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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Lightweight electronically commutated dc motor for electric passenger vehicles

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6350495

A program was conducted to develop a state-of-the-art, electronically commutated motor specifically designed for propulsion of electric vehicles with increased range, reduced energy consumption, and reduced life-cycle costs compared with conventional systems. The program was accomplished in two phases involving development and test of (1) a functional model breadboard converter and a rare-earth-cobalt, permanent-magnet (PM) motor, and (2) an engineering model converter and PM motor suitable for vehicle installations. The converter and motor achieved an 88 percent peak efficiency, a maximum output of 26 kW at 26,000 rpm, and a continuous rating of 15 kW. The system also regenerated power to the source during braking, with a demonstrated peak power available at the converter terminals of approximately 26 kW at 88 percent efficiency. Major conclusions included: (1) the SAE J227a(D) driving cycle efficiency for the converter/motor is 86 to 88 percent when energy available for recovery at the converter terminals is included; (2) the converter initial cost is approximately five time that of the permanent magnet motor, but can be reduced by means of LSI logic and integrated liquid-cooled semiconductor packages; and (3) an electronically commutated motor with a liquid-cooded converter will operate reliably without service or maintenance for the life of a passenger vehicle.

Research Organization:
AiResearch Mfg. Co., Torrance, CA (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
AI01-77CS51044
OSTI ID:
6350495
Report Number(s):
DOE/NASA-0064-1; NASA-CR-165601; ON: DE83010795
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English