Optimum high-efficient hybrid electric natural gas powertrain designs towards economically viable low emission trucks

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In Canada and across the world, commercial vehicles are central to economic activity but are responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions. Substantially reducing the climate impacts of goods transport without increasing costs is a major challenge. Combining existing engine technology with clean-burning fuels and a high-efficiency hybrid-electric powertrain offers a promising near-term approach to address this pressing problem. In this project, experts from the University of Alberta and Simon Fraser University will collaborate with Vancouver-based Westport Fuel Systems Inc. to investigate the potential emissions and fuel consumption benefits of a hybrid-electric commercial vehicle fueled with a range of low-carbon gaseous fuels. The project will involve detailed modelling and optimization of the electric drive system, internal combustion engine, and on-board energy storage. The project will target a medium-heavy duty truck combined with a low-cost, high-efficiency natural gas engine as the main power source. The engine size and combustion system will be carefully optimized to match the required performance of the hybrid-electric powertrain. Simultaneously, the powertrain will be configured to make best use of the power provided from the engine while following the target drive profile. The additional benefits for both tailpipe and net greenhouse gas emissions from renewably generated gaseous fuels, such as bio-gas or hydrogen, will also be assessed. The results from this project will be the structural design of a commercially viable powertrain system that can provide dramatic reductions in greenhouse gas emissions for commercial transport.