Abstract: A study on optimal energy management on a Hybrid Solar Vehicle (HSV) with series structure is presented. Previous results obtained by optimal design analysis for HSV confirmed the relevant benefits of such vehicles with respect to conventional cars in case of intermittent use in urban driving (city-car), and that economical feasibility could be achieved in a near future. In order to develop a supervisory control for a HSV prototype under development at University of Salerno, a study on the performance achievable by an intermittent use of the ICE powering the electric generator is presented. In particular, the effects of engine thermal transients on fuel consumption and HC emissions are studied and discussed. The optimal ICE power trajectory is found by solving a non-linear constrained optimization that suitably accounts for fuel mileage and state of charge, also considering solar contribution during parking mode.

Abstract: The paper deals with the modeling, control and testing of a Hybrid Solar Vehicle (HSV) prototype. Vehicle set-up and instrumentation are accomplished at University of Salerno (UNISA), within an EU funded Leonardo project, starting from an existing electric vehicle. Suited experimental activities were performed to identify and validate a comprehensive model of the propulsion system resulting from the integration of a series hybrid powertrain with a photovoltaic (PV) array. Then, a simulation analysis was performed to address on-board energy management issues as well as assess prototype performance over a selected driving cycle. Simulation results show that appropriate components sizing and supervisory control strategies concur in improving fuel economy significantly, up to 30 kilometers per liter of Diesel fuel.

Abstract: A prototype of hybrid solar vehicle (HSV) with series structure is presented. Previous results obtained by optimal design analysis for HSV have confirmed the relevant benefits of such vehicles with respect to conventional cars in case of intermittent use in urban driving (city-car), and that economical feasibility could be achieved in a near future. In the paper, the structure of the vehicle and the control issues of photovoltaic panels are described, and the first experimental results presented and discussed. Copyright © 2007 ATI.

Abstract: A study on optimal energy management on a hybrid solar vehicle (HSV) with series structure is presented. Previous results obtained by optimal design analysis for HSV have confirmed the relevant benefits of such vehicles with respect to conventional cars in case of intermittent use in urban driving (city-car), and that economical feasibility could be achieved in a near future. In order to develop a supervisory control for a HSV prototype now under development at University of Salerno, a study on the performance achievable by an intermittent use of the ICE powering the electric generator is presented. In particular, the effects of engine thermal transient on fuel consumption are studied and discussed. The optimal ICE power trajectory is found by solving a non-linear constrained optimization that suitably accounts for fuel mileage and state of charge, also considering solar contribution during parking mode.

Abstract: The paper deals with a dynamic model for the simulation of a solar hybrid prototype, developed in the framework of the Leonardo Program I05/B/P/PP-154181. The model is based on a longitudinal vehicle dynamic model and allows evaluating the effects of solar panels area and position, vehicle dimensions and propulsion system components on vehicle performance, weight, fuel savings, autonomy and costs. Simulation results show that significant fuel savings vs. conventional vehicle powered by internal combustion engine can be achieved for intermittent use in urban area and that economic feasibility could be achieved in the next future, considering the expected trends in costs and prices. Furthermore the hybrid series architecture allows increasing significantly vehicle autonomy vs. pure electrical vehicle.

Abstract: L�articolo presenta, con taglio divulgativo, l�evoluzione dei veicoli �alternativi� alle auto convenzionali. Dopo un breve riepilogo delle caratteristiche dei motori a combustione interna e della loro evoluzione storica, si richiamano i limiti di questa soluzione e le motivazioni che hanno spinto verso la ricerca di strade alternative, ripercorrendone gli sviluppi. Le recenti evoluzioni dei sistemi di propulsione dei veicoli stradali hanno permesso di migliorare sia le prestazioni che i consumi di combustibile, riducendo drasticamente le emissioni inquinanti allo scarico nel giro di pochi decenni, e con benefici rilevanti in termini di sicurezza e comfort. Tuttavia le crescenti preoccupazioni legate al depauperamento dei combustibili fossili ed all�effetto serra, con le sue pericolose ricadute sul clima del pianeta, rendono evidenti i limiti degli attuali autoveicoli, spingendo in tal modo verso la ricerca di soluzioni alternative. Finora i motori a combustione interna hanno prevalso sui loro possibili competitori principalmente grazie alla maggiore autonomia ed affidabilità, nonché al consolidamento tecnologico raggiunto. Tra le proposte alternative, particolare rilievo assumono i veicoli elettrici, caratterizzati dall�assenza di emissioni gassose ed acustiche a bordo ma da un�ancora scarsa autonomia. Questo limite può essere superato con i veicoli ibridi, nella cui struttura coesistono un motore termico ed un motore/generatore elettrico. Acquista, inoltre, una maggiore concretezza la possibile integrazione con la fonte solare fotovoltaica, che può contribuire ulteriormente a ridurre consumi ed emissioni. Nel medio/lungo termine, l�utilizzo dell�idrogeno come vettore energetico e delle fuel-cell rappresenta un�alternativa di grande interesse, ma la sua diffusione su larga scala richiede la soluzione dei complessi problemi legati alla produzione ed alla distribuzione dell�idrogeno. Ma lo studio di possibili alternative alle auto convenzionali non è iniziato di recente: numerosi veicoli elettrici furono costruiti alla fine dell�800, quando apparvero anche alcuni prototipi di veicolo ibrido, mentre i primi studi sulle fuel-cell risalgono addirittura al 1839. E, mentre i primi veicoli solari risalgono agli anni �80, diverse tipologie alternative di motori termici (a turbina, Stirling, Wankel) sono state proposte nel corso del �900, con motivazioni diverse dalle attuali, ma con un successo relativamente scarso.