Solution for troubleshooting initial process heat change issues
Supports requirements such as reliability without compromising ride comfort
Resource savings through digital twin implementation and precise thermal model generation
Siemens announced on the 20th that it has launched a new Simcenter software solution for thermal simulation of autonomous electric vehicle (AEV) designs. This solution is a comprehensive solution capable of addressing critical thermal issues related to AEV design, such as extending the driving range of electric vehicles, optimizing ride comfort, designing sensors, and ensuring the stability of all autonomous drive (AD) systems.

"Strategy Analytics expects that the majority of autonomous vehicles will be equipped with electric powertrains. OEMs that succeed in differentiating themselves through reliable AD performance, long-range driving on a single charge, and optimal ride comfort will be able to lead the new era of mobility. Thermal design software, such as Siemens' new Simcenter solution, is the optimal product to help OEMs and suppliers differentiate themselves and gain a competitive edge in the future AEV market," said Ian Riches, Executive Director at Strategy Analytics.

Automotive engineers must address interdependent requirements simultaneously for a successful AEV design. For example, AD functions including sensor fusion boxes and various sensors must be executed safely, and accurately and correctly designing the thermals of these sensors and other AD systems is essential to ensuring safe autonomous driving capabilities. However, the thermal and power loads of high-performance AD systems reduce the driving range of electric vehicles by up to 35%. Furthermore, the requirements for a comfortable ride and mechanical driving behavior can significantly impact the energy efficiency and driving range of the vehicle's electric powertrain. Therefore, to successfully develop AEVs, efficient and interdependent thermal design for AD electronics—ranging from IC and vehicle integration to electric powertrain and vehicle design—is essential.

The new Simcenter thermal simulation solution is offered as part of the Simcenter portfolio and is specifically designed to help design engineers overcome these challenges. By generating precise thermal digital twin simulations of the powertrains, processors, sensors, and other key technologies underpinning next-generation AEV designs, it enables automotive engineers to fully leverage the strengths of information-rich computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology.

Other new features include simultaneous simulation of component thermal and electrical powertrain performance, linking electric motor performance with system simulation for electrical and thermal management, and design space exploration using thermal digital twin models. Additionally, this new Simcenter solution provides seamless connectivity between electronic design automation tools and CAD design platforms. This enables engineers to easily implement interdependent designs across electronic, electrical, and mechanical domains from the early stages of development.

Jan Leuridan, Senior Vice President of Siemens PLM Simulation & Test Solutions, said, “To successfully develop first-generation AEVs, intelligent integration of thermal, mechanical, and electrical design is required. "Siemens possesses unrivaled technology and quality in this field. The new Simcenter thermal design solution addresses electrification and autonomous vehicle functions, enabling design teams to create easy and accurate virtual prototypes to achieve optimal design efficiency. Through this, Siemens' customers can design safer and more reliable AEVs with confidence and secure a significant competitive advantage," he said.

Siemens solutions for design-oriented thermal simulation are scheduled for release in October 2018.