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Hybrid race
I just learned that General Motors Company (GM) developed its Two-Mode Hybrid powertrain control system using Model-Based Design. By using math and simulation-based tools from The MathWorks, GM designed the powertrain prototype within 9 months, slashing 24 months off the expected development time. The complex control system is currently in production for the GMC Sierra Hybrid, GMC Yukon Hybrid, Chevy Tahoe Hybrid, Chevy Silverado Hybrid, and Cadillac Escalade Hybrid vehicles. The Two-Mode Hybrid powertrain is part of GM’s hybrid and electric vehicle program, with multiple propulsion technologies designed to meet global driving patterns and needs. The Two-Mode Hybrid powertrain combines a conventional engine with two 60-kW electric motors integrated into an automatic transmission, and it integrates with new components such as battery and power electronics.
GM used MATLAB, Simulink, and Stateflow software products to design the control system architecture and model all the control and diagnostic functions. Real-Time Workshop Embedded Coder provided the capability to generate production code from the models, and Real-Time Workshop and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulators helped verify the control system.
It looks like GM is hard at work to gain a major piece of the hybrid pie. What do you think?
GM used MATLAB, Simulink, and Stateflow software products to design the control system architecture and model all the control and diagnostic functions. Real-Time Workshop Embedded Coder provided the capability to generate production code from the models, and Real-Time Workshop and hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulators helped verify the control system.
It looks like GM is hard at work to gain a major piece of the hybrid pie. What do you think?
Comment
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Comment by laura carrabine on November 2, 2009 at 6:55am - Regarding CNG, go to http://www.designworldonline.com/articles/4655/6/CNG-Fuel-has-Many-Advantages-over-Gasoline.aspx
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Comment by laura carrabine on November 2, 2009 at 6:44am
- I wrote about CNG in the September issue (Green Engineering column) and its advantages over other fuel choices. I wonder what the underlying issues are that are holding car manufacturers from taking a more serious look at CNG.
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Comment by Taylor Johnson on October 29, 2009 at 6:50pm - I believe that holds true for some cars such as the Smart Car or the Mini, but for cars such as the Yukon and Sierra described above I don't know that the safety is decreased at all. You know though, I was speaking with a colleague today about the future of renewable energies and where it will be going and I began to wonder why is it OEM's have made such a big public push toward hybrids and electric, yet have completely disregarded expanding into CNG? From my perspective, we would have much more efficient, clean, powerful, and economical transportation in this country if car manufacturers would just begin manufacturing natural gas vehicles from the factory. CNG is approximately 25% the price of gasoline and in diesel applications it dramatically increases the power production capabilities of an internal combustion engine. Do you have any insights on the issue?
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Comment by laura carrabine on October 29, 2009 at 7:57am
- Hi Taylor, I concur with your thoughts about this whole hybrid trend being a marketing scheme. Personally, whenever I pass one of these vehicles on the highway, I think they look like converted lawnmowers. And, they don't look safe to me. Even though my car requires more expensive gas, and oil changes or other maintenance work cost me more than what a hybrid owner may pay, I know I am safer in my Beemer than the guy in the souped up Lawnboy!
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Comment by Taylor Johnson on October 28, 2009 at 9:45pm
- Great post Laura. As I think about GM's involvement in the next era of transportation its always a bit hard for me to think of GM as an innovator. History has shown that over time GM (other American car manufacturers as well) has become complacent in their attempts to provide what the user actually needs and wants. This being said, I have noticed a significant increase as of late in their attempts to provide high efficiency vehicles such as the Chevy Volt. However, through my experience working at a Chevy car dealership I came to the conclusion that these "Hybrid" vehicles are really just a marketing scheme. In all reality the "Hybrid" vehicles only increase fuel efficiency by 1-2 mpg yet they cost the consumer 1000's more than non hybrid. What is your opinion on the situation? Do you think hybrids as GM defines them are going to be the future, or will it be reduction in fuel waste systems that will ultimately change the shape of our consumer transportation paradigm?
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