Published by ECN - featuring Bruno Lequesne, 2019-2020 TEC Chair

Automotive Engine Electrification Broadens Reach

by Bruno Lequesne, IEEE fellow

When thinking about the onset of engine electrification, some people initially reference the engine control unit (ECU), as well as the more recently introduced transmission control unit (TCU), since these ushered the era where electronics literally took control of engine operation. Today, beyond these “smarts,” there is a growing emphasis on the utilization of electric drive technology in engines and related peripheral automobile systems. While hybrid and electric vehicles have gotten a lot of well-deserved press due to the notable technical achievements that have been realized, there is also a lot more opportunity for utilizing electrification throughout the automobile. These areas include fuel injectors, valvetrain systems, exhaust recovery, superchargers, power steering systems and other accessory motors, and, of course, generators, starter-generators, and hybrid motors. Below we explore a few examples of recent, past, and future applications, as well as motor technology developments.

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Upcoming Webinar:

The Technical Progress and Pilot Projects on Electric/Hybrid Powered Vessels
Presented by Yunxiang Wu
Monday, July 8, 2019, 9:00am EDT

Abstract:  With the rapid development on the electrification of vehicles, eyesight is now kept on vessel electrification. This progress speeds up apparently from 2018, when International Maritime Organization (IMO) publishes stringent regulations on exhaust emission control for vessels. 

In this presentation, we will first introduce different choices/combination of power source, based on different type of vessels and different requirement. An interesting common-DC electric topology will be presented, which could support different solution of power sources by the common and standard design and components. Some key technical topics like system stability, protection and dynamics features will be discussed as the major technical risks of the new technology. 

To understand the relation between the technology and the application, a few pilot projects will be discussed, including a research vessel and two different types of passenger vessels. The configuration of the power system will be introduced, including the topology of the electrical system. System features of the pilot project vessels including the economics, noise, the volume and weight of the power system will be also evaluated and presented.   Read more.

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