Fuel Consumption Estimation for Vehicle Configuration Optimization

• Main Author: Söderstedt, Fredrik
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Linköpings universitet, Fordonssystem 2014
• Subjects: Fuel consumption; Computer simulation; Heavy duty vehicle; Vehicle optimization; Look- ahead control
• Online Access: http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:liu:diva-112259

Fuel consumption is one of the factors that are considered when deciding a vehicle’s optimal specification. In order to swiftly estimate the fuel consumed during real world driving scenarios, a simulation tool has been developed that is well suited for vehicle configuration exploration applications. The simulation method described in this paper differs from the static calculation method currently in use at Scania cv since the dynamic translation of the vehicle is considered, yet the simulation time is kept low. By adopting a more dynamic approach, the estimation accuracy is increased and simulation of fuel saving technology, e.g. intelli- gent driver support system, is enabled. In this paper, the modeling and implementation process is described. Different approaches is discussed and the choices made during the development is presented. In order to achieve a low simulation time and obtain a good compatability with Scania’s current software application, some of the influencial factors have been omitted from the model or described using simple relations. The validation of the fuel consumption estimation indicates an accuracy within three percent for motorway driving. Utilizing the newly devised simulation tool, a look-ahead cruise controller has been implemented and simulated. Instead of continuously finding the optimal control signals during the driving scenario like most look-aheadcontrollers, a dynamic programming algorithm is used to find a fuel efficient speed profile for the entire route. The speed profile is used as the reference speed for a conventional cruise controller and comparison with another simulation tool indicates that this is a fast and accurate way to emulate a real look-ahead controller.