Increasing the Energy Efficiency and Reliability of Next-generation Electric Traction Drive Systems

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An electric traction drive system (eTDS) consists of components such as power electronic inverter, electric motor, and gear box packaged as one unit. Proposed research activities in this project aim at commercialization intense enhancement of existing eTDS with focus on control of electric motor and wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor-based inverter. The overall objective is to improve efficiency and reliability of eTDS towards a reduced total cost of ownership of electric vehicles (EVs). This collaborative project will be executed by researchers from University of Windsor and Concordia University in collaboration with Magna International Inc. (Magna) and GaN Systems. This project aims to address the overall objective through the following R&D activities: 1) advance state-of-health (SOH) prediction models of eTDS components towards developing new adaptive control strategies; 2) design an optimal hybrid filter for a reliable motor drive and study its impact on eTDS components; and, 3) develop innovative control methods for efficiency and reliability enhancement of eTDS. The project will train undergraduate and graduate students and post-doctoral fellows who will acquire research expertise and capabilities by interacting with supporting organizations to advance commercially existing eTDS in terms of efficiency and reliability thereby, creating a paradigm-shift in the field of transportation electrification. This project will lead to decision points, proof of concept, and product implementable solutions for Magna and GaN Systems towards high performance eTDS. It will provide them with a competitive advantage in the global marketplace. The transformative nature of the project, due to strong industry-university partnerships will strive to make Canada and supporting organizations global leaders in the field of transportation electrification. Mass production and consumption of reliable and energy-efficient EVs will benefit Canada economically and Canadians' health by lowered carbon footprint and cleaner environment.