A system and method for rapid control prototyping development testing of model-based design thermal management software

Abstract

The application provides a system and method for developing and testing a rapid control prototype of thermal management software based on model design, which is applied to a test object corresponding to a thermal management system, and the system comprises a host computer, a CANoe device and a thermal management controller; the host computer is connected with the CANoe device; the CANoe device is connected with the thermal management controller through a CAN channel; the thermal management controller is connected with the test object; the application adopts the thermal management controller to expand multiple virtual communication channels for the CANoe device, and realizes the communication control function that the CANoe device does not have through the thermal management controller, so that the technical problem that a CANoe device channel cannot meet the demand of rapid control prototype development and test verification due to numerous parts and sensors of the thermal management system can be effectively solved without using a rapid control prototype device and without additionally increasing the CANoe device, and the hardware cost can be effectively reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of thermal management technology, and in particular to a system and method for rapid control of prototype development and testing of thermal management software based on model design. Background Technology

[0002] Rapid Control Prototype (RCP) technology is a simulation technique that has matured in recent years. It originates from Rapid Prototyping (RP) in manufacturing. When RP technology is introduced into the design of electronic control systems and the real-time testing of control algorithms, it is renamed Rapid Control Prototype (RCP).

[0003] Existing technologies for testing vehicle thermal management systems rely on rapid control prototype development and testing systems. Currently, most rapid control prototype development and testing systems for testing thermal management systems are based on rapid control prototype equipment, while a small number use dedicated development hardware platforms. However, these testing systems are expensive to build and maintain, and cannot be used for timely verification of algorithms or systems, especially for bench systems or complete vehicles in environmental chambers. In situations where strategies or algorithms need to be modified in a timely manner, and where verification needs to be carried out under current environmental and climatic conditions, these testing systems cannot meet the requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a system and method for rapid control prototype development and testing of thermal management software based on model design, which can solve the technical problems of high cost and inflexible configuration of current rapid control prototype development and testing systems.

[0005] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a system for rapid control prototype development and testing of thermal management software based on model design. The system is used to test a test object corresponding to a thermal management system. The system includes a host computer, a CANoe device, and a thermal management controller. The host computer is connected to the CANoe device. The CANoe device is connected to the thermal management controller via a CAN channel. The thermal management controller is connected to the test object.

[0006] The host computer is configured to run a thermal management control algorithm model to control the thermal management controller to test the actuator components of the test object;

[0007] The thermal management controller is configured to establish a target communication channel and target control function between the CANoe device and the test object in order to test the various actuator components in the test object.

[0008] The host computer is also configured to verify the correctness of the thermal management control algorithm model based on the test results of the test object;

[0009] The target communication channel is characterized as a virtual communication channel extended by the CANoe device, and the target control function is a communication control function that the CANoe device does not have.

[0010] In this embodiment, a thermal management controller is used to extend multiple virtual communication channels for the CANoe device, and the communication control functions that the CANoe device does not have are implemented through the thermal management controller. This effectively solves the technical problem that a single CANoe device channel cannot meet the needs of rapid control prototype development, testing and verification due to the large number of thermal management system components and sensors, without using a rapid control prototype device or adding an additional CANoe device, and can effectively reduce hardware costs.

[0011] In some embodiments, the system further includes a data acquisition device, and the CANoe device is also connected to the data acquisition device via a CAN channel;

[0012] The data acquisition device is configured to acquire data from each sensor in the test object;

[0013] The thermal management controller is further configured to send the first control command to the actuator component, causing the actuator component to perform a first action based on the first control command and generate a first feedback result corresponding to the first action; the first feedback result and the data from each sensor are used to verify the correctness of the thermal management control algorithm model.

[0014] In this embodiment, the two channels in the CANoe device are connected to the thermal management controller and the data acquisition device, respectively. The thermal management controller is connected to the actuator components (electrical parts) of the test object (such as a physical thermal management system bench), and the data acquisition device is connected to the various sensors of the test object. This forms a rapid prototyping and testing system for thermal management software based on a physical thermal management system and designed using a model. This testing environment can simulate the actual operation of the thermal management system, thereby allowing researchers to rapidly prototype and verify the thermal management software without the need for an actual vehicle or complete system.

[0015] In some embodiments, the thermal management controller includes a software application layer and a software underlying layer;

[0016] In the rapid control prototype development, testing and verification mode, the CANoe device sends the first control command to the software layer of the thermal management controller through the first channel. The software layer then sends the first control command to the actuator component of the test object through the corresponding low-level interface. The first control command does not pass through the software application layer.

[0017] In the rapid control prototype development, testing and verification process, the thermal management controller receives feedback signals from the test object through the underlying interface, and the feedback signals do not pass through the software application layer.

[0018] In this embodiment, the entire software of the thermal management controller includes a software application layer and a software bottom layer. It is connected to the thermal management controller through a CANoe device, which means that the thermal management controller can directly interact and control each actuator component through the software bottom layer, bypassing the application layer design. For existing thermal management controllers, this is a "turning waste into treasure" effect, making full use of existing resources.

