Center for Mobile Propulsion – CMP
The Center for Mobile Propulsion is a high-quality research center at RWTH Aachen University.
Led by the Chair of Thermodynamics of Mobile Energy Conversion Systems (TME), 16 institutes investigate and optimize electrified mobile powertrains in an interdisciplinary approach. New technical developments in mobile propulsion, especially hybrid and battery technology, widen the development of propulsion systems to an integrated research field of numerous different disciplines. Tasks concerning the research of new powertrains hence become constantly more complex and therefore require interdisciplinary cooperation.
The interdisciplinary approach chosen for the establishment of the Center for Mobile Propulsion is also reflected in the experimental instrumentation of the research center: Within the CMP, component test benches for batteries, electric motors, fuel cells, transmissions, combustion engines and powertrains are installed. By focusing all these test benches at one facility, real-time communication between the different component test benches is enabled via network. The integration of a simulator facilitates to simulate a systematic behavior of early stage components. Thereby, virtual powertrains can be outlined independently from individual setups. By this, researchers can examine interactions of single components in dynamic use, consider the effects of different topologies and explore necessary control strategies of the overall system in an early project phase. Moreover, the test laboratory has an integrated workshop to conduct setups and alterations on-site. The test benches are designed highly flexible for a time saving and an effective use.
The Center for Mobile Propulsion is funded by the German Council of Science and Humanities (Wissenschaftsrat) and by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG).
Systemic investigations on the drivetrain
New technical developments in mobile propulsion, especially hybrid and battery technology, and widen the development of propulsion systems to an integrated research field of numerous different disciplines. Tasks concerning the research of new powertrains hence become constantly more complex and therefore require interdisciplinary cooperation.
The interdisciplinary approach chosen for the establishment of the Center for Mobile Propulsion is also reflected in the experimental instrumentation of the research center: Within the CMP, component test benches for batteries, electric motors, transmissions, combustion engines and powertrains are installed.
Realtime Network
By focusing all these test benches at one facility, real-time communication between the different component test benches is enabled (via network). The integration of a simulator facilitates to simulate a systematic behavior of early stage components. Thereby, virtual powertrains can be outlined independently from individual setups. By this, researchers can examine interactions of single components in dynamic use, consider the effects of different topologies and explore necessary control strategies of the overall system in an early project phase. Moreover, the test laboratory has an integrated workshop to conduct setups and alterations on-site. The test benches are designed highly flexible for time saving and an effective use.
Acknowledgement
The Center for Mobile Propulsion (CMP) is funded by the German Council of Science and Humanities (Wissenschaftsrat, WR) and by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG).