EDISON (Electric Drivetrain Integration by Simulation and OptimisatioN

This project will reduce vehicle emissions by developing (i) a novel ferrite motor technology for a passenger vehicle application, and (ii) electro-mechanical analysis tools enabling high levels of system integration. Permanent magnet (PM) machines are most common for EV/HEV due to superior efficiency and power density. Rare-earth types are prevalent but suffer from supply chain issues, which can be removed by using ferrite PMs. Initial studies show that significant increase in efficiency and power density is possible, achieving values similar to rare-earth machines. The project will develop analysis tools to optimise system performance - efficiency, NVH, durability, thermal performance, cost, and lightweighting. The structural design of a ferrite motor is challenging, hence this topology will form the basis for the analysis tool development, with results transferable to other topologies. Co-simulation of state of the art electromagnetic, thermal and structural physics will be used to derive novel, faster, yet accurate, reduced order models which capture electro-mechanical interactions as early as possible to improve process efficiency and achieve true system optimisation. Testing of material properties (laminations and magnets) will improve the structural and electromagnetic models. The prototype drivetrain will be tested to demonstrate system interactions and vehicle-level efficiency improvements.