METHOD FOR CONFIGURING A DRIVELINE FOR A VEHICLE

Abstract

A method performed by a computer for configuring a driveline for a vehicle, the driveline comprising a plurality of component types adapted to operate together so as to produce propulsion power. The method comprises determining a set of reference working points for the driveline on the basis of data indicative of driving operations that the vehicle is intended to carry out, each reference working point being associated with an intended reference speed request as well as an associated intended reference torque request for the driveline, and determining a set of critical working points for the driveline, each critical working point being associated with an intended critical speed request as well as an associated intended critical torque request wherein the intended critical torque request is greater than an intended average torque request for the driveline.

Claims

1. A method performed by a computer for configuring a driveline for a vehicle, the driveline comprising a plurality of component types adapted to operate together so as to produce propulsion power, the method comprising: determining a set of reference working points for the vehicle on the basis of data indicative of driving operations that the vehicle is intended to carry out, each reference working point being associated with an intended reference speed request as well as an associated intended reference torque request for the vehicle, determining a set of critical working points for the vehicle, each critical working point being associated with an intended critical speed request as well as an associated intended critical torque request, wherein the intended critical torque request is greater than an intended average torque request for the vehicle, establishing a set of driveline models for the driveline, each driveline model comprising a unique selection of component entities for the component types comprised in the driveline such that each driveline model in the set of driveline models is different from the other driveline models in the set of driveline models, and setting the component types of the driveline to equal the unique selection of component entities for the component types corresponding to the driveline model in the set of driveline models which: is determined to be able to operate in accordance with each critical working point in the set of critical working points, and is associated with a driveline model specific reference measure, related to the operation of the driveline model at each reference working point of the set of reference working points, being deemed more preferred than the driveline model specific reference measure associated with at least a subset of the other driveline models.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of reference working points is representative of the driving operations during at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, more preferred at least 80%, of the intended operation time of the vehicle.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the driveline model specific reference measure is indicative of the energy consumption associated with the operation of the driveline model at each reference working point of the set of reference working points; wherein the method further comprises setting the component types of the driveline to equal the unique selection of component entities for the component types corresponding to the driveline model in the set of driveline models which is associated with a lower energy consumption than at least a plurality of driveline models in the set of driveline models which is determined to be able to operate in accordance with each critical working point in the set of critical working points, and wherein the method preferably comprises setting the component types of the driveline to equal the unique selection of component entities for the component types corresponding to the driveline model in the set of driveline models which is associated with the lowest energy consumption amongst driveline models in the set of driveline models which is determined to be able to operate in accordance with each critical working point in the set of critical working points.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the driveline model specific reference measure is indicative of a cost associated with the driveline model at each reference working point of the set of reference working points, wherein the method further comprises setting the component types of the driveline to equal the unique selection of component entities for the component types corresponding to the driveline model in the set of driveline models which is associated with a lower cost than at least a plurality of driveline models in the set of driveline models which is determined to be able to operate in accordance with each critical working point in the set of critical working points, and wherein the method preferably comprises setting the component types of the driveline to equal the unique selection of component entities for the component types corresponding to the driveline model in the set of driveline models which is associated with the lowest cost amongst driveline models in the set of driveline models which is determined to be able to operate in accordance with each critical working point in the set of critical working points.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the cost associated with the driveline model comprises a sum of: cost of energy consumption associated with the operation of the driveline model at each reference working point of the set of reference working points, and costs associated with manufacturing the driveline model.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of determining a driveline model specific reference measure associated with the operation of the driveline model at each reference working point of the set of reference working points comprises associating each reference working point with an expected frequency of occurrence on the basis of data indicative of driving operations that the vehicle is intended to carry out.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the driveline model specific reference measure associated with the operation of the driveline model at each reference working point of the set of reference working points is determined by performing the following for each reference working point of the set of reference working points: determining a driveline model specific reference sub-measure associated with the reference working point, and multiplying the driveline model specific reference sub-measure with the associated expected frequency of occurrence in order to obtain a driveline model specific reference sub-measure product, wherein the driveline model specific reference measure is the sum of the driveline model specific reference sub-measure products.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the driveline model specific reference sub-measure is indicative of the energy consumption associated with the operation of the driveline model at the reference working point.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the driveline model specific reference sub-measure is indicative of the cost associated with the operation of the driveline model at the reference working point.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of component types adapted to operate together so as to produce propulsion power comprises one or more of the following component types: a propulsion unit, a gearbox, a rear axle, and one or more wheels.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein a ratio between the intended reference speed request and an intended average speed request for the vehicle is in the range of 0.6-1.4, preferably in the range of 0.8-1.2, for each reference working point in the set of reference working points.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein a ratio between the intended critical torque request and intended average torque request for the vehicle is at least 2, preferably at least 3, for each critical working point in the set of critical working points.

