Design of an adaptive control system for a hybrid electric vehicle

An neural/adaptive control system for a hybrid electric vehicle, employing a hierarchical control architecture is developed. A neural adaptive control algorithm is used to implement the vehicle control system, which serves as an "electronic drive train" for the vehicle, translating the driver's input into the corresponding steering angle and motor speed commands; while an adaptive critic algorithm is used to implement the energy control system which manages the power flow between the fuel cell, the motor/generators, and the flywheel. Finally, the vehicle management system defines the operational parameters for both vehicle and energy control systems, based on terrain, traffic conditions, and driver requirements. An overview of the operation of this system is presented together with simulated performance data.