The paper describes a simple simulation tool for determination of vehicle energy consumption under dynamic conditions, suitable for early stages of design and linked to other tools being developed inside Vehicle concepts modeling (VECOM) project framework. The simulation tool is based on ordinary differential equations and a dynamic expandable library of vehicle component features. It describes vehicle dynamics in longitudinal direction and the appropriate efficiencies of engine, transmission and accumulation components (if used). All required data may be obtained by targeted simulations using multi-dimensional methods or by experiments.
The simplified algorithms finding the best usage of powertrain chain efficiency in dependence on required pre-defined operation conditions (real driving record or a driving test cycle) were established. The simulation can be based either on quasi-steady powertrain data or it can be amended by an estimation of dynamic response using local time-response constants found by simulation. The latter approach is important for internal combustion engines especially. The control algorithms may be preliminarily evaluated by the model including different hybrid control techniques. The direct linking to measurement and control tools or realizing XiL approach is easy.
The flexible modular structure of the model makes the changes of vehicle layout easily possible. The amendment to fast assessment of vehicle emissions is being prepared.