Intelligent efficiency mapping of a hybrid electric vehicle starter/alternator using fuzzy logic

Abstract

This paper characterizes the optimum efficiency operating points of an 8 kW hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) starter/alternator, using a fuzzy logic controller for robust, automatic mapping. Hardware-in-the-simulation-loop techniques are presented to tune the fuzzy controller, and an algorithm to predict optimum starter/alternator operating points is developed. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the fuzzy controller, validate model predictions, and indicate the importance of saturation and temperature in assessing starter/alternator efficiency. Vehicular deployment of such a system could be used to maintain maximum starter/alternator efficiency in the HEV.