Configurable System-Level Testing and Power Quality Analysis Model for Hybrid Electric Vehicles

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Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) development requires multidisciplinary collaboration across mechanical, electrical, and control systems engineering. To efficiently conduct system-level testing and power quality analysis, engineers can leverage MathWorks toolchains including Simscape, SimElectronics, SimDriveline, and Simscape Electrical (formerly SimPowerSystems). These tools enable the construction of high-fidelity simulation models for evaluating vehicle performance, energy management strategies, and electrical power quality.

The system-level testing model typically comprises these key components: Powertrain Modeling: Using SimDriveline to create mechanical transmission system models including engines, electric motors, transmissions, and wheel dynamics. Implementation involves defining physical connections and torque-speed relationships through Simscape blocks to simulate vehicle driving performance. Electrical System Simulation: Building battery packs, inverters, and motor drive systems with Simscape Electrical to analyze power conversion efficiency and voltage/current harmonics. Code implementation includes specifying electrical component parameters and configuring three-phase bridge circuits for power electronics simulation. Power Quality Analysis: Assessing voltage fluctuations, harmonic distortion, and transient responses in grid or onboard power systems to ensure stable and reliable operation. This involves FFT analysis algorithms and custom MATLAB scripts for harmonic measurement. Control Strategy Optimization: Designing energy management strategies in Simulink using Stateflow charts and logic controllers to test fuel economy and emissions under various operating conditions. The implementation typically employs rule-based or optimization-based algorithms for power distribution between ICE and electric motors.

This configurable model architecture allows engineers to rapidly adjust parameters such as battery capacity, motor power, or control logic through MATLAB scripting and parameter sweeps. This facilitates system performance optimization and fault scenario analysis. Furthermore, co-simulation capabilities enable evaluation of interactions between mechanical, electrical, and control systems, enhancing overall HEV efficiency and reliability through integrated system validation.