In a continuing effort to create efficiencies for its customers, FEV Inc., announced that it will show a portable hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) unit for system-level powertrain component testing at the SAE World Congress, April 16 – 18 at the Cobo Center in Detroit, MI. The FEV-developed MicroHiL system is believed to be the first portable HIL unit developed specifically for testing engine components at the system level. Gary Rogers, president and CEO of FEV Inc., made the announcement.[image_frame style=”framed_shadow” align=”center” alt=”FEV MicroHIL” title=”FEV MicroHIL”]https://www.car-engineer.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/FEV-MicroHIL.jpg[/image_frame]
“With the increasing complexity of the powertrain and its associated systems, it makes much more economic sense to test at the system level when calibrating engine components,” said Rogers. “This unique device will allow FEV to better serve customers by testing, calibrating and validating literally anywhere that is convenient for the customer. It allows us to complement the service provided by full test cell powertrain evaluation.”
A major advantage of the MicroHiL unit is its ability to simulate varying road and environmental conditions encountered in real-world situations. This advantage allows FEV engineers to conduct multiple simulations under the same conditions in order to improve the quality and consistency of the results. FEV says that the MicroHiL unit can reduce calibration times by up to 40 percent.
The MicroHiL unit is truly a portable tool, with dimensions of 3 ft. wide x 2 ft. deep x 18 in. high (90 x 60 x 45 cm). It weighs in at about 30 to 40 lbs (13 to 18 kg).
Source: FEV
[titled_box title=”Romain’s opinion:”]
I’m wondering how this tool could be used? Could we use it in a prototype car to simulate some systems that are not installed in that car? Or is the fact that it is portable only useful to bring FEV knowledge and expertise on customers’ sites?
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