Co-optimization of energy management and eco-driving considering fuel cell degradation via improved hierarchical model predictive control

An advanced eco-driving technology is widely recognized as having enormous potential to reduce the vehicle fuel consumption. However, most research on eco-driving focuses on the stability and safety for vehicle operating while disregarding its comfort and economy. To meet the requirements for safety and comfort, at the same time, enhance the economic performance of the vehicles, an improved hierarchical model predictive control cooperative optimization strategy is proposed for fuel cell hybrid electric vehicle with car-following scenario. Specifically, the upper-level model predictive controller controls the velocity, inter-vehicle distance and acceleration to guarantee safety and comfort for driving. According to the velocity information obtained from the upper model predictive controller, the lower-level improved model predictive controller considers the impact of disturbance changes on vehicle economy and aims to minimize the vehicle operating cost considering fuel cell degradation, so as to allocate energy rationally. Finally, the enhancement of economic performance of proposed strategy is verified with the results of comparative study that 3.09 ​% economic improvement on the premise of assuring safety and comfort of driving.