Hybrid and electrical transportation

HYBRID &

ELECTRICAL

TRANSPORTATION

Leading the Way in EV and HEV Real-Time Simulation

For HIL and PHIL-testing of ECUs, real-time simulations must be as real as possible. A truly reliable implementation of Hardware-in-the-Loop (HIL) for EV and HEV applications requires sound models, program execution time of less than a few microseconds, and the fastest possible I/O communication. OPAL-RT provides solvers, FPGA architecture and CPU capability that identify the company as a leader in HEV/EV simulation.

Intuitive and Complete User Interface

OPAL-RT's high-fidelity motor solution includes a flexible and intuitive user interface. The interface enables users to visualize signals as with a real scope, define parameters for most electrical motor components and calibrate I/Os. The electrical motor user interface includes an easy-to-use Python scripting interface, enabling users to create comprehensive test sequences.

Real-time Motor and Inverter Simulation with Maximum Accuracy & Flexibility

Test motor controllers, gate drive boards and fast IGBT protection subsystems.

Analyze and test various inverter topologies and motor types.

Perform tests prior to dynamometer and PHIL system testing.

Reduce time-to market and decrease development and testing costs.

Key Features

  • Detailed finite element motor models using JMAG, MAXWELL and Infolytica FEA tools
  • Model time-steps below 500 nanos to simulate spacial harmonics and dead-time effects for high-speed motors and PWM up to 100 kHz+
  • High-accuracy and flexible inverter models capable of simulating inverter short-circuit and open-gate faults
  • On-the-fly modification of model topology, parameter values and I/O channel connections--without stopping the simulation--for efficient test automation
  • Real-time inverter loss calculation
  • User-defined FPGA control and protection functions using block diagram editor
  • Minimum latency below 1.5 to 2 us between ECU IGBT gate firing signals and motor current output
  • Multi-drive and motor capability using several FPGA

Two Key Elements in Creating the Most Effective HIL Simulators for Electrical Transportation

The ability to perform real-time simulation electrical motor testing hinges upon the capabilities of a real-time, high-fidelity motor model. This model enables engineers to focus on performing precise testing, not on the workings of the system.

High-Fidelity FPGA Real-Time Motor Simulation

OPAL-RT provides FPGA and Simulink-based electrical motor models, such as: PMSM, IM, SRM, BLDC, DC and AC. OPAL-RT is also well-known for the custom development of real-time models of atypical motors. High motor fidelity provides engineers with richer harmonics results, realistic current saturation behaviors and accurate torque results, enabling higher test coverage and quality when testing electrical motor controls. Mechanical dynamics generally run as much as ten times slower than electrical dynamics performed on CPU, significantly increasing user flexibility.

Virtual Fault Injection on Converters, Bridges and Electrical Motors

A complete HEV/EV ECU test coverage requires validation of controller behavior under fault scenarios on electrical motors and converters. The OPAL-RT solution enables the simulation of faults on many converters and motors, including:

  •    Open-fault, short-circuit or gate-fault on any IGBT
  •    Possible motor open-line and line-line faults
  •    DC-link faults
  •    Resolver sensor non-idealistic behavior

RECOMMENDED OPAL-RT Real-Time SIMULATION SYSTEM

With almost two decades of research and development in real-time simulation and a wealth of hands-on experience in power electronics, OPAL-RT has created eFPGASIM, the industry’s most powerful and intuitive FPGA-based real-time solution. eFPGASIM combines the performance of high-fidelity digital simulators with the very low latency required for hybrid and electrical transportation testing and R&D.

Customer Success Stories

Learn how OPAL-RT can help accelerate time to test conditions and vehicle behaviour, as well as hybrid vehicle components

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See how Valeo uses an OPAL-RT simulator to develop innovative powertrain solutions

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Read the comparison between OPAL-RT HIL computational time measurement against model fidelity made by Toyota Motor Corp

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