Route-dependent power-adapted operation strategies in range extender hybrid vehicles

Restricted battery capacities and long charging times for battery electric vehicles (BEV), range extender vehicles are a good alternative to reach a bigger range. This paper describes how an operation strategy which is adapted to the power requirements of the driving cycle is used to increase the range of range extender hybrid vehicles. Adaptation of the range extender unit´s power output to the momentary performance requirements of the vehicle or reduction of the constant power to a route-specific optimum value allows a significantly bigger range as well as less stress on the battery than a conventional single-point strategy at the efficiency optimum. Moreover, two vehicle configurations are examined. In different driving cycles two operation strategies are examined (constant power supply and variable power supply) and the results are shown in comparison to the single-point operation strategy.