Configuration, Sizing and Control of Power-Split Hybrid Vehicles

Power-split hybrid vehicles use planetary gears as power transmission and ratio devices, which are compact, efficient, and provide continuously variable gear ratio using a simple, low-cost and reliable structure. Many prominent hybrid vehicles currently on the market or under development are power-split hybrids. To take advantage of this type of hybrid power-train, it is beneficial to fully explore various configurations, select proper power-train design parameters, and obtain optimal control algorithms. This paper presents a design process that enables systematic search through all three dimensions (configuration, design and control) under imposed performance and component constraints. A case study for the design of a split hybrid vehicle with optimal fuel economy while satisfying specified driving performance is demonstrated.