Master Graduation Assignment: Design of a Generic Controller for a Hybrid Driveline in Truck Logistics

Internship assignment, performed at the department of Trucks Logistics, Projects and Support at DAF Trucks N.V. Design a generic controller for a Hybrid driveline.

II Problem Definition

How can we prepare the driveline model for hybrid simulations? The problem is three-fold:

• On which criterion should the mode selection (combustion engine only, dual, electric only, combustion engine and charging and regeneration) be based?
• How do current controllers, such as the generic speed controller, need to be changed?
• How can we ensure that simulations remain comparable despite changes in Battery State Of Charge (BSOC)?

III Assignment

• Conduct a literature study on hybrid driveline control strategies.
• Set up a hybrid driveline controller:
  • Modify the current generic speed controller to operate with different modes.
  • Define one or more control strategies for selecting the different modes.
• Validate the simulation results with a qualitative analysis.
• Find a practical solution for comparing different simulation results with a changed BSOC.

IV Execution

• Get familiar with the DAF sales organization and the integrated sales tool TOPEC.
• Conduct literature research.
• Design a hybrid controller with one or more control strategies.
• Update the Matlab (Simulink) driveline model.
• Qualitatively validate the simulation results.
• Compare the efficiency of the different control strategies.

Your Profile

We are looking for a Master student in Mechanical Engineering with:

• Knowledge of the Measurement and Control domain
• Strong communication skills in English
• Experience with trucks, transport, or logistics (preferred)
• Competencies:
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Ability to maintain an overview (helicopter view)
  • Determination to deliver detailed and functional results
  • Experience with Matlab/Simulink
  • Experience with Python

Department

DAF Trucks N.V. is a 100% subsidiary of the American company PACCAR Inc., one of the world’s largest truck manufacturers. DAF Trucks focuses on the development, production, marketing, sale, and service of light, medium, and heavy trucks. Driveline efficiency has always been of great interest to DAF in order to ensure a low Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for the customer.

In the TOPEC sales tool, engineered driveline variants can be simulated to find the optimal driveline. The combustion driveline model has been extended with a Battery Electric driveline, allowing both power sources to run in series or in parallel. However, there is currently no controller to operate the driveline as a hybrid driveline. The goal of this assignment is to design a generic controller with mode selection and a charging strategy.

We Offer

• A view behind the scenes at a large international corporation, with a lot of freedom and responsibility
• Openness to your initiatives, and the opportunity to see your results implemented in the workplace
• An experienced coach and supervisor to support you with your assignment
• Opportunities to start your career at DAF after graduation
• An internship wage of €450 per month (full-time, Master level)
• A travel allowance if you do not have a student travel product (provided by the Dutch government)
• A housing allowance if you temporarily rent a room near DAF