Frank Otto

Markus Geimer

Markus Springmann

Peter Gratzfeld

The creation of lossy numerical models of electrical components for the simulation of hybrid electric powertrains is indispensable for assessing the efficiency of future powertrain topologies of mobile machinery and helps to significantly shorten the development process.

Alternative - and in particular hybrid - drives will supplement conventional drives in many mobile machines in the foreseeable future or even replace them in some areas. Major benefits in terms of energy savings are expected from the use of electrical components, particularly in the drivetrain. However, it is difficult to estimate the costs and benefits of new solutions for hybrid drivetrains.It would be desirable to have a calculation and simulation option for complete drivetrain topologies, drive systems and drivetrain components as well as auxiliary and auxiliary drives based on lossy electrical components.Such a toolbox with 1D models of lossy electrical components for numerical simulation would be very helpful in making decisions before the actual realization of a powertrain.
In various projects since 2006, the Chair of Mobile Machinery Mobima at KIT has created and validated scalable, lossy, mechanical and hydraulic drivetrain components. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of various simulation tools currently available on the market have been investigated and evaluated. The models supplied in all the tools investigated, some of which are very simple, do not (yet) fully reflect the losses of the electrical components. Mobima is therefore currently working on expanding the component models. Drive motors, power converters and generators, storage systems such as batteries and supercaps were included in the projects.Special vehicle requirements such as dynamic driving under rapidly changing component temperatures, whose influence can significantly affect the efficiency of the system topology, must be able to be represented in the models.The knowledge currently available to the Mobima Chair on the possibilities of modeling electrical components for use in vehicles and work machines on the basis of selected commercial tools is presented using test bench setups and investigations of auxiliary units.