H&EV Control Systems

Whilst the most obvious differences between conventional and hybrid vehicles involve the electric machine, battery and power electronics, a major consideration where complexity is often under-estimated is the new electronic system control components and their integration with the rest of the vehicle. Ricardo recognised this several years ago and invested in research programmes to develop skills and expertise in these areas

Whilst new technologies may offer outstanding opportunities for large steps in performance, they have to be proven and accepted in the harsh automotive world. Ricardo have experience both with new technologies and also with many programmes that are in production or are being productionised. We are ideally placed to offer support for taking Hybrid and Electric programmes all the way from demonstration to production.

Ricardo offers a unique portfolio of skills:

We have a fully integrated tool chain that supports these areas of development spanning from concept and feasibility studies to assessment of prototypes, proof of concept and production.

Control System and Safety Design

  • Hybrid Control Unit (HCU) development projects include:
    • Function control development for Micro, Mild and Full hybrid applications
    • Supervisory control
    • Safety/sensor interlock strategy and implementation
    • Calibration/diagnostics interface support
  • Integration of hybrid functionality into donor EMS
  • Design and development of HCU hardware and software
  • Hybrid control system include the following features
    • CAN communication with DC-DC converter, BMDU, B-ISG controller
    • Additional sensors and actuators for hybrid function
    • Partial-state-of-charge control
      • Necessary to allow regenerative braking
      • Ricardo proprietary Cost Function based algorithm
    • Stall protection feature

Benefits of integrated hybrid control unit

  • Single case for three units, minimising tooling and development costs
  • Single external connection system for the three units, minimizing harness and connector costs and simplifying routing and vehicle assembly
  • Single cooling jacket for the Inverter and DC Converter, minimizing the cost and assembly of the cooling circuit
  • Single installation required for the three units, minimizing bracket costs and assembly

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