High Integrity Actuation with embedded intelligence for steer by wire in ground

High Integrity Actuation with Embedded Intelligence for Steer-by-Wire
TSB Project No: TP/5/POW/6/I/H0248K
This project is concerned with the development of a low-cost intelligent actuation system for safety-critical applications and for working in harsh working environment. The overall aim is to deliver a technological breakthrough in the development of a high integrity and reliable actuation system with an enhanced safety capability of three level redundancy ( i.e. safe operation must be preserved in the presence of two major faults in the system) at low costs, through the innovative use of power electronic devices/configuration and embedded intelligence with novel fault detection and fault-tolerant control. In the event of one major critical fault, the system will be expected to maintain the normal control allowing the system to continue and complete an assignment before seeking service. If a second major fault occurs before the first one is fixed, there must be a provision to maintain safe operation (probably at reduced performance/speed) for a limited period so that there is sufficient time for access to repair. A key objective for the project is to deliver a high level of actuator integrity with the use of minimal number of major components (hence reduced costs), whereas conventional solutions of using hardware redundancies would require the use of triple actuators and associated controls which would substantially increase the costs and system complexity.
The development will be focussed on exploring the inherent redundancy of PM brushless actuators (most commonly used in applications with high reliability requirements), with the aim to reduce component number and system/mechanical complexity. Key benefits include reliable and robust actuation systems, inherent redundancy and self-monitoring & control; improved efficiency; simpler mechanical configuration, and reduced component number and hence costs. The project will be developing a prototype for commercial exploitation, firstly for steer-by-wire applications in automotive industry and then followed by expansions into other safety-critical applications. This fault-tolerant technology is expected to supersede and replace either hydraulic or EM actuators in demanding applications. There is huge global market potential for steer-by-wire systems, and many spill over benefits in other safety-critical applications for highly reliable actuation.