HIL simulation approach for feasibility study of a tram with an onboard hybrid energy storage system

A hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulator was designed and fabricated for feasibility study of the tram with onboard hybrid energy storage system comprising the Li battery and the ultra-capacitor. HIL simulator consists of the software part including the vehicle model, the energy storage system model, and control algorithm; and the hardware testbench containing a induction motor for the load, a permanent magnet synchronous motor to emulate the traction motor, and the electric drivers. The vehicle model of the HIL simulation system was validated with the test results. A power distribution algorithm is proposed to control the hybrid energy storage system to increase the capacity and the peak current. The Simulation results show that the hybrid energy storage system for the tram gives better efficient power and durability compared with the battery alone system.