A Feedback and Feedforward Control Algorithm for a Manual Transmission Vehicle Simulation Model 2018-01-1356

Authors were challenged with a task of developing a full vehicle simulation model, with a target to simulate the electrical system performance and perform digital tests like Battery Charge Balance, in addition to the fuel efficiency estimation. A vehicle is a complicated problem or domain to model, due to the complexities of subsystems. Even more difficult task is to have a control algorithm which controls the vehicle model with the required control signals to follow the test specification. Particularly, simulating the control of a vehicle with a manual transmission is complicated due to many associated control signals (Throttle, Brake and Clutch) and interruptions like gear changes.

In this paper, the development of a full vehicle model aimed at the assessment of electrical system performance of the vehicle is discussed in brief. Then, the detailed discussion on the control algorithm which simulates the "driver behavior" for controlling the vehicle model to follow the desired velocity profile as per the selected Drive Cycle. A complete model of a vehicle with manual transmission was developed with all the required subsystems. A feedback and feedforward control algorithm was developed to control the vehicle model. The model was validated by performing a charge balance test on the vehicle's charging system and model predictions were observed to be close to actual test results. The control system developed ensured that the desired speed of the vehicle model is maintained within the tolerance of ± 0.5 to ± 2 Km/hr and executed the gear shifts within 1 second.