Innovative iteration algorithm for a vehicle simulation program

Resulting from Ph.D. research, a vehicle simulation program is proposed and continuously developed, which allows simulation of the behavior of electric, hybrid, fuel cell, and internal combustion vehicles while driving any reference cycle. The goal of the simulation program is to study power flows in the drivetrains of vehicles and the corresponding component losses, as well as to compare different drivetrain topologies. This comparison can be realized for energy consumption and emissions, as well as for performance (acceleration, range, maximum slope, etc.). The core of this program, consisting of a unique iteration algorithm, will be highlighted in this paper. This algorithm not only allows the calculation of the limits of vehicle acceleration in the function of drivetrain component characteristics, but at the same time is able to develop and evaluate the different power-management strategies of hybrid vehicles, combining combustion engines and electric motors. Furthermore, the comprehensive iteration algorithm is demonstrated to be very efficient in handling any type of working limit for all components in different types of drivetrains, which results in an accurate and modular vehicle simulation program with high data flexibility.