Development Of A Hydrogen Powered Hev As An Interdisciplinary Laboratory Project

Of particular interest today is the popularity of full sized sport utility vehicles (SUV). These vehicles are reversing the trends, over the last few years, of reduced emissions and improved fuel economy. In line with these problems, Texas Tech University is developing a hybrid Ford Explorer powered by 2.3 liter spark ignition engine, running on hydrogen, in parallel hybrid configuration with a 75 kilowatt induction motor. Two nickel metal hydride battery packs connected in parallel at 300 Volts DC nominal provide 13 Amp hours to drive the electric motor. The hybrid design maximizes efficiency with electric assistance adding to the vehicle’s performance during high engine loads and maintains a self sustaining charge through regeneration at times of low power train demands. A National Instruments' LabVIEW system is used to monitor and control the vehicle.