Active Sound Design Methodologies for Hybrid and Electric Vehicles 2021-01-1019

The automotive industry continues to develop new powertrain and vehicle technologies aimed at reducing overall vehicle-level fuel consumption. Specifically, the use of innovative drivetrain technologies including conventional and electrified propulsion systems is expected to play an increasingly important role in helping OEMs meet fleet CO2 reduction targets for 2025 and beyond. NVH development for vehicles with electrified powertrains introduces new challenges, which need to be understood and solved.

The electrified vehicle space spans variants from micro and mild hybrids all the way through plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles. In addition to conventional NVH development methodologies, active sound design (ASD) can play a crucial role to enhance the interior sound perception of such vehicles and hence, improve customer acceptance of new technologies. This paper will begin with an introduction to the NVH challenges posed by electrified vehicles. Following this, a methodology showing the newly developed ASD calibration process will be presented. Specifically, this process involves a semi-automated process of transferring ASD datasets from a lead vehicle to other variants using the same powertrain. Applications of ASD to conventional and hybrid vehicles with combustion engines will be illustrated via case study examples. Finally, a modular ASD process for electric vehicles will be presented. Case study examples from the design of sounds for electric vehicles will be provided.