# Mathematical Methods Applied to Economy Optimization of an Electric Vehicle with Distributed Power Train System

Authors: Binbin Sun; Song Gao; Chao Ma
Journal: Mathematical Problems in Engineering
 (2016)

---

## Abstract

This research presents mathematical methods to develop a high-efficiency power train system for a microelectric vehicle (MEV). First of all, to get the optimal ratios of a two-speed gearbox, the functional relationship of energy consumption and transmissions is established using the design of experiment (DOE) and min-max fitting distance methods. The convex characteristic of the model and the main and interactive effects of transmissions on energy consumption are revealed and hill-climbing method is adopted to search the optimal ratios. Then, to develop an efficient and real-time drive strategy, an optimization program is proposed including shift schedule, switch law, and power distribution optimization. Particularly, to construct a mathematical predictive distribution model, firstly Latin hypercube design (LHD) method is adopted to generate random and discrete operations of the MEV; secondly the optimal power distribution coefficients under various LHD points are confirmed based on offline genetic algorithm (GA); then Gauss radial basis function (RBF) is utilized to solve the low-precision problem in polynomial model. Finally, simulation verifications of the optimized scheme are carried out. Results show that the proposed mathematical methods for the optimizations of transmissions and drive strategy are able to establish a high-efficiency power train system.


---

## Body

## 1. Introduction

Facing the challenges of world fossil energy crisis and environmental pollution, great efforts have been made to develop various motor drive train systems to substitute internal combustion engine [1]. MEV, since the advantage of lightweight body, has higher energy efficiency and lower requirement for battery capacity. Therefore, pending the solutions of high cost and low specific capacity of battery, MEV shares a higher market maintenance in many countries [2, 3].Due to the limited layout space, drive train configuration with single motor and settled transmission (SMST) is the most commonly used scheme in MEV [4]. In order to meet the design requirements of acceleration and maximum speed in electric vehicle industry, motor with higher power is required in this configuration; however it may lead MEV working under low-load conditions frequently and thus cause negative influence on vehicle economy. Therefore, great efforts have been made to develop feasible and energy-saving drive schemes for MEV.In-wheel motor driving configuration [5], acquiring small layout space and simultaneously showing good economy performance, has attracted a great deal of attention. Plentiful achievements have been obtained on dynamics and structure optimization, integrated control, and speed differential control [6]. But as the challenges of system reliability and stability are still unsettled [7], it is still quite difficult to popularize engineering application of this technology.Configuration with single motor and two-speed transmissions (SMTST) [8, 9] offers potential for system efficiency improvement owing to the controllable gear ratio. Studies on gear train design, gear shift control, and ratio optimization have been carried out [10–12]. Results have confirmed the benefits of the SMTST scheme on economy improvement. But there is still much more potential to be excavated in this configuration for system efficiency optimization by using distributed scheme [13].In consideration of both the layout space and system reliability of MEV, based on the traditional distributed drive train configuration [14–17], a special power train system is proposed in this paper, which consists of a small permanent magnetic synchronous motor (PMSM) with two-speed transmission in rear shaft and a high power induction motor (IM) with one-speed gearbox in front shaft. For this dual-motor-and-variable-transmission (DMVT) configuration, to seek the optimal gear ratios and drive strategy are the keys to achieving high-efficiency operation of the MEV.Currently, intelligent algorithms, such as dynamic programming (DP) and GA, are the most common methods to optimize transmissions [4, 18]. These methods mainly concentrate on the optimal solution while neglecting the recessive relationship of transmissions and EV economy. As for power distribution optimization for the multimotor drive train system, strategy based on unchangeable or fuzzy rule is an effective method to achieve real-time control but has a relatively low-efficiency problem in the meantime [19–21]. On the contrary, intelligent optimizations are capable of finding the optimal result, while they cannot meet the requirement of real-time control [22–24]. Moreover, for the DMVT scheme, there is still a lack of optimum synthesis of the entire drive system at present, where power distribution strategy may interact with shift schedule and switch law of the single high or single small motor drive mode (SHMDM or SSMDM).This paper therefore proposes mathematical methods for optimizing the DMVT system. On one hand, different from the traditional methods, a predictive model of energy consumption (E
d
i
s) as function of gear ratios (i
1, i
2) is proposed. To establish this mathematical model, firstly, design of experiment (DOE) is used for the level design of ratios. Secondly, based on the DOE points, the numerical model of E
d
i
s is created aiming at the best drive efficiency. Then, min-max distance method is suggested instead of the traditional least squares method. Finally, the characteristic of the mathematical model and the main and interactive effects of transmissions on E
d
i
s are researched and hill-climbing method is utilized to search the best i
1 and i
2.On the other hand, in order to create a real-time and efficient drive strategy, an offline optimization program with multiple subroutines is designed. Particularly, in contrast with the traditional rule-based distribution method, a mathematical predictive distribution model is proposed. Firstly, to meet the random characteristic of the MEV operations, Latin hypercube design (LHD) is adopted to generate experimental combinations of vehicle velocity (V), power demand (P
d), and state of charge (SOC). Then, an offline GA with penalty function is adopted to search the optimal distribution coefficients under the various LHD points, aiming at the least energy consumption of battery while taking overload punishment in consideration. In addition, to ensure the predictive precision, Gauss radial basis function (RBF) is used to fit the optimal data.Finally, the optimized scheme based on mathematical methods is discussed and verified by simulation method in J1015 drive cycle, which is used for vehicle test under unban cycle conditions.


## 2. Configuration of the MEV

As shown in Figure1, the distributed power train configuration offers great flexibility and potential for optimized design. Based on the sampling signals, which are V from wheel speed sensor (WSS), torque demand (T
d) from acceleration pedal (AP), and SOC from battery management system (BMS), vehicle control unit (VCU) makes strategic decisions to achieve shift control, and torque distribution for the front and rear transmission and differential systems (FTD and RTD). Motor control units 1 and 2 (MCU1 and MCU2) are utilized to control the rear and front motor independently. The two automatic clutches (AC) in rear shaft are used to control shift.Figure 1
Power train system of the DMVT-EV.As the marked characteristics of unban drive conditions are low vehicle velocity and low workload, a small power PMSM is deposed in rear shaft to take advantage of the PMSM efficiency characteristic that can generate torque efficiently in low-speed regions. Furthermore, a two-speed gearbox is attached to the PMSM to expand the high- efficiency-working-condition scope. A high power IM with one-speed gearbox is equipped on the front-wheel side to make use of the IM efficiency characteristic that can generate torque efficiently at high speed. On the other hand, high power motor can maintain normal running of the MEV under overload conditions. The specific parameters of the two motors are presented in Table1.Table 1
Motor performance for the DMVT-EV.
Items
Small power motor
High power motor
Nominal power
10 kW
15 kW
Pear power
20 kW
30 kW
Nominal speed
3200 r/min
3000 r/min
Peak speed
7000 r/min
6500 r/min
Peak torque
65
95.5
Motor type
PMSM
IMAs shown in Table2, according to the MEV velocity and power demand, this configuration can provide five driving modes, which increases the availability of efficient operations in unban drive cycle. However, the optimal ratios of the two-speed gearbox and the efficient and real-time drive strategy are still not confirmed. Optimized design based on mathematical methods for the 1st and 2nd gear ratio and driving strategy are the keys in this study.Table 2
Available drive modes of the DMVT-EV.
Drive mode
Front power train
Rear power train
Application
1
Motor off
Motor on+1st shift
Low velocity, middle load
2
Motor off
Motor on+2nd shift
Middle velocity, low load
3
Motor on
Off
Middle-to-high velocity, middle load
4
Motor on
Motor on+1st shift
Low-to-middle velocity, high load
5
Motor on
Motor on+2nd shift
Middle-to-high velocity, high load


## 3. The Mathematical Model of Energy Consumption

Figure2 shows the route for establishing the mathematical predictive model of energy consumption (E
d
i
s) as function of transmissions (i
1, i
2). The design process consists of variables design using the method of DOE, problems formulation aiming at the least energy consumption, and modelling of the energy consumption based on min-max fitting distance method.Figure 2
Route for establishing the mathematical model of energy consumption.T
d: vehicle torque demand; η
m
c: motor efficiency.


