This paper presents a study of the dynamics and control of clutchless automated manual transmissions (CLAMT) for the purpose of investigating the system behavior during up and down shifts. To achieve this, a multibody dynamic model of the proposed powertrain is implemented to simulate the transient behavior of the system, including a direct current (DC) equivalent model of the electric machine (EM) and a synchronizer mechanism model. Closed-loop control of motor speed and torque is used in conjunction with synchronizer mechanism actuation to functionally achieve gear shifting without the need for a primary friction clutch. This includes nested torque–speed closed-loops to implement alternative motor control functionalities at different stages of gear change. To evaluate the performance of shift control, shift metrics including longitudinal jerk, vibration dose value (VDV), and shifting duration are evaluated from simulation results. These results demonstrate the most significant impact on the transient response of the powertrain results from the reduction and reinstatement of motor torque during shift control. Speed control of the motor during the shift transient directly impacts on the duration of shifting, but not the transient response of the powertrain.

This paper proposes a novel synchronizer 'Harpoon-Shift' aiming at improving the comfort and efficiency of gearbox, meanwhile, simplifying the shifting control strategy for multi-speed electric vehicles. It will overcome one of the biggest shortcomings of traditional synchronizer system with frictional cone clutch.Experiment is established to investigate the torque and speed responses during the engagement of gears pairs. Then, based on previous testing results, the relationship of the peak torque and minimum speed difference to implement gear shifting with various spring coefficients is investigated. In addition, a mathematical model of the Harpoon-Shift system is developed to simulate the engagement process. The simulation results of system transient responses are validated against the data measured on testing rig. The model is then improved to study the impact of the rotating inertia, speed and speed difference on the torsional vibration and required time of engagement. Both of the simulation and experimental results show the significant improvement of proposed synchronizer to conventional cone clutch synchronizer.

Electric vehicles (EV) are considered a practical alternative to conventional and hybrid electric passenger vehicles, with higher overall powertrain efficiencies by omitting the internal combustion engine. As a consequence of lower energy density in the battery energy storage as compared to fossil fuels powered vehicles, EVs have limited driving range, leading to a range phobia and limited consumer acceptance. Particularly for larger luxury EVs, electric motors with a single reduction gear typically do not achieve the diverse range of function needs that are present in multi-speed conventional vehicles, most notably acceleration performance and top speed requirements. Subsequently, multi-speed EV powertrains have been suggested for these applications. Through the utilization of multiple gear ratios a more diverse range of functional needs can be realized without increasing the practical size of the electric motor. The major limitation of multi-speed EV powertrains is that the increased transmission complexity introduces additional losses to the vehicle. Through a number of simulations this paper studies the integration of multispeed transmission with EV platforms. Particularly, it investigates the performance improvements of both B and E class vehicle platforms realized through utilization of two and three speed transmissions. Also the potential application of hybrid energy storage systems (i.e. batteries combined with supercapacitors) is studied. Results demonstrate that there can be significant benefits attained for both small and large passenger vehicles through the application of multi-speed transmissions. However, optimization of these ratios must be considered in the analysis.

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