Grant: Strategic Projects Supplemental Competition

The most important issues facing transportation sustainability and development of future transportation systems are crucial oil-supply issues and the imperative need to reduce green-house gas emissions, air and material pollution. A pivotal player to address sustainability is the plug-in hybrid electric vehicle platform, which can efficiently utilize supply-limited renewable and conventional electricity via a rechargeable battery. Part of the solution requires the use of scarce renewable electricity, to use this renewable resource efficiently, and to decrease energy demand by driving lighter and lower powered vehicles. This is particular important for light trucks, SUVs and Vans, as annual sales are higher than sedans and their average fuel economy is comparatively lower by 3.5 l/100 km. A novel solution to contribute to the decrease of GHG is proposed by developing a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Trailer (PHET) that optimizes a vehicle engine size and trailer electric/generator motor to provide an effective means to haul loads with a smaller vehicle engine size. By using the concept of hybrid through the road, no modification to the vehicle is required; all the design modifications can be accomplished within the electric trailer itself. The solution proposed may be an effective way to improve the versatility of less powerful road vehicles to occasionally tow loads. The goal is to provide electric trailers to motivate people to buy vehicles with smaller engines. In addition, the plug-in ability of the trailer via a battery allows for renewable electricity to contribute to electric mobility efficiently. Before a PHET systems can be manufactured for safe public use, fundamental questions such as battery size, optimization of the trailer weight, vehicle dynamics, optimal control system, and vehicle performance characteristics need to be answered .