Projects / Programmes
The optimization of a direct drive system for electric two-wheel vehicles
| Code |
Science |
Field |
Subfield |
| 2.12.03 |
Engineering sciences and technologies |
Electric devices |
Integrated propulsion systems |
| Code |
Science |
Field |
| T455 |
Technological sciences |
Motors and propulsion systems |
Innovations, electric motor, direct drive, prototyping, manufacturing technologies, sensors, cooling
Researchers (6)
| no. |
Code |
Name and surname |
Research area |
Role |
Period |
No. of publicationsNo. of publications |
| 1. |
26038 |
PhD Oki Blatnik |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Junior researcher |
2007 - 2010 |
34 |
| 2. |
13521 |
Andrej Detela |
Electric devices |
Researcher |
2007 - 2010 |
96 |
| 3. |
09006 |
PhD Mihael Junkar |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2007 - 2009 |
552 |
| 4. |
22478 |
PhD Gorazd Modrijan |
Electric devices |
Researcher |
2007 - 2010 |
14 |
| 5. |
23469 |
PhD Henri Orbanić |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Researcher |
2007 - 2010 |
166 |
| 6. |
18553 |
PhD Joško Valentinčič |
Manufacturing technologies and systems |
Head |
2007 - 2010 |
444 |
Organisations (3)
Abstract
The proposed research project is focused on the field of electrically propelled vehicles and machinery. It comprises the fabrication and electronic regulation of a new concept of synchronous electrical motor to be used as Direct Drive (DD) motor. In DD systems, the electrical motor is placed directly inside the wheel of a vehicle and thus it does not require a mechanic transmission. This is also known as the “in-wheel” principle.
The main objective of the proposed project is the fabrication of DD propulsion system for a scooter, which will be based on two already produced DD motor prototypes named Elaphe*1 and Elaphe*2. Both prototypes have a specific torque (defined as the ratio between the torque and mass of the motor) over 25 Nm/kg and an average efficiency of about 90%. The prototypes have confirmed theoretical computations and simulations, which were developed by our research team and further development is directed towards the first practical application. In this respect, some issues concerning the prototype Elaphe*2 have to be addressed.
The development of DD propulsion system for a scooter is focused on electronic regulation that is under development in the frame of project titled New L2-7186-1538, selection of an appropriate energy source and design of a DD motor. The system will enable to achieve driving requirements of a scooter and a simple manufacture that will result in small production costs.
The main aspects of the proposed project are:
● definition of characteristics for a commercially successful electrically propelled scooter,
● search of a solution to eliminate drawbacks and disadvantages of existing prototypes,
● design of a propulsion system,
● manufacturing of a propulsion system,
● testing and improvement of the motor under laboratory conditions,
● testing and improvement of the electrical scooter,
● project coordination.
Significance for science
Implementation of synchronous electric motors for direct drive will have a number of stimulative influences to the science, especially applied sciences such as high power semiconductor driving circuits, microprocessor electric motors driving algorithms and especially for the further development of the rare-element magnetic materials. Development of the electric motors stimulates also the development of new technological procedures for their production and materials preparation. Stimulus on all of the listed scientific fields will be even more emphasized when the Elaphe* motors will be used in car industry. Car industry application will enable high added value and more interest of the scientific community.
Huge scientific effort is already put in the research and development of the energy sources such as accumulators, fuel cells, solar cells, capacitors, flywheel energy storage, micro-turbines and thermionic converters. This technologies are mutually dependent due to the source and consumer relation. Successful implementation of electric and hybrid vehicles is therefore conditioned with the progress on these scientific fields.
Significance for the country
The main goal is the mass production of the stat-of-the-art DD motors in company Iskra Avtoelektrika (co-funder, beneficiary and development partner in the proposed project). It will enable the production of the stat-of-the-art DD motors, as well as emerging of the new products with the highest added value in Slovenian industry, e.g. washing machines with DD system in Gorenje, scooters propelled by DD system in Tomos, bicycles propelled by DD system in Elan Bikes, electric wheelchairs propelled by DD system and similar products in variety of companies. Only the development of the high added value products will enable successful fulfilment of Lisbon strategy.
In the last decade, small city cars are more and more popular in the developed world. Due to the less weight of such vehicles, the DD system could be less powerful and the easier introduction of DD propulsion system is expected.
Bigger vehicles are also suitable for DD propulsion system implication since there is more space for fuel and energy source. Especially city buses, which driving cycle incorporates a lot of acceleration and breaking, are a good candidate for regenerative breaking application. According to the literature, more than 20% of the energy can be saved only by using such breaking system. City buses are interesting for the city authorities which are stimulating modern and environment friendly technologies. Additionally, the new fuel stations are much easier to arrange in the domain of public transport.
Finalized project gives a great potential to beneficiary. Besides all other applications, the most ambitious is a breakthrough in the car industry. With proper business moves it is possible to become the first producer of the best DD motors for the car industry on the global market. Being the first producer on the developing market creates important advantage against the competitors and gives additional time in which further development enables to hold the market position. New knowledge acquired during the development of direct drive systems would be of great benefit also on the similar projects of the beneficiary.
Secondary, but not unimportant use of DD motors is in robots, industrial automatics, electric wheelchairs, washing machines, etc. The global market of such motors is constantly growing since DD propulsion systems (a high specific torque is required) have many advantages compared to the propulsion systems with transmission. The advantages are evident from the description of the DD system.
Most important scientific results
Annual report
2008,
2009,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
Most important socioeconomically and culturally relevant results
Annual report
2008,
2009,
final report,
complete report on dLib.si
