Operation of a hybrid PM generator in a series hybrid electrical vehicle

In the UK, road transportation accounts for approximately 30% of all energy consumed, additionally vehicles are a major source of airborne emissions. Electric vehicles are a transportation technology that has the potential to address some of the energy and pollution issues within the UK and globally. However, there are some drawbacks related to pure electric vehicles, for example, limited driving range, excessive battery volume and battery charging times. Hybrid electric vehicles can address the driving range problem while having fuel and emission levels lower than for conventional combustion engined vehicles, specifically when in urban driving. Brushless permanent magnet generators having a secondary source of excitation are an interesting topology for implementation in series hybrid electric vehicles. Because of their duel excitation, these machines are referred to as hybrid permanent magnet (HPM). This paper reports on the control of HPM generators to maintain constant power output during vehicle load transients. Dynamic model of the system with the proposed controller scheme has been evaluated and verified via Matlab/Simulink^©. Traction system DC-link voltage regulation via three operating scenarios has been investigated.