Development of a Power Net simulation tool using SABER<sup>®</sup>

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Development of a Power Net simulation tool using SABER^®

Boulos, A M / Pickering, S R / Gerke, T / Burnham, K J

Throughout the history of the automotive industry, the average load on the electrical system has been increasing model year by model year. The main driver of this trend has been the increasing use of electric power due to the increasing level of equipment on the average vehicle. The electric power system of a modern vehicle has to supply enough electrical energy to drive numerous electrical and electronic systems and components. Usually, the electric power system of a vehicle consists of two major components, an alternator and a battery, with supplementary control systems sometimes used to aid system operation. For vehicle power supply analysis, a detailed understanding of the operational characteristics of the major components and how they interact as a part of the electric power system, including environmental and road conditions, is essential if the analysis is to aid system optimization.

In this study, a simulation tool has been developed using SABERA^® to enhance the process of vehicle electrical power system design, development, and optimization, which is becoming important as more electrical features are added to future vehicles.