TransForum Vol. 8, No. 2

ARDAQ: Onboard PHEV Performance Evaluation

The ARDAQ Package

Developed by Argonne, the Argonne Real-Time Data Acquisition (ARDAQ) system provides onboard data collection and diagnostics of PHEVs.

ARDAQ is based on Controller Area Network (CAN) information collectedon two separate CAN nodes. CAN technology lets microcontrollers and other devices communicate directly with one another. ARDAQ then uses a global positioning system and other sensors to simultaneously collect moment-by-moment data on 25 vehicle performance measures, including driving and engine speed; fuel flow, use and economy; hybrid battery current; frequency of battery charge; hybrid watt-hours per mile; PHEV watt-hours per mile; and length and distance of trip.

For PHEV and other vehicle platform development purposes, the compact automotive grade processor module and sensor package can be quickly installed and begin collecting information immediately when properly configured. A month’s worth of data can be stored on a 1-gigabyte USB thumb drive. Data from the thumb drive is uploaded to a personal computer after a trip is completed and can be displayed using Google Earth. Wireless data transmission for ARDAQ was demonstrated at a ChallengeX event.

ARDAQ’s development was funded by the DOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Vehicle Technologies Program.

November 2008