54 Dynisma’s simulators enable evaluation of energy management systems and predictive software algorithms in real time. Holloway says engineers can model different driving styles and modes to check their impact on energy use and range. “It gives you the ability to, rather than use a theoretical ideal driver, evaluate different people’s use of that, and how it affects range and energy efficiency.” Heat and air The simulators also support thermalmanagement testing. By incorporating fidelity modelling of battery heating and cooling behaviour, they can simulate such challenging scenarios as high acceleration, hill climbs and fast charging. Engineers can evaluate how the battery management system (BMS) responds to thermal stress and optimise its performance to ensure the vehicle remains driveable under extreme conditions. Simulators also allow for iterative design of thermal-management systems, including the evaluation of technologies such as dielectric or air cooling, while considering their impact on aerodynamics through changing the number, size, shape and position of heat exchangers. Holloway underscores the importance of integrating real-world variability into thermal testing, noting: “When you’re developing a vehicle and doing a thermalmanagement system, you will do that around probably a theoretical drive cycle. But, by putting a person in the loop and driving it, you can replicate how a real driver is going to drive it.” This ensures designs are robust enough to handle diverse real-world scenarios. By including aerodynamics in a model of the vehicle loaded in the simulator, engineers can adjust aero balance, simulate active aerodynamic components and even test fault scenarios, such as the failure of an active aero surface during high-speed driving and its impact on driver control. “You could simulate what would happen in a high-speed driving scenario if one of the spoiler motors failed,” Holloway says. Dynisma’s simulators also enable engineers to experiment with driver feedback systems, such as haptic pedals, which provide tactile cues to drivers, helping them optimise energy usage. Holloway says: “By using active pedals, we can change the force feedback… You can test different scenarios about how that feels.” This is particularly useful for calibrating systems such as regenerative braking and throttle sensitivity. Refining regen Regenerative braking systems in EVs present unique design challenges, including seamless transitions with mechanical braking. The DMG simulators excel in testing these scenarios. Engineers can fine-tune parameters such as the degree of regenerative braking and evaluate how drivers perceive the transitions. Holloway notes that simulators make it possible to test how confident the driver is during the switch between braking modes, and adjust settings for optimal comfort and safety. They also allow for testing with diverse driver demographics to gather comprehensive feedback. He highlights the benefits of using a simulator over real-world testing, stating: “You can test it with a bigger demographic of users to get better feedback for what the attribute wants to be like.” This versatility allows the development of braking systems that feel intuitive across a range of driving styles and scenarios, from high-speed highways to urban environments. ADAS development The DMG simulators also play a role in developing and refining ADAS features, being designed to excel at simulating road conditions and environmental scenarios. Holloway says simulators can replicate varying grip levels, surface types and even complex scenarios such as aquaplaning, enabling their responses to be evaluated in extreme or edge-case conditions. “You could simulate scenarios in which half the car goes through a large puddle,” he adds. Such scenarios are crucial for evaluating how ADAS responds to transient conditions that might confuse traditional cruise control or other automated systems. These insights help to optimise ADAS algorithms and vehicle safety features in a safe environment. Holloway describes how Dynisma’s technology can create scenarios that trigger features such as lane-keeping January/February 2025 | E-Mobility Engineering DMG-X offers higher frequency, heave and payload capabilities than DMG-1, and also supports the use of virtual reality for human-machine interface development and testing work
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2Mzk4