Grant: Engage Grants Program

In order to utilize the full value of an electric vehicle (EV) electric energy storage system, it is imperative that the overall motor drive efficiency be maintained at an elevated level. The transmission is an integral part of any EV or series plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) drivetrain. In EVs/PHEVs, it is possible to connect the traction motor directly to the drive shaft, since the motor torque-speed characteristics exhibit smooth transitions (1-speed arrangement). However, this is a particularly costly process, and depicts rather low drivetrain efficiency. Keeping this deficiency in mind, one of the major goals of this project is to accurately model typical EV/Series PHEV drivetrains, using existing transmission topologies (1-speed drive). The developed model will then be simulated, to perform detailed drive cycle load studies for a particular power demand. Then, a comprehensive parametric analysis and performance comparison will be conducted, using data collected from the inMotive's patented inGearr technology for an EV drivetrain. The project will also undertake the modeling, simulation, and analysis of key performance parameters for permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drives, working in conjunction with the modeled 1-speed drive system. The PMSM 1-speed drive models studied in this project will position the project nicely for the subsequent practical validation and development phase.