Research Projects: Demonstrator

Demonstator
Led by Newcastle University

We are building a set of demonstrator machines which will allow us to compare experimentally a benchmark machine with sets of machines using the advanced manufacturing techniques the hub is investigating. With so many industrial partners involved in the hub, selecting the correct machine specification has promoted debate. Several partners would like to use their own specification but have understandable reservations on publishing commercially sensitive details. To overcome this, we have selected the well published USDA FreedomCar 2020 specification as our baseline for comparison. This also gives us the additional benefit of a wider body of research carried out around the FC2020 specification to compare our work to. 

The FC2020 specification is for light electric vehicles operating at 30kW continuous and 50kW peak power and speeds of up to 14,000rpm. Efficiency needs to exceed 95% across a wide operating range. The major design points are shown in the table below. As a benchmark for experimental comparison, we are constructing two machines using standard techniques; a distributed winding and a single tooth (concentrated) winding version. We will then build variants of these using new manufacturing techniques and topologies. The stator and rotor are currently being manufactured by Midland Tool & Design. The liquid cooled case and shaft being are being manufactured at Newcastle University.