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Argonne National Laboratory Accelerates Simulations Using MathWorks Parallel Computing Tools
Department of Energy Research Center Relies on MathWorks Tools to Automate Complex Simulations and Accelerate Analysis of Hybrid and Fuel Cell Powertrain Configurations
NATICK, Mass. - (22 Apr 2009)
The MathWorks today announced that Argonne National Laboratory significantly reduced the simulation time of models built with the Powertrain System Analysis Toolkit (PSAT) by using Parallel Computing Toolbox and MATLAB Distributed Computing Server from The MathWorks.
PSAT is an industry-standard model that enables automotive engineers to assess design tradeoffs by simulating a large number of advanced powertrain configurations. Using two other MathWorks products, Simulink and Stateflow, Argonne, funded by the US Department of Energy, developed PSAT in conjunction with leading automotive manufacturers to help automotive engineers evaluate fuel economy and performance of advanced vehicle designs, including hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) and plug-in HEVs. Argonne used Parallel Computing Toolbox with PSAT to execute simulations on a 16-node cluster—reducing the overall run time from two weeks to one day. Using MATLAB Distributed Computing Server also enabled Argonne to move its simulations with ease from a desktop computer to a cluster in one hour.
“Hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles are much more complex than vehicles with conventional powertrains. The U.S. Department of Energy and automotive OEMs needed an efficient and reliable way to evaluate the effect that each component has on vehicle fuel economy and performance,” explained Sylvain Pagerit, research engineer at Argonne National Laboratory. “Without parallel computing capabilities, we would not have been able to run the necessary simulations in the time allotted and, consequently, would have been unable to support our customers. The combination of PSAT and Parallel Computing Toolbox save countless hours in development by providing an efficient simulation-based environment for design tradeoff studies.”
“Traditionally, automotive engineers use prototypes to decide on system design tradeoffs. However, with the large number of advanced powertrain options, much of the hardware is being developed in parallel with the vehicle system development,” said Jon Friedman, automotive industry marketing manager at The MathWorks. “Model-Based Design and tools such as PSAT allow automotive engineers to make critical design decisions early in the process. And by taking advantage of our parallel computing capabilities, the Argonne team cut a time-intensive simulation process down to one day, speeding up design evaluation and bringing significant time and cost savings to the automotive industry.”
About MathWorks
MathWorks is the leading developer of mathematical computing software. MATLAB, the language of technical computing, is a programming environment for algorithm development, data analysis, visualization, and numeric computation. Simulink is a graphical environment for simulation and Model-Based Design of multidomain dynamic and embedded systems. Engineers and scientists worldwide rely on these product families to accelerate the pace of discovery, innovation, and development in automotive, aerospace, electronics, financial services, biotech-pharmaceutical, and other industries. MathWorks products are also fundamental teaching and research tools in the world's universities and learning institutions. Founded in 1984, MathWorks employs more than 2,000 people in 15 countries, with headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts, USA. For additional information, visit www.mathworks.com.
MATLAB and Simulink are registered trademarks of MathWorks, Inc. See www.mathworks.com/trademarks for a list of additional trademarks. Other product or brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
About Argonne National Laboratory
Argonne National Laboratory seeks solutions to pressing national problems in science and technology. The nation's first national laboratory, Argonne conducts leading-edge basic and applied scientific research in virtually every scientific discipline. Argonne researchers work closely with researchers from hundreds of companies, universities, and federal, state and municipal agencies to help them solve their specific problems, advance America’s scientific leadership and prepare the nation for a better future. With employees from more than 60 nations, Argonne is managed by UChicago Argonne, LLC for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Science. Follow Argonne Transportation activities at www.transportation.anl.gov. For more information, please contact Steven McGregor of Argonne at 630/252-5580 or mailto:media@anl.gov
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| Amy Stevens-Jones The MathWorks Australia Pty Ltd. Tel: 02 8669 4700 Fax: 02 8669 4710 E-mail: astevens@mathworks.com.au |
Kara Jecks |
