This article takes a look at how BMW is using hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation in developing the Hydrogen 7 engine. The HIL systems are used in this case for both hardware and software testing, and plans are to use it in later development stages for safety testing.
Add comment July 1st, 2008
From the June 24 issue of NIST Tech Beat:
Scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), in cooperation with national standards organizations, have taken the lead in developing the first two standards for solid-state lighting in the United States. This new generation lighting technology uses light-emitting diodes (LEDs) instead of incandescent filaments or fluorescent tubes to produce illumination that cuts energy consumption significantly.
Standards are important to ensure that products will have high quality and their performance will be specified uniformly for commerce and trade. These standards—the most recent of which published last month—detail the color specifications of LED lamps and LED light fixtures, and the test methods that manufacturers should use when testing these solid-state lighting products for total light output, energy consumption and chromaticity, or color quality.
Solid-state lighting is expected to significantly reduce the amount of energy needed for general lighting, including residential, commercial and street lighting. “Lighting,” explains NIST scientist Yoshi Ohno, “uses 22 percent of the electricity and 8 percent of the total energy spent in the country, so the energy savings in lighting will have a huge impact.”
Solid-state lighting is expected to be twice as energy efficient as fluorescent lamps and 10 times more efficient than incandescent lamps, although the current products are still at their early stages. Ohno chaired the task groups that developed these new standards.
In addition to saving energy, the new lighting, if designed appropriately, can produce better color rendering—how colors of objects look under the illumination—than fluorescent lamps or even incandescent lamps, Ohno says.
NIST is working with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to support its goal of developing and introducing solid-state lighting to reduce energy consumption for lighting by 50 percent by the year 2025. The department predicts that phasing in solid-state lighting over the next 20 years could save more than $280 billion in 2007 dollars.
The Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA) published a documentary standard LM-79, which describes the methods for testing solid-state lighting products for their light output (lumens), energy efficiency (lumens per watt) and chromaticity. Details include the environmental conditions for the tests, how to operate and stabilize the LED sources for testing and methods of measurement and types of instruments to be used.
“More standards are needed, and this will be the foundation for all solid-state lighting standards,” Ohno says. The standard is available from the IESNA.
The solid-state lights being studied are intended for general illumination, but white lights used today vary greatly in chromaticity, or specific shade of white. The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) published the standard C78.377-2008, which specifies the recommended color ranges for solid-state lighting products using cool to warm white LEDs with various correlated color temperatures. The standard may be downloaded from ANSI’s Web site. www.nema.org/stds/ANSI-ANSLG-C78-377.cfm
DOE is launching the Energy Star program for solid-state lighting products this fall. NIST scientists assisted DOE by providing research, technical details and comments for the Energy Star specifications. The Energy Star certification assures consumers that products save energy and are high quality and also serves as an incentive for manufacturers to provide energy-saving products for consumers.
The solid-state lighting community is continuing to develop LED lighting standards for rating LED lamp lifetime and for measuring the performance of the individual high-power LED chips and arrays. NIST scientists are taking active roles in these continuing efforts.
Add comment June 26th, 2008
National Technical Systems has completed its acquisition of Elliott Laboratories, Inc., a leading San Francisco Bay Area Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC), Product Safety and Wireless regulatory testing laboratory with two full-service facilities. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Add comment June 12th, 2008
The PACE 5000 pneumatic pressure controller/indicator is the first in a new generation of high precision modular instruments for rack-mounting or bench top applications. The PACE 5000 is based on the Druck DPI 520 platform and uses piezo-resistive devices that promise precise and stable performance. Designed primarily for 19-inch rack systems, it can also be used as a bench top instrument and in an ATE system, where fast and accurate pressure control is required. Multiple units can be combined in the same system to provide a full range of pressure calibration capability from 25 mbar to 210 bar. It is available in a choice of two performance specifications, so that the correct instrument can be selected for each installation.
A touch screen and a high-resolution 1/4 VGA display help make the PACE 5000 is easy to operate and read. An icon menu allows operators to set up controller parameters and RS232 and IEEE communication ports allow users to integrate the controller with PC systems.
The PACE 5000 has been designed to communicate with GE’s Druck Intecal software, which was specifically developed to provide support for both laboratory and field calibrations. This provides easy control in a fully integrated pressure loop, giving 100% automated calibration of pressure transducers and transmitters. Intecal software has full documenting facilities to prepare reports and provide calibration certificates from its database, utilizing readout data from connected calibration equipment and test devices. In addition, the calibration and maintenance history of the PACE 5000, along with its configuration, is stored within the instrument. The calibration history is automatically updated each time a calibration is carried out to ensure that calibration records are always up-to-date to meet quality assurance standards.
