Final Assessment – Portfolio 100%

A Hybrid Race Vehicle Simulation to include a narrative detailing electric vehicle components and their appropriate selection. Evidence may include written reports, video and audio evidence and software data files equivalent to 5000 words. Learning outcomes 1-6.

The future of Motorsport is with Hybrid and Electric vehicles and the harnessing/regeneration of electric power. This module begins with the fundamentals of Hybrid and electric vehicle architecture and regeneration techniques, as you progress through the module you will be able to develop hybrid models through simulation and analyse the results enabling you to determine appropriate component choices.

The module will cover the fundamentals, theory and design of modern electric and hybrid vehicles. You will study drive train architecture analysis and design methodologies, internal combustion engine (ICE)-based drive trains, electric propulsion systems and energy storage systems.

You will consider the theory of operation of electric motors and motor/generator utilisation. Also electrical circuits and energy flow within the vehicle including AC/DC circuits, low and high voltage supply and safety devices.

Topics studied include power generation systems including kinetic energy recovery systems, thermal energy recovery systems and regenerative braking. You will progress to study battery cell applications in vehicles and hybrid-electric drive-train design, considering control and optimisation of power deployment and the charge efficiency strategy.

You will explore the development of a hybrid vehicle through computer aided simulation utilising industry standard drive train software and analyse drive efficiencies, power deployment and regeneration strategies through simulation.

Delivery is by distance learning with a comprehensive resource handbook on the VLE and available to download containing topic information, example questions and email and telephone support being available through our online VLE known as the Virtual Learning Studio (VLS), individual tutorials and student forum. Specialist knowledge will be delivered by staff through video input. Study is by independent learning with tutor support of approximately 6 hours per module but students may access tutors whenever they choose within the working week 9-5 BST.

Computer with fast broadband connection
Range of resources located on the VLS
Library Services through Sconul access or e books

*Ehsani, M., Gao, Y. and Emadi, A., (2010) Modern Electric, Hybrid Electric, and Fuel Cell Vehicles: Fundamentals, Theory, and Design. London: CRC.
Electric Vehicles: Technology, Research and Development. 2009. Nova Science Publishers, Incorporated.
Gao, (2008) Vehicle Fuel Economy. Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
*Larminie, J. and Lowry, J., (2012) Electric Vehicle Technology Explained. GB: Wiley.
*Liu, W. and Books24x7, I., (2013) Introduction to Hybrid Vehicle System Modeling and Control. US: Wiley.
LIU, W., (2013) Introduction to Hybrid Vehicle System Modeling and Control. Hoboken, N.J: Wiley.Blackwell.
Nova Science Publishers, I., (2011) Battery Manufacturing and Electric and Hybrid Vehicles. Nova Science Publishers, Inc.
Westbrook, M.H. (2001) The Electric Car: Development and Future of Battery, Hybrid and Fuel-Cell Cars. Birmingham: Institute of Engineering and Technology
*Core texts, select at least one

1) Describe the operating fundamentals of modern electric and hybrid electric vehicles. (Enquiry, Knowledge and Understanding).
2) Demonstrate an understanding of technologies used to compete effectively in a motor sport environment. (Enquiry, Knowledge and Understanding).
3) Discuss the operation of energy regeneration systems. (Knowledge and Understanding, Communication).
4) Critically examine the advantages and disadvantages of electric and hybrid race vehicles. (Analysis, Reflection).
5) Develop a hybrid electric vehicle to simulate current race strategies in appropriate race series’. (Application, Problem Solving).
6) Analyse results and determine correct component allocation for a hybrid race vehicle. (Application, Problem Solving).