Development of transmission systems for parallel hybrid electric vehicles

Abstract

This study investigated the matching designs between a power integration mechanism (PIM) and transmission system for single-motor parallel hybrid electric vehicles. The optimal matching design may lead to optimal efficiency and performance in parallel hybrid vehicles. The Simulink/Simscape environment is used to model the powertrain system of parallel hybrid electric vehicles, which the characteristics of the PIM, location of the gearbox at the driveline, and design of the gear ratio of a gearbox influenced. The matching design principles for torque-coupled-type PIM (TC-PIM) parameters and the location of the gearbox are based on the speed range of the electric motor and the internal combustion engine. The parameters of the TC-PIM (i.e., k1 and k2) are based on the k ratio theory. Numerical simulations of an extra-urban driving cycle and acceleration tests reveal that a higher kratio has greater improved power-assist ability under a pre-transmission architecture. For example, a kratio of 1.6 can improve the power-assist ability by 8.5% when compared with a kratio of 1. By using an appropriate gear ratio and kratio, the top speed of a hybrid electric vehicle is enhanced by 9.3%.