Evaluation of the location of battery compartment on PHEV dynamic performance using multi-body dynamics

Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is becoming more popular as an alternative of conventional vehicles. One of the main identities of PHEV is the use of large battery compartment where its location influences the vehicle dynamic performance. This paper evaluates the location of battery compartment on PHEV dynamic performance using multi-body dynamics. For this purpose, a multi-body dynamic simulation of the vehicle is developed in ADAMS/Car. In addition, five PHEV configurations based on the battery locations have been introduced. Selecting these locations is based on the size of the battery compartment and available space for installation on a national platform. Due to the importance of the vehicle’s center of mass, the effect of the location of the PHEV battery compartment is then investigated on the vehicle dynamic performance and stability. The results show in 4 configurations, the height of the center of mass is lowered, which will improve the ride comfort and vehicle handling. Increasing the height of the vehicle s center of mass increases the probability of the car roll over. In all cases, the longitudinal position of the center of mass moves towards the rear axle of the vehicle. Moving the center of mass backward, the mass distribution is transformed toward the rear axle, affecting the ride comfort, braking, and handling of the car

Keywords:

PHEV , Multi-body dynamic , ADAMS/Car , Ride comfort , Battery Compartment ,