Integration of WAVE and ADVISOR Simulations for Optimization of a Hybrid Electric Sport Utility Vehicle 2002-01-2856

Two widely available engine and hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) simulation packages have been integrated to reduce fuel consumption and pollutant emissions for a hybrid electric sport utility vehicle. WAVE, a one-dimensional engine analysis tool available from Ricardo Software, was used to model a 2.5L 103 kW Detroit Diesel engine. This model was validated against engine performance and emissions data obtained from testing in a combustion laboratory. ADVISOR, an HEV simulation software developed by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in partnership with the Department of Energy (DOE), was used to model a 2002 Ford Explorer that is being converted into an HEV by the Penn State University FutureTruck team. By integrating the output file from WAVE as the input engine data file for ADVISOR, one can predict the effect of changes in engine parameters on vehicle emissions, fuel consumption, and power requirements for specified drive cycles. This information is used to optimize the HEV configuration (e.g., series versus parallel HEV) and control strategy (e.g., torque required from the IC engine versus the electric motor as a function of driver inputs and vehicle speed) for minimum overall vehicle fuel consumption and pollutant emissions.

This research represents a novel integration and application of two widely available simulation tools to advance the development of hybrid electric vehicles. The research was carried out in support of Penn State's FutureTruck project. FutureTruck is a DOE- and corporate-sponsored competition that challenges teams of students from 15 top North American universities to reengineer a conventional production sport utility vehicle into a low-emissions vehicle with at least 25% higher fuel economy without sacrificing the performance, utility, safety, and affordability that consumers want. Modeling and simulation are playing a key role in meeting these objectives.