Vehicle System Integration (VSI) Laboratory

 

ORNL's Vehicle Systems Integration (VSI) Laboratory is accelerating the pace of powertrain development by performing prototype research and characterization of advanced systems and hardware components. The VSI Lab is capable of accommodating a range of platforms from advanced light-duty vehicles to hybridized Class 8 powertrains with the goals of improving overall system efficiency and reducing emissions.

The lab comprises a powertrain test cell with twin AVL 500 kW AC transient dynamometers and a component test cell – both share energy storage systems and dSPACE hardware-in-the-loop real-time platform capabilities. The VSI Lab also features "X"-in-the-loop evaluation capabilities.

Hybrid Powertrain X-in-the-Loop Architecture

The VSI Lab features an "X"-in-the-loop platform to evaluate powertrain components or subsystems in a virtual vehicle environment, where "X" represents any experimental component or subsystem.

X loop diagram

X-in-the-Loop Testing Benefits

  • Flexibility to change virtual vehicle architectures and experimental conditions
  • Accuracy of real engine and after treatment measurements
  • Repeatability of a controlled transient operating environment
  • Lower costs and safer environment compared with track or on-road vehicle analysis

For more information about Vehicle Systems Integration research, contact:

David Smith, Director
Center for Transportation Analysis
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
2370 Cherahala Boulevard
Knoxville, TN 37932
(865) 946-1324

 

Highlights

Edition 35 of the Transportation Energy Data Book Released
The Transportation Energy Data Book (TEDB) is a compendium of data on transportation with an emphasis on energy. Designed for use as a desktop reference, the TEDB was first published in 1976 and has continued to Edition 35. The TEDB is produced by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

2015 Vehicle Technologies Market Report
The 2015 Vehicle Technologies Market Report was released April 28, 2016 via the web. The report details the major trends in U.S. light-duty vehicle and medium/heavy truck markets. This report is produced by Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.

Numerous CTA Staff gave presentations at the DOE Annual Merit Review Meeting, June 6-10, 2016.
The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE's) 2016 Annual Merit Review and Peer Evaluation Meetings for the Hydrogen and Fuel Cells Program and the Vehicle Technologies Program were held June 6-10, 2016. Numerous CTA Staff presented at this event.

 

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