Thermodynamic Modeling and Analysis of Micro Gas Turbine as a Range Extender in Electric Vehicles with the Evaluation of Battery Pack Sizing /

Abstract

Range extenders based on micro gas turbine (MGT) technology are being promoted in electric vehicles (EV) in order to reduce the battery size and extend the driving range. MGT offers higher power density, fuel flexibility, lower weight and good efficiency (with recuperation) compared to conventional reciprocating engines. MGT facilitates a relatively smaller battery pack, which ultimately can reduce the capital and maintenance cost of electric vehicles. Despite its advantages, MGT incurs small-scale design issues related to component performance, heat transfer between hot and cold sections and manufacturing limitations. In this research project, the design of an MGT has been studied simultaneously with the battery bank size and charging time analogy with an aim to evaluate their conjoint operation. In addition, the influence of MGT small-scale effects on battery pack recharging has been presented. For the study, Gas Turbine Simulation Program (GSP) has been extensively used together with detailed battery pack calculations. Comparison between sizing of the battery and MGT design is a critical outcome of this research.