13. The method of claim 1, wherein each reference working point in the set of reference working points is determined on the basis of information comprising at least an intended speed and an intended cargo load of the vehicle adapted to host the driveline.

14. The method of claim 1, wherein each reference working point in the set of reference working points has a single operation condition for the driveline.

15. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of reference working points consists of less than seven, preferably less than five, more preferred less than three, reference working points.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of critical working points consists of less than seven, preferably less than five, more preferred less than three, critical working points.

17. The method of claim 1, wherein the vehicle is a ground vehicle, preferably a commercial ground vehicle such as a truck.

18. A computer program comprising program code means for performing the method of claim 1 when the program is run on a computer.

19. A computer readable medium carrying a computer program comprising program code means for performing the method of claim 1 when the program is run on a computer.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0048] With reference to the appended drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention cited as examples.

[0049] In the drawings: [0050] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a vehicle; [0051] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of a driveline, and

[0052] FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0053] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a vehicle 10. The vehicle comprises a driveline 12 adapted to propel the vehicle 10. As may be gleaned from FIG. 1, the vehicle 10 comprises a set of wheels 14, 16, 18. The FIG. 1 vehicle 10 is a ground vehicle. In fact, the FIG. 1 vehicle 10 is truck which can be regarded as an example of a commercial ground vehicle. However, it is also envisaged that the method according to the present invention may be employed for drivelines for other types of vehicles, such as boats (not shown).

[0054] FIG. 2 is a schematic top view of an implementation of a driveline 12 of a vehicle (not shown in FIG. 1). The implementation of the driveline 12 illustrated in FIG. 2 comprises a propulsion unit 20, a gearbox 22, a rear axle 24 and one or more wheels 18, 18′.

[0055] Purely by way of example, the propulsion unit 20 may comprise, or be constituted by, an internal combustion engine. However, it is also envisaged that the propulsion unit may comprise, or be constituted by, an electric motor or a hybrid propulsion assembly that comprises an internal combustion engine and an electric motor.

[0056] In the FIG. 2 implementation, the propulsion unit 20 is mechanically connected to a gearbox 22. Purely by way of example, and as indicated in FIG. 2, the propulsion unit 20 may be mechanically connected to the gearbox 22 via a clutch 26.

[0057] The gearbox 22 is in turn mechanically connected to a rear axle 24. In the FIG. 2 implementation, the gearbox 22 is connected to a propeller shaft 28 which in turn is connected to the rear axle 24 via a final gearing assembly 30. Purely by way of example, the final gearing assembly 30 may comprise a differential (not shown).

[0058] The rear axle 24 is in turn connected to one or more wheels 18, 18′. In the FIG. 2 implementation, the rear axle 24 is fixedly connected to two wheels 18, 18′. However, in other implementations, the rear axle 24 may be connected to more than two wheels 18, 18′. Purely by way of example, in implementations of the driveline 12, the rear axle 24 may be connected to four wheels (not shown).

[0059] Moreover, the FIG. 2 implementation of the driveline 12 has a single rear axle 24. However, other implementations of the driveline 12 may comprise more axles, such as one or more front axles (not shown in FIG. 2) or one ore more additional rear axles (not shown in FIG. 2), each one of which being propelled by the propulsion unit 20. Alternatively, implementations of the driveline 12 may comprise a plurality of axles (not shown) and a plurality of propulsion units (not shown) wherein each propulsion unit is adapted to propel one or more of the axles forming the plurality of axles.

[0060] Irrespective of the implementation of the driveline 12, as has been intimated hereinabove, the driveline 12 comprises a plurality of component types adapted to operate together so as to produce propulsion power. Again, with reference to FIG. 2, the component types may for instance comprise a propulsion unit 20, a gearbox 22, a rear axle 24 and one or more wheels 18, 18′. For each one of the component types, one or more different component entities may be selected. For instance, using the propulsion unit 20 unit as an example of a component type, different propulsion unit entities with different maximum power capabilities may be used as a propulsion unit in a driveline 12. Similar reasoning can be used for the other component types forming part of the driveline 12.