Add comment June 12th, 2008
From the 6/10/08 issue of NIST Tech Beat, the e-newlsetter of the National Institute of Standards and Technology:
Relax, even scientists can sometimes use help when making conversions and measurements with the modern metric system, the International System of Units (known as SI from the French “Le Systeme International d’Unites”.) The good news is that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has just released a guide for researchers, available to all, on correct SI usage and unit conversion.
NIST Special Publication (SP) 811, Guide for the Use of the International System of Units, complements the recently released U.S. version of the English language SI Brochure, SP 330, the eighth version of international standard reference guide to the modern metric system. (See “NIST Offers U.S. Interpretations of Recent SI (Metric) Changes”.)
SP 811 offers an extensive conversion factor appendix useful for measurement unit conversions and appropriate rounding strategies for data. It also provides an editorial checklist for reviewing manuscripts’ conformity with the SI and the basic principles of physical quantities and units. A color chart has been added that illustrates the utilization of the SI base units in defining the 22 derived units with special names and symbols.
NIST SP 811 and NIST SP 330 are available online . Printed copies can be requested with an email to TheSI@nist.gov.
Add comment June 11th, 2008
A state-of-the-art motorcycle simulator capable of giving researchers valuable information on rider and road safety, motorcycle design and motorcycle engineering is currently under construction at The University of Nottingham, British Midlands, UK.
The simulator — which is the first of its kind in the world — will consist of a Triumph motorcycle mounted on a unique rig designed and built at the University. This interactive moving platform will then be linked to driving simulation software that will project different scenarios onto huge screens in front of and behind the motorcycle, recreating a realistic riding experience for the motorcyclist.
This unique system will allow engineers to study aspects of motorcycle ergonomics and rider human factors — a relatively new research area. This covers all aspects of motorcycling, from motorcycle design and rider equipment to rider behaviour and competence and road safety.
Dr Alex Stedmon, a lecturer in the School of Mechanical, Materials and Manufacturing Engineering’s Centre for Motorcycle Ergonomics and Rider Human Factors, is leading the project. “The simulator offers a unique research tool on a number of levels,” he said. “The motorcycle allows riders to operate controls and lean on the motorcycle as they would in the real world. The software also allows us to model different weather conditions, hazards, traffic and pedestrians so that we have completely interactive scenarios.
By putting the rider into tailor-made scenarios and measuring both their and the motorcycle’s performance, the simulator will produce valuable data, both for academics and the motorcycle industry — manufacturers and road safety organisations have already shown an enthusiastic interest in the project.
Anything from hazards — such as children or animals running out into the road — to different light, traffic and weather conditions can be programmed into the simulator, allowing researchers to measure the responses of different riders riding exactly the same scenarios.
The simulator will also feature a rear road view projector, which will be viewable through the motorcycle’s mirrors. This provides a more realistic riding experience as well as allowing riders to perform lifesaver checks — glances over the shoulder to check the way is safe and clear.
The simulator is expected to be up and running by June 2008.
Add comment June 3rd, 2008
This isn’t really automotive, but I thought it was pretty cool (no pun intended)……Dan
The Agilent Technologies modular E4360 Solar Array Simulator offers the most power (up to 1200W) in the smallest package (2U high). Designed for customers testing a satellite’s power system, the Agilent E4360 solar array simulator allows R&D engineers, manufacturing engineers and system integrators to accurately simulate the I-V curve of a solar panel’s array under various environmental conditions. In addition to the new standalone instrument, Agilent now provides an affordable, full turn-key solar array simulator system.
“Solar array simulator DC power supplies are core components of a satellite test system,” said Gary Whitman, vice president of Agilent’s System Products Division. “As satellites get bigger and demand more power from their solar panels, there is a need for higher-power devices to simulate those higher-power solar panels. The E4360 satisfies this need by providing an affordable, high power, compact test solution.”
The Agilent E4360 is a dual output programmable DC power source that provides up to two outputs at up to 600W per output. It can accurately simulate the I-V curve of all types of solar arrays under varying environmental conditions such as eclipse, spin, rotation, age and temperature. It has the flexibility to operate in two ways. Users can:
This is the first solar array simulator to provide universal serial bus (USB 2.0), 10/100 Base-T Ethernet (LAN) and general-purpose interface bus (GPIB) interfaces as standard equipment, enabling easy, low-cost connectivity to a PC. The E4360 can also be remotely operated and monitored from any Web browser via a built-in Web server and graphical user interface.
The Agilent modular solar array simulator offers many system-ready features to simplify the programming and control of the instrument. The system software driver allows a single function call to set up and control multiple E4360s in a system. Multiple solar array simulators can be configured without writing a single line of code. Furthermore, a new capability simplifies parallel operation such that two outputs act as a single synchronized channel of twice the output current and power without having to write software to manage their interaction.