[0019] In some embodiments, under non-rapid control prototype development testing and verification conditions, the thermal management controller sends a second control signal to the actuator component of the test object, causing the actuator component to perform a second action based on the second control signal and generate a second feedback result corresponding to the second action.

[0020] In this embodiment, the thermal management controller is a thermal management controller developed in an existing project. The thermal management controller can also work normally under non-rapid control prototype development, testing and verification conditions. Normal operation does not require additional hardware costs. It can autonomously send a second control signal to provide relevant personnel with a second feedback result that can observe and troubleshoot problems of the test object.

[0021] In some embodiments, the host computer is further configured to receive the first feedback result and adjust the thermal management control algorithm model based on the first feedback result.

[0022] In this embodiment, the thermal management control algorithm model can be modified and verified in a timely manner, without having to download the recompiled thermal management control algorithm model to hardware such as the memory card or main chip of the rapid control prototype device as in the prior art.

[0023] In some embodiments, the system is used to test m test objects, each of which is connected to a corresponding thermal management controller; the CANoe device includes n CAN channels, and each test object corresponds to at least one of the CAN channels.

[0024] In this embodiment of the application, multiple test objects can be tested simultaneously without adding CANoe devices. This not only saves on the cost of test equipment, but also shortens the development and testing cycle of the thermal management software rapid control prototype, as well as the principle verification cycle of the thermal management system, saving time for project development and reducing the cost of trial and error in system principles.

[0025] In some embodiments, the thermal management control algorithm model includes a first thermal management control algorithm model to be verified and a second thermal management control algorithm model to be verified; the thermal management controller includes at least a first thermal management controller and a second thermal management controller; the CAN channel of the CANoe device includes at least a first CAN channel and a second CAN channel;

[0026] The host computer is further configured to generate control commands for testing the test object based on the first thermal management control algorithm model to be verified, and send the control commands generated by the first thermal management control algorithm model to the CANoe device, and send the control commands generated by the first thermal management control algorithm model to the thermal management first controller through the first CAN channel, and the thermal management first controller sends the control commands generated by the first thermal management control algorithm model to the test object to verify the first thermal management control algorithm model to be verified.

[0027] The host computer is further configured to generate control commands for testing the test object based on the second thermal management control algorithm model to be verified, and send the control commands generated by the second thermal management control algorithm model to the CANoe device, and send the control commands generated by the second thermal management control algorithm model to the thermal management second controller through the second CAN channel, and the thermal management second controller sends the control commands generated by the second thermal management control algorithm model to the test object to verify the second thermal management control algorithm model to be verified.

[0028] In this embodiment of the application, without adding test equipment (CANoe device), the test system can simultaneously verify different thermal management control algorithm models for the same test object, and can select the optimal thermal management control algorithm from multiple thermal management control algorithm models to be verified. The configuration is flexible and can save costs.

[0029] In some embodiments, the target control function includes at least pulse width modulation control function and high / low side drive control function.

[0030] In this embodiment, the thermal management controller can perform functions such as PWM control and high / low side drive that CANoe devices cannot accomplish, thereby reducing the cost and cycle of rapid control prototype thermal management software testing and verification.

[0031] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a method for rapid prototype development and testing of thermal management software based on model design. The method is applied to the system described in the first aspect, which includes a host computer, a CANoe device, and a thermal management controller. The method includes:

[0032] The host computer runs a thermal management control algorithm model to generate first control commands for each actuator component of the test object, and sends each first control command to the CANoe device, so that the CANoe device sends each first control command to the thermal management controller through the communication protocol of the thermal management system.

[0033] The thermal management controller sends each of the first control commands to the corresponding target actuator component to test the target actuator component;

[0034] The host computer acquires the test results of the test object and verifies the correctness of the thermal management control algorithm model based on the test results.

[0035] In this embodiment, a thermal management controller is used to extend multiple virtual communication channels for the CANoe device, and the thermal management controller is used to realize communication control functions that the CANoe device does not have. Based on this hardware, the corresponding method is run to verify the authenticity and high accuracy of the thermal management control algorithm model. It can effectively solve the technical problem that a single CANoe device channel cannot meet the needs of rapid control prototype development, testing and verification due to the large number of thermal management system components and sensors, without using a rapid control prototype device or adding an additional CANoe device, and can effectively reduce hardware costs.

[0036] In some embodiments, after the thermal management controller sends each of the first control commands to the corresponding target actuator component to test the target actuator component, it further includes:

[0037] The thermal management controller receives a first feedback result from the target actuator component and sends the first feedback result to the CANoe device; wherein, the first feedback result is the feedback result generated by the target actuator component executing the first control command;

[0038] The CANoe device uploads the first feedback result as the test result of the test object to the host computer.

[0039] The host computer adjusts the thermal management control algorithm model based on the test results.

