Advanced Electric Machine Drive Systems for Electrified Transportation and Renewable Energy
Project overview
This research project aims to enhance electric vehicle (EV) technology by proposing an integrated electric traction drive system (ETDS) for improved efficiency, scalability, reliability and cost-effectiveness. Specifically, the project focuses on developing a novel multilevel power regulation system integrating onboard fast charging, battery management systems (BMS) and traction motor drive functionalities.
On the other hand, as the EV penetration level increases, demand for electrical energy will increase significantly. The use and integration of renewable energy in resolving the increased electrical energy demand is one of the most promising solutions. Therefore, this project also looks into advanced electric motor drive solutions towards more efficient and reliable wind energy systems.
The project addresses the increasing demand for electrical energy with the integration of renewable energy sources, particularly in small to medium-scale wind energy systems. The development of efficient wind power generation systems, alongside research into generator faults and inverter harmonics, is crucial for sustainable power generation and grid stability.
Key project details
| Principal investigator | Chunyan Lai, associate professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Concordia University |
Co-principal investigators |
Pragasen Pillay, professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, NSERC/Hydro-Québec Senior Industrial Research Chair, Concordia University; Narayan C. Kar, professor, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Canada Research Chair in Electrified Vehicles, University of Windsor; Azeem Khan, professor, director, Department of Electrical Machines and Drives, Condition Monitoring, University of Cape Town; Paul Barendse, professor, deputy director, Electrical Machines and Drives, Condition Monitoring, University of Cape Town |
Research collaborators |
Sampath Jayalath, Electrical Engineering, University of Cape Town |
| Non-academic partners | Magna International Inc., SANEDI |
| Research Keywords | Electric drives, electric vehicle, multilevel converter, battery management system, condition monitoring, renewable energy |
| Budget | Cash: $280,000 In-Kind: $156,000 |
Research focus
Integrated electric traction drive system
This part of the research aims to revolutionize Electric Vehicle (EV) efficiency and affordability. By integrating electric motor, power converter and battery pack within the Electric Traction Drive System (ETDS), the goal is to improve overall system efficiency by 5-10 per cent and promote transportation electrification.
Resilient wind energy systems
Focusing on small to medium-scale wind energy systems, this project addresses the gap in technology and commercial potential for such systems. By developing efficient, reliable systems tailored for low wind speeds, remote areas and weak grids, it aims to accelerate the adoption of green power solutions in developing countries while addressing challenges posed by generator faults and inverter switching harmonics on battery storage.
Non-academic partners
Thank you to our non-academic partners for your support and trust.
