Optimisation of Diesel Engine for Hybrid Military Tracked Vehicles using Matlab-Simulink

The demand in the technology requirements for diesel engines is growing keeping hybrid vehicles in mind. In future the diesel engine no longer drives the wheels directly; as a result the engine can be engaged at a limited number of operating points, thus, offering an opportunity to optimise the fuel efficiency and performance at those operating points. The extent to which this optimisation is possible is limited by practical considerations. Also if the positive and negative power peaks in vehicle during mobility (e.g. acceleration and regenerative braking respectively) can be accommodated by high-power batteries, then the size of the engine can be considerably reduced. The engine’s operating points depend on the power-control strategy. The consequences of modifications to these operating points will have an effect on performance and efficiency. As in series hybrid only a limited number of operating points are involved and dynamic performance requirements are not imposed on the diesel engine, significant improvements can be achieved by the optimisation of the diesel engine at these operating points. The feasibility of optimisation of the engine at these operating points can be done by modification on the injection systems, the valve timings and other such parameters. This kind of approach requires the use of complex and repeated experimental analysis of the engine which is costly, cumbersome and time consuming. An alternative to this kind of experimental approach is to develop a simulation model of the engine with the generator in Matlab- Simulink

Configuration Study of Hybrid Electric Power Pack for Tracked Combat Vehicles

In recent years, there is growing interest in hybridisation of military vehicles due to the features and advantages offered by the technology. Generally, the hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is propelled by a combination of electric motors and internal combustion engine (ICE). Hybrid electric combat vehicles, when compared with conventional vehicles, have the advantages of improved fuel efficiency and drivability due to optimal operation of ICE, regenerative braking and silent operation capability. Limitations related to key technologies such as compact electric motors/generators, power electronics and energy storage systems that are required to operate under extreme environmental conditions pose challenges to the development of hybrid electric power pack. Technical challenges of HEV technologies considering futuristic applications of combat vehicles is described. The configuration specification of hybrid electric power train architecture suited to deliver high automotive performance and power demands for infantry combat vehicles (ICV) is also discussed

Seed Characteristics and Germination Behaviour of <em>Bauhinia malabarica</em> Roxb.

Malabar Bauhinia (Bauhinia malabarica) is a native ornamental species belonging to the family Fabaceae, distributed throughout India in semievergreen and moist deciduous forests and in gardens. Information regarding seed characteristics and seed handling of the species is meagre. This study describes seed characteristics, germination behaviour and pretreatment for enhancing seed germination of B. malabarica. Treating the seeds with concentrated sulphuric acid for 30 min reduced germination duration up to 6 days and increased germination rate up to 100% against 22 days of germination duration and 10% germination in seeds without treatment. The results of this study are helpful for conservation and nursery practices of B. malabarica