### 3.1. Variables Design

First of all, the first shift ratio (i
1) of the small power drive train system should meet part of the peak torque demand on the maximum ascendable road grade, as shown in the following formula:(1)
i
1
≥
k
r
G
f
cos
⁡
α
m
a
x
+
G
sin
⁡
α
m
a
x
+
C
D
A
V
2
/
21.15
T
s
m
a
x
,where k is the proportion of the maximum torque demand that the small power motor should provide; r represents wheel radius; G is the total weight of the MEV; f is the coefficient of rolling resistance; α
m
a
x is the maximum grade angle; V is vehicle velocity; T
s
m
a
x is the peak torque of the small power motor; C
D is coefficient of air resistance; A is the area of the MEV section surface.Secondly, in order to satisfy the maximum velocity of the MEV, the second shift ratio (i
2) of the small power drive train should be subject to the following inequality constraint:(2)
i
2
≤
0.377
r
N
s
m
a
x
V
m
a
x
,where V
m
a
x means the maximum velocity of the MEV and N
s
m
a
x is the peak speed of the small power motor.Finally, as it is unpractical to obtain the effect of every possible gear ratio combination on the battery energy consumption, LDH method is used to design as few experiment points as possible while it can represent the characteristic of the possible combinations according to the constrains ofi
1 and i
2 proposed above. The designed points based on LHD are shown in the following formula:(3)
X
→
=
i
11
i
21
⋮
⋮
i
1
k
i
2
k
⋮
⋮
i
1
m
i
2
m
=
8.9784
4.4475
⋮
⋮
12.0863
4.5745
⋮
⋮
12.0216
5.0824
.


### 3.2. Problem Formulations

First of all, as the small power drive system is designed to achieve higher vehicle economy under low-to-middle velocity and workload conditions, the sampling intervals ofV and T
d are constrained by 0–45 km/h and 0–200 N·m, respectively. Then, according to (4), the wheel torque demand and vehicle power demand under J1015 drive cycle can be confirmed as follows:(4)
T
d
j
=
G
f
+
C
D
A
V
j
2
21.15
+
δ
m
V
j
-
V
j
-
1
Δ
t
r
,
P
d
j
=
T
d
j
V
j
3600
r
,where T
d
j is the wheel torque demand under the number j sampling point of the J1015 cycle; Δ
t is the sampling period; m is the vehicle mass; δ is the rotational inertia coefficient; P
d
j is the vehicle power demand under the number j sampling point of the J1015 cycle.Secondly, for the numberk LHD point, according to mechanical system equations, the motor rotate speed, torque, and efficiency under the number j cycle condition are obtained as follows:(5)
N
1
s
t
_
j
k
=
i
1
k
V
j
0.377
r
,
N
2
n
d
_
j
k
=
i
2
k
V
j
0.377
r
,
T
1
s
t
_
j
k
=
T
d
j
η
T
i
1
k
,
T
2
n
d
_
j
k
=
T
d
j
η
T
i
2
k
,where η
T is the transfer efficiency of the mechanical drive system; N
1
s
t
_
j
k, T
1
s
t
_
j
k, N
2
n
d
_
j
k, and T
2
n
d
_
j
k are motor speed and torque of the number k LHD point in 1st and 2nd shift under number j cycle point, which affect the drive efficiency of the small motor in 1st or 2nd shift as shown in (6) and Figure 3. Figure 3 shows the efficiency of the small power motor as function of speed and torque measured by motor test:(6)
η
1
s
t
_
j
k
=
f
N
1
s
t
_
j
k
,
T
1
s
t
_
j
k
,
η
2
n
d
_
j
k
=
f
N
2
n
d
_
j
k
,
T
2
n
d
_
j
k
,where η
1
s
t
_
j
k, η
2
n
d
_
j
k represent motor efficiency of the number k LHD point in 1st and 2nd shift under number j cycle point.Figure 3
Efficiency of the small power motor as function of speed and torque.Then, according to the peak performances of the two motors, which are the maximum speed of the small power motor (N
s
m
a
x) and the pear torque of the high power motor (T
h
m
a
x), the minimum energy consumption of the number k LHD point under number j drive condition can be obtained as shown in Figure 4. Penalty coefficient (Λ
j
k), a relatively small constant, is used when the motors are unable to function well under number k LHD point. η
b
j
k is the discharge efficiency of the battery relating to discharge current (i
d
i
s) and SOC, which has been measured by battery test as shown in Figure 5. Furthermore, the i
d
i
s and SOC can be obtained based on (7)
i
d
i
s
=
T
d
j
V
j
m
a
x
η
1
s
t
_
j
k
,
η
2
n
d
_
j
k
U
o
c
,
S
O
C
=
S
O
C
0
-
∫
i
d
i
s
d
t
C
m
a
x
,where S
O
C
0 is the initial state of SOC; C
m
a
x is the maximum capacity of the battery; U
o
c is the open circuit voltage of the battery.Figure 4
Stream for calculating energy consumption.Figure 5
Efficiency of the battery as function of discharge current and SOC.Finally, the minimum energy consumption of the numberk LHD points under J1015 drive cycle is confirmed as shown in the following formula:(8)
E
d
i
s
k
=
∑
j
=
1
N
E
j
k
,where N is the number of the sample points.


### 3.3. Mathematical Model for Energy Consumption

According to the processes mentioned above, the energy combustion vector containing each LHD point can be determined as follows:(9)
Y
→
=
E
d
i
s
1
E
d
i
s
2
⋮
E
d
i
s
m
.Suppose the mathematical model of the input factors (i
1, i
2) and out response (E
d
i
s) is a high-degree polynomial, taking sixth-degree polynomial as example as shown in formula (11). Currently, least squares method is most commonly used to obtain the formula coefficients but may have singular matrix problem. Furthermore, it is difficult to conduct significance test of the high-degree polynomial based on least squares method. Given the above analysis, a liner model is proposed as follows: (10)
y
^
x
k
→
,
α
→
=
∑
i
=
0
n
-
1
α
i
x
i
,
(11)
x
0
=
1
,
x
1
=
i
1
,
x
2
=
i
2
,
x
3
=
i
1
2
,
x
4
=
i
2
2
,
x
5
=
i
1
i
2
2
,
x
6
=
i
1
3
,
x
7
=
i
2
3
,
⋮
x
9
=
i
1
2
i
2
,
x
10
=
i
1
4
,
x
11
=
i
2
4
,
⋮
x
14
=
i
1
3
i
2
,
x
15
=
i
1
5
,
x
16
=
i
2
5
,
⋮
x
20
=
i
1
4
i
2
,
x
21
=
i
1
6
,
x
22
=
i
2
6
,
⋮
x
27
=
i
1
5
i
2
,where y
^
x
k
→
,
α
→ is the predictive energy consumption of the number k LHD point; x
k
→ is the vector of the number k LHD point; α
i is the equation coefficients required to be solved according to the following optimization model:(12)
Find:
α
→
∈
E
k
→
Minimize:
ξ
=
m
a
x
y
^
x
k
→
,
α
→
-
y
k
Satisfy:
-
ξ
-
∑
i
=
0
i
=
27
α
i
x
i
k
≤
-
y
k
-
ξ
+
∑
i
=
0
i
=
27
α
i
x
i
k
≤
y
k
ξ
≥
0
,where y
k is the actual energy consumption of the number k LHD point.In order to get a regression model in the form of standard liner program, (13) is utilized to substitute α
i as follows:(13)
α
i
=
β
i
-
λ
i
,
β
i
≥
0
,
λ
i
≥
0
.Bring the LHD points into the formulas and a standard liner program of the regression model is established as follows:(14)
Find:
β
→
,
λ
→
∈
E
k
→
Minimize:
ξ
=
m
a
x
y
^
x
k
→
,
α
→
-
y
k
Satisfy:
A
→
U
→
≤
Y
1
→
U
→
≥
0
,where U
→, Y
1
→, and A
→ are(15)
U
→
=
ξ
β
0
β
1
⋯
β
27
λ
0
λ
1
⋯
λ
27
′
Y
1
→
=
-
Y
→
Y
→
′
A
→
=
-
I
→
-
X
→
X
→
-
I
→
X
→
-
X
→
I
→
=
1
1
⋯
1
′
X
→
=
x
0
1
x
1
1
⋯
x
27
1
⋮
⋮
x
0
N
x
1
N
⋯
x
27
N
.As nonsignificant component in the mathematical model may cause adverse impact on the model complexity and ill-posed probability, progressive regression analysis is suggested to achieve the reduction of the model dimension [25]. Finally, the mathematical predictive energy consumption model, as function of the two-speed ratios, is obtained as shown in the following formula: (16)
E
^
d
i
s
=
-
1664.6817
+
697.12137
i
1
+
2135.7074
i
2
-
735.1532
i
1
i
2
-
329.6006
i
2
2
-
12.231346
i
1
3
+
77.557368
i
1
2
i
2
+
129.0122
i
1
i
2
2
+
1.04928
i
1
4
-
1.391006
i
1
3
i
2
-
18.18846
i
1
2
i
2
2
-
0.028062
i
1
5
-
0.106105
i
1
4
i
2
+
0.60974
i
1
3
i
2
2
+
1.246804
i
1
2
i
2
3
-
1.481546
i
1
i
2
4
+
0.676546
i
2
5
+
0.0050322
i
1
5
i
2
-
0.0140566
i
1
4
i
2
2
-
0.0660401
i
1
2
i
2
4
+
0.12317
i
1
i
2
5
-
0.0695209
i
2
6
.


