Feasibility study of a gas turbine-based, series-hybrid minibus

This work describes the preliminary sizing of a series hybrid vehicle with a small Turbogas (GT) as the thermal engine, equipped with a regenerative braking. The reference vehicle is a minibus to be used for urban transportation. The analysis is based on a physical model of the instantaneous power required by the mission, which leads to a non-linear system of equations that are numerically integrated in time. Several sets of standard, real cycles are defined as missions the vehicle under study must fulfil: these cycles are characterized by repeated stop-and-go patterns that make a high level of energy recovery possible. The minibus behaviour is simulated under each one of the examined conditions, in this way one derives an installed power of 170 kW with a proper GT power of 21,5 kW and the corresponding degree of hybridization of about 90%. On this basis, the GT is designed anew, using standard performance charts and state-of-the art technology. The battery pack and the electric engine are both designed using commercially available software. The CO2 emission analysis is also performed. The technical feasibility of the vehicle is briefly discussed in the conclusions.