Optimal operating point determination method design for range-extended electric vehicles based on real driving tests

Abstract

In this study, a method to determine the optimal generator operating point is proposed to enhance the utilization of power resources in a range-extended electric vehicle (Re-EV). Currently, the Re-EV is being developed as one of the solutions to the short driving range and charge problem of electric vehicles (EVs). In particular, we present a method for flexibly determining the operating point of the generators mounted on Re-EVs based on the power consumption trends of the users. Our proposed method can address the problem in existing algorithms wherein all the available resources are not utilized, even though there is fuel remaining in the EV because the battery is not completely discharged. The proposed algorithm was developed based on data acquired through actual driving tests using an agricultural utility vehicle; these data can be applied to various power consumption patterns, including nonlinear consumption patterns. In addition, this algorithm can be applied to other types of Re-EV with different battery and generator specifications. We perform simulations and experiments to verify the proposed algorithm and the results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach compared with other existing methods.