## 3.1. Variables Design

First of all, the first shift ratio (i
1) of the small power drive train system should meet part of the peak torque demand on the maximum ascendable road grade, as shown in the following formula:(1)
i
1
≥
k
r
G
f
cos
⁡
α
m
a
x
+
G
sin
⁡
α
m
a
x
+
C
D
A
V
2
/
21.15
T
s
m
a
x
,where k is the proportion of the maximum torque demand that the small power motor should provide; r represents wheel radius; G is the total weight of the MEV; f is the coefficient of rolling resistance; α
m
a
x is the maximum grade angle; V is vehicle velocity; T
s
m
a
x is the peak torque of the small power motor; C
D is coefficient of air resistance; A is the area of the MEV section surface.Secondly, in order to satisfy the maximum velocity of the MEV, the second shift ratio (i
2) of the small power drive train should be subject to the following inequality constraint:(2)
i
2
≤
0.377
r
N
s
m
a
x
V
m
a
x
,where V
m
a
x means the maximum velocity of the MEV and N
s
m
a
x is the peak speed of the small power motor.Finally, as it is unpractical to obtain the effect of every possible gear ratio combination on the battery energy consumption, LDH method is used to design as few experiment points as possible while it can represent the characteristic of the possible combinations according to the constrains ofi
1 and i
2 proposed above. The designed points based on LHD are shown in the following formula:(3)
X
→
=
i
11
i
21
⋮
⋮
i
1
k
i
2
k
⋮
⋮
i
1
m
i
2
m
=
8.9784
4.4475
⋮
⋮
12.0863
4.5745
⋮
⋮
12.0216
5.0824
.


## 3.2. Problem Formulations

First of all, as the small power drive system is designed to achieve higher vehicle economy under low-to-middle velocity and workload conditions, the sampling intervals ofV and T
d are constrained by 0–45 km/h and 0–200 N·m, respectively. Then, according to (4), the wheel torque demand and vehicle power demand under J1015 drive cycle can be confirmed as follows:(4)
T
d
j
=
G
f
+
C
D
A
V
j
2
21.15
+
δ
m
V
j
-
V
j
-
1
Δ
t
r
,
P
d
j
=
T
d
j
V
j
3600
r
,where T
d
j is the wheel torque demand under the number j sampling point of the J1015 cycle; Δ
t is the sampling period; m is the vehicle mass; δ is the rotational inertia coefficient; P
d
j is the vehicle power demand under the number j sampling point of the J1015 cycle.Secondly, for the numberk LHD point, according to mechanical system equations, the motor rotate speed, torque, and efficiency under the number j cycle condition are obtained as follows:(5)
N
1
s
t
_
j
k
=
i
1
k
V
j
0.377
r
,
N
2
n
d
_
j
k
=
i
2
k
V
j
0.377
r
,
T
1
s
t
_
j
k
=
T
d
j
η
T
i
1
k
,
T
2
n
d
_
j
k
=
T
d
j
η
T
i
2
k
,where η
T is the transfer efficiency of the mechanical drive system; N
1
s
t
_
j
k, T
1
s
t
_
j
k, N
2
n
d
_
j
k, and T
2
n
d
_
j
k are motor speed and torque of the number k LHD point in 1st and 2nd shift under number j cycle point, which affect the drive efficiency of the small motor in 1st or 2nd shift as shown in (6) and Figure 3. Figure 3 shows the efficiency of the small power motor as function of speed and torque measured by motor test:(6)
η
1
s
t
_
j
k
=
f
N
1
s
t
_
j
k
,
T
1
s
t
_
j
k
,
η
2
n
d
_
j
k
=
f
N
2
n
d
_
j
k
,
T
2
n
d
_
j
k
,where η
1
s
t
_
j
k, η
2
n
d
_
j
k represent motor efficiency of the number k LHD point in 1st and 2nd shift under number j cycle point.Figure 3
Efficiency of the small power motor as function of speed and torque.Then, according to the peak performances of the two motors, which are the maximum speed of the small power motor (N
s
m
a
x) and the pear torque of the high power motor (T
h
m
a
x), the minimum energy consumption of the number k LHD point under number j drive condition can be obtained as shown in Figure 4. Penalty coefficient (Λ
j
k), a relatively small constant, is used when the motors are unable to function well under number k LHD point. η
b
j
k is the discharge efficiency of the battery relating to discharge current (i
d
i
s) and SOC, which has been measured by battery test as shown in Figure 5. Furthermore, the i
d
i
s and SOC can be obtained based on (7)
i
d
i
s
=
T
d
j
V
j
m
a
x
η
1
s
t
_
j
k
,
η
2
n
d
_
j
k
U
o
c
,
S
O
C
=
S
O
C
0
-
∫
i
d
i
s
d
t
C
m
a
x
,where S
O
C
0 is the initial state of SOC; C
m
a
x is the maximum capacity of the battery; U
o
c is the open circuit voltage of the battery.Figure 4
Stream for calculating energy consumption.Figure 5
Efficiency of the battery as function of discharge current and SOC.Finally, the minimum energy consumption of the numberk LHD points under J1015 drive cycle is confirmed as shown in the following formula:(8)
E
d
i
s
k
=
∑
j
=
1
N
E
j
k
,where N is the number of the sample points.


