LV EN RU DE FR

Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles

Course developer

Course abstract

In the study course, students learn in depth aspects of the construction, operation and explotation of electric, hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. In addition, a comparison of the economic and environmental factors of these vehicles is carried out, identifying the advantages and disadvantages in relation to conventional fuel vehicles.

Learning outcomes and their assessment

• Knowledge: able to perform the classification of electric and alternative fuel vehicles, identify the peculiarities of construction and application – Practical works;
• Skills: able to creatively use the acquired theoretical knowledge by performing comparative tests and calculations of alternative fuel vehicles – Laboratory works;
• Competence: able to continuously obtain, select and analyze information about electric and alternative fuel vehicle refueling/charging systems, vehicles used for their connection and able to select and present the appropriate option to the household/enterprise – Practical works.

Course Content(Calendar)

1. Alternative fuels, history, development tendencies. (1 h lect.)
2. Classification of alternative fuels, basic concepts. (1 h lect.)
3. Effects of fuel use on ecology. (1 h lect.)
4. Bio-oils. (1 h lect.)
5. Biodiesel. (1 h lect., 2 h lab.w.)
6. Ethanol, alcohol fuels. (1 h lect.)
7. Usage of different fuel mixtures. (1 h lect., 2 h lab.w.)
8. Electrical vehicles, construction, application characteristics. (1 h lect.)
9. Hybrids, structure, application characteristics. (1 h lect., 2 h lab.w.)
10. Natural gas (CNG, LNG) vehicles, construction, application characteristics. (1 h lect.)
11. Hydrogen vehicles, construction, application features. (1 h lect.)
12. Construction of alternative service stations. (1 h lect., 2 h practical w.)
13. Construction of public and home charging stations. (1 h lect., 2 h practical w.)
14. The operational characteristics of the vehicles. (1 h lect., 2 h practical w.)
15. Testing of vehicles. (1 h lect., 2 h lab.w.)

16. Support measures for the purchase of alternative fuel vehicles. (1 h lect., 2 h practical w.)

Requirements for awarding credit points

Test. There must be counted practical and laboratory works.

Description of the organization and tasks of students’ independent work

Preparation for laboratory works and their defense, preparation of laboratory work reports. Continuous study of literature and related materials in order to prepare for practical works and passing the test.

Criteria for Evaluating Learning Outcomes

The overall assessment of the study course compose the test grade. Student can get a successful mark if at least 50% of the questions are answered correctly. Practical works are evaluated according to the established evaluation procedures of such practical works.

Compulsory reading

1. Folkson R. Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicle Technologies for Improved Environmental Performance: towards zero carbon transportation. Cambridge: Woodhead Publishing, 2014. 760 p.
2. Denton T. Electric and Hybrid Vehicles. Oxon: New York: Routledge, 2017. 197 p.
3. Dicks A. Fuel cell systems explained. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2018. 460 p. E-grāmata (PDF) Resurss pieejams tiešsaistē LLU datortīklā

Further reading

1. Hordeski M.F. Alternative Fuels - The Future of Hydrogen. Lilburn: The Fairmont Press, 2013. 300 p.
2. Grasman S.E. Hydrogen Energy and Vehicle Systems. Boca Raton, FL:CRC Press, 2017. 332 p.

Notes

Free-choice study course for 1st level professional higher education study program “Technical expert” in full-time and part-time studies in 5th semester.