Title: Computational methods for the optimisation and design of electromechanical vehicle systems

Authors: Ercan M. Dede; Jaewook Lee; Yan Liu; Brian Robert; Serdar H. Yonak

Addresses: Toyota Research Institute of North America, 1555 Woodridge Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA ' Toyota Research Institute of North America, 1555 Woodridge Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA ' Toyota Research Institute of North America, 1555 Woodridge Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA ' Toyota Research Institute of North America, 1555 Woodridge Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA ' Toyota Research Institute of North America, 1555 Woodridge Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA

Abstract: The development of advanced electromechanical vehicle systems requires the consideration of multiple physical processes including electromagnetics, fluid flow, heat transfer, and structural mechanics. Accordingly, this paper presents a suite of simulation, optimisation, and design strategies that may be applied to the research and development of modern electric and hybrid-electric vehicles. These computational methods are illustrated through three examples that involve electric motors and electronic systems. Two and three-dimensional topology optimisation studies, parametric geometry sweeps, and multi-scale models are shown to inform unique designs prior to the fabrication and testing of advanced prototypes. It is expected that such computational techniques will have a significant impact on the development of highly efficient future ground transportation systems.

Keywords: finite element method; FEM; multi-scale models; electromagnetics; fluid flow; thermal stress; structural optimisation; hybrid electric vehicles; HEVs; electromechanical vehicle systems; heat transfer; structural mechanics; simulation; vehicle design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJVD.2012.047383

International Journal of Vehicle Design, 2012 Vol.58 No.2/3/4, pp.159 - 180

Received: 23 Oct 2010
Accepted: 23 Feb 2011

Published online: 31 Dec 2014 *

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