Agilent’s full turn-key solar array simulator system is built on the Agilent E4360 modular solar array simulator platform. The modular architecture makes it easy to configure, re-configure and support this system since modules can be easily moved and replaced. The system’s components include commercial-off-the-shelf instruments (COTS), a standard PC and standard interconnectivity (LAN, USB) for low-cost, easy support and reduced downtime. Agilent can design and customize this turn-key system to meet specific customer requirements including instruments, cabling and application-specific software.
Add comment May 13th, 2008
AUDI AG recently built the auto industry’s fastest supercomputer to advance safety standards. Crucial in optimizing car safety, the new system is based on ESI Group’s PAM-CRASH 2G simulation software and an HP Cluster Platform 3000BL system, providing 15.36 teraflop/s of computing performance for crash simulation models of Audi. The supercomputer implementation places the leading premium car manufacturer at No. 123 on the TOP500 list of the world’s fastest supercomputers, making it the auto industry’s fastest system.
With the new hardware and software, Audi was able to raise their expectations for design simulation. For example, airbag models now routinely take into account fluid-structure interactions, leading to realistic interactions of the airbag with structures and occupants. Furthermore, prediction testing for material rupture, which usually requires high resolution models, can now be treated using a multi-scale approach. This helps save days of computing time and unnecessary costs.
Audi selected HP, a recognized industry leader in high-performance computing (HPC), to implement technology that would provide enhanced reliability, high server density and computing power. Audi installed the HP Cluster Platform 3000BL, a system built using 320 nodes based on HP ProLiant BL460c server blades and the InfiniBand cluster interconnect. This HPC system provides the computing power and speed needed to calculate the tremendous volume of data generated during the simulation process.
With the HP BladeSystem c-Class architecture coupled with the HP Dynamic Smart Cooling management solution, this supercomputer requires a quarter less floor space and consumes a quarter less power than a traditional rack-based configuration. In addition, the blade configuration provides simple hardware maintenance, cabling and system administration and has outstanding scalability.
Add comment May 8th, 2008
LMS International’s NVH Observer is a subscription-based database with vehicle NVH benchmarking information. Currently, the database contains fourteen reference vehicles with plans to increase it by at least 8 vehicles on an annual basis. For each vehicle in the database, NVH Observer includes 6,000 curves such as spectra, orders, sensitivities, TPA noise contributions, modes and binaural time traces. The full collection of data has been gathered by NVH experts from LMS Engineering Services.
NVH Observer offers several unique benefits both from a cost-effectiveness point of view as well as a quality standpoint. Thanks to NVH Observer, members are able to keep their benchmarking budgets under control and access a wider range of vehicles, as well as more detailed data, while at the same time eliminating costly and time-consuming external studies. Available around the clock 24/7, users will be able to access ready-to-use benchmarking data from practically anywhere in the world. A dedicated search interface on top of the LMS Tec.Manager database software helps users from various internal departments access relevant data much easier and faster. A few mouse clicks and users can view competitive NVH differentiators that can help strategically position new vehicles, investigate possible concepts and support solution development.
After initially establishing the system with a core group of four members from European and Japanese OEMs, NVH Observer membership is now open to all automotive development centers and suppliers worldwide.
Add comment May 6th, 2008
The University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) was approved for Phase II funding by the U.S. Department of Transportation to test technologies that help passenger car and commercial truck drivers avoid crashes.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are conducting the initiative, funded as part of the Research and Innovative Technology Administration’s (RITA) Intelligent Transportation Systems Technology program.
UMTRI, along with partners Visteon Corp., Eaton Corp., Honda R & D Americas Inc., Cognex Corp., International Truck and Engine Corp., Con-way Freight, Battelle and the Michigan Department of Transportation, is developing and testing a prototype integrated crash-warning system, the Integrated Vehicle-Based Safety System.
IVBSS will warn drivers when they are about to leave the roadway, are in danger of colliding with another vehicle while attempting a lane change, or are at risk of colliding with the vehicle ahead. It will use information gathered by inertial, video and radar sensors, plus a global positioning system, to warn drivers of potentially dangerous situations to prevent or lessen the impact of crashes.
IVBSS is a $32.3 million program with $25.2 million in federal funding and $7.1 million in cost share from the partners. The program is divided into two phases. Recently completed Phase I involved IVBSS design and development. Passenger-car and heavy-truck prototypes were completed and tested, verification testing was performed, and the driver-vehicle interface designs completed.
The newly approved Phase II will include a field operational test of the integrated systems in both passenger cars and commercial heavy trucks. A fleet of 16 IVBSS-equipped passenger cars will be tested with more than 100 participants over a one-year period. A fleet of 10 IVBSS-equipped heavy trucks will operate as part of the Con-way Freight fleet over a 10-month period. The RITA Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, acting as the independent evaluator, will objectively evaluate IVBSS system benefits and driver acceptance.
Add comment May 2nd, 2008
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