MSc Coursework · 2025
Hybrid Powertrain Performance Analysis
A coursework study comparing plug-in hybrid and fuel-cell hybrid configurations using a Renault Zoe-based MATLAB vehicle model, with attention to battery state of charge, hydrogen use and regenerative braking.
Project at a Glance
- Approach
- Renault Zoe-based coursework configurations compared for PHEV and fuel-cell hybrid energy use.
- Key Finding
- Initial stored energy and hydrogen assumptions need reconciliation before numerical comparisons can be verified.
- Tools
- MATLAB coursework model · State of charge · Energy analysis
- Evidence
- Coursework report and interpreted plots; original model and driving-cycle files are not available.
Objective
Explore the relationship between hybrid architecture, vehicle energy consumption and range, then examine how battery state-of-charge limits influence the reported fuel-cell hybrid results.
My Contribution
I compared series, parallel and power-split architectures, interpreted the coursework model’s energy-use and battery-state-of-charge plots, and organised comparisons of range, regeneration and hydrogen consumption.
Model and Method
The report describes a Renault Zoe-based configuration with a vehicle mass of 1,677 kg, a drag coefficient of 0.26 and a frontal area of 2.05 square metres. It compares PHEV and FCHEV configurations over urban and extra-urban driving cycles, including battery-state-of-charge limits of 10%, 15% and 20%. These are assigned model configurations, rather than a claim that the production Renault Zoe uses either hybrid powertrain.
Engineering Focus
The comparison examines the interplay between battery utilisation, hydrogen demand, energy recovery and simulated range. It also considers vehicle mass, aerodynamic resistance and energy-management strategy as factors that could influence system performance.
Scope and Limitations
The supplied report contains simulation summaries and plots, but the original MATLAB script, model and driving-cycle datasets are not available for this portfolio update. The numerical range, energy-use and regeneration results have therefore not been independently reproduced. The configuration descriptions, initial battery energy and hydrogen-storage assumptions need reconciliation before quantitative comparisons are presented as verified findings.
Further Development
A repeatable comparison would use clearly defined initial and final state of charge, consistent stored-energy assumptions and a complete energy balance. I would then examine how the energy-management strategy changes hydrogen consumption and recovered braking energy under the same driving conditions.
Source: Hybrid Powertrain Performance Analysis coursework report, Abdul Barek; submission date: 15 April 2025. This portfolio page presents the study’s method and scope; the original report is not offered as a public download pending verification of its simulation results.