UQM Technologies, a Golden, Colorado-based developer of alternative energy products, has launched an integrated electric traction system (INTETS), which it describes as “an advanced propulsion system for battery, hybrid, and fuel cell electric vehicles”.
The system is the electrical equivalent of a conventional internal combustion engine, transmission and differential powertrain.
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UQM claims its new system offers unprecedented levels of compactness, performance and efficiency, providing both sole propulsion system for mid-size vehicles and individual axle drives for larger vehicles.
Tightly integrated design results in a very small ‘footprint#; which maximises power density, fuel economy and the space available for passengers and cargo.
The system is 15 inches (380 mm) long and 11 inches (280 mm) in diameter (excluding an optional electronic inverter/controller) and incorporates internal epicyclic single-stage gearing, off-the-shelf internal differential components plus a parking pawl.
UQM says the system is low cost, very quiet and safe and offers an optional, fully integrated, intelligent inverter/controller which can be programmed to meet a variety of vehicle configurations.
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By GlobalDataThe controller incorporates a Controller Area Network (CAN) communications protocol for ease of use and integration by OEM customers.
Test results on the 70kW version of INTETS met or exceeded all of the benchmark goals set at the beginning of the programme and the system achieved continuous power of 30kW, peak power of 75kW and peak torque of 1,700 Nm, surpassing the initial goals of 70kW peak power and 1,650 Nm peak torque.
The complete system, which includes a brushless permanent magnet motor, inverter/controller and gearing, registered peak efficiency exceeding 91 percent.
Development funding for the system was provided by the US Department of Energy.
In addition to the mid-size version, UQM has plans for a smaller 25 kW unit to power neighbourhood electric vehicles (NEVS) and material handling equipment.
A larger, more powerful 125 kW version for light trucks and SUVs is also under consideration.
The company says the three versions of INTETS it plans to offer will cover the power range that most manufacturers of battery, hybrid and fuel cell electric vehicles are planning to develop and market.
