Optimization Strategies for Combined Heat and Power Range Extended Electric Vehicles

Range limitations of battery electric vehicles require new approaches to over-come usability restraints. To reduce size, cost and mass of battery-packs some manufacturers integrate small combustion engines into their concepts. These range-extended electrical vehicles (REEV) strongly depend on climate conditions and driving cycles. Significant amount of power is needed for heating and cooling of batteries and passenger compartment. Dynamic simulation of three alternative REEV-concepts has been conducted. Applying a combined-heat-and-power range-extender and optimizing its output power to climate profile and driving cycle a significant amount of could be saved in comparison to standard REEV.