Regenerative Braking Characterization (Part 2 out of 4)

ADELANTO, Calif. — This is the second article in a four-part series on regenerative braking characterization by Marco Victorero, Test Engineer, Braking Systems in Applus IDIADA.

Review Part 1 HERE.

The objective of this article is to present new advanced testing procedures for regenerative braking. The 1st part of the article introduced the work and presented the methodology – test procedure, instrumentation, post-processing formulae, etc.– for the vehicles whose regenerative system was characterized in terms of durability testing. This 2nd part will focus on performance testing.

  1. Performance Testing
    1. Procedures

Vehicles 3 and 4 are tested in IDIADA HQ Proving Ground. The following test program is considered:

  • Stopping distance:
Figure 8 - Stopping Distance

Figure 8: Stopping distance procedure

  • Auto Motor und Sport (AMS):
Figure 9: AMS procedure

Figure 9: AMS procedure

The IBT of all brake discs before the first brake application must be below 100°C. The test is to be performed with the most aggressive driving mode in terms of powertrain (minimum time possible between brake stops).

The test sequence is as follows:

  • Accelerate the vehicle to the target speed
  • Release the throttle and immediately and rapidly apply the brakes to a pedal effort target of 120 daN
  • Immediately after coming to a rest repeat previous points until 10 stops have been achieved. The driver and co-driver may notice smoke and smell.
  • After the last stop, immediately accelerate the vehicle up to 100 km/h and cool down the brakes until all brake discs have reached a temperature below 100°C.
Figure 10: Example of AMS test

Figure 10: Example of AMS test

  • High-speed fade:
Figure 11: High-speed fade procedure - braking

Figure 11: High-speed fade procedure

The IBT of all brake discs before the first brake application must be below 100°C. The test is to be performed with the most aggressive driving mode in terms of powertrain (minimum time possible between brake snubs).

The test sequence is as follows:

  • Accelerate the vehicle to the target speed
  • Release the throttle and immediately and rapidly apply the brakes pedal to reach 0.5g of deceleration.
  • Once 70km/h is reached, immediately accelerate at WOT.
  • Repeat previous points until 9 snubs are completed.
  • Once 70km/h is reached, immediately accelerate at WOT to achieve the target speed. Release the throttle and immediately and rapidly apply the brakes to a pedal effort target of 120 daN until the vehicle is completely stopped.
  • After the last stop, immediately accelerate the vehicle up to 100 km/h and cool down the brakes until all brake discs have reached a temperature below 100°C.
  • Regenerative braking checks – Low µ

These tests evaluate the different strategies available regarding regenerative braking on Low µ surface (ceramic surface).

Figure 12: Low µ checks procedure

Figure 12: Low µ checks procedure

  1. Instrumentation
Figure 13: Sensors for performance testing - regenerative braking
Figure 13: Sensors for performance testing

Figure 13: Sensors for performance testing

  1. Blending

The purpose of this analysis is to characterize the contribution of regen and hydraulic braking when braking.

Figure 14: Blending graph

Figure 14: Blending graph

To do so, the following variables are considered:

  • Initial speed
  • Deceleration level
  • Driving mode

And the channels to be acquired are:

Figure 15: Data acquisition channels - regenerative braking

Figure 15: Data acquisition channels

  1. Advanced regenerative brake characterization

A more advanced analysis allows analyzing strategies of regenerative braking on low-µ surfaces, in different conditions (coast down, pedal apply, jump between different surfaces). Performance is evaluated in terms of:

  • Wheel lock
  • Regen deactivation
  • Regen wheel slip control
  • Vehicle stability

About Applus IDIADA

With over 25 years’ experience and 2,450 engineers specializing in vehicle development, Applus IDIADA is a leading engineering company providing design, testing, engineering, and homologation services to the automotive industry worldwide.

Applus IDIADA is located in California and Michigan, with further presence in 25 other countries, mainly in Europe and Asia.www.applusidiada.com

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