Comparative analysis of automotive powertrain choices for the near to mid-term future

This thesis attempts a technological assessment of automotive powertrain technologies for the near to mid term future. The powertrain types to be assessed include naturally aspirated gasoline engines, turbocharged gasoline engines, diesel engines, electric hybrids using gasoline engines and advanced transmissions. Advancements in aerodynamics, weight reduction and tire rolling friction are also taken into account. The basis for the comparison is the potential of these powertrain technologies for reduction of oil consumption and green house gas emissions at the same level of performance as current vehicles. The fuel consumption and performance of future vehicles was estimated using simple scaling laws and vehicle simulations. The results indicate that the potential for reduction of fuel consumption is significant for all the powertrains examined. More specifically, it seems that the current relative advantage of diesel over gasoline engines in terms of fuel consumption is reduced. Future turbocharged gasoline engines especially, seem to become almost equivalent with diesel engines.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Dept. of Mechanical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2006

Author dc:creator

• Kasseris, Emmanuel P

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• John B. Heywood.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/36239

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/36239