[0061] As may be realized from the above, it may be possible to generate a plurality of different driveline configurations with different component entity combinations. As such, it would be desirable to identify a driveline configuration that is appropriate for an intended vehicle 10, in particular in view of an intended operation of the vehicle 10.

[0062] As such, the present invention relates to a method performed by a computer 32 for configuring a driveline 12 for a vehicle 10. As has been mentioned above, the driveline comprises a plurality of component types 18, 18′, 20, 22, 24, 30 adapted to operate together so as to produce propulsion power.

[0063] To this end, reference is made to FIG. 3 schematically illustrating an embodiment of the computer 32 and also illustrating a flowchart for an embodiment of the method in accordance with the present invention. It should be noted that the FIG. 3 flowchart is only intended to serve as example illustration of a method embodiment of the present invention and that other method embodiments may comprise additional features and may also carry out the method features in another order than what is presented in FIG. 3.

[0064] As such, an embodiment of the method according to the present invention comprises a feature S10 of determining a set of reference working points {RWP.sub.1, . . . , RWP.sub.m} for the driveline 12 on the basis of data indicative of driving operations that the vehicle is intended to carry out. Each reference working point RWP.sub.i is associated with an intended reference speed request as well as an associated intended reference torque request of the vehicle 10.

[0065] Purely by way of example, the intended reference speed request as well as an associated intended reference torque request of the vehicle 10 may be related to, or even be equal to, the intended reference speed request as well as an associated intended reference torque request of the one or more wheels 18, 18′ forming part of the driveline 12.

[0066] As a nonlimiting example, each reference working point RWP.sub.i in the set of reference working points {RWP.sub.1, . . . , RWP.sub.m} may be determined on the basis of information comprising at least an intended speed and an intended cargo load of the vehicle 10 adapted to host the driveline 12. As such, though purely by way of example, a reference working point RWP.sub.i may be determined on the basis of the following conditions: “the vehicle is loaded to a certain fraction of its maximum load capacity and is driven at a certain speed”. An example of the above conditions may for instance be the following: “the vehicle is loaded to 80% of its maximum load capacity and is driven at a speed of 70 km/h”.

[0067] Generally, each reference working point RWP.sub.i may be determined on the basis of information indicative of the how the vehicle 10 hosting the driveline 12 is intended to be operated. For instance, if the vehicle 10 hosting the driveline 12 is intended to replace an existing vehicle (not shown), relevant reference points RWP.sub.i may be generated using data that have been collected by or from the existing vehicle, for instance data relating to speeds and cargo loads of the existing vehicle.

[0068] A reference working point may preferably be related to a normal operating condition of the vehicle, viz an operating condition that the vehicle is expected to operate in relatively often. As such, though purely by way of example, a ratio between the intended reference speed request and an intended average speed request for the driveline may be in the range of 0.6-1.4, preferably in the range of 0.8-1.2, for each reference working point RWP.sub.i in the set of reference working points {RWP.sub.1, . . . , RWP.sub.m}.

[0069] As another non-limiting example indicative of the concept of relating a reference working point to a normal operating condition of the vehicle, the set of reference working points {RWP.sub.1, . . . , RWP.sub.m} may be representative of the driving operations during at least 50%, preferably at least 70%, more preferred at least 80%, of the intended operation time of the vehicle 10.

[0070] Purely by way of example, each reference working point RWP.sub.i in the set of reference working points {RWP.sub.1, . . . , RWP.sub.m} may have a single operating condition for the driveline. As such, each reference working point RWP.sub.i may be fully represented by an intended reference speed request as well as an associated intended reference torque request of the vehicle 10. However, it is also envisaged that embodiments of the present invention may use at least one reference working point RWP.sub.i that represents a range of intended reference speed requests. Purely by way of example, such a range of intended reference speed requests may be presented as a speed request distribution (not shown).

[0071] Moreover, as a non-limiting example, the set of reference working points {RWP.sub.1, . . . , RWP.sub.n} may consist of less than seven, preferably less than five, more preferred less than three, reference working points RWP.sub.i.

[0072] The embodiment of the method of the present invention further comprises a feature S12 of determining a set of critical working points {CWP.sub.1. . . , CWP.sub.n} for the driveline 12, each critical working point CWP.sub.j being associated with an intended critical speed request as well as an associated intended critical torque request. The intended critical torque request is greater than an intended average torque request for the driveline.

