Chassis Dynamometer as a Development Platform for Vehicle Hardware In-the-Loop "VHiL"

This manuscript provides a review of different types and categorization of the chassis dynamometer systems. The review classifies the chassis dynamometers based on the configuration, type of rollers and the application type. Additionally the manuscript discusses several application examples of the chassis dynamometer including: performance and endurance mileage accumulation tests, fuel efficiency and exhaust emissions, noise, vibration and harshness testing (NVH). Different types of the vehicle attachment system in the dynamometer cell and its influences on the driving force characteristics and the vehicle acoustic signature is also discussed. The text also highlights the impact of the use of the chassis dynamometer as a development platform and its impact on the development process. Examples of using chassis dynamometer as a development platform using Vehicle Hardware In-the-Loop (VHiL) approach including drivability assessment and transmission calibrations are presented. The importance of the utilization of the vehicle test bed for future implementation of the Vehicle Hardware In-the-Loop (VHiL) is discussed as well. Case study of model-based automotive system integration for the evaluation of integrating hybrid electric modules into an existing platform is discussed and initial results are presented.