[0040] In this embodiment, the thermal management control algorithm model can be modified and verified in a timely manner based on the test feedback results of the actuator component of the test object, without having to download the recompiled thermal management control algorithm model to the hard core of the rapid control prototype device as in the prior art.

[0041] In some embodiments, the system further includes a data acquisition device, and the method further includes:

[0042] The data acquisition device sends a third feedback result to the CANoe device, wherein the third feedback result is the data feedback result of each sensor of the test object collected by the data acquisition device;

[0043] The CANoe device uploads the first feedback result to the host computer, including:

[0044] The CANoe device uploads the first feedback result and the third feedback result to the host computer.

[0045] The host computer adjusts the thermal management control algorithm model based on the test results, including:

[0046] The host computer adjusts the thermal management control algorithm model based on the first feedback result and the third feedback result.

[0047] In this embodiment, the thermal management control algorithm model can be modified and verified in a timely manner based on the feedback results of each actuator component and sensor of the test object, without having to download the recompiled thermal management control algorithm model to the hard core of the rapid control prototype device as in the prior art.

[0048] In some embodiments, the method further includes:

[0049] The host computer displays the test results;

[0050] The host computer receives the user's algorithm adjustment command and adjusts the thermal management control algorithm model based on the algorithm adjustment command, wherein the algorithm adjustment command is related to the test results.

[0051] In this embodiment of the application, if the test results indicate that the thermal management control algorithm model to be verified is incorrect, the human-computer interaction device of the host computer will display the test results to inform the user. The user can then input algorithm adjustment instructions to the host computer based on their own R&D experience or needs. In this way, the host computer can adjust the thermal management control algorithm model according to the user's needs. Attached Figure Description

[0052] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0053] Figure 1 A structural block diagram of a system for rapid control prototype development and testing of thermal management software based on model design, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 2 Another embodiment of the system for rapid control of prototype development and testing of thermal management software based on model design provided in this application is shown in the structural block diagram.

[0055] Figure 3 An example diagram of an embodiment of a system for rapid prototyping and testing of thermal management software based on model design provided in this application;

[0056] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the thermal management controller provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the signal interaction between the thermal management controller and the test object provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 6 A schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of testing multiple test objects using a thermal management control algorithm model provided in this application.

[0059] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a test scheme for configuring two thermal management control algorithm models for a test object, provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0060] Figure 8 A schematic flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the method provided in this application. Detailed Implementation

[0061] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains; the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the application; the terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification, claims, and foregoing description of the drawings are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0062] It should be understood that, when used in this application specification and the appended claims, the term "comprising" indicates the presence of the described features, integrals, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components and / or a collection thereof.

[0063] It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used in this application specification and the appended claims means any combination of one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations, and includes such combinations.

[0064] In the description of the embodiments of this application, the term "multiple" refers to two or more (including two), unless otherwise expressly and specifically defined.

[0065] Furthermore, in the description of this application and the appended claims, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0066] References to "one embodiment" or "some embodiments" as described in this specification mean that one or more embodiments of this application include a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment," "in some embodiments," "in other embodiments," "in still other embodiments," etc., appearing in different parts of this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, but rather mean "one or more, but not all, embodiments," unless otherwise specifically emphasized. The terms "comprising," "including," "having," and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to," unless otherwise specifically emphasized.

[0067] The inventors of this application have noted that the testing systems currently built using rapid prototyping equipment are relatively expensive, have long development cycles, and high maintenance costs. Furthermore, these rapid prototyping devices have high learning curves and require the installation of multiple specialized software programs to complete the testing system setup.

[0068] Besides the aforementioned technical drawbacks, using these rapid prototyping devices requires generating code from the constructed algorithm model, compiling it, and then downloading it to the hardware of the rapid prototyping device. This allows the algorithm code to run in the hardware's real-time environment, thus verifying the constructed algorithm model. The process is complex. If the algorithm logic needs timely updates and rapid verification is not possible, the code must be regenerated, recompiled, downloaded to the hardware, and run to verify its correctness. This is especially problematic when changes are involved between the application-layer algorithm interface and the underlying interface. In such cases, not only must the application-layer algorithm be changed, but the configuration interface definition of the rapid prototyping device must also be updated synchronously to match the application-layer algorithm interface.

[0069] Furthermore, if additional components are added temporarily (such as monitoring sensors), the configuration software interface definition for the rapid control prototype development equipment also needs to be matched accordingly. Each change involves a significant workload, hindering timely verification. To illustrate the technical solution proposed in this invention, specific embodiments are described below:

[0070] Based on the above-mentioned technical problems, this application proposes a system and method for rapid control prototype development and testing of thermal management software based on model design. The system is used to test the test object corresponding to the thermal management system. The system includes a host computer 01, a CANoe device 02, and a thermal management controller 03. The host computer 01 is connected to the CANoe device 02. The CANoe device 02 is connected to the thermal management controller 03 through a CAN channel. The thermal management controller 03 is connected to the test object 04.

