Research on the performance of the air processing system for commercial vehicles based on a multidimensional co-simulation

Abstract The air processing system plays a crucial role in the safe operation of vehicles. However, due to the complex spatial layout of the air processing system in commercial vehicles and the combined effects of its parameters, accurately characterizing and evaluating its performance remains highly challenging. This paper proposes a multidimensional co-simulation approach for the air processing system of commercial vehicles. Firstly, a three-dimensional (3D) pipe model is constructed to simulate the gas flow within the pipes of the air processing system. Secondly, a one-dimensional (1D) pipe model is established as a bridge for the multidimensional co-simulation. The 1D and 3D models can achieve strong coupling through data interaction. Subsequently, a co-simulation model of the complete air processing system is built. Finally, the co-simulation model is validated, and research and analysis are conducted on the factors affecting the performance of the air processing system in commercial vehicles based on the validated model. The validation results indicate that the co-simulation model exhibits high accuracy. Compared with the traditional 1D model, the co-simulation model not only has the similar fast-simulation capability but also reduces the error in temperature simulation by approximately 7%. The research findings show that increasing the inner diameter and length of the pipes can decrease the inlet temperature of the air processing unit, and increasing the pressure difference of unloading and regeneration control can enhance the system’s regeneration rate. This study provides engineering reference value for enhancing the stability and safety of vehicle braking systems.