Propulsion development model for MiL/HiL/DiL purposes

Abstract

Virtual simulations are increasingly critical for reducing vehicle development timelines, a prior- ity in the automotive industry. Driving simulators and vehicle simulation software are essential tools that enable manufacturers to test and validate vehicle subsystems and overall perfor- mance prior to constructing physical prototypes. In the case of electric vehicles, early virtual verification of subsystems is particularly important, given the modular nature of the driveline platform. Modular simulation models further enhance this process by allowing companies to de- velop custom models for specific subsystems, which can be exchanged with subsystem suppliers and vehicle manufacturers, facilitating the creation of virtual prototypes and streamlining the design workflow.

This report details the implementation of a modular propulsion model specifically designed for electric vehicles, aimed at supporting feature verification across various simulation environments, including Model-in-the-Loop (MiL), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL), and Driver-in-the-Loop (DiL). The model’s primary goal is to accelerate development cycles, reduce costs, and improve the reliability and performance of electric vehicle drivetrains. Key features such as torque vectoring, slip control, and torque distribution are incorporated, making the model compatible with di- verse powertrain configurations, including rear-wheel drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD). Integration with CarMaker allows for realistic testing and validation of the model under various driving conditions.

The results indicate that the model effectively simulates vehicle dynamics and control, respond- ing accurately to driver inputs, within its design domain. The model offers the opportunity to the customer to easily modify and calibrate each subsystem, which was the main objective of the project. However, some limitations and assumptions have to be considered, making future work on the model reasonable.