[0071] The host computer 01 is configured to run a thermal management control algorithm model to control the thermal management controller 03 to test the actuator components of the test object 04;

[0072] refer to Figure 2 The host computer 01 in this embodiment includes a thermal management control algorithm model interface and a CANoe device software interface; the host computer 01 runs the thermal management control algorithm model and transmits the relevant data generated by running the thermal management control algorithm model to the CANoe device 02 through the CANoe device software interface;

[0073] In the specific implementation, the host computer 01 implements the thermal management control algorithm model to be verified using the MATLAB / Simulink software tool. A mapping definition between the thermal management control algorithm model interface and the CANoe device software interface is constructed in the MATLAB / Simulink software tool, and the parameters of the real-time simulation test model are set in the MATLAB / Simulink software tool. The CANoe device 02 is mainly used to implement the communication protocol of Controller Area Network (CAN) and LIN (Local Area Network).

[0074] Thermal management controller 03 is configured to establish a target communication channel and target control functions with test object 04 to test various actuator components in test object 04; wherein, the target communication channel is characterized as a virtual communication channel extended by CANoe device 02, and the target control functions are communication control functions not possessed by CANoe device 02. The target control functions include at least pulse-width modulation (PWM) control functions and high-side and low-side drive control functions.

[0075] The host computer 01 is also configured to verify the correctness of the thermal management control algorithm model based on the test results of the test object 04. The test results may be that the thermal management controller 03 sends a first control command to the actuator component, causing the actuator component to perform a corresponding first action based on the first control command and generate a first feedback result corresponding to the first action. The first control command is calculated and generated by the thermal management control algorithm model. It should be noted that the algorithm of the thermal management control algorithm model is not fully confirmed and needs to be tested on the test object 04 by running the thermal management control algorithm model to ensure the correctness and effectiveness of the thermal management control algorithm model.

[0076] It should be noted that the CANoe device 02 in this embodiment is a device specifically designed for the development, testing, and analysis of automotive electronic systems. To save costs, this embodiment uses a conventional CANoe device with four channels, such as four CAN channels, or three CAN channels and one LIN channel. For example, the first channel can be connected to the thermal management controller 03, and the fourth channel can be connected to a data acquisition device (used to acquire data from the sensors of the test object 04). The second and third channels, which are needed for rapid prototype testing and verification, can be connected according to the actual situation.

[0077] The test object in this application embodiment can be a physical test bench of the thermal management system or a complete vehicle equipped with a thermal management system. The physical test bench of the thermal management system includes multiple actuator components and multiple sensors. The actuator components are electrical components in the thermal management system, such as compressors, blowers, shut-off valves, and water pumps. The actuator components of these test objects are connected to the host computer 01 and the CANoe device 02 through the thermal management controller 03 to form a test system.

[0078] This application's embodiments can utilize pre-developed thermal management controllers, saving costs associated with rapid control prototype development, testing, and verification, shortening verification cycles, accelerating project delivery, turning waste into treasure, and improving resource utilization. It offers greater flexibility, better applicability, and lower long-term operating costs. For example, existing thermal management system physical test benches require three LIN channels, four CAN channels, two PWM channels, and two high-side drivers. If CANoe devices are used, at least two CANoe devices and other devices with LIN are needed, along with devices with PWM and high / low-side drivers. This increases the cost of rapid control prototype development, testing, and verification for thermal management software, and also lengthens the test bench setup cycle.

[0079] The test system provided in this application embodiment can realize channel expansion of CANoe devices through the function of thermal management controller 03, or realize functions such as PWM control, high and low side drive, and LIN communication control that CANoe devices cannot perform, thereby reducing the cost and cycle of rapid control prototype thermal management software testing and verification.

[0080] Furthermore, the system may also include a data acquisition device 05, which is typically used to collect and record data from various sensors of the test object; these sensors may include temperature data from temperature sensors (such as coolant temperature, ambient temperature, etc.), pressure sensors (such as refrigerant pressure, coolant pressure, etc.), flow sensors (such as coolant flow rate, air flow rate, etc.), and electrical signal sensors (such as voltage, current, PWM signal, etc.); the data from each sensor and the first feedback result together serve as the test result of the test object 04, used to verify the correctness of the thermal management control algorithm model.

[0081] In specific implementations, such as Figure 3As shown, in this embodiment, a host computer 01 is connected to a CANoe device 02. Two channels in the CANoe device 02 (CANoe device first channel and CANoe device fourth channel) are connected to a thermal management controller 03 and a data acquisition device 05, respectively. The thermal management controller 03 is connected to all electrical components of the thermal management system physical test bench, and the data acquisition device 05 is connected to all sensors of the thermal management system physical test bench. This forms a rapid prototyping and testing system for thermal management software based on a physical thermal management system and designed using a model. This testing system is low-cost, verifies authenticity and accuracy, and allows for timely modification and verification of the thermal management control algorithm model without recompiling.

