Journal of Control, Automation and Electrical Systems https://doi.org/10.1007/s40313-020-00665-x Integrated Starter Alternator PMSM Drive for Hybrid Vehicles Ruben B. Godoy 1 · Moacyr A. G. de Brito 1 · Raymundo C. Garcia 1 · Marcio L. M. Kimpara 1 · João Onofre P. Pinto 1 Received: 20 March 2020 / Revised: 29 September 2020 / Accepted: 29 October 2020 © Brazilian Society for Automatics--SBA 2020 Abstract Transportation electrification is gaining notoriety in recent years as to fulfill the aim of reducing the fossil fuels consumption and to increase energy efficiency. Accordingly, integrated starter alternator is a compelling method to convert conventional vehicles into hybrid ones. A deal of benefits can be reached by using ISA systems. In general, it provides vehicles performance enhancement and also reduces fuel consumption. This paper aims to present simulation results and preliminary experimental achievements with a power electronics-based prototype driving a permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM). The ISA operation is demonstrated throughout providing cranking torque and assistant torque for constant power and constant torque conditions and afterward the generation mode. Details of the hardware design and control strategies, which include an ADALINE neural network for properly find the mechanical position and the application of a metaheuristic technique to tune the controllers of the motor control, have been also addressed. Keywords Integrated starter alternator · Hybrid vehicles · PMSM control · ADALINE neural network 1 Introduction Nowadays, there is a great deal of work focused on the reduc- tion in fuel consumption due to increasing awareness about environmental issues. Some environmental laws are being updated in order to preserve well-being around the world, and a plenty of areas are evaluated. Among them, the auto- motive industry comes under the spotlight due to the large number of vehicles on the streets and the companies’ efforts to constantly renew their fleets (Asaei, Farhangi and Fayazi 2007). Many research areas are focused on obtaining cost- effective and environmentally friendly solutions for automo- bile industries. Electrification is the most promising solution (Bilgin et al. 2015). Indeed, transportation electrification is gaining ground in the modern scenario. Hybrid electric vehi- cles (HEV) are inserted as an excellent solution since it represents a smoothly transition from conventional to electric vehicles. Furthermore, due to the lack of charging station and relatively low autonomy, electric vehicles are kind of limited to urban trails; thus, HEV represents a viable solution by B Marcio L. M. Kimpara marcio.kimpara@ufms.br 1 Federal University of Mato Grosso Do Sul, Campo Grande, Brazil combining the advantages of both types of vehicles (Jurca and Ruba 2017). With minor modifications, a conventional vehicle can be easily adapted to a hybrid one by using an effective integrated starter alternator (ISA), especially in Mild Hybrids (Faggion et al. 2008). Essentially, an ISA is a device in which only one machine can perform the functions of starting the internal combustion engine (ICE) and generating power. Initially, ISA system was developed in order to gain more space for the powertrain system and to reduce the overall weight of the vehicle by combining the starter with the alternator. However, it can be deemed as a core component of future board power sys- tem for electric/hybrid road vehicles. ISA can be connected with any type of combustion engine through either a direct (crankshaft) or indirect (belt). In addition, this system ensures the start/stop of the ICE, i.e., each time the brake pedal is pushed the engine will stop and, on the other hand, each time the gas pedal is pushed the engine will quickly and smoothly be re-started. At those processes, an effective regenerating power is mandatory. Another important role is related to assisting the ICE during high torque demands, which allows the usage of downsized combustion engines (Asaei, Farhangi and Fayazi 2007). 123