A Novel Approach Using Model Predictive Control to Enhance the Range of Electric Vehicles

The energy consumption of comfort components influences the range of electric vehicles significantly. Thus, intelligent power distribution is required. In this contribution a piece-wise linear model predictive controller is proposed which influences the heating ventilation and air-conditioning. Predictive route data is used to identify high power demands in the drivetrain. The controller ensures a defined comfort level while reducing the power loss of the traction battery. To enable real-time capability a sophisticated driver cabin model is linearized and used in a bilinear optimization. The control performance is evaluated in detail and conclusions are drawn for further development.