Nonlinear constrained component optimization for the powertrain configuration of a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle powertrain

Abstract: Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) approach was used to optimize the size of the vehicle powertrain components (e.g. engine power, electric motor power, battery energy capacity) while meeting the critical performance requirements, improving fuel efficiency, and obtaining cost effectiveness for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). Compared with conventional optimization methods, PSO isan efficient and precise optimization method for nonlinear constrained optimization problems.The PHEV powertrain configuration with the optimized components was used to form a new vehicle model using Powertrain System Analysis Toolkit (PSAT). Simulation results show that the vehicle with optimized components using PSO have equivalent operational performance and 30 % improvement on fuel consumption. Key words: plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV); powertrain; optimal component sizing; particle swar