Research line

Automotive & Mobility Systems

Driving towards a greener future, our research commitment to sustainable vehicle and mobility solutions, innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

Automotive and Mobility Systems (AMSs) represent a comprehensive and evolving approach to transportation, encompassing traditional automotive technologies, emerging mobility services, and the integration of innovative solutions to create a more connected, efficient, fair and sustainable transportation ecosystem. CST is a leader in fundamental knowledge and tools to design and optimize these types of systems in the domains of:

Automotive Systems
- Powertrain System
- Integrated Thermal and Battery Management
- Self-Learning Control for Future Powertrains
- Electrified Racing
- Electrified Aerospace Propulsion

Mobility Systems
- Cooperative and Autonomous Driving
- Autonomous, Connected, and Electrified Mobility Systems
- Intermodal Mobility Paradigms
- Electrified Air Mobility Networks
- Energy Charging Hubs
- Fair and Equitable Mobility Paradigms

Automotive Systems:
The electrification of automotive powertrains spawns challenging research questions regarding technology, topology, and control design. Concurrent and integrated design from component to system level enables significant gains in performance and cost reduction. To derive an efficient and effective system design method, the theoretical concepts of multidisciplinary optimization and optimal control methods are adopted in combination with developed scalable models. The search for computational, efficient optimization techniques has led to contributions to optimal control theory and optimization frameworks. Many of the research results have been experimentally validated in our automotive engineering laboratory. The methods are also being successfully implemented at DAF Trucks, Punch Powertrain, TNO Automotive, VDL, Bosch, ELEO and other industrial automotive partners.

Mobility Systems:
Mobility systems are facing enormous challenges, such as congestion and pollution. The advent of autonomy, connectivity, and electrification, combined with recent advances in optimal control and optimization methods, may provide us with opportunities to rethink mobility from a human-centered and holistic perspective, realizing its accessibility purpose in a fair and sustainable fashion. In this context, our research lines are aimed at jointly optimizing the design and operation of mobility systems, from the individual vehicles and aircraft to intermodal mobility systems and electric regional air mobility networks, including fair incentive schemes to achieve system-optimal user behavior.

Projects

NEON – Mobility Systems

Green Transport Delta (GTD) - Electrification

Energy Charging Hubs (NGF3)

Battery System Design (NGF3)

FlyECO (EU)

FISH NOTE

RESEARCH GROUPS

Our groups strive to perform cutting edge research into mobility questions and beyond.

Group Hofman

We aim at developing integrated design methods that provide system-wide solutions for complex dynamic engineering systems

MOVEMENT

The mission of the MOVEMENT Research Group is to develop optimization models and methods for systems and control.

SUB RESEARCH LINES

Powertrain Systems

Powertrain systems involve a multidisciplinary design optimization approach, considering factors such as efficiency, performance, (zero-) emissions, durability, and overall system integration. New engineering frameworks are developed to optimize the interaction and efficiency of each component within the powertrain, aiming to achieve a balance between performance, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness. Considering coupled design problem areas such as: integrated powertrain topology, component, and (low-/high-level) control system design (from the design of battery packs, electric motors, fuel cells, combustion engines, transmissions and ranging from compact to heavy-duty applications).

Integrated Thermal and Battery Management

A holistic approach that considers both the thermal conditions and battery performance, aiming to optimize efficiency, safety, and the overall reliability of devices or systems that rely on energy storage. Novel system architectures and implementable control designs (using AI-based predictive models) are developed for various applications (cars, trucks, airplanes). Automated generation of simulation and analyses models to predict thermal behavior from cell-to-pack level.

Self-Learning Control for Future Powertrains

This topic involves the development and implementation of advanced control systems that possess the capability to adapt and optimize performance over time. This innovative approach allows powertrains to autonomously learn and adjust their operations, leading to enhanced efficiency, responsiveness, and sustainability in the evolving landscape of automotive and propulsion technologies.

Electrified Racing

This topic involves the development of racing (control) strategies focusing on lap-time minimization in trade off with energy usage.

Cooperative and Autonomous Driving

The development and implementation of advanced control systems that enable seamless collaboration and independent decision-making among vehicles, paving the way for safer, more efficient, and technologically sophisticated transportation systems.

Autonomous, Connected, and Electrified (ACE) Intermodal Mobility Systems

Autonomous, connected, and intermodal E-mobility systems encompass the integration of self-driving capabilities, connectivity features, electric propulsion, and a seamless intermodal approach within mobility solutions. This convergence aims to create a sophisticated, efficient, and user-friendly ecosystem that maximizes the potential of ACE technologies in the broader context of modern transportation.

Energy Charging Hubs

This topic refers to the planning, development, and implementation of a facility or infrastructure that caters to the charging needs of electric vehicles and other energy storage systems. This concept is essential as the demand for electric transportation grows, necessitating the creation of hubs that provide efficient, accessible, and sustainable charging solutions. Considering optimizing vehicle-to-grid integration by codesigning its charging infrastructure (location, local storage, sustainable sources) and energy distribution. Research applications are robot taxis, distribution trucks and electric planes.