Multi-objective Optimisation of a Hybrid Electric Vehicle: Drive Train and Driving Strategy

The design of a Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) system is an energy management strategy problem between two sources of power. Traditionally, the drive train has been designed first, and then a driving strategy chosen and sometimes optimised. This paper considers the simultaneous optimisation of both drive train and driving strategy variables of the HEV system through use of a multi-objective evolutionary optimiser. The drive train is well understood. However, the optimal driving strategy to determine efficient and opportune use of each prime mover is subject to the driving cycle (the type of dynamic environment, e.g. urban, highway), and has been shown to depend on the correct selection of the drive train parameters (gear ratios) as well as driving strategy heuristic parameters. In this paper, it is proposed that the overall optimal design problem has to consider multiple objectives, such as fuel consumption, reduction in electrical energy stored, and the 'driveability' of the vehicle. Numerical results shows improvement when considering multiple objectives and simultaneous optimisation of both drive train and driving strategy.