Compact Integrated Hub Traction Motor and Inverter

Conversion of conventional powered and non-powered Ground Support Equipment (GSE) to electric and hybrid electric power requires careful consideration of safety, efficiency, weight and volume of the new electric components, while also enabling operation in demanding conditions. This is especially true of the traction motors and motor drives, which favor in-wheel (hub) technology to maximize cargo space and minimize drive train complexity. Recent advances in traction motors and power electronics technology facilitate major increases in torque density, power density, and efficiency. GSE come in all shapes, sizes, and functions. Thus, a universal, integrated hub motor/controller, that is also scalable, would allow easier conversion of existing combustion-powered and non-powered vehicles to electric-powered units. For flight line applications, the proposed motor controller is air-cooled, scalable and modular in power, and flexible in packaging. The proposed in-hub motors require especially rugged design, and are scalable in power and torque. The proposed effort will develop and demonstrate a 5kW in-hub motor/controller design for electric and hybrid GSE applications. We expect the proposed motor/controller to significantly exceed the SBIR torque density requirement of 20-30 N-m/l.