Intelligent Torque Allocation Based Coordinated Switching Strategy for Comfort Enhancement of Hybrid Electric Vehicles

This paper proposes two intelligent torque distribution strategies based on particle swarm optimization (PSO) and fuzzy logic control (FLC) to provide convenient torque allocation that maximizes hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) propulsion power. PSO torque distribution strategy uses torque transfer ratio (TTR) as a fitness function to select the best torque candidates and differential arrangements that maximize HEV propulsion torque. A proposed FLC controller with adequate membership functions is designed to ensure convenient torque vectoring across vehicle wheels. A new coordinated switching strategy is proposed in this paper to address the undesired transient ripples occurring during drivetrain commutations and power source switchings. The proposed coordinated switching strategy controls the switching period duration through transition functions fitting the transient dynamics of power sources. In non-uniform surfaces, intelligent torque allocation strategies converted 84 similar to 86% of the generated torque into propulsion torque whereas the equal torque distribution strategy yielded a torque transfer ratio of 50%. Thanks to the proposed coordinated switching strategy, DC bus voltage ripples were reduced to a narrow band of +/- 5V, transient power ripples were limited to a narrow band of 600 W and torque jerks were almost suppressed. Real-time simulation using the RT LAB platform confirms that the proposed coordinated switching strategy has reduced transient torque overshoot from 69% to almost zero and this is expected to improve HEV driving comfort.

Automated summary

This paper proposes two intelligent torque distribution strategies based on particle swarm optimization and fuzzy logic control to maximize the propulsion power of hybrid electric vehicles. The strategies select the best torque candidates and differential arrangements, and ensure convenient torque vectoring across vehicle wheels. A coordinated switching strategy is also introduced to reduce transient ripples and torque jerks.