Knowing the torque produced by an electric motor is essential in a wide range of applications. In electric vehicles it is important to deliver the torque requested by the driver, and it becomes very important for good drivability when blending regenerative braking torque with the hydraulic brakes. It is a crucial information for the ECU control systems that ensure the drive unit does not exceed battery power limits. It is also a key information when testing and evaluating new motor developments on a dynamometer.
The torque produced by an electric motor is a function of the phase current, and this is commonly used to estimate the motor torque. Unfortunately this simplistic estimation is prone to significant error, which compromises the usefulness of the information. Drivability may be adversely affected, additional safety margin may need to be taken to protect the battery (reducing its effective power density), and in dynamometer applications use of a torquemeter is invariably necessary to ensure the accuracy of the test data. For the dynamometer case, high-accuracy torquemeters are extremely expensive, especially as motor speeds increase beyond 30,000rpm, and also introduce mechanical installation problems due to rotordynamics. The inaccuracy of the estimated torque is due to a wide range of factors including electrical losses, mechanical losses and varying magnet temperature, for example.
This PhD will aim to understand in detail the torque generation (electromagnetic and reluctance torques) as well as all of the loss mechanisms in an electric motor, and to design a reliable and accurate estimate of motor torque. It will be supported by AVL GmbH, the world's largest independent company for the development, simulation and testing of all types of powertrain systems. The initial case study will be a highly instrumented prototype of one of AVL’s next-generation PMSM dynamometer motors, though other applications may also be considered. The research has a strong application focus, and you will have the opportunity to direct the experimental work needed to understand the motor torque. This may take place at IAAPS in Bristol, at AVL in Graz (Austria), or a combination of both.
Outcomes from this PhD will directly contribute to new AVL software upgrades, and their aim is to develop a system which is accurate enough that a torquemeter is no longer essential for dynamometer testing. The findings will be directly applicable to other applications, including control of electric vehicle traction machines.
In undertaking this PhD you will join a team of researchers within the Institute for Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (IAAPS), including over 60 other PhD students from a range of disciplines all working in automotive research. You will have direct links with engineers from the project partner, AVL, and will benefit from working alongside another PhD student working on a sister AVL project focussing on thermal modelling of electric machines.
This project would suit a student with a background in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.
This project is offered as part of the Centre for Doctoral Training in Advanced Automotive Propulsion Systems (AAPS CDT). The Centre is inspiring and working with the next generation of leaders to pioneer and shape the transition to clean, sustainable, affordable mobility for all. The successful candidate for this project will be working with Engineers from the project partner, AVL, a world class test and simulation techniques developer at their global headquarters in Graz and with teams at the new state of the art IAAPS laboratory complex on the Bristol bath Science Park.
Prospective students for this project will be applying for the CDT programme which integrates a one-year MRes with a three to four-year PhD
AAPS is a remarkable hybrid think-and-do tank where disciplines connect and collide to explore new ways of moving people. The MRes year is conducted as an interdisciplinary cohort with a focus on systems thinking, team-working and research skills. On successful completion of the MRes, you will progress to the PhD phase where you will establish detailed knowledge in your chosen area of research alongside colleagues working across a broad spectrum of challenges facing the Industry.
The AAPS community is both stretching and supportive, encouraging our students to explore their research in a challenging but highly collaborative way. You will be able to work with peers from a diverse background, academics with real world experience and a broad spectrum of industry partners.
Throughout your time with AAPS you will benefit from our training activities such mentoring future cohorts and participation in centre activities such as masterclasses, research seminars, think tanks and guest lectures.
All new students joining the CDT will be assigned student mentor and a minimum of 2 academic supervisors at the point of starting their PhD.
Funding is available for four-years (full time equivalent) for Home students.
See our website to apply and find more details about our unique training programme (aaps-cdt.ac.uk)
AVL List GmbH is the world's largest independent company for the development, simulation and testing of all types of powertrain systems (hybrid, combustion engine, transmission, electric drive, batteries, fuel cell and control technology), their integration into the vehicle and is increasingly taking on new tasks in the field of assisted and autonomous driving as well as data intelligence.
As a AAPS CDT student sponsored by AVL, you will also benefit from the peer support and professional development offered by AVL’s Systems Engineering Lab, founded in 2014 as an interdisciplinary communication & collaboration platform for systems engineering. It comprises around 60 students from various studies, ranging from computer sciences and engineering to psychology, economics and law.
A specially developed program provides training to improve systems engineering competencies and prepare young talents for upcoming challenges in a connected world. Additional mentoring from qualified AVL experts and constant knowledge exchange is guaranteed throughout your time within AVL SE-Lab.
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