Predictive cruise control in hybrid electric vehicles

Deceleration rates have considerable influence on the fuel economy of hybrid electric vehicles. Given the vehicle characteristics and actual/measured operating conditions, as well as upcoming route information, optimal velocity trajectories can be constructed that maximize energy recovery. To support the driver in tracking of the energy optimal velocity trajectory, automatic cruise control is an important driver aid. In practice, perfect tracking of the optimal velocity trajectory is often not possible. An Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) system is employed to react to the actual traffic situation. The combination of optimal velocity trajectory construction and ACC is presented as Predictive Cruise Control (PCC).