EM-TECH brings together 10 participants from industry and academia to develop novel solutions to push the boundaries of electric machine technology for automotive traction, through: i) innovative direct and active cooling designs; ii) virtual sensing functionalities for the high-fidelity real-time estimation of the operating condition of the machine; iii) enhanced machine control, bringing reduced design and operating conservativeness enabled by ii); iv) electric gearing to provide enhanced operational flexibility and energy efficiency; v) digital twin based optimisation, embedding systematic consideration of Life Cycle Analysis and Life Cycle Costing aspects since the early design stages; and vi) adoption of recycled permanent magnets and circularity solutions.
The proposed innovations will be implemented in new series of radial flux direct drive in-wheel motors characterised by so far unexplored levels of torque density (>150 Nm/litre, >50 Nm/kg), and on-board single stator double rotor type ironless axial flux machines providing power density and specific power levels in excess of 30 kW/litre and 10 kW/kg. The solutions will address both passenger car and van applications (continuous power levels of 50 kW - 120 kW), providing competitive costs (<6 Euro/kg for a production of 100000 units/year), and leading to significant reduction of motor energy loss during real vehicle operation (>25%), and to >60% decrease of the rare earth content, including implementation of magnet recycling solutions.
EM-TECH obtained the support of several car makers (AUDI and Changan UK), which will strengthen the exploitation strategy. EM-TECH will further directly contribute to the relevant European Destination and KSO C and A, by supporting the establishment of a European leadership in the sector of key digital, enabling and emerging technologies, and the development of the respective value chains. The project is contributing to the goals of 2Zero and an active member of the E-VOLVE cluster.
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This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101096083. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority CINEA can be held responsible for them.