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Published on: February 5, 2020
Effect of Weight Distribution and Active Safety Systems on Electric Vehicle Performance.
Valerio Gori1, Will Hendrix2, Amritam Das2
1Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, 2628 CD Delft, The Netherlands.
Adjusting electric vehicle weight distribution and using advanced control systems like wheel slip and yaw rate control significantly enhance handling and stability. These methods improve cornering, acceleration, and braking performance for electric cars.
Area of Science:
- Automotive Engineering
- Control Systems
- Vehicle Dynamics
Background:
- Electric vehicles (EVs) require optimized performance for handling, stability, and cornering.
- Weight distribution and control systems are key factors influencing EV driving behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of weight distribution on EV driving dynamics.
- To design and implement control systems for improved EV performance.
- To analyze the combined effect of control systems and weight configurations.
Main Methods:
- Vehicle simulation using the bicycle model.
- Experimental validation on a radio-controlled (RC) electric vehicle.
- Design and implementation of yaw rate and wheel slip controllers.
Main Results:
- Wheel slip control enhances vehicle stabilization.
- Yaw rate control effectively reduces understeering.
- Center of gravity (CoG) location significantly impacts steering behavior.
- Optimized control system combinations improve acceleration, braking, and steering.
Conclusions:
- Weight distribution and advanced control systems are crucial for enhancing electric vehicle performance.
- The study provides insights into optimizing EV handling and stability for various driving conditions.
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