Paper Title
Stop-Start System Using Micro-Hybrid Technology For Increasing Fuel Efficiency
Abstract
The national mandate set forth by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to increase fuel efficiency and
reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 5% each year for all new model mid-size cars, medium-duty cars, and light-duty
trucks is pushing automobile makers to convert their fleets to hybrid-electric and micro-hybrid vehicles. Implementing
automated start/stop (SS) technology in a passenger vehicle is a cost effective way to improve fuel economy (FE) and reduce
emissions without affecting consumer acceptance. In urban areas, where much of the vehicle driving time is spent idling at
stop lights or in traffic, the engine can be shut down when the vehicle is stopped to save fuel. The engine is quickly and
quietly restarted as the driver demands torque for acceleration. This operating strategy is often utilized in full hybrid-electric
vehicles that have powerful electric systems, but is becoming more popular in micro-hybrid vehicles that use traditional
starter/battery configurations. It is challenging to maintain drivability and achieve efficient start-ups using a micro-hybrid
configuration. This research investigated the feasibility of using a micro-hybrid configuration to achieve efficient start
transients for SS technology. The consumption of energy by the starter/battery was analyzed by creating a model of the
engine SS dynamics. The model was calibrated and validated through experimental testing on a vehicleand engine that had
been provided. The model was used to simulate start transients for different component packages. As the preliminary
simulation results which suggest that traditional starter/battery combinations may be appropriate and a fuel savings of over
5% expected in regulatory urban driving cycles. The model and selected component package will be used for development
and control of a SS system in a test vehicle.