On the Investigation of Energy Efficient Torque Distribution Strategies through a Comprehensive Powertrain Model

Sara Salamone, Basilio Lenzo, Giovanni Lutzemberger, Francesco Bucchi and Luca Sani
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Sara Salamone: Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Constructions Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy
Basilio Lenzo: Department of Engineering and Mathematics, Sheffield Hallam University, Sheffield S1 1WB, UK
Giovanni Lutzemberger: Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Constructions Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy
Francesco Bucchi: Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy
Luca Sani: Department of Energy, Systems, Territory and Constructions Engineering, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 8, 1-20

Abstract: In electric vehicles with multiple motors, the torque at each wheel can be controlled independently, offering significant opportunities for enhancing vehicle dynamics behaviour and system efficiency. This paper investigates energy efficient torque distribution strategies for improving the operational efficiency of electric vehicles with multiple motors. The proposed strategies are based on the minimisation of power losses, considering the powertrain efficiency characteristics, and are easily implementable in real-time. A longitudinal dynamics vehicle model is developed in Simulink/Simscape environment, including energy models for the electrical machines, the converter, and the energy storage system. The energy efficient torque distribution strategies are compared with simple distribution schemes under different standardised driving cycles. The effect of the different strategies on the powertrain elements, such as the electric machine and the energy storage system, are analysed. Simulation results show that the optimal torque distribution strategies provide a reduction in energy consumption of up to 5.5% for the case-study vehicle compared to simple distribution strategies, also benefiting the battery state of charge.

Keywords: electric vehicles; energy efficiency; torque allocation; 4-wheel drive; power loss minimisation; vehicle energy model (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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