## 3.3. Mathematical Model for Energy Consumption

According to the processes mentioned above, the energy combustion vector containing each LHD point can be determined as follows:(9)
Y
→
=
E
d
i
s
1
E
d
i
s
2
⋮
E
d
i
s
m
.Suppose the mathematical model of the input factors (i
1, i
2) and out response (E
d
i
s) is a high-degree polynomial, taking sixth-degree polynomial as example as shown in formula (11). Currently, least squares method is most commonly used to obtain the formula coefficients but may have singular matrix problem. Furthermore, it is difficult to conduct significance test of the high-degree polynomial based on least squares method. Given the above analysis, a liner model is proposed as follows: (10)
y
^
x
k
→
,
α
→
=
∑
i
=
0
n
-
1
α
i
x
i
,
(11)
x
0
=
1
,
x
1
=
i
1
,
x
2
=
i
2
,
x
3
=
i
1
2
,
x
4
=
i
2
2
,
x
5
=
i
1
i
2
2
,
x
6
=
i
1
3
,
x
7
=
i
2
3
,
⋮
x
9
=
i
1
2
i
2
,
x
10
=
i
1
4
,
x
11
=
i
2
4
,
⋮
x
14
=
i
1
3
i
2
,
x
15
=
i
1
5
,
x
16
=
i
2
5
,
⋮
x
20
=
i
1
4
i
2
,
x
21
=
i
1
6
,
x
22
=
i
2
6
,
⋮
x
27
=
i
1
5
i
2
,where y
^
x
k
→
,
α
→ is the predictive energy consumption of the number k LHD point; x
k
→ is the vector of the number k LHD point; α
i is the equation coefficients required to be solved according to the following optimization model:(12)
Find:
α
→
∈
E
k
→
Minimize:
ξ
=
m
a
x
y
^
x
k
→
,
α
→
-
y
k
Satisfy:
-
ξ
-
∑
i
=
0
i
=
27
α
i
x
i
k
≤
-
y
k
-
ξ
+
∑
i
=
0
i
=
27
α
i
x
i
k
≤
y
k
ξ
≥
0
,where y
k is the actual energy consumption of the number k LHD point.In order to get a regression model in the form of standard liner program, (13) is utilized to substitute α
i as follows:(13)
α
i
=
β
i
-
λ
i
,
β
i
≥
0
,
λ
i
≥
0
.Bring the LHD points into the formulas and a standard liner program of the regression model is established as follows:(14)
Find:
β
→
,
λ
→
∈
E
k
→
Minimize:
ξ
=
m
a
x
y
^
x
k
→
,
α
→
-
y
k
Satisfy:
A
→
U
→
≤
Y
1
→
U
→
≥
0
,where U
→, Y
1
→, and A
→ are(15)
U
→
=
ξ
β
0
β
1
⋯
β
27
λ
0
λ
1
⋯
λ
27
′
Y
1
→
=
-
Y
→
Y
→
′
A
→
=
-
I
→
-
X
→
X
→
-
I
→
X
→
-
X
→
I
→
=
1
1
⋯
1
′
X
→
=
x
0
1
x
1
1
⋯
x
27
1
⋮
⋮
x
0
N
x
1
N
⋯
x
27
N
.As nonsignificant component in the mathematical model may cause adverse impact on the model complexity and ill-posed probability, progressive regression analysis is suggested to achieve the reduction of the model dimension [25]. Finally, the mathematical predictive energy consumption model, as function of the two-speed ratios, is obtained as shown in the following formula: (16)
E
^
d
i
s
=
-
1664.6817
+
697.12137
i
1
+
2135.7074
i
2
-
735.1532
i
1
i
2
-
329.6006
i
2
2
-
12.231346
i
1
3
+
77.557368
i
1
2
i
2
+
129.0122
i
1
i
2
2
+
1.04928
i
1
4
-
1.391006
i
1
3
i
2
-
18.18846
i
1
2
i
2
2
-
0.028062
i
1
5
-
0.106105
i
1
4
i
2
+
0.60974
i
1
3
i
2
2
+
1.246804
i
1
2
i
2
3
-
1.481546
i
1
i
2
4
+
0.676546
i
2
5
+
0.0050322
i
1
5
i
2
-
0.0140566
i
1
4
i
2
2
-
0.0660401
i
1
2
i
2
4
+
0.12317
i
1
i
2
5
-
0.0695209
i
2
6
.


## 4. The Mathematical Model for Drive Strategy Optimization

As shown in Figure6, where HWFET drive cycle is utilized for vehicle test in highways, drive strategy of the DMVT-EV varies with the vehicle working conditions obtained according to (4). In region I, the most important problem is to confirm the shift schedule of the rear power train system. Between region I and region II (region I-II), emphasis is placed on the switch law of SHMDM/SSMDM. As for region III, establishing a real-time and efficient power distribution model is the major concern. As the MEV with DMVT configuration rarely operates in region IV, simple power distribution based on settled rule aiming at vehicle dynamic performance is required.Figure 6
Power characteristics for the multiple drive modes as function of vehicle velocity.


### 4.1. Offline Optimization Process

As shown in Figure7, given the above analysis, to develop an efficient and real-time drive strategy, an optimization program with multiple subroutines is proposed, which contains DOE, shift schedule optimization, switching law optimization, and power distribution optimization. Subroutines I and II are used to confirm the optimal shift and switch schedule, respectively. Based on offline GA, subroutine III is utilized to establish the optimal mathematical predictive model for power distribution.Figure 7
Offline optimization process for the drive strategy.


### 4.2. Variables Design

The DOE points, which consist ofV (>0~110 km/h), P
d, and SOC (0.25~0.85), are used to discrete the continuous space of the input factors. Using LHD method, the random characteristic of the vehicle drive conditions can be typified. To reduce the complexity of the optimization model, P
d is used instead of T
d. Furthermore, as the peak discharge power of the battery may restrict the output power of the motors, correction of P
d is required as shown in the following formula: (17)
P
d
m
a
x
=
m
i
n
P
s
m
a
x
+
P
h
m
a
x
,
P
d
i
s
m
a
x
=
M
×
f
S
O
C
,
P
d
c
=
m
i
n
P
d
,
P
d
m
a
x
,where P
d
m
a
x is the upper power limit of the total drive train system; P
s
m
a
x and P
h
m
a
x are the peak power of the small and high motor; P
d
i
s
m
a
x is the maximum discharge power of the battery, which relates to SOC and can be confirmed based on the battery experiment results as shown in Figure 8; P
d
c is the corrected power demand; M is the quantity of the battery cells.Figure 8
Peak discharge power of the single cell in the battery.


