Average Consumption-Based Range Estimator Design for a Human-Electric Hybrid Vehicle

Abstract

Human Powered Vehicles (HPVs) are one of the evolving concepts for today’s urban transportation especially for the short distance daily usage. The major reasons behind this evolution are the advantages of HPV applications in the sense of price, efficiency and environmental concerns. However, range anxiety is one of the most significant barriers for its mass adoption by drivers. In this paper preliminary range estimation algorithm is developed for a HPV combined with electric motor via series-parallel powertrain which is named as Human Electric Hybrid (HEH) vehicle. The software architecture and mechanical overview of the powertrain components of the HEH vehicle are presented. The average-consumption-based range estimation algorithm is introduced and simulated for a daily urban drive cycle for several driving conditions. The results show that proposed algorithm provides approximate estimation of the remaining range for daily usage with limited information and without requiring additional devices.