Overview of energy harvesting and emission reduction technologies in hybrid electric vehicles

• Published in: Renewable & sustainable energy reviews 2021-09, Vol.147, p.111188, Article 111188
• Main Authors: Bai, Shengxi, Liu, Chunhua
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Emission reduction; Energy harvesting; Hybrid electric vehicle; Hybrid solar vehicle; Thermoelectric generator; Waste heat recovery
• ISSN: 1364-0321; 1879-0690
• DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2021.111188

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have been developed extensively thanks to the inherent merits of both internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) and battery electric vehicles (BEVs). In HEVs, batteries and electric motors are introduced to help internal combustion engines improve fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Accordingly, HEVs provide opportunities for energy harvesting methods that are suitable for both ICEVs and BEVs. With these energy harvesting methods, more energy can be harvested from HEVs and lower GHG emissions can be achieved. Therefore, energy harvesting methods are investigated in this critical overview and discussed from four perspectives, namely waste heat recovery from exhaust gas, mechanical energy recovery from braking, vibration and/or shock, alternative fuels and renewable energy integration, with emphasis on thermoelectric generators, the organic Rankine cycle, regenerative shock absorbers, regenerative braking and solar roofs. Specifically, the working principles, distinct features, current research, and challenges of various energy harvesting methods in HEVs are discussed. In the conclusion, recommendations for future research are provided. This study provides a comprehensive overview of energy harvesting and emission reduction technologies in HEVs. [Display omitted] •Four types of energy harvesting methods in hybrid electric vehicles are described.•Challenges, developments and the future of thermoelectric generators are discussed.•The future of solar and wind energy powered hybrid electric vehicles is discussed.•Examples of hybrid electric vehicles with energy harvesting methods are summarized.