Mechanical Simulation Corporation has released the 2019.1 versions of its vehicle dynamics simulation tools CarSim and TruckSim, with additional support for the testing of electric and hybrid powertrains through the built-in model options.
The more recent releases of CarSim and TruckSim have provided more support for electric powertrains. Version 2018.1 incorporates a validated Simulink model for a hybrid powertrain that makes use of an improved interface between the native vehicle model and external models made in Simulink. In version 2019.0, the same hybrid math model was included as a built-in module for the vehicle model. In the new 2019.1 release, the built-in module has been extended to simulate an electric-only powertrain.
Dr. Yukio Watanabe, senior development and consulting engineer, said, “Given the use of electric and hybrid powertrains, there is a need for vehicle simulations to represent newer powertrains without requiring additional software.”
CarSim and TruckSim users can now choose between three different built-in powertrain system modules: conventional internal-combustion engine, pure electric motor, or a hybrid of those.
“The new capabilities enable CarSim/TruckSim users to predict detailed battery usages with regenerative brakes under fuel economy tests such as EPA driving cycles.” The model specifies motor torque characteristics, the number of battery packs, battery open-circuit voltage, etc, with moderate power management controller.