SIMULATION OF A HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM WITH A FLYWHEEL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM IN AN ARMY TACTICAL VEHICLE

<title>ABSTRACT</title> <p>The next generation of military vehicles will require new and improved power systems. As fuel prices continue to rise and as power draws become greater on tactical wheeled vehicles, the performance and efficiency of the power system becomes more important. Up to 40% of vehicular traffic in combat theater is dedicated to fuel and water logistics. Reduction in fuel consumption will result in less traffic and reduced exposure to IED’s as well as gains in cost efficiency. Advances in powertrain and vehicle systems are required to achieve these gains. Hybrid propulsion systems have been proven in passenger automobiles as well as some commercial applications. This technology enables fuel economy improvements upwards of 25%. Hybrid systems can also provide export power and silent watch capability for military vehicles. Duty cycle and environmental demands are more severe in military applications and current energy storage devices are not robust. Several hybrid military platforms have been demonstrated, but durability and performance concerns outweigh the benefits. Specifically, electrochemical energy storage systems are limited by operating temperature, and life cycle. Improved energy storage devices are needed and one potential device is the high speed flywheel. Advances in materials and controls have led to more efficient and more powerful systems. This paper explores the application of current flywheel technology to a tactical vehicle using modeling simulations and compares with existing energy storage devices.</p>