Series hybrid electric vehicles (HEV) and hybrid on-board battery charger that can function as photovoltaic charger and AC utility charger have been developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), Thiruvananthapuram.
A Series HEV combines both internal combustion (IC) engine and battery sources for vehicle propulsion and all the power electronics equipment required have been indigenously developed by the Power Electronics Division of C-DAC.
Funded by the Department of Information Technology and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, the HEV proto-1 has successfully completed functional trials for passenger vehicle and the HEV proto-II the endurance trial on the test tracks of Ashok Leyland, the industrial partner.
Less pollution
“The mileage is enhanced as intermediate power is drawn from the battery and the braking power sent back to power battery. The life of the brake lines is enhanced and the pollution level is further reduced. It can be adopted for city buses to cater to the needs of urban commuters,” Chandrasekar V., Scientist F and Associate Director, Power Electronics, CDAC, told The Hindu .
In addition to the 16-tonne passenger vehicle, the Series HEV has also been tested for a 110-kg three-wheeler passenger vehicle as the country is marching towards e-mobility.
Downsized IC engine is used for the two vehicles and the HEV can also be used as pure electric vehicles in pollution-free areas, he said.
The hybrid (Utility and SPV) on-board battery charger exclusive technology was funded by Renault Nissan Total Business Solutions India Ltd. The system has solar charging and normal AC charging mode, Mr. Chandraeskhar said. The power reference to the two charging modes comes from the vehicle control module.
The project is part of the National Mission programme, a multi-institutional programme that involves research, development, deployment, and technology transfer for production and commercialisation of power electronics technology, as part of making the country a dominant player in power electronics.
