Methods and algorithms in control of hybrid powertrains

The main ambition of this paper is to give an overview of the development of methods and algorithms for an energy-efficient (fuel saving) operation of vehicle power trains. At first general influencing factors of the vehicle’s energy efficiency are analyzed. Beside conventional development objectives like lightweight construction, combustion engine efficiency, air drag reduction two newly considered main energy efficiency influencing factors are the driver behavior and the power train control/ balancing (of hybrid vehicles). Those two factors are investigated within different research projects at the Vehicle Mechatronics Department at Dresden University of Technology. One project presented in this paper aims to develop a prototype driver assistance information system for a fuel-efficient and safe approaching and crossing of vehicles at traffic light controlled intersections by influencing/ informing the driver (chapter 3). The second project deals with the supervisory control of hybrid power train. An overview of control methods and basic design steps for a predictive control scheme of a parallel hybrid power train are given (chapter 4)