[0073] As indicated by its name, a critical working point CWP.sub.j may represent an operating point of the driveline 12 which should be obtainable by the driveline 12 but is not expected to occur very often. Purely by way of example, a ratio between the intended critical torque request and intended average torque request for the driveline is at least 2, preferably at least 3, for each critical working point CWP.sub.j in the set of critical working points {CWP.sub.1. . . , CWP.sub.n}.

[0074] As a non-limiting example, the set of critical working points {CWP.sub.1, . . . , CWP.sub.n} may consist of less than seven, preferably less than five, more preferred less than three, critical working points CWP.sub.j.

[0075] Purely by way of example, a critical working point CWP.sub.j may be determined in response to an expected condition, e.g. an expected critical condition, of the vehicle 10.

[0076] Purely by way of example, a critical working point CWP.sub.j may be determined on the basis of the following conditions: “the vehicle is loaded to a certain fraction of its maximum load capacity and is driven at a certain speed up a hill having a certain inclination”. An example of the above conditions may for instance be the following: “the vehicle is loaded to 80% of its maximum load capacity and is driven at a speed of 40 km/h up a hill having a 4% inclination”.

[0077] As another non-limiting example, a critical working point CWP.sub.j may be determined on the basis of the following conditions: “the vehicle is loaded to a certain fraction of its maximum load capacity and has a certain acceleration on a flat ground”. An example of the above conditions may for instance be the following: “the vehicle is loaded to 80% of its maximum load capacity and has an acceleration of 2.5 m/s.sup.2 on a flat ground”.

[0078] A further non-limiting example of a critical working point CWP.sub.j may relate to a startability criterion. As such, when the condition of the vehicle 10 hosting the driveline 12 is changed from stationary to moving, the clutch 26 may be subjected to thermal loads and a critical working point CSP.sub.j may comprise that an intended critical torque request for starting the vehicle does not result in excessive thermal loads imparted on the clutch 26 or other components of the driveline 12.

[0079] As may be realized from the above, each one of the set of reference working points {RWP.sub.1, . . . , RWP.sub.m} and the set of critical working points {CWP.sub.1, . . . , CWP.sub.n} may be determined in a plurality of different ways. However, irrespective of how these sets are determined, the method embodiment of the present invention comprises a feature S14 of establishing a set of driveline models {DM.sub.1, . . . , DM.sub.p} for the driveline 12. Each driveline model DM.sub.k comprises a unique selection of component entities for the component types 18, 18′, 20, 22, 24, 30 comprised in the driveline 12 such that each driveline model DM.sub.k in the set of driveline models {DM.sub.1, . . . , DM.sub.p} is different from the other driveline models in the set of driveline models {DM.sub.1, . . . , DM.sub.p}. Put differently, each driveline model DM.sub.k has a unique combination of component entities for the component types 18, 18′, 20, 22, 24, 30.

[0080] Moreover, the embodiment of the present invention comprises a feature S16 of setting the component types of the driveline 12 to equal the unique selection of component entities for the component types corresponding to the driveline model DM.sub.k in the set of driveline models {DM.sub.1, . . . , DM.sub.p} which: [0081] is determined to be able to operate in accordance with each critical working point CWP.sub.j in the set of critical working points {CWP.sub.1, . . . , CWP.sub.n}, and [0082] is associated with a driveline model specific reference measure RM.sub.k, related to the operation of the driveline model DM.sub.k in each reference working point RWP.sub.i in the set of reference working points {RWP.sub.1, . . . , RWP.sub.m}, being deemed more preferred than the driveline model specific reference measure RM associated with at least a subset of the other driveline models {DM.sub.1, . . . , DM.sub.p}.

[0083] It should be noted that although feature S16 has been illustrated as being subsequent to feature S14 in FIG. 3, it should be noted that features S14 and S16 may be implemented in a plurality of different ways in embodiments of the method of the present invention.

