Drive Systems

Researchers concentrate on drive systems and their components with regard to intrasystemic and intersystemic interactions. By means of validation methods and processes for analysis and synthesis of complex systems the researchers accompany innovation processes as well as configure and support the lifecycle taking into account development and usage. The embodiment of technology demonstrators up to the prototype scale is part of the research comprehension.

Sustainable supply and conversion of driving energy in mobile systems is one of the central challenges of prospective mobility systems. The "Drive Systems" topic focuses on design methods, design processes, and technologies required to provide new, economically and ecologically prospective solutions for tomorrow's mobility. Research concentrates on drive systems and their components, with the drive system being understood as a complex partial system that interacts with the whole vehicle. Based on fundamental, close-to-practice studies of technology demonstrators and processes, new, energy-efficient drive systems are developed up to the prototype scale. Analysis of intrasystemic interactions e.g. between the combustion engine and vibration isolation and intersystemic interactions e.g. between drive systems and chassis is the prerequisite for the development of new drive systems, including the control units, or the optimization of existing systems. Pillowed by long-term experience in conventional drive systems research also concentrates on hybrid respectively electric drive technologies within this context.

Drive System Topologies

Work on power distribution, new gear concepts, electric machines, systemic respectively conceptional lightweight for drive systems as well as sliding and friction systems is aimed at solving problems of power transmission.

Dynamic Drive System Interactions - Transfer Path from Energy Storage to (Customer) Evaluation

By means of NVH analysis, NVH design and NVH evaluation the Topic addresses solutions and measure to prevent undesired vibrations, oscillations and noise taking into consideration the interactions between the drive system and the entire vehicle. Appropriate vibration cancellation and isolation methods are applied or solutions are demand-oriented developed.

Drive System Operation Strategies

Analysis of driving strategies, including operation strategies, driving dynamics, and condition monitoring, is aimed at increasing the customer's benefit through optimized energy consumption and safety.

Methods and Processes for Integrated Development and Validation

The research areas are linked by validation methods and processes for analysis and synthesis of complex systems taking into account interactions with the driver and the environment.

Affiliated Institutes:

 

Institute of Product Engineering (IPEK)

www.ipek.kit.edu

 

Institute of Fluid Machinery (FSM)

www.fsm.kit.edu

 

Institute of Electrical Engineering (ETI) - Chair of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) www.eti.kit.edu

 

Institute for Applied Materials - Ceramic Materials and Technologies (IAM-KM)

www.iam.kit.edu/km

 

Institute of Industrial Information Technology (IIIT)

www.iiit.kit.edu

 

Institute of Vehicle Technology (FAST)

www.fast.kit.edu

 

Institute for Data Processing and Electronics (IPE)

www.ipe.kit.edu

 

Institute for Information Processing Technologies (ITIV)

www.itiv.kit.edu