Multi-fidelity validation algorithm for next generation hybrid-electric vehicle system design

With the evolution of increasingly complex hybrid-electric vehicle powertrains, the process of creating validated system models has become progressively more difficult to achieve. Increasing levels of confidence in how instantaneous vehicle energy states are captured is needed to take full advantage of the fuel consumption and emissions reduction potential of the vehicle to move towards more sustainable transportation systems. While many strategies for model validation exist, the majority rely on ascertaining comparisons with global system characteristics, for instance, total fuel consumption over a fixed driving event. However, these methods do not necessarily account for the rapidly fluctuating energy states which need to be understood to optimise the vehicle’s energy management strategy. The current work proposes a new validation approach which captures these instantaneous characteristics taking advantage of the high signal sampling rates available from modern data acquisition equipment rather than relying on drive cycle average or cumulative global behaviours. The method proposed provides a holistic view of the behaviours demonstrated by the vehicle model and identifies regions of poor system validation targeting areas for further model refinement. The algorithm is demonstrated on a new post-transmission, parallel mild-hybrid-electric bus. The model was developed in the MATLAB Simulink modelling environment. The validation algorithm is tested against vehicle dynamometer and test track data. With an increasing volume of mild and full hybrid vehicle configurations emerging, validation strategies such as the one proposed here are increasingly important for the design of energy management strategies to deliver the full potential benefits of the vehicle. The algorithm is proposed in a step by step method which can be automated to limit required user input.