Next Generation Axially Integrated Electric Motor Drives with Alternative Materials for Electrified Vehicle Propulsion

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The proposed Discovery Grant research program aims to innovate disruptive technologies for electrified vehicles (EV) with a macro objective of reducing total cost of ownership (TCO). Specifically, it aims to focus on electric machines and power electronics used for EV propulsion.    There is a need to rethink the architecture and design of electric powertrains which propel EVs due to various factors such as: change in future automotive usage models including consumer owned vehicles, ride sharing, fleet operations, emergence of 800 Volt systems, need for ultra-fast charging, inclusion of more autonomous driving technologies, cost and availability of permanent magnets, availability of novel semiconductor technologies, etc. Such factors when seen independently or in combination could lead to a set of different design requirements for the EV influenced by TCO. Hence, the proposed research program aims at investigating novel electric motor technologies with alternate materials without the use of permanent magnets. Wound-field and fluid-filled electrostatic synchronous machines will be investigated keeping in mind 400 Volt and 800 Volt DC bus voltage levels respectively. Novel motor designs will be developed through research and development activities on winding, cooling, optimization, control and rotor excitation techniques. Novel inverter architectures fed by current and voltage sources will be investigated using Silicon Carbide (SiC) and Gallium Nitirde (GaN) switches. These power electronics will also be tailored to operate the motors developed in the proposed research program. These investigations will involve modeling, design, co-simulation, fabrication and testing activities using custom designed and market available software packages and hardware components. All the developments will be focused towards integrating the electric motor and power electronics axially within the same package. Special emphasis will be laid on manufacturing feasibility and automotive reliability. The applicants industrial R&D background will be a boon to this research program to align academic research with industry needs, standards and practices.    The proposed research program will strive to bring academia and industry together to create innovative and promising solutions for future electric vehicle propulsion technology in Canada. The planned activities under my co-supervision will forge and foster a productive, value-added partnership with faculty at University of Windsor, other Canadian universities and foreign universities. This project will develop highly qualified personnel (HQP) with unique capabilities in the areas of electrical, mechanical and automotive engineering. Additionally, this program will provide positive solutions towards reducing fossil fuel usage and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These factors will enhance Canada's economy, environment, and public policy development-creating a better Canada for Canadians.