Azure Dynamics Corp.

Andrew Zettel

Piotr Drozdz

A method and apparatus for controlling a hybrid vehicle having an auxiliary power unit, at least one energy storage device, at least one electric drive motor for traction, and a controller with associated memory. The method initially involves the steps of acquiring data for the current vehicle operating state for a variable control interval and storing the vehicle operating state data as measured operating state variables. Simulated vehicle operating state data is generated by inputting the measured vehicle operating state variables into a simulation model running on-board in the controller memory. The simulation model is validated for the control interval by comparing simulated vehicle response data generated by the simulation model with corresponding measured operating state variables The measured operating state data is analyzed to predict the vehicle operating state for the next control interval, and a control scheme is generated for optimizing energy management of the auxiliary power unit, the at least one energy storage device and the at least one electric drive motor for the predicted operating state by running the simulation model through various iterations and monitoring the simulated vehicle response data to select the optimal control scheme for the next control interval. Finally, the auxiliary power unit, the at least one energy store device and the at least one electric drive motor are controlled through the controller according to the optimal control scheme for the next control interval. The control method of the present invention adapts to changing driving conditions and component parameter changes.

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Vancouver, Canada

Andrew Zettel