of Personal Transportation: The Future of Personal Transportation »

Uncover the Technology behind Hybrids and Make an Intelligent Decision When Purchasing Your Next Vehicle
With one billion cars expected to be on the roads of the world in the near future, the potential for war over oil and the negative environmental effects of emissions will be greater than ever before. Now is the time to seriously consider an alternative to standard automobiles.

Exploring practical solutions to these problems, Hybrid Vehicles and the Future of Personal Transportation provides broad coverage of the technologies involved in manufacturing and operating hybrids. It reviews key components of hybrid and pure electric vehicles, including batteries, fuel cells, and ultracapacitors. The book also discusses both concept and production-bound hybrids as well as the economics and safety issues of hybrid ownership. In addition, the author supplies effective tips on how to save gasoline with conventional and hybrid automobiles.

Making the jargon of fuel-efficient vehicles accessible to a wide audience, this guide explains the history of hybrids, how they work, and their impact on the environment. It will help you make a sound decision concerning the purchase and operation of a hybrid or electric vehicle.

Historical Roots of Hybrid Automobiles
Ancient History: Crossroads Steam Cars Electric Cars Gasoline Cars Carriages Crossroads Invention of Hybrid Automobile Key Features of Hybrid Automobile Early Hybrid Vehicles Woods Gas-Electric Car Control Systems for Early Hybrids Modern Period of Hybrid History Hybrid Automobiles: Stirring of Interest in the 1990s Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles Crossroads 2008: Sneak Preview of the Future References Additional References
Why the Crisis? Hybrid Vehicles as a Mitigation Measure
Introduction A Story Setting the Stage Depletion of Petroleum Estimating Oil Production Oil Reserves and Resources Demand for Petroleum Oil in the United States Hubbert’s Peaking Theory Near-Term Situation Summary References
Overview of Hybrid Vehicles
Introduction Concept Hybrids and Electric Vehicles Concept Hybrids on Two (or Three) Wheels Park the Car Description of a Few Select Hybrids Hybrid Truck and Bus Technology Concept and Production Hybrid Trucks Hydrogen Electric Racing Federation Production Hybrid Buses Military Applications of Hybrids Parting Perspective Summary Appendix References
Hybrid Automobile: What Is It?
Hybrid Definition A New Idea for a Hybrid Hybrid Electric Vehicle Inherently More Expensive Hybrids: Mainstream or on the Fringe? Success or Failure?
HEV Propulsion Design Options HEV Propulsion Design Options: Series Discussion of Various Operating Modes: Series HEV Propulsion Design Options: Parallel Discussion of Various Operating Modes: Parallel Comment on Toyota Prius Choice of Series, Parallel, or Mixed Technologies for a Successful Hybrid Operation with a “Dead” Battery Summary
Why Hybrids Get Good Mileage
Introduction Hybrid Specific Summary References
Multifaceted Complexity of Batteries
Introduction Electrical Definitions for Hybrid Vehicles Battery Electrochemistry Battery Life Battery Charging and Discharging Battery Data Safety Cost Calendar Life Electrochemistry Lithium-Ion Alkaline Battery Lithium-Ion Polymer Battery Advanced Technology Application of Lithium-Ion Battery in Hybrids Application of Batteries in Hybrid and Electric Vehicles Battery Selection Battery Properties Hybrids Using Electrochemical Storage Maps Based on Battery Energy and Power Fuel Cells Capacitors Summary Appendix 1: Electrochemistry of a Voltaic Cell and Fuel Cell Appendix 2: Capacitors References
Obesity: Bad in Humans, Bad in Cars
Introduction Vehicle Weight and Fuel Economy Vehicle Weight and Vehicle Safety Summary Appendix 1: Mathematics of Fractional Change Appendix 2: Derivation of Equation 7.12
References
Vital Role of the Control System
History of Automobile Control Example of Engine Controls from 1980s Function of Control System Analogy with Symphony Orchestra Conductor Fringe Benefits of Control System Simulation and Modeling Design Sequence Algorithm Development Conflict: Fuel Economy and Exhaust Emissions Exhaust Emissions: Origin of Pollutants Various Operational Modes to Be Controlled Elements of Control Theory Overview of Control System: Cartoon Version Overview of Control System: Electronic Control Unit Version Descriptions of Electronic Control Units Control Area Network Control Variables: Variables Connecting the ECUs Engine Management Exhaust Gas Recirculation Engine Efficiency Map Load Leveling Control Complexity and Difficulty.
Adaptive Control Strategy Robustness of Control System Four Control Strategies Rules-Based Control Algorithm Optimization Hardware-Constrained Optimization Fuzzy Logic Control: What Is It?
Fuzzy Logic Control Application to Hybrid Control Neural Network Control: What Is It?
