Design, Simulation and Optimization of an Electrical Drive-Train

Today, design engineers engaged in the development of a high-performance electrical drive-train are challenged by the multitude of possible topological choices and numerous mutually interconnected physical phenomena. Development teams around the globe struggle with this challenge; usually they employ several tools for simulation and topology optimization and transfer multiple versions of their product models in a mainly manual process. The research presented in this paper aims to explore a holistic possibility to realize a sensible analysis-synthesis cycle that takes into consideration current developments in design, simulation and optimization processes. This kind of process can enhance the transparency of design decisions, can reduce the risk of design and process flaws and can support the approach toward a holistic optimum. The investigation starts with the development of the topological concept of the drive-train and continues over the interconnected simulation of several decisive properties of the drive-train. Obviously, these properties concern several domains (mechanical, electrical, thermal and the control domain). The optimization of the drive-train takes into consideration the main requirement—in the investigated example, which is a formula student drive-train—the lap time. The result is a holistic concept for a design, simulation and optimization approach that considers topological variety, interconnected multi-domain simulation and a continuous connection to the decisive requirements.