STEPS, Institute of Transportation Studies, Davis
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STEPS, Institute of Transportation Studies, Davis

2028 Academic Surge
University of California, Davis
One Shields Avenue
Davis, CA 95616

(530) 752-6548 phone

 

Vehicle Technology Evaluation

This research centers on developing models of the driveline components and simulation of advanced vehicle operation on appropriate driving cycles. Research also assesses the effects of fuel requirements and availability on advanced vehicle development across the different fueling methods studied in the STEPS Program. Mathematical modeling tools allow researchers to make cross comparisons between conventional and alternative fueled vehicles in order to assess performance, fuel economy, and emissions production.

Research Leader: Andy Burke
Graduate Student Researchers: Bryan Jungers, Carrie Okma
Collaborating Researchers: Hengbing Zaho


Recent Publications


Major Project Areas

The research performed in this area will be a continuation of work that has been on-going at ITS-Davis for a number of years addressing the design and simulation of vehicles utilizing a wide range of new and advanced powertrain technologies. This research has included charge sustaining hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, hydrogen fueled fuel cell vehicles, and battery powered electric vehicles.  Vehicle simulations have been performed using Advisor, PSAT, and SIMPLEV and modifications of those computer programs as needed to include new powertrain components and control strategies.  Most of the research has been done using conventional ICE engines and fuels (gasoline and diesel).   In the STEPS Program, this work will be expanded to include research on conventional and advanced engines using alternative fuels in conventional ICE and hybrid-electric vehicles.   Special attention will be given to flex-fuel vehicles that can use more than one type or a mixture of conventional and alternative fuels. Trade-offs between fuel type and energy consumption, emissions, and initial cost will be identified and evaluated in depth and when possible, the differences validated using available vehicle test and market data.

Some of the initial projects to be undertaken include the following:

    • Survey of market and performance/emission data for flex-fuel ICE vehicles in the United States, Brazil, and Europe
    • Compilation of engine performance, efficiency and emission characteristics using alternative fuels (E85, CNG, etc) including engines for flex-fuel vehicles
    • Improved simulations of ICE and hybrid-electric vehicles using alternative fuels Dencase Dar S I
    • Improved simulations of fuel cell stack and vehicle operation using hydrogen on various driving cycles
    • Design and simulation of plug-in hybrid vehicles using various advanced batteries and control strategies
    • Detailed cost analysis of hybrid-electric, battery-powered, and fuel cell powered vehicles for a range of vehicle types and performance


Structure of "Cross-Comparison" in this thread

Vehicle design, performance, and cost information will be needed for all the other research of the STEPS Program.  It is important that vehicle inputs used in the other research reflect realistic expectations for improvements in vehicle characteristics and cost reductions in future years and how the characteristics/costs of the various vehicle technology/fuel combinations are likely to change relative to one another.   The vehicle design and evaluation tools will be formulated to facilitate the cross-comparisons.


Relevant Posters and Presentations