Educational Tool Development of an Electric Drivetrain Bench Unit

Abstract

The industry consensus is that the vehicle electrification is the currently available technology for increasing propulsion system efficiency and decreasing pollutant emissions. However, the electric drivetrain operates much differently than conventional vehicle powertrain. There is a need for training automotive engineers and educating students in this new and emergent technology of electric drivetrains. This paper presents the educational tool development of an interactive, industrial-component-based bench unit for two different configurations of electric drivetrains: battery-electric and series-hybrid electric. The developed bench unit is capable of demonstrating, illustrating and displaying the multiple energy flows in the electric-drive vehicle based on its configuration and driving conditions. The integrated unit serves as a hands-on experience workstation for multidiscipline students enrolled in the electric-drive vehicle technology courses. The hands-on experience not only enhances the vehicle electrification training and education, but also inspires students' interest in the green movement of transportation.