The use of computer aided engineering tools in the development of a control strategy for an automotive heat engine/electric hybrid vehicle powertrain

One proposed method of meeting motor vehicle emissions requirements involves the use of batteries and electric motors to supplement the tractive effort of the engine. Such vehicles are known as hybrid vehicles. Whilst a hybrid vehicle is being used, the actions of the engine and the electric motors need to be coordinated so that the requirements of the driver of the vehicle and the emission requirements, in the area in which the vehicle is being used, are met. Clearly, the driver of the vehicle cannot individually control both the engine and the motor, and some form of high level powertrain controller is needed. This controller would issue demand signals to the engine and motor controllers. The purpose of the computer aided engineering tools described in this paper is to provide an environment in which hybrid vehicle powertrain controller concepts can be designed and investigated