Modeling a Powertrain in Simscape in a Modular Vehicle Component Model Library

Simulation has become more and more important in automotive development. Especially in the early development phases, simulation is used to make prognoses for various vehicle concepts. MBtech group is developing a modular vehicle component model library, based on MATLAB^® and Simulink^®, to configure and simulate all conventional and hybrid powertrain concepts. This library is part of a simulation framework that is used to calculate driving performance and fuel consumption for vehicle fleets. More than 100 users in several departments with different requirements successfully use this framework.

MBtech decided to change the physical modeling environment from Simulink to Simscape™ to improve readability, reuse, extensibility, and stability of the physical models. They also wanted fewer physical dimension errors and better controllability of complex models, enabling faster modeling. The decision to use Simscape, instead of another physical modeling tool, was made because of the direct implementation in Simulink.

This approach provides an easy way to debug the model that leads to fast modeling and lower development costs. Moreover, the integration enables the model in Simscape to be controlled by an open Simulink model and an interface to MATLAB. Additionally Simscape has an open programming language and offers a direct way to change models without compiling. This presentation also shows how a powertrain model in Simulink is changed to a powertrain model in Simscape and the effects on the quality of the modular vehicle component model library.