Hybrid Electric Vehicle Battery-Ultracapacitor Energy Management System Design and Optimization

Abstract

The widespread use of internal combustion engines (ICEs) to power vehicles has serious negative consequences for the environment and human health. Therefore, for three decades, changes in the automotive industry have been observed aimed at total or partial electrification of vehicle drive systems. The effect of these activities are successively introduced to the consumer market vehicles with hybrid (HEV) and electric (EV) drives. This article proposes an original version of the energy management system in a hybrid vehicle. The capabilities of a hybrid energy storage system (HESS) consisting of batteries and ultracapacitors units were explored through simulation. The most important parameters of the proposed strategy have been optimized. The simulation tests conducted confirmed many benefits of using an additional energy source. The applied changes in the energy management system reduced the level of fuel consumption, the maximum temperature, and the value of the charging and discharging currents of the batteries. This makes it possible to extend the service life of primary energy storage and reduce operating costs. It also has a positive effect on the environment, not only by reducing the emission of harmful effects of combustion but also by reducing the costs of disposal of used batteries.