Efficiency Assessment of a High-Speed Tracked Vehicle Hybrid Powertrain

Abstract

The paper analyzes the difference in power balance and efficiency between a modernized, hybrid high-speed tracked vehicle powertrain model and a mechanical powertrain model corresponding to the real vehicle developed and verified in previous research. This is to prove the argument of the efficiency benefits of electrifying the vehicle turning mechanism and eliminating the friction elements slip. The simulation models of both powertrains presented in this paper are subjected to the same simulation conditions, with the powertrain design solutions being the only variables. The results presented show that the vehicle with a hybrid powertrain achieves the required turning radius about four seconds earlier, with about 50 % less internal combustion engine (ICE) power required for the analyzed working regime. The hybrid powertrain offers an infinite number of calculated turning radii within the range of electric motor rpm, instead of one calculated turning radius in an existing powertrain. This results in a reduction in the total power required for the turning process as there are no losses due to friction element slip.