Simulating Powertrain Performance and Optimization under Real-World Driving Conditions

Voiceover

Presenter(s)(s)

Grace Pagel, Ethan Holt

Abstract or Description

Implementation of more stringent vehicle fuel economy and emissions regulations are expected worldwide to mitigate the rise in global CO2 emissions. The amount of CO2 a vehicle emits is directly linked to the amount of fuel the vehicle consumes, thus improving vehicle fuel economy could significantly lower transportation sector CO2 emissions. In the US, vehicle fuel economy and emissions are evaluated on a chassis dynamometer under controlled laboratory conditions over appointed driving cycles. The appointed driving cycles are regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and include the FTP-75, HWFET, and US06 cycles. Nonetheless, there is a disconnect between the EPA test-cycle fuel economy assessment and real-world driving situations which include variables such as driver behavior, road grade, and traffic conditions. Using GT-Suite software packages, the vehicle fuel economy and emissions are assessed under real-world scenarios and compared to results derived from the EPA drive cycle standards. In addition, an optimization of the vehicle's powertrain was performed for real-world driving conditions and behaviors. Simulating vehicle performance under real-world driving conditions will provide insight into optimal powertrain configurations, thus improving vehicle fuel economy and lowering vehicle emissions.

Mentor

Dan DelVescovo