Hybrid Propulsion Motor Drives Model based on Multi-level Inverters with Optimised Fuel Economy

A parallel hybrid prolusion electric vehicle model is presented with motor drives realised by cascaded H-bridge multilevel inverter modules. Modulation scheme for an 11-level inverter is optimised by minimising total harmonic distortions, switching losses, number of carriers, whilst balancing the state of charge between battery modules. The multilevel inverter model is subsequently integrated into electric motor drives simulations, with variable frequency adjustable speed and regenerative braking scenarios demonstrated using MATLAB Simulink. Manipulating the electric drives with regenerative braking, fuel economy is optimised by keeping the petrol engine operating at a sweet spot, i.e. 70% to 80% of its maximum torque.