Performance of a hybrid electric vehicle using reluctance synchronous machine technology

The performance of a parallel hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) with a small reluctance synchronous machine drive is presented. The machine is current-angle controlled for maximum torque per ampere or minimum kVA. This ensures that the machine is operated reasonably close to optimal efficiency for all loads. The calculated and measured performance results of the reluctance synchronous machine drive and the electric vehicle are given. The 28 kW peak reluctance synchronous machine is used to drive the rear wheels of a small delivery vehicle through a differential. The conventional petrol-engine-propelled front drive is kept standard. Simulation and measured results show that, with the small reluctance synchronous machine drive generating a peak torque of 150 Nm, the 1480 kg vehicle accelerates from 0 to 60 km/h in 19 s. The maximum range of the HEV on a single battery charge is measured as 90 km at 60 km/h.