Method for Assessing the Energy Efficiency of Vehicles with Different Energy Sources
Keywords:
automobile, energy source, transport efficiency, method, energy consumption, economyAbstract
The article presents a universal approach to the objective assessment of the energy efficiency of vehicles with various types of energy sources. Increasing environmental requirements, transformation of energy markets, growth in transportation volumes, and the global trend toward transport decarbonization determine the need for standardized methods of comparing the energy performance of automobiles. A single energy consumption indicator is proposed, defined as the ratio of the energy carried in the vehicle (whether fuel, electricity, or hydrogen) to the volume of transportation work performed. This approach makes it possible to objectively compare the energy efficiency of conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, electric vehicles, hybrid systems, and others.
The paper analyzes modern scientific literature confirming the importance of introducing integral indicators, such as “well-to-wheel,” for a systematic assessment of energy losses at all stages—from the energy source to the driven wheels of the vehicle. The proposed methodology is based on clear mathematical formalization, which makes it possible to account for the influence of load level, road conditions, speed regime, and terrain topography.
A formalized approach to calculating energy consumption is described in detail. The vehicle mass is considered with regard to payload and the actual weight of the cargo, while transport work is calculated as the product of the total vehicle weight and transportation distance. To ensure a unified comparison of efficiency, universal formulas applicable to all types of powertrains are provided. For various types of fuels, including solid, liquid, and gaseous, methods for calculating energy inputs based on their lower heating value are given.
Special attention is paid to the analysis of motion resistances, including tractive force at the wheels, rolling resistance, air resistance, gradient resistance, inertia, and trailer resistance. The use of tractive balance and its dimensionless form is presented to reveal key factors influencing the efficiency of energy use by different vehicle classes. It is shown that as the vehicle mass increases, motion resistance forces grow proportionally; however, the share of air resistance decreases with increasing weight.
It is emphasized that the developed universal formulas make it possible not only to perform comparative assessments of design solutions at the vehicle development stage but also to accurately estimate actual operational energy consumption, determine fuel consumption norms, and calculate the required fuel tank volume or battery capacity.
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