Page 91 - Technology Roadmap Transportation

TECHNOLOGY ROADMAP: TRANSPORTATION

Propulsion systems is one of the important component for improving the vehicles efficiency.
The research agenda for improvement in the propulsion systems and research agenda for
vehicle efficiency improvement are given in table 5.3 and 5.4 respectively

TABLE 5.3 RESEARCH AGENDA FOR PROPULSION SYSTEMS

IC engine optimization for fuel saving and performance improvement
SHORT ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TERM Engine size, mass, and friction reduction by using advanced boost systems and variable
(1-5 YEARS) valve actuation
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Flexible valve/actuators for engines/transmission losses and improvement of actuation
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Low-cost compact electric motors for fuel saving
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IC engine optimization for fuel saving and performance improvement
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Improvement of IC engine thermal efficiency by more extreme downsizing, modified
thermodynamics cycles etc.
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Development of electrical actuation systems: For efficient working of IC engine, it is
required to reduce the number of mechanical systems as much as possible. These
systems can be reduced by using electrical actuators, which greatly enhance the
efficiency however they also increase system complexity

Development of bespoke engines for high efficiency plug-in hybrid electric vehicles
MEDIUM (PHEV)/range extender EV
TERM ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(5-10 YEARS) Intake air management including capacitive boosting
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Lower cost and compact design electric motors: After successful implementation of
e-motors, continuous research is required for their cost and size reduction to make them
more attractive and economical
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Heat energy recovery (E-turbine): The exhaust gases contain a large amount of thermal
energy. This energy can be used to drive various on-board devices. The high velocity of
exhaust gas helps in boosting the engine while its temperature can be used for intake air
conditioning. Peltier coolers can be used to utilize waste exhaust energy in the exhaust
system which can be used for charging the batteries
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New thermodynamic cycles for engines with overall thermal efficiency greater than 70%
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Advanced materials for electric machines and improved fuel cell drive trains

Introduction of fuel cell drive trains
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LONG Super high efficiency electric machines and use of superconductors
TERM
(10-15 YEARS) ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Advanced heat energy recovery technologies (such as thermoelectric)

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