### 4.3. Problem Formulations of Each Region

For the three subroutines, we have the following.(1) Subroutine I is used to confirm the shift schedule of the rear power train system with two-speed gearbox. First of all, according to formulas (4)~(6), the number i LHD points V
(
i
) and P
(
i
) can be converted to motor speed and torque in 1st and 2nd shift, and thus the motor efficiencies in 1st and 2nd shift can be obtained.Then, aiming at the best drive efficiency while taking the peak performances of the two motors into consideration, the shift schedule can be expressed as follows:(i)
S
h
i
f
t
(
i
)
=
1:(18)
If:
η
1
s
t
i
=
max
⁡
η
1
s
t
i
,
η
2
n
d
i
,
N
1
s
t
i
⩽
N
s
m
a
x
i
,
P
2
n
d
i
⩽
P
s
m
a
x
i
.
(ii)
S
h
i
f
t
(
i
)
=
1:(19)
If:
N
1
s
t
i
⩽
N
s
m
a
x
i
,
P
2
n
d
i
>
P
s
m
a
x
i
.
(iii)
S
h
i
f
t
(
i
)
=
2:(20)
If:
η
2
n
d
i
=
max
⁡
η
1
s
t
i
,
η
2
n
d
i
,
N
1
s
t
i
⩽
N
s
m
a
x
i
,
P
2
n
d
i
⩽
P
s
m
a
x
i
.
(iv)
S
h
i
f
t
(
i
)
=
2:(21)
If:
N
1
s
t
i
>
N
s
m
a
x
i
,
P
2
n
d
i
⩽
P
s
m
a
x
i
,where P
2
n
d
(
i
) is the power of small motor in 2nd shift.(2) Based on subroutine II, the switching law of SHMDM/SSMDM can be obtained as follows.Step 1.
Call subroutine I to determine the optimal shift and then calculate the optimal battery power consumption of the numberi LHD point under SSMDM. The battery power consumption P
d
i
s
_
s
m
i is(22)
P
d
i
s
_
s
m
i
=
ϕ
i
P
d
c
i
η
s
m
i
η
b
i
η
T
,where ϕ
i is a penalty coefficient used to avoid the long-time overload operation of the small motor and thus prolong its service life, which can be expressed as(23)
ϕ
i
=
1
+
k
P
d
c
i
/
η
T
-
P
s
e
i
P
s
e
i
,where P
s
e
i is the nominal power of the small motor for the number i LHD point and k is a constant and bigger than 1, which is regulated based on design requirement.Step 2.
Calculate the power consumption of the battery under SHMDM, then compare it withP
d
i
s
_
s
m
i, and select the best one as the drive mode for the number i LHD point, as shown in the following:
(I) Mode(i) = SSMDM:(24)
If:
P
d
i
s
_
s
m
i
=
m
a
x
P
d
i
s
_
s
m
i
,
P
d
i
s
_
h
m
i
=
P
d
c
i
η
h
m
i
η
b
i
η
T
.
(II) Mode(i) = SHMDM:(25)
If:
P
d
i
s
_
h
m
i
=
m
a
x
P
d
i
s
_
s
m
i
,
P
d
i
s
_
h
m
i
=
P
d
c
i
η
h
m
i
η
b
i
η
T
,where P
d
i
s
_
h
m
i is the battery power consumption of the number i DOE point under SHMDM.(3) To confirm the optimal power distribution coefficient (χ) between the two motors, which is the ratio of the power that distributed to the small motor to the corrected vehicle power demand, subroutine III is designed as follows.Step 1.
Establish the mathematical optimization model as shown in the following formula:(26)
Find:
χ
=
P
s
m
P
d
c
Minimize:
f
χ
=
ϕ
s
χ
P
d
c
η
s
m
η
b
η
T
+
ϕ
h
1
-
χ
P
d
c
η
h
m
η
b
η
T
Satisfy:
χ
m
a
x
P
d
c
≤
P
s
m
a
x
1
-
χ
m
i
n
P
d
c
≤
P
h
m
a
x
N
1
s
t
⩽
N
s
m
a
x
0
≤
χ
≤
1
,where ϕ
s, ϕ
h are the penalty coefficients of the small and high power motor to prevent long-time overload operations, which can be expressed as follows:(27)
ϕ
s
=
1
,
χ
P
d
c
⩽
P
s
e
,
1
+
k
s
χ
P
d
c
/
η
T
-
P
s
e
P
s
e
,
χ
P
d
c
>
P
s
e
,
ϕ
h
=
1
,
1
-
χ
P
d
c
⩽
P
h
e
,
1
+
k
h
1
-
χ
P
d
c
/
η
T
-
P
h
e
P
h
e
,
1
-
χ
P
d
c
>
P
h
e
.An optimization stream based on offline GA is designed to find the optimal distribution coefficients under the designed LHD points, as shown in Figure9. Firstly, subroutine I is called to confirm the range of χ; secondly, the first random population of χ is generated within χ
m
i
n and χ
m
a
x; thirdly, the fitness f
χ of each individual in the population is evaluated according to the shift schedule and penalty coefficients; then, according to the fitness value, genetic-evolutionary process is repeated to generate a new population, which includes selection, crossover, and mutation; furthermore, the optimal χ for each LHD point can be confirmed by repeating the processes mentioned above; finally, save the optimal χ into the response database to establish the predictive model as shown in Step  2.Figure 9
Offline optimization stream for the predictive model based on GA.Step 2.
Use the mathematical methods mentioned in Section3.3 to set up a high-precision predictive model based on the factors database (V, P
d, SOC) and the optimal response database (χ). A feedback strategy, as shown in Figure 7, is designed to ensure the model precision. If the precision of the mathematical model is high enough, subroutine III will stop; if not, additional DOE points in region III will be generated.


## 4.1. Offline Optimization Process

As shown in Figure7, given the above analysis, to develop an efficient and real-time drive strategy, an optimization program with multiple subroutines is proposed, which contains DOE, shift schedule optimization, switching law optimization, and power distribution optimization. Subroutines I and II are used to confirm the optimal shift and switch schedule, respectively. Based on offline GA, subroutine III is utilized to establish the optimal mathematical predictive model for power distribution.Figure 7
Offline optimization process for the drive strategy.


## 4.2. Variables Design

The DOE points, which consist ofV (>0~110 km/h), P
d, and SOC (0.25~0.85), are used to discrete the continuous space of the input factors. Using LHD method, the random characteristic of the vehicle drive conditions can be typified. To reduce the complexity of the optimization model, P
d is used instead of T
d. Furthermore, as the peak discharge power of the battery may restrict the output power of the motors, correction of P
d is required as shown in the following formula: (17)
P
d
m
a
x
=
m
i
n
P
s
m
a
x
+
P
h
m
a
x
,
P
d
i
s
m
a
x
=
M
×
f
S
O
C
,
P
d
c
=
m
i
n
P
d
,
P
d
m
a
x
,where P
d
m
a
x is the upper power limit of the total drive train system; P
s
m
a
x and P
h
m
a
x are the peak power of the small and high motor; P
d
i
s
m
a
x is the maximum discharge power of the battery, which relates to SOC and can be confirmed based on the battery experiment results as shown in Figure 8; P
d
c is the corrected power demand; M is the quantity of the battery cells.Figure 8
Peak discharge power of the single cell in the battery.


## 4.3. Problem Formulations of Each Region

For the three subroutines, we have the following.(1) Subroutine I is used to confirm the shift schedule of the rear power train system with two-speed gearbox. First of all, according to formulas (4)~(6), the number i LHD points V
(
i
) and P
(
i
) can be converted to motor speed and torque in 1st and 2nd shift, and thus the motor efficiencies in 1st and 2nd shift can be obtained.Then, aiming at the best drive efficiency while taking the peak performances of the two motors into consideration, the shift schedule can be expressed as follows:(i)
S
h
i
f
t
(
i
)
=
1:(18)
If:
η
1
s
t
i
=
max
⁡
η
1
s
t
i
,
η
2
n
d
i
,
N
1
s
t
i
⩽
N
s
m
a
x
i
,
P
2
n
d
i
⩽
P
s
m
a
x
i
.
(ii)
S
h
i
f
t
(
i
)
=
1:(19)
If:
N
1
s
t
i
⩽
N
s
m
a
x
i
,
P
2
n
d
i
>
P
s
m
a
x
i
.
(iii)
S
h
i
f
t
(
i
)
=
2:(20)
If:
η
2
n
d
i
=
max
⁡
η
1
s
t
i
,
η
2
n
d
i
,
N
1
s
t
i
⩽
N
s
m
a
x
i
,
P
2
n
d
i
⩽
P
s
m
a
x
i
.
(iv)
S
h
i
f
t
(
i
)
=
2:(21)
If:
N
1
s
t
i
>
N
s
m
a
x
i
,
P
2
n
d
i
⩽
P
s
m
a
x
i
,where P
2
n
d
(
i
) is the power of small motor in 2nd shift.(2) Based on subroutine II, the switching law of SHMDM/SSMDM can be obtained as follows.Step 1.
Call subroutine I to determine the optimal shift and then calculate the optimal battery power consumption of the numberi LHD point under SSMDM. The battery power consumption P
d
i
s
_
s
m
i is(22)
P
d
i
s
_
s
m
i
=
ϕ
i
P
d
c
i
η
s
m
i
η
b
i
η
T
,where ϕ
i is a penalty coefficient used to avoid the long-time overload operation of the small motor and thus prolong its service life, which can be expressed as(23)
ϕ
i
=
1
+
k
P
d
c
i
/
η
T
-
P
s
e
i
P
s
e
i
,where P
s
e
i is the nominal power of the small motor for the number i LHD point and k is a constant and bigger than 1, which is regulated based on design requirement.Step 2.
Calculate the power consumption of the battery under SHMDM, then compare it withP
d
i
s
_
s
m
i, and select the best one as the drive mode for the number i LHD point, as shown in the following:
(I) Mode(i) = SSMDM:(24)
If:
P
d
i
s
_
s
m
i
=
m
a
x
P
d
i
s
_
s
m
i
,
P
d
i
s
_
h
m
i
=
P
d
c
i
η
h
m
i
η
b
i
η
T
.
(II) Mode(i) = SHMDM:(25)
If:
P
d
i
s
_
h
m
i
=
m
a
x
P
d
i
s
_
s
m
i
,
P
d
i
s
_
h
m
i
=
P
d
c
i
η
h
m
i
η
b
i
η
T
,where P
d
i
s
_
h
m
i is the battery power consumption of the number i DOE point under SHMDM.(3) To confirm the optimal power distribution coefficient (χ) between the two motors, which is the ratio of the power that distributed to the small motor to the corrected vehicle power demand, subroutine III is designed as follows.Step 1.
Establish the mathematical optimization model as shown in the following formula:(26)
Find:
χ
=
P
s
m
P
d
c
Minimize:
f
χ
=
ϕ
s
χ
P
d
c
η
s
m
η
b
η
T
+
ϕ
h
1
-
χ
P
d
c
η
h
m
η
b
η
T
Satisfy:
χ
m
a
x
P
d
c
≤
P
s
m
a
x
1
-
χ
m
i
n
P
d
c
≤
P
h
m
a
x
N
1
s
t
⩽
N
s
m
a
x
0
≤
χ
≤
1
,where ϕ
s, ϕ
h are the penalty coefficients of the small and high power motor to prevent long-time overload operations, which can be expressed as follows:(27)
ϕ
s
=
1
,
χ
P
d
c
⩽
P
s
e
,
1
+
k
s
χ
P
d
c
/
η
T
-
P
s
e
P
s
e
,
χ
P
d
c
>
P
s
e
,
ϕ
h
=
1
,
1
-
χ
P
d
c
⩽
P
h
e
,
1
+
k
h
1
-
χ
P
d
c
/
η
T
-
P
h
e
P
h
e
,
1
-
χ
P
d
c
>
P
h
e
.An optimization stream based on offline GA is designed to find the optimal distribution coefficients under the designed LHD points, as shown in Figure9. Firstly, subroutine I is called to confirm the range of χ; secondly, the first random population of χ is generated within χ
m
i
n and χ
m
a
x; thirdly, the fitness f
χ of each individual in the population is evaluated according to the shift schedule and penalty coefficients; then, according to the fitness value, genetic-evolutionary process is repeated to generate a new population, which includes selection, crossover, and mutation; furthermore, the optimal χ for each LHD point can be confirmed by repeating the processes mentioned above; finally, save the optimal χ into the response database to establish the predictive model as shown in Step  2.Figure 9
Offline optimization stream for the predictive model based on GA.Step 2.
Use the mathematical methods mentioned in Section3.3 to set up a high-precision predictive model based on the factors database (V, P
d, SOC) and the optimal response database (χ). A feedback strategy, as shown in Figure 7, is designed to ensure the model precision. If the precision of the mathematical model is high enough, subroutine III will stop; if not, additional DOE points in region III will be generated.


