TABLE OF CONTENTS This introductory chapter shows how the problems discussed in this text are embedded in a broader setting. First the object of the subsequent analysis is defined. After that the complete energy conversion chain is described, starting from the available primary energy sources and ending with the distance driven. Using average energy conversion efficiency values, some of the available options are compared. This analysis shows the importance of the "upstream" processes. The importance of the selected on-board energy carrier ("fuel") is stressed as well. In particular its energy density and the safety issues connected with the refueling process are emphasized. The last section of this first chapter lists the main options available for reducing the energy consumption of passenger vehicles.
The main objectives of this text are to introduce mathematical models and optimization methods that permit a systematic minimization of the energy consumption of vehicle propulsion systems. The objects of this analysis are passenger cars, i.e., vehicles that
are autonomous and do not depend on fixed energy-providing grids;
have a refueling time that is negligible compared to the driving time between two refueling events;
can transport two to six persons and some payload; and
accelerate in approximately 10 to 15 seconds from 0 to l00 km/h, or can drive uphill a 5% ramp at the legal top speed, respectively. [1]
These requirements, which over the last one hundred years have evolved to a quasi-standard profile, substantially reduce the available options. In particular the first and the second...