[0082] Understandably, due to the large number of components and sensors in the thermal management system, a single CANoe device channel cannot meet the requirements. Adding new CANoe devices and other dedicated driver boards would increase the cost of building the test system. Therefore, the thermal management controller 03 used in this embodiment is an existing "idle" thermal management controller (for example, one that has been developed in a previous project or is under development but meets the requirements). That is, the thermal management controller 03 in this embodiment is an existing device that does not require separate development or purchase and does not increase costs. This embodiment uses the existing thermal management controller 03 to expand channels or interfaces such as CAN (Controller Area Network Bus), LIN (Local Area Network), and PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) without increasing any development costs or time costs.

[0083] The thermal management controller 03 can expand the channels of the CANoe device 02, or perform functions that the CANoe device 02 cannot perform, such as PWM control, high and low side drive, and LIN communication control. This will reduce the cost of testing and verifying the thermal management software of the rapid control prototype and shorten the cycle of building the test system.

[0084] Understandably, in this embodiment, the host computer 01 is connected to the CANoe device 02. Two channels in the CANoe device 02 are connected to the thermal management controller and the data acquisition device, respectively. The thermal management controller is connected to all electrical components of the thermal management system physical bench, and the data acquisition device is connected to all sensors of the thermal management system physical bench. This forms a rapid prototyping and testing system for thermal management software based on the physical thermal management system and designed using a model. This testing system is low-cost, verifies authenticity and accuracy, and allows for timely modification and verification of the thermal management control algorithm model without requiring recompilation.

[0085] In the specific implementation, refer to Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5A thermal management controller 03 was added between the CANoe device 02 and the thermal management bench. This thermal management controller 03 was developed for an existing project and does not require separate development or purchase. It was developed in accordance with the following method and will not increase any development costs or time.

[0086] The thermal management controller 03 includes a software application layer and a software underlying layer. During rapid control prototype development, testing, and verification, the CANoe device 02 sends a first control command to the software underlying layer of the thermal management controller 03 via the first channel. The underlying interface corresponding to the software underlying layer then sends the first control command to the actuator component of the test object 04, and the first control command does not pass through the software application layer. During rapid control prototype development, testing, and verification, the thermal management controller 03 receives feedback signals from the test object 04 through the underlying interface, and these feedback signals do not pass through the software application layer.

[0087] It should be noted that the rapid control prototype development, testing and verification working conditions involved in the embodiments of this application are mainly realized through an environmental chamber, but they can also be realized through external environmental conditions. The rapid control prototype development, testing and verification working conditions may include ambient temperature, ambient humidity, air conditioning unit intake temperature, cooling fan intake speed, etc.

[0088] In specific implementations, such as Figure 4 As shown, the entire software of the thermal management controller 03 includes a software application layer, a software underlying layer, and a software interface, which are integrated into a main chip (runnable software). The thermal management controller 03 in this embodiment adopts a thermal management controller that has been developed in an existing project (even if it has not reached mass production, its functions can meet the usage requirements). This thermal management controller can be fully utilized for rapid control prototype development, testing, and verification. At this time, although the thermal management controller retains the application layer and RTE (runtime environment) of the previous project, the interactive control signals between the CANoe device 02 and the vehicle's ECU will not pass through the software application layer and RTE layer. Instead, the relevant signals will be received and sent directly through the software underlying layer. This means that although the thermal management controller is connected to various components, the application layer software of the thermal management controller does not function at this time. Instead, it directly receives the target instructions from the host computer.

[0089] Therefore, the test system of this application embodiment is connected to the thermal management controller 03 through the CANoe device 02. That is, it can directly interact and control the various actuator components of the test object 04 through the software layer of the thermal management controller 03, bypassing the software application layer design. For existing thermal management controllers, this is a "turning waste into treasure" effect, making full use of existing resources.

[0090] On the other hand, under non-rapid control prototype development, testing and verification conditions, since the thermal management controller adopts the thermal management controller developed in the existing project, the thermal management controller can also work normally under non-rapid control prototype development, testing and verification conditions. Normal operation does not require additional hardware costs. The thermal management controller 03 can autonomously send a second control signal to the actuator component of the test object 04, so that the actuator component performs a second action based on the second control signal and generates a second feedback result corresponding to the second action. Relevant personnel can observe the test object and troubleshoot and analyze problems through the second feedback result.

[0091] It should be noted that, for ease of consistent description, the first control command, first action, and first feedback result referred to in the embodiments of this application are all related to the rapid control prototype development, testing, and verification process. The first action is the action performed by the actuator component related to the first control command, and the first feedback result is the feedback information after the actuator component performs the first action.

[0092] The second control command, second action, and second feedback result referred to in the embodiments of this application are all related to the non-rapid control prototype development, testing, and verification conditions. The second action is the action performed by the actuator component related to the second control command, and the second feedback result is the feedback information after the actuator component performs the second action.