## 5. Results and Discussions

### 5.1. Optimized Results of the Transmissions

For the mathematical predictive model of energy consumption as shown in formula (16), the multiple correlation coefficient (R
2) of E
^
d
i
s is 0.998 and the studentized residuals are within −2 and +2; both indicate the mathematical model has a relatively high precision. Moreover, the predictive model is presented in the form of a high-degree geometric surface as shown in Figure 10, which clearly shows the geometrical convexity of the mathematical model. Therefore, hill-climbing searching method [26] instead of intelligent algorithm is utilized to optimize the transmissions. The optimal results of i
1 and i
2 are 9.905 and 4.828, respectively.Figure 10
Response surface of the energy consumption.In addition, the main and interactive effects of the input factors on energy consumption are presented in Figure11. Generally, the main effect of i
1 on energy consumption becomes more significant as i
1 increases, while the main effect of i
2 on energy consumption becomes insignificant as i
2 increases, especially when i
2 is bigger than 12. Furthermore, the interaction of i
1 and i
2 on energy consumption is significant, particularly when i
1 is smaller than 12.Figure 11
Effects of transmissions on energy consumption.


### 5.2. Optimized Results of the Shift and Switch Schedules

According to the optimized operations that are plotted on the velocity-power map under the various DOE points, the optimal shift and switch schedules are confirmed as shown in Figure12. In order to eliminate the hunting problems of shift and switch, which are caused by the velocity lag behind the sudden change of pedal, shifting and switching delay strategies are adopted. Moreover, results show that, with the use of overload-penalty optimization strategy, the small power motor hardly operates under overload conditions in region I-II, which will be conducive to lengthening the service time of the small motor.Figure 12
Shift and switch schedules for the MEV.


### 5.3. Discussions of the Predictive Distribution Model

#### 5.3.1. Predictive Precision

First of all, a predictive model is established in the form of sixth-order polynomial. For this mathematical model,R
2 of χ
^ is 0.682, which means the model has a very low predictive precision. Moreover, as shown in Figure 13(a), vertical cross sections of the polynomial at number 143 DOE point (V
=
33.5845, P
d
=
19.2115, and SOC = 0.5879) are created and 95% confidence level is plotted on the figure simultaneously. Results show that most of the DOE points in the P
d-SOC, V-SOC, and P
d-V cross sections are out of the 95% confidence level, which indicates that the mathematical model in the form of polynomial is incapable of characterizing the relationship of the optimal response χ and the input factors.Figure 13
(a) Predictive results based on polynomial. (b) Predictive results based on Gauss RBF.
(a)
(b)Given the above analysis, Gauss RBF is utilized to create the mathematical predictive model as shown in formula (28). For this model, R
2 of χ
^ is 0.989. Furthermore, for the same vertical cross sections used in Figure 13(a), most of the predictive results of this model are within the 95% confidence interval as shown in Figure 13(b). Moreover, results also show that this regular pattern is also applicable to other vertical cross sections. Generally, the predictive precision of χ
^ based on Gauss RBF is high enough to achieve real-time power distribution:(28)
χ
^
=
-
305
h
1
+
28.35
h
2
-
292.8
h
3
-
36.34
h
4
+
92.09
h
5
+
77.16
h
6
-
11.54
h
8
+
20.39
h
9
+
834.9
h
10
-
452.2
h
11
-
6.7236
h
12
+
413.8
h
13
-
280
h
15
+
90.89
h
16
-
257.8
h
17
-
68.28
h
18
+
15.28
h
19
+
21.17
h
20
+
41.12
h
21
+
55.71
h
23
-
7.4086
h
24
+
26.98
h
25
.In formula (28), h
i is the Gauss basis function and can be expressed as in formula (29). In addition, the insignificant terms (h
7, h
14, and h
22) are removed according to the progressive regression analysis:(29)
h
i
=
exp
⁡
-
X
→
-
C
i
→
2
b
i
2
,where b
i is set as a global width of 0.577 to reduce the difficulty while establishing the mathematical model; C
i
→ is the RBF centre vector, which consists of 25 LHD points chosen according to the very low-precision regions in the polynomial model; X
→ is the vector of the three factors in the dimensionless form as follows:(30)
X
→
=
V
~
,
P
d
c
~
,
S
O
C
~
′
V
~
=
V
-
V
m
a
x
-
V
m
i
n
/
2
V
m
a
x
-
V
m
i
n
/
2
P
d
c
~
=
P
d
c
-
P
d
m
a
x
-
P
d
m
i
n
/
2
P
d
m
a
x
-
P
d
m
i
n
/
2
S
O
C
~
=
S
O
C
-
S
O
C
m
a
x
-
S
O
C
m
i
n
/
2
S
O
C
m
a
x
-
S
O
C
m
i
n
/
2
.


#### 5.3.2. Predictive Reliability

Although the mathematical model based on Gauss RBF has a highly predictive precision, predictive errors still exist. As shown in Figure13(b), χ
^ may be out of the constraint between 0 and 1 (in some cases χ
^
m
i
n may be bigger than 0 and χ
^
m
a
x may be smaller than 1), which will lead the predictive model falling into invalid solutions. To solve this problem, it is necessary to restrict the scope of χ
^ as follows.When shift is in 1st,(31)
χ
^
m
a
x
P
d
c
≤
P
s
m
a
x
_
s
h
1
,
χ
^
m
a
x
≤
1
,
1
-
χ
^
m
i
n
P
d
c
≤
P
h
m
a
x
,
χ
^
m
i
n
≥
0
.When shift is in 2nd,(32)
χ
^
m
a
x
P
d
c
≤
P
s
m
a
x
_
s
h
2
,
χ
^
m
a
x
≤
1
,
1
-
χ
^
m
i
n
P
d
c
≤
P
h
m
a
x
,
χ
^
m
i
n
≥
0
,where P
s
m
a
x
_
s
h
1, P
s
m
a
x
_
s
h
2 are the maximum power of the small motor in 1st and 2nd shift.


