Dymola modelling technology helps to create next generation low carbon vehicles

WMG and partners Jaguar Land Rover, Tata Motors European Technical Centre, Zytek, Ricardo, MIRA and Coventry University, have created 15 separate workstreams covering everything from battery cells to aerodynamics. WMG is leading the development of the overall plant models, concentrating on powertrain technologies, the group of components that generates power and delivers it to the road surface.

Ross McMurran is manager of WMG’s Embedded Systems Group at the University’s International Automotive Research Centre. “For the LCVTP, we have selected Dymola as the common plant modelling tool. The project will provide an opportunity for partners to evaluate its capability to model mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of hybrid electric vehicle systems.” he explained.

Dassault Systemes Dymola is a world leading multi-domain modelling and simulation tool. It enables engineers to visualise a joined up, seamless understanding of vehicle architecture and dynamics, and allows them to simulate everything from control system design to driveability. This enables the teams to investigate and optimise every component before physically building a vehicle, drastically reducing time to market.

Warwick University has been using Dymola for several years. The solution is supplied by Leamington Spa-based Dassault Systemes Value Added reseller Claytex.

Claytex MD Mike Dempsey said: “We’re delighted that WMG continues to see the advantages of Dymola, and we’re proud to be contributing to a new era in world-leading low carbon British manufacturing excellence.”

Dymola is being used alongside WARPSTAR (WARwick Powertrain Simulation Tool for ARchitectures), a flexible tool developed by WMG and its partners using the MATLAB/Simulink® modelling environment.

A new agenda for motor industry

A low carbon future requires a fundamental reassessment of how companies approach vehicle engineering – from advanced battery and motor technology for efficient propulsion, light weight materials and aerodynamics to minimize lost energy, through to intelligent control systems for efficient operation in urban environments.

The low carbon agenda has for the first time in decades changed the rules of engagement in the auto industry. The need for completely new components, sourced from new partners and assembled into new modules, is forging new alliances.

The LCVTP is set to place the West Midlands as the primary source of low carbon technology for the global marketplace. The initiative has been made possible through a £19 million investment (£9.5million funding from regional development agency Advantage West Midlands and £9.5 million from the European Regional Development Fund Programme (ERDF)); and a further
£10 million contribution from the industry partners involved.

The project should be a significant job creator in the UK by 2020, with the majority in the West Midlands. It will also safeguard jobs in the supply chain as businesses switch to low carbon opportunities. The LCVTP brings Advantage West Midlands’ investment in low carbon vehicle initiatives to £41.2million. The agency has already invested more than £22million in a range of low carbon vehicle projects.