Using vehicle navigation and journey information for the optimal control of hybrid and electric vehicles

Abstract

Environmentally friendly vehicles (electric and hybrid electric) have become essential in today's society. For both it is imperative to optimise the control systems to extend the range of their journeys. Electric Vehicles must have an efficient battery management system to ensure the completion of the journey. Hybrid Vehicle must optimise its control system so that the best balance.of electricity and internal combustion engine is maintained. Modern GPS systems can assist the driver in ascertaining a journey destination and characteristics. This paper explores the possibilities for adopting high-level control strategies for reducing energy usage. Several journey estimation methodologies are described in the form of different control strategies for battery management. It also investigates the possibility to predict the requirements of a journey at its origin, and if an incorrect prediction is made, how this is dealt with. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2011.