<p>This thesis is an approach to improve a two-mode hybrid electric vehicle, which is currently under development by GM, with respect to fuel consumption. The study is not only restricted to the specific two-mode HEV but also presents results regarding parallel as well as serial HEV’s. GM whishes to verify if the online-based controller in the prototype vehicle utilizes the most of the HEV ability and if there is more potential to lower the fuel consumption. The purpose is that the results and conclusions from this work are to be implemented in the controller to further improve the vehicle’s performance. To analyze the behavior of the two-mode HEV and to see where improvements can be made, models of its driveline and components are developed with a focuson losses and efficiency. The models are implemented in MATLAB together with an optimization algorithm based on Dynamic Programming. The models are validated against data retrieved from the prototype vehicle and various cases with different inputs is set up and optimized over the NEDC cycle. Compensation for cold starts and NOx emissions are also implemented in the final model. Deliberate simplifications are made regarding the modeling of the power split’s functionality due to the limited amount of time available for this thesis. The optimizations show that there is potential to lower the fuel consumptionfor the two-mode HEV. The results are further analyzed and the behavior of the engine, motors/generators and battery are compared with recorded data from a prototype vehicle and summarized to a list of suggestions to improve fuel economy.</p>

This thesis is an approach to improve a two-mode hybrid electric vehicle, which is currently under development by GM, with respect to fuel consumption. The study is not only restricted to the specific two-mode HEV but also presents results regarding parallel as well as serial HEV’s. GM whishes to verify if the online-based controller in the prototype vehicle utilizes the most of the HEV ability and if there is more potential to lower the fuel consumption. The purpose is that the results and conclusions from this work are to be implemented in the controller to further improve the vehicle’s performance. To analyze the behavior of the two-mode HEV and to see where improvements can be made, models of its driveline and components are developed with a focuson losses and efficiency. The models are implemented in MATLAB together with an optimization algorithm based on Dynamic Programming. The models are validated against data retrieved from the prototype vehicle and various cases with different inputs is set up and optimized over the NEDC cycle. Compensation for cold starts and NOx emissions are also implemented in the final model. Deliberate simplifications are made regarding the modeling of the power split’s functionality due to the limited amount of time available for this thesis. The optimizations show that there is potential to lower the fuel consumptionfor the two-mode HEV. The results are further analyzed and the behavior of the engine, motors/generators and battery are compared with recorded data from a prototype vehicle and summarized to a list of suggestions to improve fuel economy.