Hi,
Quote:
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Originally Posted by Delta Flyer
Some of you might have heard of this Prius simulator game.
It's fun, although someone pointed out it could be made a little more realistic. Maybe the author will correct the code and put 24 teeth - not 23 in the plantary gear.
Anyway, I wonder what Prius drivers will think of this game - does it "get it"?
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This is one of several I've seen in the past but I'd like to share some facts and data and suggest you see what happens when the simulator is put at these node points:
1) NHW11
- Maximum MG1 RPM: 6,500 rpm
- Ordinary ICE idle RPM: 950-1,200 rpm
2) NHW20
- Maximum MG1 RPM: 10,000 rpm
- same ordinary ICE range
Then notice the curious inflection points in these measured MPG vs MPG data:

You'll notice the NHW11 MPG takes a significant hit at 70
mph. The model shows that at 71
mph, the ICE (engine) has to spin faster than 1,200 rpm, the high end of ICE idle. This makes sense by suggesting that above 70
mph, an 01-03 Prius will have to work the engine harder all of the time to avoid over-spinning MG1 (generator).
You'll also notice the NHW20 MPG takes a hit between 85 and 90
mph. The model shows this also corresponds to 88
mph, the limit of when the NHW20 has to run the ICE faster than idle to avoid over-spinning MG1 (generator).
We already knew that the ICE has to run all of the time above 42
mph to prevent MG1 over-reving. Clearly, this also corresponds to a change in the control laws and a dip in MPG.
So this and other models are fairly accurate and the transistion points are consistent with inflection points in MPG. The key to good Prius performance is to avoid these 'bad MPG' areas and keep in the efficient areas as much as possible.
LATE CORRECTION: I tried to use the gas pedal mode and set it for 31
MPH. It slowly charged the battery to 80% and then continued to run the ICE with no change. It never went into ICE auto-shutdown and coasted on battery! A real Prius would have long since shutdown the ICE and used battery charge to maintain speed. As such, I can't endorse the current 'drive mode' of the simulator. However, the gears are accurate.
I also notice it has the profile and shares some characteristics with an NHW11 Prius.
Bob Wilson