Synthesis of electrified drive systems

Globally reducing CO2 and emission limits are pushing the rise in vehicle electrification. Increasing electrification also means that powertrains are becoming more complex. Moreover, customers’ mobility needs are changing, as are individual demands on international markets. As a consequence, the range of potential technology solutions is becoming ever broader, and multi-dimensional. Vehicle manufacturers face the highly complex problem of optimising their drive system portfolios despite a high degree of development risk. The manufacturers are responding to that rising complexity by digitising processes and development procedures.These trends are the background to the collaborative research project being undertaken between AUDI AG and the Institute of Automotive Engineering (IAE) at the Technical University of Braunschweig. Its aim is to create a virtual development chain allowing users to identify and design electrified powertrains for the premium vehicle models of the future. This virtual development chain encompasses five computer tools mapping the steps for the identification, design, evaluation and optimisation of electrified powertrains.The virtual approach is intended to help meet customers’ requirements of the vehicle and the requirements of the product, while at the same time shortening development lead times and cutting costs.