A multi-objective energy management optimization for a hybrid electric bus covering an urban route

The development of electrified vehicles is a promising step toward energy savings, emissions reduction, environmental protection, and more sustainable economic growth. In the case of hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), the energy management strategy (EMS) is essential for their efficiency and energy consumption. Typically, EMS employs rule-based strategies calibrated to general driving conditions. So, this paper proposes to calibrate the EMS of an urban hybrid electric bus that covers a particular route by taking advantage of past driving information. The EMS computes the percentage of the vehicle power demand that must be supplied by each of the sources (fuel and battery) and also controls the heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system to achieve cabin thermal comfort. The proposed approach is based on employing an optimal solution by dynamic programing in a previous loop covered by the bus in the considered route. Then, the cost-to-go matrix is stored and used in the following trips by applying the one-step look-ahead rollout, taking profit from the similarities of the loops in the route. To compare and evaluate the performance of the proposed algorithm, a benchmark was carried out by employing the widespread equivalent consumption minimization strategy (ECMS) approach, combined with rule-based strategies in the HVAC control system. Finally, the pareto front presents the trade-off between cabin temperature control performance and total fuel consumption, allowing to compare and evaluate the different EMS calibrations.