### 5.4. Simulation Verifications of the Optimized Scheme

As mentioned above,P
d is adopted to make the optimization program much easier. But as for real-time control, T
d is preferred, which can be transformed from P
d based on formula (4). According to the optimal transmissions and drive strategy, as shown in Figure 14, the drive modes of the MEV under J1015 drive cycle are obtained in a real-time simulation model.Figure 14
Motor operation points of the DMVT scheme under J1015 drive cycle.For the high power motor, most of the operations, marked in purple and black colours, are within the high-efficiency region under the SHMDM (mode 3) and the dual motor drive mode in 1st shift (mode 4). For the small motor, by using penalty algorithm, most of the operations in 1st shift (mode 1), 2nd shift (mode 2), and mode 4 lie in the nonoverload region, which are highlighted in blue, red, and murky red colour, respectively. Furthermore, the small motor also shows a good performance in operation efficiency.Table3 presents the economy performance of the MEV driven by different power train configurations. Compared with the SMST scheme, which is the original configuration of the MEV with a 25 kW (nominal power) PMSM and a settled reduction ratio (i
=
6), the average drive efficiency of the optimized scheme reduces by 7.93% and energy consumption improved by 7.55% under J1015 drive cycle. In addition, compared with the traditional configuration with dual motor and settled gearbox (DMSG), which contains the same motors as in the DMVT scheme and fixed gear ratios (one in front shaft is 5.82; the other in rear shaft is 6.5), the optimized two-speed scheme can improve energy consumption by 4.32%.Table 3
Economy results of the MEV driven by different power train configurations under unban cycle.
Configuration
J1015 drive cycle
Average efficiency
Energy consumption/kJ
SMST
0.7944
2265.31
DMSG
0.8183
2188.46
DMVT
0.8574
2094.2Furthermore, as shown in Figure15, the distribution of motor operations under J1015 drive cycle presents detailed comparisons between the SMSG and DMVT scheme. For the original drive scheme, most of the cycle operations, marked in red colour, deviate from the high-efficiency region. As for the DMVT configuration, the optimized power system and drive strategy improve the matching relationship of high-efficiency region and motor operations highlighted in blue colour.Figure 15
Motor operation points of the SMSG and DMVT schemes under J1015 drive cycle.


## 5.1. Optimized Results of the Transmissions

For the mathematical predictive model of energy consumption as shown in formula (16), the multiple correlation coefficient (R
2) of E
^
d
i
s is 0.998 and the studentized residuals are within −2 and +2; both indicate the mathematical model has a relatively high precision. Moreover, the predictive model is presented in the form of a high-degree geometric surface as shown in Figure 10, which clearly shows the geometrical convexity of the mathematical model. Therefore, hill-climbing searching method [26] instead of intelligent algorithm is utilized to optimize the transmissions. The optimal results of i
1 and i
2 are 9.905 and 4.828, respectively.Figure 10
Response surface of the energy consumption.In addition, the main and interactive effects of the input factors on energy consumption are presented in Figure11. Generally, the main effect of i
1 on energy consumption becomes more significant as i
1 increases, while the main effect of i
2 on energy consumption becomes insignificant as i
2 increases, especially when i
2 is bigger than 12. Furthermore, the interaction of i
1 and i
2 on energy consumption is significant, particularly when i
1 is smaller than 12.Figure 11
Effects of transmissions on energy consumption.


## 5.2. Optimized Results of the Shift and Switch Schedules

According to the optimized operations that are plotted on the velocity-power map under the various DOE points, the optimal shift and switch schedules are confirmed as shown in Figure12. In order to eliminate the hunting problems of shift and switch, which are caused by the velocity lag behind the sudden change of pedal, shifting and switching delay strategies are adopted. Moreover, results show that, with the use of overload-penalty optimization strategy, the small power motor hardly operates under overload conditions in region I-II, which will be conducive to lengthening the service time of the small motor.Figure 12
Shift and switch schedules for the MEV.


## 5.3. Discussions of the Predictive Distribution Model

### 5.3.1. Predictive Precision

First of all, a predictive model is established in the form of sixth-order polynomial. For this mathematical model,R
2 of χ
^ is 0.682, which means the model has a very low predictive precision. Moreover, as shown in Figure 13(a), vertical cross sections of the polynomial at number 143 DOE point (V
=
33.5845, P
d
=
19.2115, and SOC = 0.5879) are created and 95% confidence level is plotted on the figure simultaneously. Results show that most of the DOE points in the P
d-SOC, V-SOC, and P
d-V cross sections are out of the 95% confidence level, which indicates that the mathematical model in the form of polynomial is incapable of characterizing the relationship of the optimal response χ and the input factors.Figure 13
(a) Predictive results based on polynomial. (b) Predictive results based on Gauss RBF.
(a)
(b)Given the above analysis, Gauss RBF is utilized to create the mathematical predictive model as shown in formula (28). For this model, R
2 of χ
^ is 0.989. Furthermore, for the same vertical cross sections used in Figure 13(a), most of the predictive results of this model are within the 95% confidence interval as shown in Figure 13(b). Moreover, results also show that this regular pattern is also applicable to other vertical cross sections. Generally, the predictive precision of χ
^ based on Gauss RBF is high enough to achieve real-time power distribution:(28)
χ
^
=
-
305
h
1
+
28.35
h
2
-
292.8
h
3
-
36.34
h
4
+
92.09
h
5
+
77.16
h
6
-
11.54
h
8
+
20.39
h
9
+
834.9
h
10
-
452.2
h
11
-
6.7236
h
12
+
413.8
h
13
-
280
h
15
+
90.89
h
16
-
257.8
h
17
-
68.28
h
18
+
15.28
h
19
+
21.17
h
20
+
41.12
h
21
+
55.71
h
23
-
7.4086
h
24
+
26.98
h
25
.In formula (28), h
i is the Gauss basis function and can be expressed as in formula (29). In addition, the insignificant terms (h
7, h
14, and h
22) are removed according to the progressive regression analysis:(29)
h
i
=
exp
⁡
-
X
→
-
C
i
→
2
b
i
2
,where b
i is set as a global width of 0.577 to reduce the difficulty while establishing the mathematical model; C
i
→ is the RBF centre vector, which consists of 25 LHD points chosen according to the very low-precision regions in the polynomial model; X
→ is the vector of the three factors in the dimensionless form as follows:(30)
X
→
=
V
~
,
P
d
c
~
,
S
O
C
~
′
V
~
=
V
-
V
m
a
x
-
V
m
i
n
/
2
V
m
a
x
-
V
m
i
n
/
2
P
d
c
~
=
P
d
c
-
P
d
m
a
x
-
P
d
m
i
n
/
2
P
d
m
a
x
-
P
d
m
i
n
/
2
S
O
C
~
=
S
O
C
-
S
O
C
m
a
x
-
S
O
C
m
i
n
/
2
S
O
C
m
a
x
-
S
O
C
m
i
n
/
2
.


### 5.3.2. Predictive Reliability

Although the mathematical model based on Gauss RBF has a highly predictive precision, predictive errors still exist. As shown in Figure13(b), χ
^ may be out of the constraint between 0 and 1 (in some cases χ
^
m
i
n may be bigger than 0 and χ
^
m
a
x may be smaller than 1), which will lead the predictive model falling into invalid solutions. To solve this problem, it is necessary to restrict the scope of χ
^ as follows.When shift is in 1st,(31)
χ
^
m
a
x
P
d
c
≤
P
s
m
a
x
_
s
h
1
,
χ
^
m
a
x
≤
1
,
1
-
χ
^
m
i
n
P
d
c
≤
P
h
m
a
x
,
χ
^
m
i
n
≥
0
.When shift is in 2nd,(32)
χ
^
m
a
x
P
d
c
≤
P
s
m
a
x
_
s
h
2
,
χ
^
m
a
x
≤
1
,
1
-
χ
^
m
i
n
P
d
c
≤
P
h
m
a
x
,
χ
^
m
i
n
≥
0
,where P
s
m
a
x
_
s
h
1, P
s
m
a
x
_
s
h
2 are the maximum power of the small motor in 1st and 2nd shift.


