Instantaneous optimal regenerative braking control for a permanent-magnet synchronous motor in a four-wheel-drive electric vehicle

Recovering the kinetic energy of a vehicle is one inherent advantage of an electric vehicle. A permanent-magnet synchronous motor is widely adopted for the traction motor in an electric vehicle with the advantage of a high efficiency and a high torque density. The principle for electric braking control of the permanent-magnet synchronous motor under field-oriented control is studied. The efficiency model of the electric drive system, which is different from that of the internal-combustion engine drive system, can be exactly described by analytical equations. On this basis, the battery power can be expressed as a function of the angular velocity and the electromagnetic torque of the motor. By solving the partial differential equation for the battery power, the instantaneous optimal regenerative braking torque of the permanent-magnet synchronous motor is simply calculated according to the vehicle braking torque demand and the motor speed. Compared with the existing efficiency map method, the analytical technology is easily implemented. Then a four-wheel-drive electric vehicle is investigated to achieve optimal regenerative braking control. The dynamic behaviour of braking in the four-wheel-drive electric vehicle is also considered. The parallel braking pattern and the series braking pattern are investigated in order to evaluate the availability of braking energy recovery. The instantaneous optimal regeneration energy can be recovered for the series braking system, and a significant amount of energy can be recovered for the parallel braking system by adjusting the free travel of the brake pedal.