Scientific paper ID 1672 : 2018/3

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have attracted a lot of attention due to environmental and efficiency reasons. Typically, an HEV combines two power trains, a conventional power source such as a gasoline engine, a diesel engine, or a fuel cell stack, and an electric drive system (involving a motor and a generator) to produce driving power with a potential of higher fuel economy than conventional vehicles.

This paper has presented an overview of the principle of hybrid propulsion system integration within railway vehicles. It summarizes continuing efforts in this subject area for the Railway College of Vocational Studies in Belgrade. The principle of hybrid propulsion systems are a key component of hybrid railway vehicles. There are considerable challenges in the selection of the device and the determination of suitable control strategies. The optimization potential of hybrids for particular routes and missions mean that redeployment of vehicles onto alternative routes may lead to suboptimal results, and for example, poor fuel economy and problems with energy storage device management. Practical implementation of hybrid systems introduces new challenges in terms of control and system architecture. The design philosophy for such systems should therefore embrace a modular nature which will be adaptable should sub-systems be upgraded, or different control strategies implemented.