Comparative Investigation of Series and Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) Efficiencies Based on Comprehensive Parametric Analysis

In order to assess, analyze, and cross-compare efficiencies of hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), a true drive train analysis needs to be executed. There exist two popular HEV topologies (series and parallel), with relatively large motors. Generally, the drive train efficiency can be simply yielded out by calculating the losses at each power stage in a series or parallel drive train structure. However, the power component stage-based analysis is a practically deficient method. In order to have a fair efficiency comparison, some parameters that directly affect fuel consumption, such as drive train mass and control strategy should be taken into consideration. This paper aims at modeling both the series and parallel HEV drive trains, and computing their definite drive train efficiencies, which can be used as a comparative scale for various other HEV topologies. The advanced vehicle simulator (ADVISOR) software is used for modeling, simulation, and parametric analysis of series and parallel HEV drive trains.