The simulation of a novel regenerative braking strategy on front axle for an unaltered mechanical braking system of a conventional vehicle converted into a hybrid vehicle

Regenerative braking is one of the most important features of a hybrid vehicle. Currently used regenerative braking systems add a considerable cost to the vehicle due to the electronics involved. The author presents here a novel method for implementing a regenerative brake strategy without changing the mechanical brake system, i.e., without adding complex electronic systems like ABS, of a low cost conventional vehicle which is converted to a low-cost HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) for front axle applications. The electric braking force is additional to the mechanical braking force applied by friction brakes under normal conditions. In a previous study, a similar strategy was discussed but for application on the rear axle only. This strategy pertains to the regenerative brake force being applied on the front axle of a rear wheel drive vehicle. The strategy is simulated over urban drivecycles and results are compared with NEDC drivecycle. The results show a potential of 30% of brake energy recuperation with the proposed strategy. The study also illustrates the relevance of the strategy to high traffic volume markets with low vehicle speeds.