Improved Electric Motors for Hybrid Electric Vehicle Transportation

94 Improved Electric Motors for Hybrid Electric Vehicle Transportation--Visual Computing Systems Inc., 9540 Highway 150, Box 250, Greenville, IN 47124; (812) 923-7474 Dr. Patrick Kelecey, Principal Investigator Mr. Roy Kessinger, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-97ER82507 Amount: $75,000 The Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles is the research umbrella for the development of electric vehicles that will satisfy the needs of the American driving public. Present-day alternating current induction motors must produce more power and cost less in order to be satisfy the Partnership goals for automotive propulsion. An novel electric motor technology that offers high power density will be adapted in Phase I for other motor types, such as induction and synchronous reluctance machines. Phase I will also include the design and volume production of a new axial gap motor technology compatible with requirements for electric vehicle performance and capable of achieving the cost and specific power goals of the Partnership. Phase II work will involve prototype construction and testing to validate design models, confirm performance predictions, and assess technology readiness. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: The combination of fewer parts in these improved electric motors, simple automated assembly of their parts, and a design optimized for power density will substantially reduce the cost of these motors in battery-powered automobiles. In addition, there could be significant cost savings in volume production and weight savings over current technology. Other applications could be in industrial motors, materials handling, and robotics.