Improvement of fuel economy and efficiency in a modified parallel hybrid electric vehicle architecture with wind turbine device: Effect of the external energy source

Abstract

This study investigates a novel hybrid electric vehicle architecture integrating a wind energy conversion system to transform part of kinetic energy of the vehicle into electrical energy to ensure real-time recharging of battery. Application of Pontryagin’s Minimum Principle yields the optimal control law, revealing that this supplementary energy source extends engine operation in pure electric driving mode, thereby reducing fuel consumption. Furthermore, this new architecture enables a substantial reduction in pollutant emissions, particularly CO₂, nitrogen oxides (NO_x), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrocarbons (HC), thereby enhancing its environmental benefits. More interestingly, a threshold turbine blade radius is derived above which the vehicle can operate in pure electric mode throughout the trip. Numerical simulations and experimental validation, using a small wind turbine mounted behind a Pick-up truck, confirm the analytical findings, demonstrating the potential for wind energy harvesting to generate approximately 1000 W of power at speeds of up to 95 km∕h, thus paving the way for a more sustainable transportation future.