Impact of Component Size on Plug-In Hybrid Vehicle Energy Consumption Using Global Optimization

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles are a promising alternative to gas-only vehicles and offer the potential to greatly reduce fuel use in transportation. Their potential energy consumption is highly linked to the size of components. This study focuses on the impact of the electric system energy and power on control and energy consumption. Based on a parallel pre-transmission architecture, several vehicles were modeled, with an all-electric range from 5 to 40 miles on the UDDS, to illustrate various levels of available electric energy. Five others vehicles were created, with various levels of power and same battery energy. The vehicles were then simulated under optimal control on multiple combinations of cycle and distance by using a global optimization algorithm. The global optimization algorithm, based on the Bellman principle, ensures a fair comparison between different vehicles by making each vehicle operate at its maximal potential. The results from each optimization are thoroughly analyzed to highlight control patterns. The potential minimal fuel consumption that can be achieved by each of them is presented. The results can also be used to find the potential minimal greenhouse gases emissions.