Novel Energy Management Scheme for a Permanent Magnet Electric Drive-Based Hybrid Vehicle Using Model Predictive Control

Abstract

The present work deals with the design of a traction system for a hybrid vehicle using a PMSM-type motor, including an energy regeneration stage, using a Neutral Point Piloted (NPP) inverter. Optimal operation allows the motor to be supplied in the traction stage with the correct energy in such a way that it operates properly; on the other hand, during braking, it facilitates the transfer of energy in regenerative mode to the DC bus, storing the greatest amount of energy in the storage elements, which, in this case, refers to a battery bank. It also includes a DC-DC bidirectional boost interleaved converter to regulate the DC voltage levels both in traction and in braking. Its fundamental characteristic is that with a reduced number of switching devices, it allows for the reduction in DC voltage of the DC bus with adequate characteristics, constant and stable, regardless of abrupt changes in the output voltage reference value. Also, other features include oscillation control, that is, reducing or increasing oscillations according to operating conditions. Its transient operation is excellent, since the settling time is considerably reduced, which implies that the voltage of the DC bus does not cause mishaps in the operation of the motor. In its operation as a boost converter, in the event of any voltage value of the DC bus, the converter raises the voltage value according to the reference conditions. Similarly, control allows the voltage to be held at a stable value regardless of changes in the set point. This work presents a novel energy management scheme for permanent magnet electric drive based on a Model Predictive Control strategy, thus contributing to the effective energy management of a standard hybrid electric vehicle driving cycle. Results obtained using a real-time Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) platform showed the effectiveness of Model Predictive Control in dealing with power flow management while ensuring control of electric drive in all the required speed–torque profiles.