Fleet managers who want to go green understand that they need to consider the Total Cost of Ownership to make decisions regarding vehicle purchases. For example, they weigh the higher initial cost of an electric vehicle (EV) versus its operational savings down the road. They also want to know whether an EV will be capable of doing the job with enough range and charge capabilities.

The FleetCarma system is a unique way to determine the right vehicle for a job because it uses a simple-to-install OBD data logger to capture duty cycle and operational needs. That usage pattern is then fed to FleetCarma’s backend system, where it is run through a number of simulations depending on which vehicles are being considered for purchase. The results include the vehicle’s real-world fuel consumption and provide detailed analysis of potential replacement vehicles. In a nutshell, the system determines whether any electric vehicle will (a) do the job that is required and (b) offer worthwhile cost saving and emission reduction benefits.

FleetCarma’s head office is located in Waterloo, Ontario and the company employs several UWAFT alumni. UWAFT maintains an active relationship with the company, so the team was excited to use FleetCarma’s system to help select and test powertrain configurations and components for its EcoCAR 2 vehicle. UWAFT deployed FleetCarma’s data loggers on various vehicles to capture real-world drive cycles. These cycles were then reviewed for statistics such as daily driving distance, duration and driver aggressiveness. In total over 171,000 km of driving distance was captured, which resulted in 4,900 hours’ worth of driving data. These cycles were also fed into more than 20 vehicle models, where the projected real-world fuel consumption was measured and compared. For UWAFT, this helped design a vehicle that would achieve the best possible real-world fuel consumption and energy and emissions reductions

Stay tuned as UWAFT and the rest of the EcoCAR 2 teams announce their chosen vehicle architectures during the Winter Workshop in just three weeks!

An HIL Simulator such as the one donated by dSPACE is used for testing automotive vehicle controllers systematically and automatically. Vehicles sold today typically have a dozen controllers. These include engine, transmission and anti-lock brake controllers, among many others. A tool that allows for systematic and automatic testing can save automakers and part suppliers millions of dollars; hence dSPACE’s HIL is critical to the development process.

So how does dSPACE’s HIL work? A model of a component is first programmed on a computer. For example, UWAFT programs its engine model using MathWorks’ MATLAB and SIMULINK. These models are then run in real-time on the dSPACE HIL. The engine controller is then connected to the HIL and tested. If the computer model of the engine is done correctly the engine controller cannot tell the difference between the HIL engine and the real engine.

The neat part of the engine system is automation. UWAFT can program a series of tests on HIL and see how the engine controller will react. For example, the HIL can simulate an engine overheating or a low oil situation. If the engine controller is programmed correctly, it should shut down the engine to prevent damage. Using this testing method is much cheaper than breaking an actual engine, and therefore saves companies millions of dollars – and UWAFT a few broken engines!

The dSPACE Mid-Size HIL Simulator in UWAFT’s Garage

The other benefit of the HIL is that concepts can be tested before being implemented on the actual vehicle. This allows UWAFT team members to test various cutting-edge ideas without the risk of damaging expensive prototype components. Overall the use of the Mid-Size HIL Simulator will enable UWAFT to safely integrate and implement a vehicle controller, resulting in a quicker and better design than would have been impossible without dSPACE’s invaluable donation!

On October 28th, UWAFT attended CareerMash at the Roy Thompson Hall in Toronto, Ontario. CareerMash promotes information technology (IT) careers to high school students. This was an exciting opportunity to discuss IT careers in the automotive industry and showcase both UWAFT and the EcoCAR 2 competition.

UWAFT also attended a TEDxUW event hosted by the University of Waterloo on November 12th which showcased presentations of prominent innovators and pioneers in their respective fields. Speakers shared their ideas and provoked vibrant discussions and conversations around the challenges of taking action, turning ideas into reality and making change happen.

Furthermore, on November 16th, UWAFT attended the Peel Environmental Youth Alliance (PEYA) EcoBuzz Conference in Brampton, Ontario. This event was targeted at GTA high school students, with the aim of encouraging them to explore environmental issues by using alternative forms of media. PEYA inspires student action projects with peer support. The EcoBuzz Conference featured David Suzuki as a keynote speaker!

Today, UWAFT will be attending Pollution Probe’s Annual Gala Dinner at the Royal York Hotel in Toronto, Ontario. The Gala brings together 400 to 500 leaders from industry and government for an evening of networking and celebration. This year’s theme is ‘innovation,’ which will allow UWAFT to promote hybrid electric vehicles of the future and its participation in EcoCAR 2.