Neural Network Control: Application to Hybrid Control Comparison of Fuzzy Logic and Neural Networks for Control Combined Fuzzy Logic and Neural Networks for Control Electrical Components: Electrical Motors and Generators Summary References
Regenerative Braking
Introduction Brakes and Tires Primer Longitudinal Tire Forces: Braking Driver Input Brake Actuator Three-Port Switch Controller: Inputs Controller: Outputs M/G: Generator Mode Summary Appendix: Equations for Regenerative and Friction Brakes Regenerative Brakes Friction Brakes References
Narrow Operating Band for Gasoline Engine
Introduction Driving Cycle Minimum Fuel Consumption Line Summary References
Hybridness: A Basic Design Decision
Definition of Hybridness A Story Hybrid Design Philosophy Hybridness: Parallel Hybrid Hybridness: Series, Mixed, and Range Extender (Plug-In) Hybrids Range Extender Optimization and Hybridness Battery Power and Electric Motor Power Residual Performance with a “Dead” Battery Effect of Low Charge Power-to-Weight Ratio Interpretation of Ramps Various Techniques to Enhance Hybrid Performance Mild or Micro Hybrid Features Why Is H about 50% a Good Spot for Big Miles per Gallon?
Plug-In Hybrid All-Wheel Drive Hybrid Summary Appendix 1: Derivation of Range Extension Equations Appendix 2: Range of a Plug-In Hybrid.
References
Mileage Ratings
Introduction Mileage Ratings Previous EPA Mileage Estimates Deficiencies in Old and New EPA Methods New EPA Tests to Estimate Mileage Testing Hybrids Corporate Average Fuel Economy How to Improve Fuel Economy: Tips for Better Miles/Gallon Preliminaries Buying Gasoline Test Accuracy Plan Ahead Vehicle Maintenance Getting Better mpg Cruising along the Interstate Aggressive Driving Driving Tips Air-Conditioning and Windows Down Open Windows Where You Drive Mileage Scams Summary Appendix 1: Optimum Cruise Speed.
Appendix 2: CAFE Fleet Average Fuel Economy and Vehicle Average Appendix 3: Change in Fuel Economy EPA Estimates: Old versus New Test Methods References
Enhancing the Sales Brochure
Introduction Hybrid Components Hybrid System Hybrid Performance Miscellaneous Summary References
Torque Curves: A Match Made in Heaven
History of Electrical Alternators, Motors, and Generators in Automobiles Functions of the Motor/Generator Origin of Forces and Torques Types of Motors and/or Generators Permanent Magnets Definitions for Motors and Generators Simple DC Motor/Generator Rotating Magnetic Field DC Brushless Motor Alternator Induction Motor and Asynchronous Generator Switched Reluctance Motor: Stepping Motor Losses and Motor Efficiency Cooling Selection of M/G Design and Control Aspects Desired and Attainable Torque Curve: Match Made in Heaven Switching from Motor to Generator and Vice Versa Alternate View of Electric Motors: Torque or Speed Summary Appendix: Matching Poles for a Switched Reluctance Motor References
Economics of Hybrid Ownership
Introduction Benefits of Hybrids Pay at the Pump Fuel Costs Fuel Savings Years to Recoup Tax Savings Costs Interplay Hybrid Technology and Price Premium Summary Appendix: Classified Advertisement for Toyota Prius II References
New Technologies: Hybrids
Overview Factors Affecting New Technology Biggest Gains Mining the Obvious: Energy Storage Mining the Obvious: Other Hybrid Technologies Innovation: Seeking the Novel Motivation for New Technology Summary Appendix: Saving Gasoline References
New Technologies: Internal Combustion Engine
Introduction What and Where Are the Losses?
Technology to Increase Efficiency Examples of New Designs Convergence of Gas and Diesel Summary Appendix: Combustion Processes in ICE References
Hybrids: Mainstream or Fringe?
Introduction Determining Factors Competition: HEV versus Gas/Diesel Future for HEV Competition: HEV versus FCV Fuel Cell Vehicle Future Summary References
Factors Influencing Resale Value
Introduction Common Factors Resale Factors Specific to Hybrids Summary
Dangers of Aftermarket Add-Ons
Service and Repair Performance Modification Summary
Safety Issues
Overview What Are Today’s Hazards?
Who Has an Interest in Hybrid Safety?
What Are Future Hazards?
Summary Appendix: Lithium-Ion Battery Safety Li-Ion Battery Protection in HEV Application Cell-Level Safety Devices Opening (Rupture) Lithium-Ion Battery Causes of Battery Accidents: Triggers Triggers: Overcharging or Overheating: Steps to Possible Disaster with Conventional Cell Chemistries Triggers: Internal Short Circuit: Partial or Total Positive Electrode Negative Electrode References
The Future
Introduction Supply and Demand Mitigation Measures Abiotic Oil Alternate Fuels: Overview Alternate Fuels: Details Alternate Fuels: Ethanol as a Fuel Alternate Fuels: More Fuels Alternate Fuels: Hydrogen as a Fuel The Past—The Future Summary Appendix: Physical Properties of Fuels References
Appendix A: Acronyms and Mostly Relevant Data Vocabulary and Definitions
Appendix B: Global Warming
Index