Hybrid vehicles are driving the new automotive agenda – Dymola has the answers
Hybrid vehicles are likely to be the next step in the evolution of the vehicle as environmental pressure builds to deliver more economical and cleaner vehicles. Engineers face many new challenges in the design and development of hybrid vehicles. The addition of electric drives and energy storage systems to the vehicle add many more possible powertrain configurations making upfront analysis of these essential. The simulation of hybrid vehicles covers many different engineering domains (mechanics, electrical, control, etc.). Dymola has a range of model libraries that provide component models across the necessary engineering domains. Available libraries include:
- 1D and Multibody mechanics
- Electrical circuits and machines
- Control systems
- Powertrain
- Smart Electric Drives
- Vehicle Dynamics
Unique multi-domain modelling capabilities
Dymola has unique multi-domain modelling capabilities, which mean that models can consist of components from many engineering domains. The components represent physical parts and devices that are simply dragged-and-dropped to build the model. Interactions between the components are conveniently described by graphical connections that model the physical coupling of the components. To achieve this component orientated modelling approach Dymola utilises the Modelica language to define each component. The Modelica language uses an equation based approach to define components in a non-causal way. The key to the efficient simulation of Modelica models is symbolic manipulation. Dymola has state-of-the-art algorithms for sorting and solving differential algebraic equations. These algorithms transform the Modelica model definition in to efficient code for simulation.Smart Electric Drives Library provides components of varying fidelity for modelling the entire electric drive train, energy storage system, power electronics and the control of these systems.
Power-Split Hybrid Example
A power-split hybrid vehicle model has been developed consisting of a conventional internal combustion engine and 2 electric motors coupled using a planetary gearset. This can be created using the Powertrain and SmartElectricDrives libraries. The planetary gear and electric motor arrangements are shown. This model can then be used to determine appropriate component sizes for the motors, energy storage systems etc. and can be used to develop the Powertrain control strategy.Powertrain Library Provides components and sub-systems for modelling complete powertrain systems. Components are available with varying levels of detail ranging from the very simple 1D models through to detailed dynamic models including 3D effects.
Contact our experienced Dymola modelling and simulation software distribution and consultancy teams on 01926 885900.