[0093] In the specific implementation, the operation of the thermal management controller 03 under the aforementioned rapid control prototype development, testing, and verification conditions and the aforementioned non-rapid control prototype development, testing, and verification conditions can be referenced. Figure 5 :

[0094] During rapid control prototype development, testing, and verification, the thermal management controller 03 is connected to the CANoe device 02. The CANoe device 02 sends a first bus message signal 1 to the thermal management controller 03. This first bus message signal 1 only functions during rapid control prototype development, testing, and verification. The frame message ID address is different from other ID addresses, and this frame message is sent by the CANoe device 02 and received by the thermal management controller 03. The instruction source of the frame message signal 1 of the first bus message signal 1 comes from the thermal management control algorithm model of the host computer 01.

[0095] After receiving the first bus message signal 1, the thermal management controller 03 sends first control commands to each actuator component. Its interaction with each actuator component (electrical component) is as follows (this embodiment only gives a few examples, others are similar, and the target command information required for control can be obtained according to the driving characteristics of each electrical component or the communication matrix dbc or ldf file):

[0096] CAN: After receiving the first control command (for CAN, the first control command may include compressor target speed command 1, compressor enable command 1, and compressor allowable power command 1), the thermal management controller 03 outputs it to the CAN bus connected to the compressor through the software low-level interface of the thermal management controller 03. After receiving the three target commands, the compressor executes the corresponding actions and feeds back the compressor operating status information (this feedback information is then uploaded to CANoe through the CAN bus, and then uploaded to the host computer. The signal flow of the feedback information below is the same as this).

[0097] PWM: After receiving the first control command (for PWM, the first control command may include blower target PWM command 1), the thermal management controller 03 outputs the command to the PWM interface connected to the blower through the software low-level interface of the thermal management controller 03. After receiving the blower target PWM command 1, the blower performs the corresponding action. If it has bidirectional PWM function, it will feed back the blower operating status information.

[0098] High-side drive: After receiving the first control command (for high-side drive, the first control command may include the high-side drive command 1 of the shut-off valve), the thermal management controller 03 outputs the command to the high-side drive interface connected to the shut-off valve through the software low-level interface of the thermal management controller 03. After receiving the first control command, the shut-off valve performs the corresponding action.

[0099] LIN: After receiving the first control command (for LIN, the first control command may include the water pump target speed command 1), the thermal management controller outputs it to the LIN bus connected to the water pump through the software low-level interface of the thermal management controller 03. After receiving the first control command, the water pump executes the corresponding action and feeds back the water pump operating status information.

[0100] When in the non-rapid control prototype development, testing and verification mode, the first bus message signal 1 will not appear on the CAN bus. At this time, the command signal appearing on the CAN bus is the second bus message signal 2. At the same time as sending the second bus message signal 2, the BSW (Basic Software) underlying program will send the relevant second control command to the corresponding actuator component through the corresponding interface. For example, the BSW underlying program will send the water pump target speed command 2 to the water pump through the LIN interface. After receiving the second control command (such as the water pump target speed command 2), the water pump will start to execute the corresponding action. It should be noted that the instruction ID of the second bus message signal 2 is different from the instruction ID of the first bus message signal 1. The second bus message signal 2 is sent to the CAN bus by the thermal management controller itself (while the instruction source of the first bus message signal 1 comes from the thermal management control algorithm model of the host computer 01). The main function of the second control instruction corresponding to the second bus message signal 2 is to observe and troubleshoot problems. The second feedback result can be the data calculated by the thermal management controller 03 in normal working state during non-rapid control prototype development, testing and verification, based on the data collected from the sensors and the feedback information received from the actuator components.

[0101] Furthermore, the testing system of this application embodiment can test multiple test objects simultaneously without adding CANoe devices. This not only saves testing equipment costs but also shortens the development and testing verification cycle of thermal management software rapid control prototypes and the principle verification cycle of thermal management systems, saving time for project development and reducing the cost of system principle trial and error.

[0102] In this embodiment of the application, the test system can be used to test m test objects 04, each of the test objects 04 being connected to a corresponding thermal management controller 03; the CANoe device 02 includes n CAN channels, and each of the test objects 04 corresponds to at least one of the CAN channels.

[0103] like Figure 6 As shown, without adding testing equipment (CANoe equipment), the embodiments of this application can simultaneously verify the principles of multiple thermal management systems. (Refer to...) Figure 6 The three different CAN channels of the CANoe device 02 are connected to different thermal management controllers for testing different test objects;

[0104] Among them, the first CAN channel of CANoe device 02 is connected to the first thermal management controller 1 and is used to test the actuator components of the first test object (i.e., the electrical components of the thermal management system physical test bench 1); the second CAN channel of CANoe device 02 is connected to the second thermal management controller 2 and is used to test the actuator components of the second test object (i.e., the electrical components of the thermal management system physical test bench 2); the third CAN channel of CANoe device 02 is connected to the third thermal management controller 3 and is used to test the actuator components of the third test object (i.e., the electrical components of the thermal management system physical test bench 3).

