Browsing by Author "Vorster, Christiaan Willem"
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- ItemDesign of a reluctance synchronous machine for an electric vehicle with a multi speed gearbox(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2014-12) Vorster, Christiaan Willem; Kamper, M. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Engineering. Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Conventional electrical vehicles (EVs) favour mostly permanent magnet machines with single speed gearboxes. This is understandable, the PM machine has a high power density making the electrical machine smaller in size. The PM machine also has a favourable field weakening capability combining this with a single speed gearbox nearly perfectly matches the required traction curve. However the dependency of rare earth metals from China and the environmental issues raised by mining these metals raise concern. Therefore alternatives should be considered. Induction -, switch reluctance - and wound rotor machines are all gaining ground as favourable traction machines to power vehicles. The reluctance synchronous machine (RSM) is known for it’s robustness and high efficiency, however the machine has a limited field-weakening capability. To overcome this short coming a multi gearbox from an internal combustion engine (ICE) is suggested. By combining the RSM and multi speed gearbox it is possible to match the traction curve. There are numerous advantages offered by using this system, especially from an performance and efficiency point of view. However there are also numerous challenges faced by using the suggested powertrain, however the focus of this study is mainly on performance and efficiency of the motor and the powertrain. As a case study a Corsa 140i is used and the design specifications is taken from the ICE. The aim is to design a RSM that meets the specifications of the ICE. The RSM structure is mathematically modelled then optimized using commercial optimization and 2D finite element software. To evaluate the design of the RSM, the motor is then tested. The powertrain is then tested by connecting the motor onto the gearbox of the Corsa and the efficiency of the powertrain is evaluated. The test results it shown that the RSM can be used as a traction motor. There are two motors built one with NO20 and the other with M530-65A lamination steel. Both motors perform well throughout the speed and torque spectrum. The measured efficiency at the rated condition for the motor with the NO20 steel is above 91% and the motor with the M530-65A laminations above 89%. The power train is is tested in 4th and 5th gear. The efficiency of 4th and 5th gear is approximated and the efficiency is above 90% . This high efficiency makes the multi speed gearbox a competitor for the EV power train.