[0084] In a first non-limiting implementation, which is also indicated in the FIG. 3 example, a set of driveline models {DM.sub.1, . . . , DM.sub.p} may firstly be generated. Moreover, for each driveline model DM.sub.k in the set of driveline models {DM.sub.1, . . . , DM.sub.p} the following may be determined: [0085] whether or not the driveline model DM.sub.k is determined to be able to operate in accordance with each critical working point CWP.sub.j in the set of critical working points {CWP.sub.1, . . . , CWP.sub.n}, and [0086] a driveline model specific reference measure RM.sub.k, related to the operation of the driveline model DM.sub.k in each reference working point RWP.sub.i in the set of reference working points {RWP.sub.1, . . . , RWP.sub.m}.

[0087] Thereafter, the driveline model specific reference measures RM.sub.g, . . . RM.sub.1 for the driveline models DM.sub.g, . . . , DM.sub.1 determined to be able to operate in accordance with each critical working point CWP.sub.j in the set of critical working points {CWP.sub.1, . . . , CWP.sub.n} are assessed and a preferred, optionally the most preferred, model specific reference measure RM.sub.k is identified and therefrom the associated driveline model DM.sub.k is identified.

[0088] As an alternative to the above implementation, in a second non-limiting implementation, a set of driveline models {DM.sub.1, . . . , DM.sub.p} may firstly be generated. Moreover, for each driveline model DM.sub.k in the set of driveline models {DM.sub.1, . . . , DM.sub.p} the following is performed: [0089] determining whether or not the driveline model DM.sub.k is determined to be able to operate in accordance with each critical working point CWP.sub.j in the set of critical working points {CWP.sub.1, . . . , CWP.sub.n}, and [0090] only if the driveline model DM.sub.k is determined to be able to operate in accordance with each critical working point CSP.sub.j in the set of critical working points {CWP.sub.1, . . . , CWP.sub.n}, determining a driveline model specific reference measure RM.sub.k, related to the operation of the driveline model DM.sub.k in each reference working point RWP.sub.i in the set of reference working points {RWP.sub.1, . . . , RWP.sub.m}.

[0091] Thereafter, the driveline model specific reference measures RM.sub.g, . . . RM.sub.1 (it should be noted that in second implementation, the driveline model specific reference measure is only determined if the driveline model is found to meet the critical working points requirement above) are assessed and a preferred, optionally the most preferred, model specific reference measure RM.sub.k is identified and therefrom the associated driveline model DM.sub.k is identified.

[0092] In a third non-limiting implementation, a complete set of driveline models {DM.sub.1, . . . , DM.sub.n}, need not be generated firstly. Instead, in the third implementation, one or more initial driveline models DM.sub.k may be generated and for each one of the initial driveline models DM.sub.k the following is performed: [0093] determining whether or not the driveline model DM.sub.k is determined to be able to operate in accordance with each critical working point CWP.sub.j in the set of critical working points {CWP.sub.1, . . . , CWP.sub.n}, and [0094] determining a driveline model specific reference measure RM.sub.k, related to the operation of the driveline model DM.sub.k in each reference working point RWP.sub.i in the set of reference working points {RWP.sub.1, . . . , RWP.sub.m}.

[0095] In the third implementation, the driveline model specific reference measure RM.sub.k may be determined with the proviso that the associated driveline model DM.sub.k is found to meet the critical working points requirement as discussed hereinabove (as in the second implementation hereinabove). Alternatively, the driveline model specific reference measure RM.sub.k may be determined for each driveline model DM.sub.k (as in the first implementation hereinabove).

[0096] Irrespective of how the driveline model specific reference measures RM.sub.k are obtained, the third implementation may identify at least one driveline model DM.sub.k that is considered to be a suitable candidate for the driveline 12 (in terms of the driveline model specific reference measures RM.sub.k and the critical working points requirement as mentioned above). Thereafter, for the at least one driveline model DM.sub.k, an alternative driveline model DM′.sub.k is generated wherein the unique selection of one or more component entities is altered as compared to the suitable candidate DM.sub.k. The alternative driveline model DM′.sub.k is thereafter evaluated with respect to the driveline model specific reference measure RM′.sub.k and the critical working points requirement as mentioned above. Should the alternative driveline model DM′.sub.k be deemed to be more preferred than the at least one driveline model DM.sub.k that previously was considered to be a suitable candidate for the driveline 12, the alternative driveline model DM′.sub.k takes the place of the least one driveline model DM.sub.k that previously was considered to be a suitable candidate for the driveline 12.