## 5.3.1. Predictive Precision

First of all, a predictive model is established in the form of sixth-order polynomial. For this mathematical model,R
2 of χ
^ is 0.682, which means the model has a very low predictive precision. Moreover, as shown in Figure 13(a), vertical cross sections of the polynomial at number 143 DOE point (V
=
33.5845, P
d
=
19.2115, and SOC = 0.5879) are created and 95% confidence level is plotted on the figure simultaneously. Results show that most of the DOE points in the P
d-SOC, V-SOC, and P
d-V cross sections are out of the 95% confidence level, which indicates that the mathematical model in the form of polynomial is incapable of characterizing the relationship of the optimal response χ and the input factors.Figure 13
(a) Predictive results based on polynomial. (b) Predictive results based on Gauss RBF.
(a)
(b)Given the above analysis, Gauss RBF is utilized to create the mathematical predictive model as shown in formula (28). For this model, R
2 of χ
^ is 0.989. Furthermore, for the same vertical cross sections used in Figure 13(a), most of the predictive results of this model are within the 95% confidence interval as shown in Figure 13(b). Moreover, results also show that this regular pattern is also applicable to other vertical cross sections. Generally, the predictive precision of χ
^ based on Gauss RBF is high enough to achieve real-time power distribution:(28)
χ
^
=
-
305
h
1
+
28.35
h
2
-
292.8
h
3
-
36.34
h
4
+
92.09
h
5
+
77.16
h
6
-
11.54
h
8
+
20.39
h
9
+
834.9
h
10
-
452.2
h
11
-
6.7236
h
12
+
413.8
h
13
-
280
h
15
+
90.89
h
16
-
257.8
h
17
-
68.28
h
18
+
15.28
h
19
+
21.17
h
20
+
41.12
h
21
+
55.71
h
23
-
7.4086
h
24
+
26.98
h
25
.In formula (28), h
i is the Gauss basis function and can be expressed as in formula (29). In addition, the insignificant terms (h
7, h
14, and h
22) are removed according to the progressive regression analysis:(29)
h
i
=
exp
⁡
-
X
→
-
C
i
→
2
b
i
2
,where b
i is set as a global width of 0.577 to reduce the difficulty while establishing the mathematical model; C
i
→ is the RBF centre vector, which consists of 25 LHD points chosen according to the very low-precision regions in the polynomial model; X
→ is the vector of the three factors in the dimensionless form as follows:(30)
X
→
=
V
~
,
P
d
c
~
,
S
O
C
~
′
V
~
=
V
-
V
m
a
x
-
V
m
i
n
/
2
V
m
a
x
-
V
m
i
n
/
2
P
d
c
~
=
P
d
c
-
P
d
m
a
x
-
P
d
m
i
n
/
2
P
d
m
a
x
-
P
d
m
i
n
/
2
S
O
C
~
=
S
O
C
-
S
O
C
m
a
x
-
S
O
C
m
i
n
/
2
S
O
C
m
a
x
-
S
O
C
m
i
n
/
2
.


## 5.3.2. Predictive Reliability

Although the mathematical model based on Gauss RBF has a highly predictive precision, predictive errors still exist. As shown in Figure13(b), χ
^ may be out of the constraint between 0 and 1 (in some cases χ
^
m
i
n may be bigger than 0 and χ
^
m
a
x may be smaller than 1), which will lead the predictive model falling into invalid solutions. To solve this problem, it is necessary to restrict the scope of χ
^ as follows.When shift is in 1st,(31)
χ
^
m
a
x
P
d
c
≤
P
s
m
a
x
_
s
h
1
,
χ
^
m
a
x
≤
1
,
1
-
χ
^
m
i
n
P
d
c
≤
P
h
m
a
x
,
χ
^
m
i
n
≥
0
.When shift is in 2nd,(32)
χ
^
m
a
x
P
d
c
≤
P
s
m
a
x
_
s
h
2
,
χ
^
m
a
x
≤
1
,
1
-
χ
^
m
i
n
P
d
c
≤
P
h
m
a
x
,
χ
^
m
i
n
≥
0
,where P
s
m
a
x
_
s
h
1, P
s
m
a
x
_
s
h
2 are the maximum power of the small motor in 1st and 2nd shift.


## 5.4. Simulation Verifications of the Optimized Scheme

As mentioned above,P
d is adopted to make the optimization program much easier. But as for real-time control, T
d is preferred, which can be transformed from P
d based on formula (4). According to the optimal transmissions and drive strategy, as shown in Figure 14, the drive modes of the MEV under J1015 drive cycle are obtained in a real-time simulation model.Figure 14
Motor operation points of the DMVT scheme under J1015 drive cycle.For the high power motor, most of the operations, marked in purple and black colours, are within the high-efficiency region under the SHMDM (mode 3) and the dual motor drive mode in 1st shift (mode 4). For the small motor, by using penalty algorithm, most of the operations in 1st shift (mode 1), 2nd shift (mode 2), and mode 4 lie in the nonoverload region, which are highlighted in blue, red, and murky red colour, respectively. Furthermore, the small motor also shows a good performance in operation efficiency.Table3 presents the economy performance of the MEV driven by different power train configurations. Compared with the SMST scheme, which is the original configuration of the MEV with a 25 kW (nominal power) PMSM and a settled reduction ratio (i
=
6), the average drive efficiency of the optimized scheme reduces by 7.93% and energy consumption improved by 7.55% under J1015 drive cycle. In addition, compared with the traditional configuration with dual motor and settled gearbox (DMSG), which contains the same motors as in the DMVT scheme and fixed gear ratios (one in front shaft is 5.82; the other in rear shaft is 6.5), the optimized two-speed scheme can improve energy consumption by 4.32%.Table 3
Economy results of the MEV driven by different power train configurations under unban cycle.
Configuration
J1015 drive cycle
Average efficiency
Energy consumption/kJ
SMST
0.7944
2265.31
DMSG
0.8183
2188.46
DMVT
0.8574
2094.2Furthermore, as shown in Figure15, the distribution of motor operations under J1015 drive cycle presents detailed comparisons between the SMSG and DMVT scheme. For the original drive scheme, most of the cycle operations, marked in red colour, deviate from the high-efficiency region. As for the DMVT configuration, the optimized power system and drive strategy improve the matching relationship of high-efficiency region and motor operations highlighted in blue colour.Figure 15
Motor operation points of the SMSG and DMVT schemes under J1015 drive cycle.


## 6. Conclusions and Future Scope

This paper presents detailed mathematical methods for economy optimization of a MEV with distributed power train system. First of all, the explicit functional relationship of energy consumption and transmissions is established with highly predictive precision, and the optimal solutions of the two-speed gear ratios are confirmed with the use of hill-climbing method: one is 9.905 and the other one is 4.828. This mathematical method for ratio optimization can be applied to other types of multispeed transmission.Then, to create an efficient and real-time drive strategy for the distributed power train system, an offline optimization program is proposed. The shift schedule for the two-speed gearbox and the switching boundaries between SSMDM and SHMDM are determined. A mathematical predictive power distribution model based on Gauss RBF is established, and the predictive precision and reliability of the model are verified. This power distribution method for dual-motor scheme can also be applied to multimotor configuration.Finally, simulation verifications of the optimized scheme are carried out. Results show that, owing to the mathematical methods designed for the optimizations of transmissions and drive strategy, the energy consumption of the DMVT configuration reduces by 7.55% and 4.32% when compared with the SMSG and DMSG scheme, respectively.However, as a new power train configuration, further study is required to determine the optimal coordinated control strategy to reduce the switching jerk.



---

*Source: 4949561-2016-02-21.xml*