Extended fuzzy c-means and genetic algorithms to optimize power flow management in hybrid electric vehicles

Most of the features of the future hybrid electric vehicles are enabled by a new energy flow management unit designed to split the instantaneous power demand between the internal combustion engine and the electric motor, ensuring both an efficient power supply and a reduced emission. Classic approaches that rely on static thresholds, optimized on a fixed drive cycle, cannot face the high dynamicity and unpredictability of real-life drive conditions. The proposed approach exploits a fuzzy clustering criterion that combined with a genetic algorithm, permits to achieve better results, both in terms of a reduced computational effort and an improved efficiency of the control system over various driving cycles.