Development of the simulation model for testing the axial torque distribution in an electric vehicle with the dual-motor layout

BACKGROUND: The market of vehicles using electricity as an energy source demonstrates significant growth. Currently, there are more than twenty million electric vehicles worldwide. Leading manufacturers give the high priority to development of electric transport due to lower vehicle service costs, ease of driving as well as zero emissions in environment and almost complete noiselessness at motion. In addition, using the full-wheel drive in an electric vehicle makes it possible to improve off-road capability, ensures more balanced chassis control, precise following the path and constant accuracy of steering.

AIMS: Ensuring increase in vehicle course stability, delivering the maximal torque regarding vehicle motion conditions and slip control in dual-motor layouts of electric vehicles.

METHODS: In order to solve the given task, implementation of the special-purpose algorithm of torque distribution between driving axles of an electric vehicle is assumed. The paper presents the development of the simulation model of a vehicle, built in the Simcenter Amesim software and considering dynamic properties and features of the vehicle. This model was implemented into the Labcar hardware-in-the-loop facility.

RESULTS: The simulation result is comparison with the data obtained during ground testing of the prototype and confirming the aim of simulation model development, in particular the capability of revision and preliminary setting up the algorithm of torque distribution between driving axles of a vehicle.

CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of the testing of the developed facility, it can be concluded that the developed simulation facility is suitable for solving the simulation tasks including research, debugging and primary calibrations of the algorithm of torque distribution between driving axles of a full-wheel driven electric vehicle. The errors at simulation of operation modes relevant to longitudinal and lateral dynamics of the prototype is no more than 7.5% that complies with the simulation aims.