AVRC, CyberMetrix Win DOE Electric Test Vehicle Contract
The Department of Energy has selected AVRC (Advanced Vehicle Research Center) in Danville, Va., along with CyberMetrix of Columbus, Ind., to design and construct a research platform vehicle for use in analysis and testing of multiple combinations of electric vehicle (EV) drive-train components.
The vehicle will be used on closed test tracks and on research laboratory dynamometers to advance electric vehicle technologies. The platform will be constructed to allow for quick installation and replacement of vehicle battery packs, ultra-capacitors, electric motors and motor control units.
"The combined expertise of the AVRC/CyberMetrix engineering team brings unique talent to this program" said Dick Dell, chief executive officer of AVRC. "CyberMetrix is an industry leader in the field of test system development and AVRC has extensive experience in electric and hybrid vehicle development," Dell added. The majority of the work will be done at AVRC's engineering center in Danville's Cyber Park. Track testing work will be done at the Virginia International Raceway facility.
AVRC will be responsible for project design, fabrication, test development and component sourcing. CyberMetrix will design the software and testing tools. The project will have engineers working in CyberMetrix's Columbus headquarters and at AVRC's Danville engineering center. The test platform will incorporate multiple sensors to monitor and record power source voltage levels, state of charge, energy drain & recovery, charging load and motor performance utilizing various combinations of energy storage devices.
CyberMetrix creates and provides simulation, data acquisition and control technologies for engine and powertrain development and retains proprietary technologies that will be integrated into this vehicle. "With CyberMetrix's rich experience in creating and delivering high speed measurement, acquisition and test systems for commercial power generation systems, we are uniquely qualified to apply our talents to this exciting project. CyberMetrix has successfully delivered electric power generation testing systems and this development project plays to our strength." said Pete Palladino, CyberMetrix president.
CyberMetrix and AVRC formally announced their technology partnership in February 2009.