Energy storage system optimisation of a plug-in HEV

Journal article, 2008

This paper deals with the optimisation of the energy storage system of a parallel hybrid plug-in car. The objective is to study how the electric driving range is influenced by factors such as package volume and auxiliary power consumption. Simulation and optimisation are used to find the most cost effective battery arrangement for specified electric driving range, volume, power and lifetime requirements. Two battery technologies, NiMH and Li-ion, are included in the simplified case study. The result indicates that the battery cost and size are highly dependent on the required electric driving range. It is found that a 3±5km electric driving range is possible with a minor cost increase. An electric driving range of 15±25km is possible, but results in a more bulky, and much more costly, battery system. It is important to point out that the results are not general. The electric driving range can be significantly extended by decreasing the roll and/or the air resistance.