Diesel-electric drivetrains for hybrid-electric vehicles: new challenging problems in multivariable analysis and control

Our goal is to develop a complete mathematical model to perform nonlinear analysis and design for multivariable diesel-electric drivetrains. This allows one to study energy conversion needed to perform sophisticated analysis of hybrid-electric vehicle performance (driveability and controllability, maneuverability and agility), efficiency, fuel economy and exhaust emission, etc. The full spectrum of the physical phenomena of interconnected energy conversion processes in diesel and electric machines are studied in the context of multivariable nonlinear analysis, optimization and control. Using a set of differential equations derived, which maps the steady-state and dynamic behavior of high-performance diesel-electric powertrains, an optimal energy management system is designed and tested.