Analysis and Model Validation of the Toyota Prius Prime 2019-01-0369

The Toyota Prius Prime is a new generation of Toyota Prius plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, the electric drive range of which is 25 miles. This version is improved from the previous version by the addition of a one-way clutch between the engine and the planetary gear-set, which enables the generator to add electric propulsive force. The vehicle was analyzed, developed and validated based on test data from Argonne National Laboratory’s Advanced Powertrain Research Facility, where chassis dynamometer set temperature can be controlled in a thermal chamber. First, we analyzed and developed components such as engine, battery, motors, wheels and chassis, including thermal aspects based on test data. By developing models considering thermal aspects, it is possible to simulate the vehicle driving not only in normal temperatures but also in hot, cold, or warmed-up conditions. Next, we analyzed supervisory vehicle control to merge the separately developed vehicle component models in a vehicle simulation model. The supervisory vehicle control includes engine on/off, battery energy management, engine operating conditions, and so on. In particular, we analyzed the control changes according to the warmed-up start and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning operation. We implemented and integrated the analyzed component models in a vehicle simulation model in Autonomie for the Toyota Prius Prime. In most cases, model predictions of fuel economy were within 5% of the experimental value, which is within the range of test-to-test variability. Many of operational signals, including battery state of charge matched well.