Compact Integrated Hub Traction Motor and Inverter

Contemporary electric vehicle propulsion systems are heavy, bulky, and are not efficient which results in thermal management problems plus the inverter drive-controller restricts cabin space for passengers and cargo. A high power density, robust, scalable electric traction motor that is integrated to an universal in-hub inverter drive (a Smart Wheel) is immediately needed for military and aerospace applications and is proposed. In phase I, we will refine our Axial Gap Motor Design program and motor fabrication techniques by designing and fabricating several BLDC, frameless, axial gap motors using in-house components. We will update the motor design program with the results of the characterization of these motors and examine the torque densities with different hub diameters. Thortek will design and fabricate a Smart Wheel prototype and conduct preliminary functionality tests. Thortek will build upon previous SBIR axial gap motor work to create detailed drawings of the integrated motor - controller. The proposing company and project is led by a 4 time veteran SBIR principal investigator. We have secured the talents of well renowned electric motor and controller specialists as consultants who have previously developed an in-hub 5.1hp Smart Wheel for TARDEC. This project is the basis for affordable, integrated, electric vehicle propulsion.