A novel educative interface based on a vehicle simulation tool for hybrid propulsion system assessment

Since a number of years, the educational point of view is changing from a more theoretical approach towards the integration of research activities in the courses. The VUB has developed a powerful simulation tool for the assessment of energy consumption and emissions of vehicles with different propulsion systems and alternative fuels. Especially the assessment of power management strategies can be analysed on the basis of the innovative iterative algorithm and the backward facing closed loop model of the simulation tool.
This paper describes how students are learned how hybrid propulsion systems works on the basis of a new educative interface allowing to see the power flows in the different hybrid propulsion systems (parallel, series and combined). During the theoretical courses the operating principles of the hybrid vehicles are explained and illustrated with this software tool. Next in the practical courses the students can do their own experiments on a hybrid drive train test rig, based on a programmable RT system controlling the different converters and motors of the propulsion system.