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Model behavior
Virtual development toolchains for powertrain and vehicle architecture helps
deliver optimum technical solutions for all industries introducing electrification
Hybrid electric vehicles are a
cost versus benefit challenge
due to the integration of potentially
expensive powertrain options for
a cost-conscious and competitive
market. However, with the right
technology and optimization, a
vehicle can be configured to o er
low total cost of ownership, as well
as excellent lifecycle emissions
and performance.
Ricardo’s Integrated Model Based
Development (IMBD) modeling
framework, which combines
processes and tools for the
co-optimization of subsystems,
models the complex
interactions across all
powertrain systems to develop
hardware options and optimization
for the whole vehicle. This includes
optimal parameters for battery size,
motor power, gear ratios, and
engine technology selection to meet
the vehicle requirements such as
cost, performance, e iciency and
lifecycle impact targets. This
method typically produces 10-20%
e iciency improvements over
individual sub-system development
approaches. It also provides the
basis for virtual calibration of the
vehicle and its sub-systems for
emissions, energy management,
complex thermal systems including
multiple-circuit heat pump systems,
and driving dynamics.
The crucial elements of a HEV
include a highly e icient engine,
dedicated hybrid transmission,
robust and cost-e ective battery,
e icient and compact motor and
inverter, and well optimized thermal
management to e iciently heat or
cool the powertrain and cabin.
Ricardo has developed innovative
solutions in all of these areas. Its
Magma xEV concept delivers 45%
Brake Thermal E iciency (BTE), and
combining this with an ultra-lean,
high compression ratio combustion,
164 // July 2019 // www.electrichybridvehicletechnology.com
Ricardo’s Future Vehicle Architecture (FuVA)
design concept is developed around a holistic
approach to integration of the vehicle sub-systems
HEV e iciency over a wide range of
driving modes, whilst maintaining
low powertrain cost. Drawing on
over 20 years of experience with
DHTs, Ricardo identifies
transmission technologies at the
first stage of concept development
to meet the vehicle requirements
using its Architecture Independent
Modeling tool (AIM) to screen
thousands of configuration options.
Technologies that can be combined
in a variety of ways include electric
continuous variable ratio
transmissions, fixed gears,
automatic transmissions,
mechanical CVT, and combiner
transmissions. This approach
navigates these options, whilst
taking into consideration cyclebased
fuel e iciency, to help find
solutions within the complete
powertrain architecture. Following
this, a range of analysis tools are
used to develop the mechanical
embodiment of the concept to
deliver the lowest possible friction
at the necessary robustness level
and cost.
Ricardo’s experience in
developing battery packs for
multiple vehicle sectors and its
extensive development process
helps identify solutions for cell
selection, module design, as well as
cooling, heating and packaging
approaches, and complete pack
engineering including BMS. In
addition to commercial activities,
Ricardo is participating in the
HiFi-Elements project, funded
through the EU’s Horizon 2020
program, which is developing
variable fidelity and reduced order
models of cell, module and packs,
including ageing models, for virtual
toolchain deployment. Already this
has produced a 60% improvement
in pack development time over
traditional methods.
The IMBD process optimizes vehicle design
and BOM material cost within all types of EVs
The Magma
xEV concept
delivers 45%
Brake Thermal
Effi ciency (BTE)
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turbocharging and Miller cycle plus
options for high energy ignition, it
has resulted in a robust combustion
system particularly suited to HEV,
PHEV and range extender
applications. NOx and pre-ignition
are controlled by operating up to
lambda 2, and through a tightly
controlled engine operating region
thanks to the high-power electric
motor in the HEV system.
A Dedicated Hybrid Transmission
(DHT) is a powerful option to unlock
/www.electrichybridvehicletechnology.com
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