[0105] like Figure 7 As shown, without adding test equipment (CANoe device), the test system of this application embodiment can simultaneously verify different thermal management control algorithm models for the same thermal management system physical test bench. For example, both the CAN first channel and the CAN second channel of the CANoe device test the thermal management system physical test bench 1. Specifically, the host computer 01 will send the first control command calculated by the first thermal management control algorithm model 1 to be verified through the CAN first channel of the CANoe device 02 and with the help of the first thermal management controller 1. At the same time, the host computer 01 will also send the first control command calculated by the second thermal management control algorithm model 2 to be verified to the thermal management system physical test bench 1 through the CAN second channel of the CANoe device 02 and with the help of the second thermal management controller 2, thereby realizing the simultaneous verification of different thermal management control algorithm models for the same thermal management system physical test bench.

[0106] Corresponding to the above-mentioned system for rapid development and testing of thermal management software prototype based on model design, this application provides a method for rapid development and testing of thermal management software prototype based on model design. By adopting the method of this application, not only can the cost of testing equipment (i.e., CANoe equipment) be saved, but the development and testing verification cycle of thermal management software prototype can also be shortened, as can the principle verification cycle of thermal management system. This saves time for project development, reduces the cost of trial and error in system principle, and provides a rapid verification method for finding the optimal system principle.

[0107] like Figure 8 As shown, the method in this application embodiment includes the following steps:

[0108] Step S10: The host computer runs the thermal management control algorithm model to generate first control commands for each actuator component of the test object, and sends each first control command to the CANoe device, so that the CANoe device sends each first control command to the thermal management controller through the CAN bus;

[0109] In practical implementation, the thermal management control algorithm model to be verified can be implemented on a host computer using MATLAB / Simulink software tools; the mapping definition between the thermal management control algorithm model interface and the CANoe device software interface can be constructed in MATLAB / Simulink software tools; and the parameters of the real-time simulation test model can be set in MATLAB / Simulink software tools.

[0110] Step S20: The thermal management controller sends each of the first control commands to the corresponding target actuator component to test the target actuator component.

[0111] Understandably, the thermal management controller sends the control commands calculated by the thermal management control algorithm model to be verified to the target actuator component of the object under test (such as electrical components in the thermal management system, which may include compressors, blowers, shut-off valves, and water pumps).

[0112] Step S30: The host computer obtains the test results of the test object and verifies the correctness of the thermal management control algorithm model based on the test results.

[0113] Understandably, the actuator component of the test object will execute the first control command and provide corresponding test results. The host computer will then verify the correctness of the thermal management control algorithm model based on the test results of the test object.

[0114] In other embodiments, the host computer can also verify the correctness of the thermal management control algorithm model based on the data from the various actuator components and sensors of the test object.

[0115] Furthermore, after step S30, the method further includes: step S410: the host computer can automatically adjust the thermal management control algorithm model based on the test results.

[0116] In other embodiments, after step S30, the method further includes:

[0117] Step S401: The host computer displays the test results;

[0118] Step S402: The host computer receives the user's algorithm adjustment instruction and adjusts the thermal management control algorithm model based on the algorithm adjustment instruction, wherein the algorithm adjustment instruction is related to the test results.

[0119] Understandably, if the test results indicate that the thermal management control algorithm model to be verified is incorrect, the host computer's human-computer interaction device (such as a display screen) will display the test results to inform the user. The user can then input algorithm adjustment instructions to the host computer based on their own R&D experience or needs. In this way, the host computer can adjust the thermal management control algorithm model according to the user's needs.

[0120] It is understood that the host computer in this application embodiment can modify the thermal management control algorithm model and verify it in a timely manner based on the test feedback results of the actuator component of the test object, without having to download the recompiled thermal management control algorithm model to the hard core of the rapid control prototype device as in the prior art.

[0121] Understandably, in the rapid control prototype development, testing, and verification scenario, the CANoe device of the test system in this application embodiment sends the control commands calculated by the thermal management control algorithm model to the software layer of the thermal management controller. The underlying interface corresponding to the software layer then sends the control commands calculated by the thermal management control algorithm model to the test object. Furthermore, the control commands calculated by the thermal management control algorithm model do not pass through the software application layer. Therefore, using the method of this application embodiment, whenever it is necessary to adjust the thermal management control algorithm model based on the test results, only the application layer algorithm needs to be changed. Even if the application layer interface is added or removed, since it does not need to be recompiled and downloaded to the hardware, only the application layer needs to be changed synchronously, without involving changes or configurations of the underlying interface. This will greatly improve the efficiency of rapid control prototype verification.

[0122] In the above embodiments, the descriptions of each embodiment have different focuses. For parts that are not described in detail or recorded in a certain embodiment, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0123] The above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this application, and are not intended to limit them. Although this application has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and should all be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A system for rapid prototype development and testing of thermal management software based on model design, characterized in that, The system is used to test the test object corresponding to the thermal management system; the system includes a host computer, a CANoe device, and a thermal management controller; the host computer is connected to the CANoe device; the CANoe device is connected to the thermal management controller via a CAN channel; the thermal management controller is connected to the test object; The host computer is configured to run a thermal management control algorithm model to control the thermal management controller to test the actuator components of the test object; The thermal management controller is configured to establish a target communication channel and target control function between the CANoe device and the test object in order to test the various actuator components in the test object. The host computer is also configured to verify the correctness of the thermal management control algorithm model based on the test results of the test object; The target communication channel is characterized as a virtual communication channel extended by the CANoe device, and the target control function is a communication control function that the CANoe device does not have.

