Hybrid storage system management for hybrid electric vehicles under real operating conditions

This study proposes the use and management of hybrid storage systems to power hybrid electric vehicles with the aim of reducing the negative effects of high current values on battery cycling life. Findings derive from a case study on a commercial plug-in hybrid electric vehicle with battery pack operations supported by a Lithium-ion Capacitor module. Specific experimental laboratory activities focused on the parametrization and validation of an equivalent circuit model representing the behavior of Lithium-ion capacitors for integration into the overall vehicle model (designed calibrated and validated on the basis of data from on-board data acquisition and measurement systems). The simulation platform was used to test various energy management strategies for the hybrid storage system supplying the vehicle during real driving cycles characterized by different operating conditions and driving styles. Results highlight the benefits of using the considered management strategies in terms of battery durability, allowing performance comparison for different driving routes and styles.