KULI

KULI at a Glance

Optimal and efficient use of energy at any operating point of the vehicle is of highest importance for the automotive industry.

The main focus of vehicle engineers lays on the powertrain system, heating and air conditioning, as well as engine cooling to ensure safe operation. The software package KULI has a long tradition in simulating and optimizing the thermal management system for automotive applications.

In future it is necessary to facilitate a holistic consideration of energy flows, which means that mechanical power, electric power and thermal power have to be simulated at the same time and optimized in parallel. For this simulation task KULI will effectively support the engineer in setting up system components and control strategies with the aim to optimize performance, comfort and operating reliability of the vehicle.

KULI - a comprehensive system level simulation software

Based on a solid foundation of 25 years of vehicle thermal management simulation for internal combustion engine powertrains, KULI also offers the best possible support for all related e-mobility topics.

Built around a battery pack thermal simulation environment which has set the benchmark for both ease of use and flexibility, KULI also offers simulation models for electric motors/generators and power electronics.

A full set of features for the simulation of air conditioning and heating systems completes what truly can be called the most advanced and comfortable thermal simulation tool for electric vehicles on the market.

Benefits

Fast and efficient computer aided engineering
Enormous cost and time reduction at variation and optimization of systems compared to test bench
Quick evaluation of component interactions
Due to its modular structure KULI is tailored to the particular user needs
Minimal effort on training, base knowledge and hardware

During the concept phase engineers must consider different engines, gearboxes, heat exchangers, fans, carry-over parts, batteries etc. as well as control elements and actuators.

A general issue in state-of-the-art vehicle developments is the dimensioning of the cooling system to guarantee the required performance and emission levels. The ECS in St. Valentin has developed the KULI simulation software to generate and optimize the thermal management system meeting all requirements on component-, system- and vehicle level. KULI assists in specifying and validating OEM requirements right from the start such as legal compliance, standards and regulations.

the simulation with KULI is followed up by a test on the roller test bench to validate and calibrate the simulation model

During the simulation with KULI you have to fulfil various goals including fast heating up to reduce the energy consumption due to friction, increase of the passenger comfort but also reduction of emissions, fuel- and energy consumption

Thermal management has a high potential for improving fuel economy, reducing emissions and increasing efficiency of conventional, hybrid, electric and fuel cell vehicles. The wide experience at St. Valentin for engineering services in vehicle development allows us to continuously improve our KULI software for energy management simulation.

It’s still a main goal to keep all temperatures below certain limits to protect components against overheating. Moreover, it is essential e.g. for batteries to be operated in a certain temperature range for high efficiency and long lifetime. KULI can deal with all these challenges using appropriate simulation models of entire systems.

Also, the air conditioning system with detailed simulation options for the refrigerant circuit, the heat pump mode and the hot gas cycle are covered by KULI. In hybrid vehicles the air conditioning system is often used to cool the traction battery. The ‘Chiller’ component is the important link between coolant and refrigerant circuits. Integrated optimization procedures help the user to find the best layout. To keep up with the latest trends in vehicle development, software and simulation procedures are continuously enhanced.

KULI supporting the Engineering Process

System Comprehension

Understand complex component interactions easily
Effects of single measures can be within measurement accuracy

Concept Studies

Fast analysis and solutions: "Rapid Prototyping"
Save time and cost (test bench, prototypes)

Support Test Bench

Improve test quality through pausibility checks
Reduce hardware test loops

System Optimization

Quickly find measures for improvement
Find control strategies for auxiliaries
Computation only possibility of optimum validation

Minor Model Update

Easy handling of engine upgrades
Component replacements: compare different suppliers

Related Information

Learn more about KULI and it's modules.

Modules

Any questions?

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KULI