Development of Vehicle Component Sizing Process Using Optimization Algorithm

This paper introduces a method for component sizing using optimization algorithm. Sizing vehicle's powertrain component is a complicated problem, resulting in vehicle's fuel economy and dynamic performance directly. Especially, as powertrains of modern vehicles become more complicated, it takes a lot of efforts to design each component size of the vehicle. In this study, we present a component sizing process using optimization algorithm. The process is developed based on the forward-looking vehicle simulator, "Autonomie" and the optimization algorithm called "POUNDERS". The process is tested for the sizing process of a conventional internal combustion engine based vehicle to decide optimal engine power. Also, the sizing process for the hybrid electric vehicle to determine optimal engine and motor power size are conducted. Optimization problem is defined as to minimize fuel consumption and dynamic performances of vehicle are given as constraints. Simulation results shows that the newly suggested sizing process algorithm could be used to design optimal component sizes of the vehicle powertrain.