Equivalent Power Consumption Minimization Strategy Based Controller for a Novel Dedicated Hybrid Engine Powertrain for a Light-Duty Application

Due to strengthened CO₂ regulations, the automotive industry is facing the challenge of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. In response, the industry has focused on developing various technologies that enhance fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Hybrid electric powertrains have demonstrated significant potential to improve fuel economy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The improvements resulting from hybrid electric powertrains depend on the degree of electrification, which is closely related to the sizing of the motor and battery. However, hybridization increases the complexity of the powertrain. As multiple power sources are involved, complex control algorithms must be developed to allocate power usage among various driving scenarios while fulfilling driver requests. One way to simplify hybrid power management control is to implement optimization strategies that determine the operating states for each component during different driving scenarios, aiming to minimize overall power consumption within defined constraints. In this case, an optimizer based on the Equivalent Power Consumption Minimization Strategy (EPCMS) was developed for a novel dedicated hybrid engine powertrain to reduce power consumption while fulfilling the driver's power request. The traditional ECMS approach focuses on minimizing equivalent fuel consumption, whereas this new approach follows the principle of minimizing power consumption. Total power consumption is calculated by accounting for the efficiency and operational losses of each component. The power management controller is implemented and developed within a Model-in-the-Loop (MiL) framework, utilizing a 0D/1D vehicle model as the plant. For the FTP-75 drive cycle, the hybrid optimizer chose to fulfill approximately 22% of the tractive power requirement through ICE power, with the electric components providing the remaining power usage. Additionally, the developed optimizer improved fuel economy across various driving cycles compared to the conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) powertrain.