Farrall, Simon David (1993) A study in the use of fuzzy logic in the management of an automotive heat engine / electric hybrid vehicle powertrain. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This thesis addresses the problem of the instant-by-instant control of the powertrain of a hybrid heat engine/electric vehicle. In the absence of a prototype vehicle on which the work could be carried out the work has taken the form of computer simulation experiments.

In order to develop the powertrain control strategies, a computer model of a conceptual hybrid vehicle is then developed, containing components from real, production and prototype vehicles. The use of this component based modelling approach allows the models to be validated by comparing their predictions with the performance of the real vehicles in which the components are used.

The previous work conducted in the field of hybrid vehicle powertrain control is then reviewed. It is found that fuzzy logic could potentially provide a means of controlling the hybrid powertrain in a realistic manner, in which some of the disadvantages of previous hybrid powertrain control strategies could be overcome. The results of initial simulation experiments are then reported, finding that whilst the basic method appears to have the potential to successfully control the powertrain, there is a need for an adaptive fuzzy powertrain controller.

A review is then presented of previous work conducted in the field of adaptive fuzzy control, finding that none of the reported adaptive fuzzy control methods are capable of being easily applied in the case of the hybrid powertrain. An adaptive fuzzy controller is then developed, whose rule modification strategy is specifically designed to work in the hybrid powertrain control problem.

This initial adaptive powertrain controller is then modified to improve its ability to control the overall performance of a hybrid vehicle, whilst maintaining vehicle driveability. It is found that this controller is able to adapt to the different driving styles of individual vehicle users within the space of a few simulated urban journeys.

Experiments are then performed in which improvements in the overall efficiency of the vehicle powertrain are investigated. It is found that significant improvements in the operation of the powertrain are impossible, due to some of the features of the vehicle model and constraints placed upon the control strategy.

Conclusions are then drawn, for the work done in the field of hybrid vehicle powertrain control and, also, for the work done in adaptive methods of fuzzy control. The most significant contribution in the field of hybrid powertrain control is the development of a controller that can adapt to the habits of different users. The most significant contribution in the field of fuzzy control is the form of the basic hybrid powertrain controller and the use of small fuzzy controllers in the powertrain controller adaptation strategy.

Item Type:	Thesis (PhD)
Subjects:	Q Science > QA Mathematics T Technology > TJ Mechanical engineering and machinery T Technology > TL Motor vehicles. Aeronautics. Astronautics
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Fuzzy logic , Fuzzy systems, Fuzzy logic -- Industrial applications , Automobiles -- Design and construction -- Computer simulation, Electric vehicles -- Design and construction -- Computer simulation , Automatic control, Control theory
Official Date:	1993
Dates:	Date Event 1993 UNSPECIFIED
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	Department of Engineering
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Supervisor(s)/Advisor:	Jones, R. P. ; Corbett, A. E.
Sponsors:	Rover Group (Firm)
Extent:	xi, 304 leaves : illustrations
Language:	eng

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