The Challenges of System Integration of the Hybrid Electric Powertrain

Abstract:
Hybrid Electric Vehicle technology will be one essential element of the next generation’s drive trains to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The key enablers for hybrid technology during the last decade were improvements of the battery, the power electronics and the e-motor. Combustion engine technology as well has made significant development steps. The challenges for the future are now to identify optimal system designs and to integrate them successfully with respect to mechanical, electrical and thermal interfaces. It is also necessary to balance the achievable benefits with required effort and related costs. The packaging, cooling and system safety require development processes supported by CAE tools to find optimal system integration solutions.