Predictive Control Framework for HEV: Energy Management and Free-Wheeling Analysis

The focus of this paper is to exploit the potential of model predictive control for the energy management of hybrid electric vehicles. The global framework covers the power distribution between the internal combustion engine and the electric machine(s) in order to minimize the fuel consumption. Current technologies allow the forecast of speed profile and road grade making predictive control a viable solution. The gears within the prediction model are assumed to be pre-calculated at a higher level and, therefore, only the torque split problem needs to be addressed by the energy management mechanism. Engine stop can improve fuel gain, which is even more noticeable for hybrid vehicles and hence, its inclusion is naturally considered in this study. Furthermore, optimization of the speed profile is addressed by introducing the free-wheeling functionality.