Simplicity and electrification of the propulsion system are one of the most important trends in vehicle development and integration process. The complexity of NVH (Noise, Vibration and Harshness) design and refinement is the core challenge to this process. Customers’ expectations of an unnoticeable engine during driving make this challenge more critical [1]. Apart from the overall sound pressure level, the sound quality is even more important due to the lack of noise masking effects [2]. Therefore, the development team has reached an internal consensus that NVH attributes are the top priority in engine development.
This paper describes the NVH development process of a dedicated hybrid engine for the range extender electric vehicle (REEV) application, beginning with an introduction to REEV system as well as the operating condition data of long-distance road tests. Based on the road test data, the engine technical specification is defined accordingly and broken down into design targets for all individual components. Subsequently the design target is finally achieved through the definition of engine architecture, hardware selection, and individual component simulation and optimization.
With regard to the NVH refinement, the NVH issues such as global crankshaft vibration, start impacts, high-pressure fuel system ticking, and acoustic encapsulations studies are discussed. Finally, the appropriate optimization proposals are summarized and the bench test results are presented.