Optimizing the entire system with simulation

EV powertrain Optimizing the entire system with simulation

2024-08-30 From Monika Zwettler | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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Developing Electric Vehicle (EV) powertrain concepts is a complex and demanding task that requires a holistic approach. A new simulation solution has now made it possible to address these intricate requirements more effectively.

Electric vehicles are complex systems. In order to develop efficient drivetrains, the components must be designed and optimized as part of the system and not separately. A new solution makes this possible.(Image: m.mphoto - stock.adobe.com) — Electric vehicles are complex systems. In order to develop efficient drivetrains, the components must be designed and optimized as part of the system and not separately. A new solution makes this possible.
(Image: m.mphoto - stock.adobe.com)

Electric vehicle (EV) powertrains are complex systems consisting of functional core components such as battery, inverter, motor and transmission. To develop efficient powertrains, the components must therefore be designed and optimized as part of the system and not separately. A system-level design approach is critical to increasing the range and efficiency of electric vehicles while reducing costs.

The powertrain is at the heart of a vehicle's performance, so having the right tools to optimize its design and make it more cost-effective is crucial.

Shane Emswiler, Senior Vice President of Products, Ansys

Linking components and systems

Simulated performance of a dual-motor EV powertrain in the WLTP driving cycle with indication of the expected range and energy efficiency.
(Image:Ansys)

With Concept EV, Ansys is introducing a cloud-based SaaS offering that allows developers to link their component designs to system-level requirements—changes in specification and component design can be easily implemented and tracked, allowing users to quickly evaluate and quantify system trade-offs for optimal powertrain design.

The model-based approach makes it easier to quickly analyze the overall system based on the requirements, which reduces errors, saves time and costs and allows smarter decisions to be made at an early stage of the development process.

The simulation solution integrates solvers and control algorithms for analysis and optimization. Users can quickly and easily explore the design space based on their requirements and predict range and energy efficiency on a shareable platform. The solution has an open interface to connect with other Ansys and existing tools. A Python API is used to automate the workflow.

Concept EV enables a more comprehensive, data-driven exploration of the design space at an early stage. Teams can design and compare different drive configurations and components, leading to more creative, competitive and efficient solutions faster.

Dr.-Ing. Daniel Bachinski Pinhal, Lead Application Engineer, Ansys

A common model

The solution complements existing simulation workflows and enables system and component development teams to access a shared, requirements-based system model. "All teams involved work in a shared simulation environment with synchronized data sets. This allows the various stakeholders within and also outside the company to work more closely together, get fully involved and exchange information such as vehicle specifications or component models quickly, reliably and in an organized manner. This leads to more efficient and effective product development," explains Pinhal.

Currently, Concept-EV is only intended for the optimization of EV powertrains; expansion to other sectors is planned for future versions.

This article was first published on our sister website www.konstruktionspraxis.de (German language), Vogel Communications Group

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