Assessing the potential of predictive control for hybrid vehicle powertrains using stochastic dynamic programming

The potential for reduced fuel consumption of hybrid electric vehicles by the use of predictive powertrain control was assessed. The predictive control was based on information supplied by the vehicle navigation system. The assessment was done by evaluating the fuel consumption using three optimal controllers, each with a different level of information access to the driven route. The results indicate that, for an urban route with varying topography, the use of predictive control can significantly reduce the fuel consumption.