Title: Real-time collaborative experimentation via the internet: fuzzy efficiency optimisation of a hybrid electric vehicle starter/alternator

Authors: Raymond B. Sepe Jr., John M. Millery

Addresses: Electro Standards Laboratories, 36 Western Industrial Drive, Cranston, RI 02921, USA. Ford Motor Company, Scientific Research Lab MD 1170, 2101 Village Road, Dearborn, MI 48121–2053, USA

Abstract: With the increasing complexity and cross-disciplinary nature of technical research, there is a growing need for interactive, collaborative experimentation unlimited by physical location. This paper describes the development and implementation of a novel, virtual engineering laboratory (VE-LAB) that uses the World Wide Web for real-time interactive control of a motor experimentation platform. In particular, a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) starter/alternator is attached to the platform and a fuzzy logic-based efficiency optimisation control algorithm is applied. Experimental results show the effectiveness of the fuzzy controller in achieving optimum generator efficiency over a road profile, correlate predicted and measured performance, and feature Web-based experimental results from cross-country operation. VE-LAB technology has applications to distance learning, distributed remote diagnostics, monitoring and control systems [1].

Keywords: collaborative experimentation efficiency optimisation; fuzzy logic; hybrid electric vehicles; internet control; starter/alternator; virtual engineering.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVAS.2002.001806

International Journal of Vehicle Autonomous Systems, 2002 Vol.1 No.1, pp.63-82

Published online: 18 Aug 2003 *

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