This paper focuses on the development of a braking control strategy that allows the best tradeoff between mechanical and regenerative braking on a hybridized vehicle. The research work is part of a project for the development of an automotive hybridization kit aimed at converting conventional cars into Through The Road hybrid solar vehicles. The main aspect of the project is the integration of state-of-the-art components (i.e. in-wheel motors, photovoltaic panels, batteries) with the development of an optimal controller for power management. A mild parallel hybrid structure is obtained by substituting/integrating the rear wheels with in-wheel motors and adding photovoltaic panels and a lithium-ion battery. A hybridizing equipment prototype, patented by the University of Salerno, is installed on a FIAT Grande Punto. A model useful for real-time braking control has been developed, starting from vehicle longitudinal model and considering dynamic weight distribution in front and rear axles and related wheel slipping effects. Different braking strategies have then been investigated, in order to maximize the benefits of regenerative braking
This paper deals with the development of an automotive hybridization kit (equipment, along with associated techniques and
methodologies), aimed at converting conventional cars into hybrid solar vehicles (Mild-Solar-Hybrid). The main aspect of the
projects consists into the integration of state-of-the-art components (in-wheel motors, photovoltaic panels, batteries), and into the development of an optimal controller for the power management.
A prototype of the hybridizing equipment – patented by the University of Salerno (Italy)- is installed on a FIAT Grande Punto. A
mild parallel hybrid structure is obtained by substituting/integrating the rear wheels with 7kW in-wheel motors and adding a lithium battery to manage on-board energy. Thus, the vehicle can operate in electric mode (when ICE is switched off or disconnected by the front wheels) or in hybrid mode (when the ICE drives the front wheels and the rear in-wheel motors operate in traction mode or in generation mode, corresponding to a positive or negative torque). The battery can be recharged both by rear wheels, when operating in generation mode, and by photovoltaic panels.
The vehicle is also equipped with an EOBD gate (On Board Diagnostics protocol), which allows accessing data such as pedal
position, vehicle speed, engine speed, manifold pressure and other variables. The Vehicle Management Unit (VMU), which is part of the invention and implements control logics compatible with typical drive styles of conventional-car users, receives the data from OBD gate, from battery (SOC estimation) and drives in-wheel motors by properly acting on the electric node.
The paper, focused on the main aspects of prototype design and realization, also provides insights on control issues related to the integration of the above-mentioned components, drivability and safety
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