Title: Exergetic and energetic evaluations of hybrid electric vehicle thermal management systems

Authors: H.S. Hamut; I. Dincer; G.F. Naterer

Addresses: Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe St. North, Oshawa, ON, L1H 7K4, Canada ' Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2000 Simcoe St. North, Oshawa, ON, L1H 7K4, Canada ' Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, 240 Prince Phillip Drive, St. John's, NL, A1B 3X5, Canada

Abstract: In this paper, performance analysis of a hybrid electric vehicle thermal management system (TMS) is investigated under different input parameters. The effects of several parameters on the system performance are investigated, including evaporating and condensing temperatures, subcooling and superheating, compressor speed, and heat exchanger pressure drop as well as the battery heat dissipation rates. An exergy analysis is conducted in order to increase the performance of the TMS and reduce associated fuel consumption and environmental impact. Based on the analysis, it is found that the increase in mass flow rate of the system increases the pressure drop in the evaporator and condenser up to 60 kPa and thus reduces the exergetic COP of the system by up to 12%. Moreover, it is also found that, the exergetic COP of the system can also be increased by up to 8% by applying superheating and subcooling in the heat exchangers.

Keywords: exergy efficiency; HEVs; hybrid electric vehicles; thermal management; refrigerant; coolants; pressure drop; evaporating temperature; condensing temperature; subcooling; superheating; compressor speed; heat exchangers; battery heat dissipation; exergy analysis; fuel consumption; environmental impact.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEX.2014.061033

International Journal of Exergy, 2014 Vol.14 No.3, pp.341 - 363

Received: 07 Feb 2013
Accepted: 05 May 2013
Published online: 02 Mar 2015 *

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