Measurement Systems in Battery-Electric and Hybrid Cars

Over the last years discussions have been raising, which technology of propulsion systems will be optimal for future ground vehicles. Mainly conventional internal combustion engines (ICE) have been in use up to now, but battery-electric (BEV) or hybrid (HEV) propulsion systems are gaining more and more popularity worldwide. Therefore, different measurement equipment has to be used within battery-electric and hybrid drive train configurations compared to conventional cars. However, within battery-electric drive technologies the charging infrastructure and battery system is still a challenge to be mastered. With the help of appropriate measuring sensors and measurement systems, an inventive concept for a new monitoring system can be used to improve the total efficiency of battery-electric and hybrid propulsion systems. A special focus has been set on the energy consumption of battery-electric vehicles as well as the state of the art of power supply and battery systems. Different electric measuring sensors and measurement systems are compared according to the state of the art and its practical application. With the help of the acquired measurement data, suggestions for energy efficiency improvements can be made. The paper includes an overview of sensor architectures in auto-motive applications and a detailed discussion of selected technologies.