Abstract

Weight reduction has always been a challenge for the automotive industry, mainly to reduce consumption but also improve handling. In electric vehicle design, the battery packs, their shape and positioning are critical aspects that determine the overall weight, weight distribution and, as a consequence, the efficiency, dynamics and stability of the vehicle. This presented a new challenge, to manage this necessary and inflexible weight and volume, developing the vehicle chassis around it and in the best possible way, without compromising the overall efficiency and behaviour. In this work, a methodology for nested topology optimization has been developed which combines structural topology optimization and battery pack shaping and positioning. The new methodology is implemented, without limiting its applicability, into the framework of the commercial software Hyperstudy by Altair. Document type: Article

Abstract

Model based development methodologies have strong potential in reducing development effort of complex automotive systems. This paper presents a model based development methodology used to develop battery state estimation algorithms, and steps through all the steps required for this. The benefits of the mixed simulation and testing methodology are outlined using a State of Charge estimation algorithm development example. Overall, this development methodology leads to safer, more efficient and more affordable battery packs, enabling faster market update of electric vehicles.