Estimation of Parallel Hybrid Scooter’s Energy Consumption through Real Urban Drive Cycle Using IMU

Abstract

Drive cycle a is primary information useful for analyzing, designing, and optimizing automotive controllers for vehicle homologation. Conventional and electric vehicles are tested and certified based on the specified standard driving cycles as per vehicle category for emission compliance and energy consumption, respectively. In countries such as India, this drive cycle fails to conceal the real-time drive cycles on urban roads with heavy traffic. This real-time drive cycle details the driving skill, congestion, road characteristics, acceleration and deceleration durations, etc. In this context, the real-time drive cycle is captured with the help of an Inertial Measurement Unit. Analysis of IMU measured data with a suitable sampling rate is carried out and energy characterizations are presented in this article. For better accuracy, the IMU data logger is set for an 8 Hz sampling rate which logs the vehicle dynamics data of a scooter. For urban traffic data collection, Pune city is selected and actual energy spent is estimated with the engine, electric, and hybrid modes. State of Charge based switching is carried out with the help of a hybrid controller and observations are tabulated. State of Charge thresholds are monitored and energy-efficient switching is decided. It is estimated from the results that hybrid conversion of a scooter is more efficient due to charge/regeneration into a Lithium-ion battery when the engine powers the wheel and while braking. The range is extended with the above configuration, and further can be increased based on higher battery capacity. Energy management is better handled with a hybrid electric controller for urban roads. Range anxiety issues of EV are lowered in HEV configuration and it is also estimated that parallel Hybrid scooters are more energy-efficient and release lower carbon emissions than conventional vehicles.