| Design and modeling methodologies for hybrid vehicle power plants are demonstrated by using them to develop models that can help identify critical design parameters. The design methodology develops the important interrelations of general hybrid vehicle power plant design functions. The modeling methodology consists of three major aspects: approach, level of detail and modularity. The modeling is approached by using a common method and convention (i.e. language, spoken and/or written) for all disciplines so that multi-disciplined hybrid vehicle power plant design teams can work better together. The modeling is done at a level of detail that yields realistic performance predictions and that gives an adequate amount of information to give direction for design improvements. Modularity was achieved with the models, because designers need to consider several concepts and architectures when trying to find the best ways to improve predicted power plant performance. The developed models exhibited realistic performance predictions and dynamic behavior. They were used to identify critical design parameters, they were easy to reconfigure, and they proved to be useful design tools. |
