What Is A Series Hybrid Vehicle?

A hybrid vehicle has two power sources for motion in the same vehicle. Basically, the hybrid vehicle is divided into two types based on the source for propulsion — Internal combustion engine type and Hydrogen power cell. Different combinations are used in hybrid vehicles like Gas-electric, Diesel-electric combinations. The internal combustion engine(IC) type is widely used, which combines an IC engine, battery, electric motor and generator. Further, it is divided into three types of connection based on the type of driver used.

Series Hybrid Vehicle:

A series hybrid is a hybrid-powered vehicle with a simple drive train configuration that uses a battery to power the motor to run the driving wheels. The series hybrid vehicle block diagram model is shown in the figure below.

This figure shows the basic block connections in the series of a hybrid vehicle. It operates when the fuel tank sends fuel/gas to the engine, which it then uses to power itself and the generator. The generator converts the mechanical to electrical and charges the battery via the charger. The battery pack takes the energy received from the engine and sends it to the controllers, which control the voltage sent to the motors. The inverter circuit is included depending on the motor type present in the vehicle. Finally, the powered motor is connected to the wheels via a reduction gear for driving the vehicle. The engine is responsible only for charging the battery so the vehicle can move with or without the engine running.  And the motor is responsible for the acceleration of the vehicle. Typically there is no mechanical connection between an engine and the wheels of the vehicle. This system operates at the most efficient and desired speed and load.

Advantages of Series Hybrid Vehicles

Below are the advantages of Series Hybrid Vehicles:

• The series hybrid is a simple system with no complexity in connection.
• A multispeed transmission system, clutch or converters are not required since the electric motor drives the reduction gear for movement.
• It works like a pure Electric Vehicle that runs on a battery source.
• It helps to reduce harmful gas emissions and promotes an eco-friendly environment.

Disadvantages of Series Hybrid Vehicles

Below are the disadvantages of Series Hybrid Vehicles:

• The series hybrid vehicle propulsion is entirely dependent on the battery source.
• The energy conversions happening in each stage result in the overall efficiency loss.
• All these propulsion devices need to be sized to sustain maximum power requirements. In the case of long-grade ability conditions, the vehicle's performance is poor. So a powerful motor is required in this situation, making the Series HEV expensive.
• This system may require a battery and motor with a large capacity to meet its power needs, which adds to the vehicle's weight and decreases the vehicle's overall driving range, Thereby, making it undesirable for consumers to use.
• It is recommended for short trips as the corresponding IC engine set with a lower power rating is used.

Due to the major disadvantages of the series hybrid vehicle, parallel hybrid and series-parallel combinations have been introduced in the market.