Industry: Automotive
The Challenge: Optimizing Next-Generation Hybrid Vehicle Performance
In an increasingly competitive and sustainability-focused automotive market, hofer powertrain faced the challenge of developing Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) systems that would maximize both fuel efficiency and vehicle performance. The complexity lies in the fact that having the best hardware is not sufficient: an intelligent energy management strategy is required to optimize the distribution between internal combustion energy and electric energy.
The Solution: Advanced Siemens Technology for Comprehensive Optimization
hofer powertrain chose the powerful tools from Siemens Digital Industries Software to address this complex challenge, implementing a comprehensive solution based on:
Simcenter Amesim: The Leading Simulation Platform
Siemens’ flagship tool for multi-physics system modeling enabled hofer powertrain to:
- Create precise models of the dual-parallel hybrid powertrain
- Implement the Hybrid Optimization Tool (HOT) with advanced algorithms
- Automatically generate forward models for dynamic validation
Simcenter HEEDS: World-Class Automated Optimization
Siemens’ multidisciplinary optimization solution provided:
- Automated exploration of 250 design configurations
- Optimization algorithms that identified the optimal configuration
- Parallel analysis of multiple design variables simultaneously
Optimized System Architecture
- Dual-parallel hybrid vehicle equipped with a 1.2-liter internal combustion engine
- Dedicated Hybrid Transmission (DHT) optimized specifically for hybrid applications
- Advanced energy management system combining Pontryagin’s Minimum Principle for offline optimization and Equivalent Consumption Minimization Strategy for real-time optimization
Integrated Workflow with Siemens Technology
The synergy between Siemens tools created an unprecedented optimization process:
- Simcenter HEEDS automatically manages and varies design parameters
- Simcenter Amesim HOT calculates optimal control for each configuration
- The integrated Siemens ecosystem ensures seamless data transfer
- Automatic generation of the final optimized Simcenter Amesim model
“The native integration between Simcenter HEEDS and Simcenter Amesim was key to the project’s success, eliminating data transfer errors and significantly accelerating the optimization process.”
The Results: Siemens Technology Power in Action
Thanks to the computational power and advanced algorithms of Simcenter HEEDS, which automatically explored 250 different designs, and the precision of Simcenter Amesim for detailed modeling, the results were extraordinary:
Efficiency and Performance Improvements
| Metric | Baseline Design | Optimized Design | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fuel consumption | 5.58 L/100km | 5.23 L/100km | -6.3% |
| 0-100 km/h acceleration | 8 seconds | 7 seconds | -12.5% |
| Maximum speed in electric mode | 54 km/h | 140.4 km/h | +160% |
Component Optimization
- 38% reduction in motor power scaling factor
- 68% reduction in generator power scaling factor
- 33% improvement in first gear transmission ratio
The Validation: Proven Precision of Simcenter Amesim
The project’s success was confirmed through the robust validation capabilities of Simcenter Amesim:
Integrated Dual Modeling
- Backward model (Simcenter Amesim HOT): High-speed quasi-static optimization
- Forward model (Simcenter Amesim): Dynamic simulation with real transient effects
- Automatic transition between models without data loss
Validated Results
The consistency between both modeling approaches demonstrated the exceptional precision of Siemens tools:
- Optimized consumption: 5.23 L/100km (backward model) vs 5.24 L/100km (forward model)
- Less than 0.2% difference between simulations, confirming software reliability
The Impact: Siemens Ecosystem Transforming the Industry
This success case demonstrates how Siemens Digital Industries Software integrated solutions can:
Accelerate innovation: Drastic reduction in development time through automation
Guarantee precision: Cross-validation between multiple modeling approaches
Optimize resources: 250 designs explored automatically vs. years of physical testing
Drive sustainability: 6.3% less consumption = significant emission reduction
Competitive Advantages of the Siemens Ecosystem
- Native integration between tools eliminates transfer errors
- Scalability for projects of any complexity
- World-class algorithms in multidisciplinary optimization
- Specialized technical support from our strategic partner Siemens
Future Perspectives with Siemens
hofer powertrain continues innovating with the Siemens solutions ecosystem, exploring:
- Simcenter Amesim for battery aging modeling
- Simcenter HEEDS for next-generation modular architectures
- Integration with other Siemens solutions for renewable energy
Why Choose Siemens Solutions?
Proven Precision: Less than 0.2% differences between models
Development Speed: 250 designs optimized automatically
Total Integration: Complete ecosystem without data loss
Measurable Results: 6.3% less consumption, 12.5% better acceleration
This success case demonstrates the transformative power of Siemens Digital Industries Software in hybrid vehicle optimization, validating our strategic alliance to deliver the best market solutions.
Ready to revolutionize your hybrid vehicle development? As an authorized Siemens partner, we offer complete access to these world-class tools, along with specialized technical support and certified training.
