15th Mar 2023
DG Innovate’s work on the development of safer and more efficient drive systems for electric vehicles (EVs) has taken a major step forward with the introduction of a new and enhanced vehicle dynamics simulation model for predicting and shaping drive system performance.
A unique feature of the model, which gives it a significant lead over existing solutions, is that it uses a dynamic torque distribution system to predict the torque each wheel of a vehicle will need before it is actually required. This means that, by anticipating drive requirements, the DGI vehicle control system is always one step ahead of real-world traction demands and vehicle attitude changes.
As a result of these capabilities, the control system ensures that the vehicle delivers the same driving performance on any surface including, for example, smooth roads, rocky terrain, slippery mud and even snow and ice.
Skid resistance is particularly impressive, as the dynamic anti-skid control provided by the system ensures that each wheel is smoothly prevented from skidding in even the most challenging conditions. In addition, when the system has reduced the torque delivered to a wheel that is at risk of skidding, it then calculates where additional torque can be applied to compensate so that the overall tractive effort and the vehicle direction remain unchanged.
The improvements in EV traction control made possible by DGI’s new vehicle dynamics model complement the highly innovative motors that are being developed by the company. These feature a unique multiple parallel system architecture which effectively splits the torque-producing elements into a large number of segments.
This segmented design results in much enhanced fault tolerance, as the motor will continue to operate with only slightly reduced output if an individual segment fails, and it also allows the motors to be powered by inverters that are more efficient and more cost effective than those used with conventional motors.
