Inverter Integrated Machine for Low Carbon Vehicles

EV/HEVs provide a number of advantages including superior driver comfort and lower emissions. However there are a number of technical challenges which still impede their widespread adoption. Cost, safety and range anxiety are topical issues and so automotive manufacturers go to great lengths to reduce the weight of their vehicles to improve performance. In this project we will develop an novel electrical propulsion system integrating the electric machine and the necessary control electronics. This new technology will enable the EV/HEV traction systems to achieve reduced volume, reduced complexity, reduce cost while addressing concerns of reliability, fault protection and operating in the severe automotive environment. This will provide the vehicle manufacturers with just a single unit to install within their vehicle and so reduce manufacturing time and cost and this will be reflected in the reduced on the road price of the vehicle. Integrating the electrical machine and its control electronics within a vehicle is challenging due to aggressive operating environment and high temperatures experienced. This project will develop a superior traction system by integrating an interior permanent magnet machine with its electronic system and by using advanced digital control to push the envelope beyond the state-of-the-art.