Abstract
Due to the complexity in the design and cost involved with the testing of automotive control systems, Hardware-in-the-Loop (HiL) simulation plays a pivotal role in the development of such control units. To perform a HiL simulation, a vehicle simulator is needed which can virtually emulate the real vehicle in response to commands from the control unit. This paper presents the design and implementation of a comprehensive simulator for a series hybrid electric city bus which is suitable for HiL testing of the Central Control Unit (CCU). The simulation is implemented in LabVIEW environment. It gives user the ability to act as a real driver and thus, all control functions in different driving regimes can be tested and verified. The designed simulator is tested and validated using real test results and by applying appropriate inputs, it provides the ability to simulate a variety of scenarios that may be too difficult or expensive to perform on a vehicle prototype.
KEYWORDS – Hybrid Vehicle; Hardware-in-the-Loop; Simulator; Central Control Unit