The IPM e-Cartridge project will develop the equivalent of a power tool ