Course Name: Introduction to Electric and Hybrid Electric Vehicles

Week No.:2 Lecture No:3

Topic Name: Overview of ICE Drivetrains
Objectives:
● To understand the basic concepts of drive train
● To understand the basics of conventional internal combustion engine
1. Introduction
An internal combustion engine (IC engine) is a type of heat engine that converts the chemical energy stored in
fuel into mechanical energy. It is commonly used in vehicles, power generators, and various industrial
applications. The devices are also known as heat engines in the broader sense. Fuel and air are mixed,
combusted, and burned in an IC engine within a combustion chamber. The resulting high-pressure gases
exert force on a piston, which translates the pressure into rotational motion through a crankshaft. This
mechanical energy is then used to power the vehicle or operate machinery. IC engines come in different
variations, such as gasoline engines and diesel engines, each with its own combustion process and
characteristics.
2. Applications of ICE

Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) are widely used in various applications due to their efficiency and versatility
in converting fuel into mechanical energy. Here are some key applications of ICE:

Automotive Industry

Passenger Vehicles: Cars, SUVs, and motorcycles.

Commercial Vehicles: Trucks, buses, and vans.

Off-Road Vehicles: ATVs, construction equipment, and agricultural machinery.

Aviation

Light Aircraft: Small planes used for personal travel, training, and recreational flying.

Helicopters: Used in various fields such as medical emergency services, search and rescue, and tourism.

Marine

Recreational Boats: Yachts, speedboats, and jet skis.

Commercial Ships: Cargo ships, fishing boats, and ferries.

Power Generation

Portable Generators: Used for emergency power supply and in remote locations.

Backup Generators: For critical infrastructure such as hospitals, data centers, and industrial facilities.

Industrial Applications

Construction Equipment: Excavators, bulldozers, and cranes.

Mining Equipment: Haul trucks, drills, and loaders.

Agricultural Machinery: Tractors, combine harvesters, and irrigation pumps.

Small Engines

Lawn and Garden Equipment: Lawn mowers, leaf blowers, and chainsaws.

Portable Tools: Power washers, compressors, and water pumps.

Rail Transport

Locomotives: Diesel engines used in freight and passenger trains.

Military

Vehicles: Tanks, armored personnel carriers, and utility vehicles.

Aircraft and Ships: Various military aircraft and naval vessels powered by internal combustion engines.

Recreational Vehicles

RVs and Motorhomes: Used for camping and long-distance travel.

Snowmobiles and Dirt Bikes: Used in off-road recreational activities.

Emergency Services

Fire Trucks and Ambulances: Equipped with ICE for quick response.

Rescue Boats and Vehicles: Used in search and rescue operations.

These applications highlight the versatility and importance of internal combustion engines in modern society.
Despite the rise of electric vehicles and alternative energy sources, ICE remains a crucial component in many
sectors due to its reliability, energy density, and established infrastructure.

3. What is a Drivetrain?

The drivetrain, also known as the powertrain, refers to the group of components in a vehicle that deliver power
from the engine or motor to the wheels, enabling the vehicle to move. The drivetrain includes several key
components that work together to convert the engine's power into motion. Here's a breakdown of the main parts of
a drivetrain:

Engine or Motor

• Internal Combustion Engine (ICE): Burns fuel (gasoline, diesel, etc.) to create power.
• Electric Motor: Converts electrical energy from a battery into mechanical energy.

Transmission

• Manual Transmission: Requires the driver to manually shift gears using a clutch and gear stick.
• Automatic Transmission: Automatically changes gears based on the vehicle's speed and load conditions.
• Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT): Provides a seamless range of gear ratios.

Driveshaft

• Transfers power from the transmission to the differential.

Differential

• Distributes power to the vehicle's drive wheels while allowing them to rotate at different speeds, which is
essential for turning.

Axles

• Connect the differential to the wheels, transmitting power to them.

Wheels and Tires

• The final components that come in contact with the road surface, enabling movement.

