ABSTRACT
In a conventional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle, electric power is simply managed through the control of alternator and voltage regulator. This chapter introduces a generic power/energy management and distribution architecture and an optimization-based integrated power management/distribution system approach, which are applicable to a wide variety of vehicles including conventional ICE-powered, electric, hybrid, and fuel cell vehicles. It discusses power management and distribution strategies in automotive systems. The chapter argues that due to the complexity of various power devices in vehicles, high power or low power, optimal management and control is needed for optimizing power usage. With the increasing power level and system complexity, this can no longer be the case. Optimal power and energy management strategy is becoming increasingly necessary. The proposed power management strategy features optimal allocation and prioritization of power resources to meet the demand of various loads, uninterruptible power availability, high power quality and system stability, and fault diagnosis and prognosis.