2. The system as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The system also includes a data acquisition device, and the CANoe device is connected to the data acquisition device via a CAN channel; The data acquisition device is configured to acquire data from each sensor in the test object; The thermal management controller is further configured to send a first control command to the actuator component, causing the actuator component to perform a first action based on the first control command and generate a first feedback result corresponding to the first action; The first feedback result and the data from each sensor are used to verify the correctness of the thermal management control algorithm model.

3. The system as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The thermal management controller includes a software application layer and a software underlying layer; In the rapid control prototype development, testing and verification mode, the CANoe device sends the first control command to the software layer of the thermal management controller through the first channel. The first control command is then sent to the actuator component of the test object by the corresponding low-level interface of the software layer. The first control command does not pass through the software application layer. In the rapid control prototype development, testing and verification process, the thermal management controller receives feedback signals from the test object through the underlying interface, and the feedback signals do not pass through the software application layer.

4. The system as described in claim 2, characterized in that, In a non-rapid control prototype development, testing and verification scenario, the thermal management controller sends a second control signal to the actuator component of the test object, causing the actuator component to perform a second action based on the second control signal and generate a second feedback result corresponding to the second action.

5. The system as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The host computer is also configured to receive the first feedback result and adjust the thermal management control algorithm model based on the first feedback result.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The system is used to test m test objects, each of which is connected to a corresponding thermal management controller; the CANoe device includes n CAN channels, and each test object corresponds to at least one of the CAN channels.

7. The system as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The thermal management control algorithm model includes a first thermal management control algorithm model to be verified and a second thermal management control algorithm model to be verified; the thermal management controller includes at least a first thermal management controller and a second thermal management controller; the CAN channel of the CANoe device includes at least a first CAN channel and a second CAN channel. The host computer is further configured to generate control commands for testing the test object based on the first thermal management control algorithm model to be verified, and send the control commands generated by the first thermal management control algorithm model to the CANoe device, and send the control commands generated by the first thermal management control algorithm model to the thermal management first controller through the first CAN channel, and the thermal management first controller sends the control commands generated by the first thermal management control algorithm model to the test object to verify the first thermal management control algorithm model to be verified. The host computer is further configured to generate control commands for testing the test object based on the second thermal management control algorithm model to be verified, and send the control commands generated by the second thermal management control algorithm model to the CANoe device, and send the control commands generated by the second thermal management control algorithm model to the thermal management second controller through the second CAN channel, and the thermal management second controller sends the control commands generated by the second thermal management control algorithm model to the test object to verify the second thermal management control algorithm model to be verified.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, The target control function includes at least pulse width modulation control function and high / low side drive control function.

9. A method for rapid control prototype development and testing of thermal management software based on model design, characterized in that, The method is applied to the system as described in any one of claims 1 to 8, the system comprising a host computer, a CANoe device, and a thermal management controller, the method comprising: The host computer runs the thermal management control algorithm model to generate first control commands for each actuator component of the test object, and sends each first control command to the CANoe device, so that the CANoe device sends each first control command to the thermal management controller through the CAN bus; The thermal management controller sends each of the first control commands to the corresponding target actuator component to test the target actuator component; The host computer acquires the test results of the test object and verifies the correctness of the thermal management control algorithm model based on the test results.

10. The method as described in claim 9, characterized in that, After the thermal management controller sends each of the first control commands to the corresponding target actuator component to test the target actuator component, it further includes: The thermal management controller receives a first feedback result from the target actuator component and sends the first feedback result to the CANoe device; wherein, the first feedback result is the feedback result generated by the target actuator component executing the first control command; The CANoe device uploads the first feedback result as the test result of the test object to the host computer. The host computer adjusts the thermal management control algorithm model based on the test results.

11. The method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The system also includes a data acquisition device, and the method further includes: The data acquisition device sends a third feedback result to the CANoe device, wherein the third feedback result is the data feedback result of each sensor of the test object collected by the data acquisition device; The CANoe device uploads the first feedback result to the host computer, including: The CANoe device uploads the first feedback result and the third feedback result to the host computer. The host computer adjusts the thermal management control algorithm model based on the test results, including: The host computer adjusts the thermal management control algorithm model based on the first feedback result and the third feedback result.

12. The method as described in claim 10 or 11, characterized in that, The method further includes: The host computer displays the test results; The host computer receives the user's algorithm adjustment command and adjusts the thermal management control algorithm model based on the algorithm adjustment command, wherein the algorithm adjustment command is related to the test results.

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