Intelligent Control of the Ohio State University Hybrid-Electric Vehicle

Abstract This paper describes the control strategy chosen for use by the Ohio State University (OSU) parallel hybrid-electric vehicle in the 1997 DOE/USCAR FutureCar Challenge. The OSU vehicle is based on a production mid-size sedan (Chevrolet Lumina), and implements a combustion engine-dominated parallel hybrid strategy. A 1.9-liter turbo-charged direct-injection diesel engine is coupled at the flywheel with a 20-kW peak permanent magnet electric machine. An automated manual transmission is also implemented to permit better fuel economy. The paper describes the vehicle configuration and an intelligent control approach to the management of the dual powertrain. Some experimental results are presented.