Abstract
The energy demand of vehicles is influenced, not only by the drive systems, but also by a number of add-on systems. Electric vehicles must satisfy this energy demand completely from the battery. Hence, the use of power steering systems directly result in a range reduction. The “e2-Lenk” joint project funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) involves a novel steering concept for electric vehicles to integrate the function of steering assistance into the drive-train. Specific distribution of driving torque at the steered axle allows the steering wheel torque to be influenced to support the steering force. This provides a potential for complete substitution of conventional power steering systems and reduces the vehicle’s energy demand. This paper shows the potential of wheel-individual drives influencing the driver’s steering torque using a control technique based on classical EPS control plans. Compared to conventional power-assisted steering systems, a reduced energy demand becomes evident over a wide range of operating conditions.
Highlights
Drive-trains of electric vehicles operate more efficiently compared to those of conventionally motorized vehicles
Specific distribution of driving torque at the steered axle allows the steering wheel torque to be influenced to support the steering force. This provides a potential for complete substitution of conventional power steering systems and reduces the vehicle’s energy demand
Our simulation-based investigations show the feasibility of a power steering system using wheel-individual drive torque at the front axle
Summary
Drive-trains of electric vehicles operate more efficiently compared to those of conventionally motorized vehicles. Electric vehicles are a promising opportunity to reduce local carbon dioxide emissions and to increase the vehicle’s overall energy efficiency. Modern electric drive-trains provide a variety of new features besides propulsion. Both the power train and the wheel suspension systems can be rethought for integration of these functions. The development and use of wheel-individual drives offer a considerable potential in this regard. A power-assisted steering effect can be achieved by wheel-individual drives. Different torques applied to the left and right front wheels can significantly influence the driver’s steering torque
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