A traction control strategy with an efficiency model in a distributed driving electric vehicle

Area of Science:

• Automotive Engineering
• Control Systems
• Sustainable Transportation

Background:

• Vehicle safety and fuel efficiency are critical concerns in automotive development.
• Distributed drive electric vehicles (DD-EVs) present unique challenges and opportunities for control strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an integrated traction control strategy for DD-EVs that enhances both active safety and fuel economy.
• To optimize vehicle performance across various driving conditions and road surfaces.

Main Methods:

• Implemented a sliding mode control (SMC) algorithm for antislip control during emergency situations, maintaining wheel slip ratios below 20%.
• Developed an offline efficiency model optimized within a 2D design space (acceleration pedal signal and vehicle speed) for typical driving cycles.
• Simulated the SMC strategy on joint roads and the efficiency model on typical drive cycles.

Main Results:

• The proposed driving control approach demonstrated applicability across different road surfaces.
• The system effectively maintained wheel slip ratios within a stable zone, ensuring antilock braking system (ABS) functionality.
• Significant improvements in fuel economy were achieved while adhering to driver's intended acceleration.

Conclusions:

• The integrated traction control and efficiency model strategy offers a promising solution for improving DD-EV performance.
• The approach successfully balances the critical requirements of active safety and fuel economy.
• The methodology provides a robust framework for optimizing electric vehicle control systems.