Effect of Different Regenerative Braking Strategies on Braking Performance and Fuel Economy in a Hybrid Electric Bus Employing CRUISE Vehicle Simulation

In regenerative braking system of a HEV, the power electronics are controlled such that the traction motor operates as a generator to provide negative torque on the wheels and to produce electric energy. To develop such an assembly of control functions it is necessary to model the behavior of the vehicle in a dynamic environment. AVL/CRUISE software is used to perform vehicle simulation and brake analysis. The simulation procedure for series braking with optimal braking feel, series braking with optimal energy recovery, and parallel braking strategies in CRUISE software is explained. Then the braking performance and fuel economy of each method is studied and compared with the others in different drive cycles. Finally, the advantages and disadvantages of each method are evaluated and discussed.