Hybrid Electric Vehicles, 2nd Edition

14Modeling and Simulation of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles*

14.1 Introduction

Compared to conventional vehicles, there are more electrical components used in electric, hybrid, and fuel cell vehicles, such as electric machines, power electronics, electronic continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), and embedded powertrain controllers [1, 2]. Advanced energy storage devices and energy converters, such as Li‐ion batteries, ultracapacitors (UCs), and fuel cells are introduced in the next‐generation powertrains. In addition to these electrification components or subsystems, conventional internal combustion engines (ICEs), mechanical systems, and hydraulic systems may still be present. The dynamic interactions between the various components and the multidisciplinary nature make it difficult to analyze a newly designed hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). Each of the design parameters must be carefully chosen for better fuel economy, enhanced safety, optimum drivability, and a competitive dynamic performance – all at a price acceptable to the consumer market. Prototyping and testing each design combination is cumbersome, expensive, and time‐consuming. Modeling and simulation are indispensable for concept evaluation, prototyping, and analysis of HEVs. This is particularly true when novel hybrid powertrain configurations and controllers are developed.

Furthermore, the complexity of new powertrain designs and their dependence on embedded software are a cause for concern among automotive research ...