Model-based development of transmission concepts for hybrid electric powertrains

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) are developed to reduce the fuel consumption and the emission of carbon dioxide. The transmission is a core component in PHEVs since it defines the interaction between the internal combustion engine and the electric motors. Due to the complexity of PHEVs, a model-based development is carried out for novel transmission concepts, which takes the overall power train into account, as well. In this contribution, an approach for the model-based development of transmission concepts for PHEVs is presented. It incorporates the development and evaluation of new concepts as well as the development and test of corresponding controllers. Since each step of the development requires a power train model with an appropriate level of detail, an automatic model generation is used to enable an efficient workflow. This contribution focuses on the development of new transmission concepts only. It comprises an optimization of the number of gears and transmission ratios for an exemplary transmission. As a result of the proposed approach a novel transmission concept for PHEVs including a model-based evaluation is presented.