6. Energy Management in the Automobile as a Complex System

The exemplary development of propulsion systems for automobiles, from increased power to decreased pollutant emission, is based on a massive innovation potential directed by requirements, limitations, and acceptance criteria. The true highlight of future automobiles is the management of energy during propulsion and of the energy supply on board. Propulsion forms, energy sources, and modules for energy conversion and storage are combined in different configurations for this aim. An all-purpose and generally accepted automobile is in contradiction to the usual development rules and to natural, economic, technical, and social conditions. The modularization of functional components allows more effective diversification of car types and classes. This diversification follows three principal directions, as illustrated in Fig. 6.1: