Nonlinear Model Predictive Control for Heavy-Duty Hybrid Electric Vehicles Using Random Power Prediction Method

A primary challenge to the implementation of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) is the design of the energy management strategy for the vehicle. Most conventional strategies have been designed for passenger vehicles using rule-based or optimization-based control strategies that rely on navigation support; therefore, the optimal performance of heavy-duty HEVs that lack navigation support cannot be achieved using conventional strategies. In this study, we propose a nonlinear model predictive control (NMPC) for heavy-duty HEVs based on a random power prediction method. To obtain the models of multiple power sources, we analyzed the structure and powertrain of the vehicle using mathematical modeling methods. To account for the lack of navigation support, we used the data-driven prediction method by combining the grey model and Markov chain methods to obtain higher-accuracy ultra-short-term power prediction. Considering the predicted disturbance power, we established a multi-objective optimization function with explicit constraints to optimize fuel consumption, bus voltage, and battery state of charge. Under these constraints, a nonlinear programming problem based on the NMPC could be restricted to find an optimal numerical solution in real time. We validated the control strategy on a hardware-in-the-loop simulation platform and compared its results with those obtained using thermostat control, fuzzy, and dynamic programming approaches. The proposed control strategy achieved a considerably better all-round performance than rule-based control strategies; moreover, the results were considerably similar compared with those of offline global optimization strategies. Furthermore, the proposed method achieved excellent real-time operation capability, thereby providing a valuable reference for practical engineering applications.