Research on PHEV Energy Consumption Analysis and Adaptive Energy Management Strategy Considering Cabin Thermal Requirements

To address the issues of increased energy consumption and reduced engine efficiency in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) under low-temperature conditions due to cabin heating demands, this paper investigates the coupling characteristics between the powertrain system and the cabin thermal management system and proposes an adaptive energy management strategy tailored for low-temperature environments. First, a comprehensive model incorporating vehicle dynamics, the engine, and the passenger compartment thermal management system was established. The impact of different ambient temperatures and equivalent factors on the system’s energy consumption characteristics was then quantitatively analyzed under WLTC conditions. Based on this, an adaptive strategy for minimizing equivalent fuel consumption that accounts for cabin heating demand was designed. By using real-time cabin heating demand and engine waste heat power as state feedback, the equivalent factor is dynamically adjusted to coordinate the allocation of power between propulsion and heating. Simulation and hardware-in-the-loop test results indicate that the optimized strategy, by promoting early engine engagement and improving waste heat recovery efficiency, reduces PTC energy consumption by 0.47 kWh under −20 °C WLTC conditions, decreases additional fuel consumption caused by low temperatures by approximately 59%, and improves the vehicle’s equivalent fuel economy by 4.6%, while effectively maintaining passenger compartment thermal comfort. This study contributes to sustainable transportation by reducing low-temperature-induced energy waste, lowering equivalent fuel consumption, and promoting efficient use of engine waste heat, thereby supporting carbon emission reduction goals in hybrid electric vehicle operations.