Novel Winding Topologies to achieve fault tolerance in Electrical Machine Design for Traction

Aim: To develop a solution for a drive for traction system (850kW) - including demonstration on a scaled model, highlight on fault tolerance and winding methods Electric vehicles are becoming the norm but before they can be fully incorporated two challenges need to be overcome with the traction machine. Fault tolerance, how can faults be avoided or mitigated to avoid catastrophic failure to the vehicle. Reduction of rare earth materials, these are a key competent to the high cost of the electrical machine, but also currently essential to achieve the high power density requirements of transport applications.

Novel winding topologies will allow for exploration of these two areas. Firstly increasing the power density by allowing for higher current densities before thermal limits are reached, either through improved effiencies or improved thermal pathways.

Fault tolerance will be included as a constant requirement for the novel winding topologies, particually when working with permanent magnet machines.

The project will consist of a litature review covering machine topologies, automotive applications, fault tolerance and winding configurations. Next an initial machine will be designed, using this as a baseline. An experimental invigation into options for winding considerations will follow. Using the result of experimantal a mich will be optimised and scale version prototyped.