Modeling of an Electric Axle Drive with Modelica: A Study of Electric Active Dynamics

Abstract

This paper focuses on modeling of the elec- tric axle drive system (eAxle) used for improving vehicle stability and handling performance by means of a torque vectoring (TV) feature as well as improv- ing vehicle traction and reducing CO2 emissions by means of an electric traction feature. The function, construction and benefits of the eAxle will be ex- plained within these contexts. An overview of the modeling of the eAxle in Dymola® will be shown. Several simulation cases are conducted to verify the effectiveness of the system for reducing fuel con- sumption and improving longitudinal and lateral dy- namics. A co-simulation was developed between Dymola® and Abaqus® to simulate the power loss and ascertain the temperature behavior on the hous- ing of the eAxle . Finally, the eAxle with a vehicle model was driven over a special realistic handling course using an open source software called Blend- er®. The dynamic behavior of the whole vehicle model (with eAxle) will be validated by means of an optical measurement process or what so called (Ob- ject Tracking).