4. Parts of a Drivetrain

The drivetrain is comprised of a collection of components in a vehicle that transfer power from the
transmission to the wheels/ drive it forward. These components include the driveshaft, CV joints, the
 differential, the axle shafts and the U-joints.

• Transmission: Transfers power from the engine to the wheels, but also enables gear-shifting in accordance
to driver needs.

• Driveshaft: A driveshaft is a long tube of steel that is linked to a car’s transmission at one end and the
wheels at the other. It transfers the mechanical power from the transmission to the other components of
the vehicle.

• U-joint: A U-joint, or universal joint, is a flexible pivot point that transmits power allowing for varying
angles of the driveshaft. The universal joint (U-joint) is a flexible point on the driveshaft (usually at both
ends) that allows the shaft to pivot and move when the vehicle goes over bumps or dips in the road.

• CV joint: A constant-velocity joint (CV joint) is designed to bend in any direction, allowing your axle to
move with your vehicle while still turning the drive wheels. CV Joints are typically found on front-wheel
drive vehicles where the driving shaft (typically called a half shaft) connects the front axle to the front
driving wheels.

• Differential: The differential is a term that commonly refers to the housing containing the axle gears and
the differential. It is typically positioned in the middle of the axle and distributes equal power to each
drive wheel. The differential is on the drive wheels' axle — so the front axle for front-wheel drive, the rear
axle for rear-wheel drive, and both axles for all-wheel drive.

• Axle Shafts: On either side of the rear differential are the axle shafts. The axle shafts help deliver power
from the differential to the rear drive wheels.

• Clutch (In Manual Transmissions) :In manual transmissions, the clutch is a key component that engages
and disengages the engine from the transmission. When the clutch pedal is depressed, the clutch
disengages, allowing the driver to shift gears smoothly. Releasing the clutch pedal engages the
transmission and transfers power to the wheels.

• Torque Converter (In Automatic Transmissions): Automatic transmissions utilize a torque converter,
which allows the engine to idle while the vehicle is stationary. The torque converter uses fluid coupling to
transmit power from the engine to the transmission, eliminating the need for a clutch pedal.
5. Types of Drivetrains
1. Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

• In this system, the front wheels provide the power. All of the drivetrain components are located in the
front of the vehicle which increases traction in the front wheels.
• Vehicles with front-wheel drive are typically lighter, helping to improve gas mileage
• Power is transmitted to the front wheels.
• Common in many passenger cars due to its space efficiency and good traction.
 Advantages:

• Fewer parts mean lower purchase price and repair bills.

• Lighter weight helps vehicle achieve better gas mileage.
• Better traction than rear-wheel drive.
• With most of weight over front wheels, it’s balanced for traction.
• Less aggressive handling is good for new and cautious drivers.

Disadvantages:

• Not as effective in low-traction situations like gravel and ice

• Nose heavy makes it harder to handle in high speeds or with heavy loads.
• Can cause understeer where front wheels lose traction and car drifts outside of the turn.

2. Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)

• A rear-wheel drive system relies on the rear wheels to deliver the power.
• Commonly found on trucks and performance vehicles, RWD gives needed traction with heavy loads and
optimal handling on performance cars.
• Also found in sports cars and larger vehicles like trucks, offering better handling and weight distribution.

Advantages:

• Superior handling.
• Exceptional braking.
• Quick initial acceleration.
• Excellent for performance driving.

Disadvantages:

• Reduced traction on slippery roads

• Not ideal for winter weather – poor traction in snow and ice.
• Traction on wet roads not as good as FWD.

3. All-Wheel Drive (AWD)

• Power is distributed to all four wheels.

• Provides better traction and handling in various road conditions.
• Most all-wheel drive systems are always on, using sensors to determine which wheel needs power.
 Advantages:

• Better acceleration.
• Improved traction in snow and on wet roads.
• Always on – don’t have to think about engaging the system.

Disadvantages:

• More expensive with more parts than FWD and RWD.

• Worse gas mileage due to vehicle being heavier.
• Can cost more to repair than a FWD or RWD vehicle.

