MEE780B Advanced Thermodynamics in Automobile

[3–0, 3 cr.]

This course offers an introduction to principles of exergy analysis applied for thermodynamic energy converters. Today, the extended range hybrid electric vehicle (EREV) powertrains, based on series hybrid electric powertrains offer the advantages of both thermal (long range, low cost) and electric (zero emissions, fun to drive, low maintenance cost) powertrains. The fuel consumption of this EREV depends mainly on the energy converter performances in terms of efficiency and power to weight ratio.

In this course, we will apply exergy analysis to identify the best thermodynamic configurations for EREV. The study will be performed on gas turbine system since it offers many vehicles intrinsic benefits such as, series powertrain compatibility, multi fuel capability, low noise and vibrations, low maintenance cost, compactness among others.