Hymotion Prius Model Validation and Control Improvements

Argonne National Laboratory, working with the FreedomCAR and Fuels Partnership, maintains vehicle simulation software: the Powertrain System Analysis Toolkit (PSAT). Because of the importance of component models and the complexity involved in setting up optimized control strategies, the models and controls developed in PSAT require validation. The highly instrumented Toyota Prius, including engine and half-shaft torque sensors, was tested in Argonne’s Advanced Powertrain Research Facilities (APRF) both in its original configuration and with the Hymotion L5 plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) battery pack to provide the data needed for a thorough comparison of model results and test data. This paper first describes the vehicle test results and explains the validation process on the basis of an analysis of the differences between the test and simulation results. Then it demonstrates the validation of the PHEV Hymotion Prius. Finally it assesses the impact of different control strategy options for the PHEV.