Study of electric propulsion by using virtual reality software

The paper presents the main results of a numerical analysis with respect to the use of a permanent magnet synchronous motor which is propelling an electric scooter. The electric scooter is supposed to run into a virtual environment. The virtual reality (VR) interface is developed with a specific software, Prescan. In this software, real driving conditions can be simulated, even traffic lights and signs, pedestrians, other cars with specific driving conditions. The model of the propulsion unit and the control technique are implemented via Matlab/Simulink. Such co-simulation numerical environment can be useful for a more precise prediction of real operating conditions for electric cars. Moreover, this numerical and virtual platform can be easily adapted for real-time controllers and by this approach an improved energy management can be considered on board of electric cars.