Suggested Citation:
Wang, Q. and Andrew A. Frank (2014) Plug-In HEV with CVT: Configuration, Control, and Its Concurrent Multi-Objective Optimization by Evolutionary Algorithm. International Journal of Automotive Technology 15 (1), 103 - 115

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (Plug-in HEV) has dramatic improvements in fuel economy and emission reduction. It is most important to decide its optimal configuration, energy management strategy, powertrain sizes, and control logic parameters. For multi-objective optimization, we present a concurrent optimization methodology based on an optimal Plug-in HEV powertrain configuration with continuous variable transmission (CVT). The novelty is using evolutionary algorithm in conjunction with an instantaneous optimal energy management strategy. Simulation results indicate the proposed method can significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions by simultaneously optimizing the propulsion system parameters as well as the energy control parameters.

Key words: Charge depletion (CD), charge sustaining (CS), concurrent optimization, continuous variable transmission (CVT), fuel efficiency, evolutionary algorithm, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)