Optimal Braking Torque Distribution of Dual-Motor Front-Rear Individually Driven Electric-Hydraulic Hybrid Powertrain Based on Minimal Energy Loss

Abstract

Regenerative braking is one of the most important methods for improving energy utilization in electric vehicles. Electric vehicles with front-rear, individually driven configurations exhibit significant potential and flexibility for recovering braking energy. To improve the system’s high-power impact tolerance, a high-power density hydraulic energy storage system can be incorporated to facilitate a full-drive dual-motor electric–hydraulic hybrid (DMEHH) powertrain. The DMEHH system is composed of an independently driven electric–hydraulic hybrid front axle and a purely electric rear axle. In this study, a method for distributing braking torque to minimize energy loss was devised based on the proposed DMEHH powertrain. Power loss models for both the electric and hydraulic subsystems have been developed. Loss minimization control was adapted for the power loss model of the permanent magnet synchronous motors in the powertrain, and the front-rear and front electric–hydraulic torque braking distribution maps were calculated using the energy-loss minimization rule. The application of torque distribution maps resulted in energy losses less than those of the general ideal torque distribution for all braking conditions. The energy loss decreased by 27.2% when the loss minimization control method was used in the WLTC cycle, and decreased by 29.1%, 25.5%, and 21.6% in UDDS, NEDC, and US06 driving cycles, respectively.