[0097] The above procedure may be continued until an appropriate driveline model DM.sub.k is identified. Purely by way of example, the above procedure according to the third implementation may be continued until the difference in the driveline model specific reference measure RM.sub.k associated with a suitable candidate DM.sub.k and the driveline model specific reference measure RM′.sub.k associated with the alternative driveline model DM′.sub.k is within a certain threshold range. Purely by way of example, the above procedure according to the third implementation may be continued until the absolute value of the difference in the driveline model specific reference measure RM.sub.k associated with a suitable candidate DM.sub.k and the driveline model specific reference measure RM′.sub.k associated with the alternative driveline model DM′.sub.k is lower than a predetermined threshold value.

[0098] As may be realized from the above, the features S14 and S16 may be implemented in a plurality of different ways and the above three implementations are only presented as implementation examples. It is envisaged that portions of the three implementations presented above may be combined so as to form further alternative implementations of features S14 and S16.

[0099] Embodiments of the method of the present invention using different entities for the driveline model specific reference measure RM.sub.k will be presented hereinbelow.

[0100] According to a first embodiment, the driveline model specific reference measure RM.sub.k may be indicative of the energy consumption associated with the operation of the driveline model DM.sub.k at each reference working point RWP.sub.i in the set of reference working points {RWP.sub.1, . . . , RWP.sub.m}. Moreover, the method according to the first embodiment comprises setting the component types of the driveline to equal the unique selection of component entities for the component types corresponding to the driveline model DM.sub.k in the set of driveline models {DM.sub.1, . . . , DM.sub.p} which is associated with a lower energy consumption than at least a plurality of driveline models in the set of driveline models {DM.sub.1, . . . , DM.sub.p} which is determined to be able to operate in accordance with each critical working point CSP.sub.j in the set of critical working points {CWP.sub.1, . . . , CWP.sub.n}.

[0101] Put differently, according to the first embodiment above, the method may set the component types of the driveline to equal the unique selection of component entities for the component types corresponding to the driveline model DM.sub.k in the set of driveline models which is associated with an appropriately low energy consumption.

[0102] It should be noted that the first embodiment of the method as presented above does not necessarily have to set the component types of the driveline to equal the unique selection of component entities for the component types corresponding to the driveline model DM.sub.k in the set of driveline models {DM.sub.1, . . . , DM.sub.p} which is associated with the lowest low energy consumption obtainable. Instead, the first embodiment of the method may use a driveline model DM.sub.k associated with an energy consumption being greater than the minimum attainable energy consumption.

[0103] However, in a variant of the first embodiment of method, the method comprises setting the component types of the driveline to equal the unique selection of component entities for the component types corresponding to the driveline model DM.sub.k in the set of driveline models {DM.sub.1, . . . , DM.sub.p} which is associated with the lowest energy consumption amongst driveline models DM.sub.k in the set of driveline models {DM.sub.1, . . . , DM.sub.p} which is determined to be able to operate in accordance with each critical working point CSP.sub.j in the set of critical working points {CWP.sub.1, . . . , CWP.sub.n}.

[0104] It should be noted that the first embodiment of the method, or the variant of the first embodiment of method, as presented hereinabove may be implemented using any one of the first, second and third implementations of features S14 and S16 which have been presented hereinabove as well as any combination of the first, second and third implementations.

[0105] According to a second embodiment, the driveline model specific reference measure RM.sub.k may be indicative of a cost associated with the driveline model DM.sub.k in each reference working point RWP.sub.i of the set of reference working points {RWP.sub.1, . . . , RWP.sub.m}. Moreover, the method according to the second embodiment may comprise setting the component types of the driveline to equal the unique selection of component entities for the component types corresponding to the driveline model DM.sub.k in the set of driveline models {DM.sub.1, . . . , DM.sub.p} which is associated with a lower cost than at least a plurality of driveline models in the set of driveline models {DM.sub.1, . . . , DM.sub.p} which is determined to be able to operate in accordance with each critical working point in the set of critical working points.

[0106] Put differently, according to the second embodiment above, the method may set the component types of the driveline to equal the unique selection of component entities for the component types corresponding to the driveline model DM.sub.k in the set of driveline models which is associated with an appropriately low cost.

[0107] It should be noted that the second embodiment of the method as presented above does not necessarily have to set the component types of the driveline to equal the unique selection of component entities for the component types corresponding to the driveline model DM.sub.k in the set of driveline models {DM.sub.1, . . . , DM.sub.p} which is associated with the lowest cost obtainable. Instead, the second embodiment of the method may use a driveline model DM.sub.k associated with an cost being greater than the minimum attainable cost.

