Browse Publications Technical Papers 2003-01-0081
2003-03-03

A Well-to-Wheel Comparison of Several Powertrain Technologies 2003-01-0081

In order to evaluate the potential of several powertrain configurations, a well-to-wheel analysis is performed. Specifically, downsizing / supercharging and variable valve timing is examined and compared against other alternative vehicle concepts. In order to have a fair comparison, each powertrain configuration was added to a base vehicle, such that each vehicle had the same range, the same physical characteristics and similar performance. Upstream energy use and greenhouse gases were calculated with GREET 1.5a and the downstream energy use and greenhouse gases with ADVISOR 3.2.
By downsizing / supercharging and adding variable valve timing, a spark ignition internal combustion engine can have comparable downstream overall efficiency, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions, to a Diesel internal combustion engine. Analysis of the total energy use shows that efficiency improvements for an internal combustion engine should be made on the downstream stage (engine) while efficiency improvements for electric vehicle should be made on the upstream stage (electricity generation). Also, it was found that internal combustion engines are relatively insensitive to mass change compared to improvements in engine efficiency.

SAE MOBILUS

Subscribers can view annotate, and download all of SAE's content. Learn More »

Access SAE MOBILUS »

Preview Document Add to Cart
Members save up to 16% off list price.
Login to see discount.
Special Offer: Download multiple Technical Papers each year? TechSelect is a cost-effective subscription option to select and download 12-100 full-text Technical Papers per year. Find more information here.
We also recommend:
TECHNICAL PAPER

Low-Emission and Fuel-Efficient Exhaust System with New Air-Fuel Ratio Sensor

2020-01-0655

View Details

JOURNAL ARTICLE

Well-To-Wheels Energy Use and Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles

2009-01-1309

View Details

TECHNICAL PAPER

Modeling of Engine and Vehicle for a Compact Car with a Flywheel Based Kinetic Energy Recovery Systems and a High Efficiency Small Diesel Engine

2010-01-2184

View Details

X