4. Four-Wheel Drive (4WD)

• Similar to AWD but typically has a selectable mode to engage all four wheels.
• Common in off-road and utility vehicles, providing superior off-road capability.
• A four-wheel drive system features two driveshafts and a transfer case to deliver power to all four wheels.
• Today’s 4WD systems are either full-time or part-time.
• In a full-time system, the vehicle automatically switches between two-wheel and four-wheel drive while a
part-time system requires the driver to manually engage the four-wheel drive system. 4WD shines in
heavy snow and off-road situations.

Advantages:

• Excellent for towing trailers or big loads.

• Ideal for serious off-roading, crawling over rocks and moving through mud.
• Powers through deep snow.
• Delivers the traction needed for climbing hills.

Disadvantages:

• More expensive than FWD and RWD due to extra parts.

• Lower gas mileage due to heavier drivetrain system.
• Have to remember to engage it in a part-time system.

The drivetrain is a crucial aspect of a vehicle's performance, influencing its handling, efficiency, and capability in
different driving conditions.
 Fig.1. ICE powertrain vs in-wheel e-drive

(Image courtesy: Güler, Sunay, M. Simsek, and M. Bicek. "Retrofitting light commercial vehicle with in-wheel e-drive and
suspension systems." In 10th International Automotive Technologies Congress-OTEKON. 2021.)

Fig.2. Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) drivetrain with an all-wheel drive

(Image Courtsey: Biček, Matej, et al. "The Bearing Stiffness Effect on In-Wheel Motors." Sustainability 12.10
(2020): 4070)
6. Features of ICE

• ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicles have the following attributes and characteristics:

• Engine Type: Uses an internal combustion engine, typically powered by gasoline or diesel.2.

• Fuel Efficiency: Fuel efficiency varies by engine type and vehicle model. IC engines have a relatively
low efficiency, converting only about 20-30% of the energy in fuel into useful work.

• Emissions: Produces greenhouse gases and pollutants like CO2, NOx, and particulate matter.4.
 • Performance: Offers a wide range of power and performance levels, from economy cars to high-
performance sports cars.

• Maintenance: Requires regular maintenance, including oil changes, filter replacements, and more
complex engine repairs.

• Refueling: Quick and easy refueling at gas stations, with a wide network of availability.

• Range: Typically offers a longer range per refuel compared to electric vehicles (EVs), depending on
tank size and fuel efficiency.

• Infrastructure: Supported by extensive refueling infrastructure and service centers.

• Noise: Generally noisier than electric vehicles due to engine combustion processes.

• Lifespan: The lifespan of an ICE vehicle can be long if well-maintained, though it depends on usage and
driving conditions.

• Cost: Initial purchase price can be lower compared to EVs, but operational costs (fuel, maintenance) can
be higher over time.

• Technological Advances: Modern ICE vehicles may include advanced technologies like turbocharging,
direct fuel injection, and hybrid systems to improve efficiency and performance.

• Environmental Impact: Higher environmental impact compared to electric vehicles, contributing to air
pollution and climate change.
7. Summary

Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) have been a cornerstone of modern transportation and industry for over a
century. Their versatility, reliability, and well-established infrastructure have made them indispensable in a wide
array of applications, from automobiles and aircraft to marine vessels and industrial machinery. Despite the
growing focus on alternative energy sources and the rise of electric vehicles, ICE remains relevant due to its high
energy density, established manufacturing base, and continued advancements in efficiency and emissions
reduction.

In conclusion, while the landscape of transportation and energy is evolving with the advent of electric and
alternative fuel technologies, ICE continues to play a vital role. Its adaptability and ongoing improvements ensure
that it remains a key component of global transportation and industrial systems for the foreseeable future.

References

1. Larminie, James and John Lowry. Electric Vehicle Technology Explained. Hoboken, NJ: Wiley, 2012.

2. Ehsani, M., Gao, Y., Longo, S. and Ebrahimi, K., “Modern electric, hybrid electric, and fuel cell vehicles,”
CRC press, 2018.

3. Iqbal Husain, “Electric and Hybrid Vehicles: Design Fundamentals”, Third Edition, CRC Press, 2021