A switching logic controller for a hybrid electric/ICE vehicle

Hybrid vehicles powered simultaneously by an electric machine and an internal combustion engine represent a promising compromise solution to the problems of excessive emissions and fuel usage of standard ICE vehicles, and range limitations and battery recharging problems associated with electric vehicles. In this paper a parallel hybrid vehicle configuration consisting of a small engine sited for steady highway driving and an electric machine that provides acceleration as well as battery recharging is considered. A system model is developed for use in the design and simulation of a logic based switching control system. The objectives of the drive-by-wire control are to achieve acceptable vehicle performance while simultaneously maximizing the battery state of charge at all times. Simulation under a fairly severe test drive cycle indicates that the controller is effective in achieving the desired results.