BluWāv™ Systems - Applications - Automotive - Supervisory Control Unit (SCU)

Supervisory Control Unit (SCU)

< back to automotive page

Vehicle Control Unit (SCU) Hardware and Systems
The team has developed an electronic vehicle controller (hyperlink to SCU.pdf) in conjunction with a customized software development environment. BluWāv hybrid systems are now rapidly prototyped utilizing the latest in model-based control development tools and then are seamlessly integrated into the vehicle. A further explanation of the electronics hardware and associated development environment follows below: Custom Software Development Environment - Software development tools allow Simulink models to be developed and downloaded to the electronic hardware. The team built a series of software "translators" that work in conjunction with or in place of Mathworks tools provided with Simulink to ensure that the model-based control systems are properly transformed into the "C" code that, when compiled, can be downloaded directly to the electronic hardware. Further, the software complies with stringent coding and data structures dictated by CAN Calibration Protocol (CCP) standards. Production Vehicle Control System - The VCU module can be used as a standalone vehicle controller or as an integrated vehicle and motor control unit. The unit was constructed to contain both energy management and vehicle control logic, commutate and monitor the position of up to two 3 phase motors, respond to CAN-based data communication, interpret all electrical inputs from external sources (HMI, sensors, etc.), and incorporate all algorithms that can exercise all output hardware and signals as required in a particular vehicle application.

Vehicle level controls include the concepts of energy management and vehicle dynamic controls. BluWāv has developed energy management algorithms that monitor and regulate electrical energy on a hybrid vehicle. By monitoring a torque request via a throttle, the state charge of the battery, the status of any included generator set power levels, the amount of torque applied or regenerated by the electric drive system can be optimized. Further, the switching of the generator set on and off is handled by the energy management algorithms.

Vehicle dynamic control is represented by algorithms that determine torque levels that should be applied to each motor in a multiple motor system. Depending on the system configuration, torque applications can include AWD control, ABS, traction control, vehicle stability enhancement, and torque vectoring algorithms. To date, BluWāv has developed rudimentary but functional controls for AWD system performance on the 3Mode vehicle and yaw stability on the Roadster.

The motor's control system is the key to delivering high power and torque density with high efficiency and minimal energy consumption. The core of the control system's ability to deliver adaptive performance is the digital signal processor (DSP) which constantly monitors motor operating data such as:

Temperature
Speed of motor
Position of motor (in its rotation cycle)
Input Voltage
Input Current
Phase Current

Based on this data, the DSP can change or adapt the next set of signals it sends to the power electronics and into the motor. This feature also provides a high level of fault tolerance in the system.

The team has developed and extensive library of proprietary control algorithms including controls utilizing 3, 5, or 7 phases, independent phase parameters, and adaptive energization schemes (wave form shape, amplitude, frequency) based on motor operating criteria and user input. These algorithms can be customized for application-specific parameters. This library of modules reduces the time it takes to develop new applications and improves the efficiency of diagnostic troubleshooting.

The team has also developed vehicle control algorithms and calibration systems that allow propulsion system parameters to be tuned by prospective customers. This gives the user the ability to adjust the "character" of their vehicle through software and calibration adjustments for customization and personalization of the vehicle system.s performance.

BluWāv's proprietary algorithms are protected through BluWāv's trade secret protection policy given the significant detailed disclosure required in the patent process or copyright registration.