[0108] However, in a variant of the second embodiment of method, the method comprises setting the component types of the driveline to equal the unique selection of component entities for the component types corresponding to the driveline model DM.sub.k in the set of driveline models {DM.sub.1, . . . , DM.sub.p} which is associated with the lowest cost amongst driveline models DM.sub.k in the set of driveline models {DM.sub.1, . . . , DM.sub.p} which is determined to be able to operate in accordance with each critical working point CSP.sub.j in the set of critical working points {CWP.sub.1, . . . , CWP.sub.n}.

[0109] It should be noted that the second embodiment of the method, or the variant of the second embodiment of method, as present hereinabove may be implemented using any one of the first, second and third implementations of features S14 and S16 which have been presented hereinabove, as well as any combination of the first, second and third implementations.

[0110] As regards the cost associated with the driveline model DM.sub.k, the cost may for instance comprise a sum of: [0111] cost of energy consumption associated with the operation of the driveline model at each reference working point RWP.sub.i of the set of reference working points {RWP.sub.1, . . . , RWP.sub.m}, and costs associated with manufacturing the driveline model DM.sub.k.

[0112] As such, the cost associated with the driveline model DM.sub.k may comprise a first portion that is dependent on the working points RWP.sub.i and a second portion that is independent on the working points RWP.sub.i. Purely by way of example, the costs associated with manufacturing the driveline model DM.sub.k may in turn comprise costs for purchasing and/or manufacturing each component entity for the component types corresponding to the driveline model DM.sub.k as well as costs for assembling the component entities so as to form the driveline 12. Moroever, it should be noted that, in embodiments of the method, the cost associated with the driveline model DM.sub.k may include service and maintenance costs and possibly also recycling costs.

[0113] Irrespective of the indication of the driveline model specific reference measure RM.sub.k, i.e. be it an indication of an energy consumption or a cost, in embodiments of the method, the feature of determining a driveline model specific reference measure RM.sub.k associated with the operation of the driveline model DM.sub.k in each reference working point RWP.sub.i of the set of reference working points {RWP.sub.1, . . . , RWP.sub.m} may comprise associating each reference working point RWP.sub.i with an expected frequency of occurrence f.sub.i on the basis of data indicative of driving operations that the vehicle is intended to carry out.

[0114] Purley by way of example, the expected frequency of occurrence f.sub.i may be expressed in terms of percentage of time that the driveline 12 is expected to operate in the reference working point RWP.sub.i in view of the total operating time of the driveline 12. As another alternative, the expected frequency of occurrence f.sub.i may be expressed in terms of percentage of time that the driveline 12 is expected to operate in the reference working point RWP.sub.i in view of the aggregated operating time for the set of reference working points {RWP.sub.1, . . . , .sub.m}.

[0115] As a nonlimiting example, the driveline model specific reference measure RM.sub.k associated with the operation of the driveline model DM.sub.k in each reference working point RWP.sub.i of the set of reference working points {RWP.sub.1, . . . , RWP.sub.m} is determined by performing the following for each reference working point RWP.sub.i of the set of reference working points {RWP.sub.1, . . . , RWP.sub.m}: [0116] determining a driveline model specific reference sub-measure RM.sub.k,i associated with the reference working point RWP.sub.i, and [0117] multiplying the driveline model specific reference sub-measure RM.sub.k,i with the associated expected frequency of occurrence f.sub.i in order to obtain a driveline model specific reference sub-measure product f.sub.iRM.sub.k,i, [0118] wherein the driveline model specific reference measure RM.sub.k is the sum of the driveline model specific reference sub-measure products f.sub.iRM.sub.k,i.

[0119] The above example can be employed for embodiments in which the driveline model specific reference measure RM.sub.k is indicative of the energy consumption, as well as for embodiments in which the driveline model specific reference measure RM.sub.k is indicative of the cost. As such, the driveline model specific reference sub-measure RM.sub.k,i may be indicative of the energy consumption associated with the operation of the driveline model DM.sub.k in the reference working point RWP.sub.i. Alternatively, the driveline model specific reference sub-measure RM.sub.k,i may be indicative of the cost associated with the operation of the driveline model DM.sub.k in the reference working point RWP.sub.i.

[0120] It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the implementations described above and illustrated in the drawings; rather, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the appended claims.