Design and optimization of a fuzzy-rule based hybrid electric vehicle controller

The economical and regulatory pressures place on the automotive industry to develop vehicles with increased fuel efficiency will continue to grow over the coming decade. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) represent a solution which has received a large degree of interest from government, academia, and automotive manufacturers. This paper studies the potential of using a fuzzy logic controller to optimize the control and calibration of a HEV. Competitive control strategies were reviewed and a fuzzy controller was identified as a strong candidate for reducing fuel consumption. A fuzzy controller was developed and implemented in a MATLAB/Simulink-based simulation platform. The controller was calibrated to optimize the fuel efficiency and emissions of a Toyota Prius power-split hybrid. The results were analyzed and compared against reported data from the actual vehicle.