Feasibility Analysis and Performance Evaluation of a Novel Power-Split Flywheel Hybrid Vehicle

Abstract

Despite the advantages of flywheel energy storage, including low cost, a long life-cycle, and high reliability, the flywheel hybrid vehicle (FHV) has not yet been mass-produced because it usually uses two transmissions, one for the engine and the other for the flywheel, which leads to cost, packaging, and complexity concerns. In this paper, a novel power-split flywheel hybrid powertrain (PS-FHV) that uses only one transmission is proposed to mitigate these issues. The proposed PS-FHV includes one continuously variable transmission (CVT) and three planetary gear-sets integrated with a flywheel, to provide full hybrid functionality at any speed, which leads to high fuel economy and fast acceleration performance. To prove and verify the PS-FHV operation, the system was modeled and analyzed using a lever analogy to demonstrate that the system is capable of performing power distribution and regulation control, which are required for hybrid driving modes. Using the derived model, PS-FHV driving was simulated to assess the feasibility of the proposed system and estimate its performance. The simulation results confirm that the PS-FHV is a feasible system and that, compared to hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), it provides comparable fuel economy and better acceleration performance.

Study on the Effect of Hydraulic Energy Storage on the Performance of Electro-Mechanical-Hydraulic Power-Coupled Electric Vehicles

“…In recent years, many people have also chosen different energy storage systems to assist electric vehicles. Song et al proposed a flywheel energy storage system and verified that it has better acceleration characteristics [15]. Kouchachuvili et al combined batteries with supercapacitors and found that supercapacitors can provide excess energy for electric vehicles with higher multiplier capacity and better cycling capability [5].…”

Development of a Flywheel Hybrid Power System in Vehicles without the Electric Drive Device Rated Capacity Limit

“…In 2013, Volvo tested its flywheel kinetic energy recovery system for vehicles, and the results showed that the system could reduce the fuel consumption by 25% [25]. The literature [26] proposed a novel power-split flywheel hybrid system, integrating the CVT and three planetary gear-sets with the flywheel to improve the fuel economy and acceleration performance. HAIKE proposed a recycling kinetic energy propulsion system in the powertrain of a clean energy vehicle, of which the kinetic energy is recovered and stored in a flywheel when braking.…”