Modeling of Thermal Dynamics of a Connected Hybrid Electric Vehicle for Integrated HVAC and Powertrain Optimal Operation

Abstract Integrated energy management across system level components in electric vehicles (EVs) is currently an under-explored space. Opportunity exists to mitigate energy consumption and extend usable range of EVs through optimal control strategies which exploit system dynamics via controls integration of vehicle subsystems. Additionally, information available in connected vehicles like driver schedules, trip duration and ambient conditions can be leveraged to predict the operating conditions for a vehicle when a validated model of the vehicle is known. In this study, data-driven and physics-based models for heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) are developed and utilized along with the vehicle dynamics and powertrain (VD&PT) models for a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV). The integrated HVAC and VD&PT models are then validated against real world data. Next, an integrated relationship between the internal combustion (IC) engine coolant and the cabin electric heater is established and used to promote potential energy savings in cabin heating when the operating schedule is known. Finally, an optimization study is conducted to establish a control strategy which maximizes the HVAC energy efficiency whilst maintaining occupant comfort levels according to ASHRAE standards and improving usable range of the vehicle relative to its baseline calibration.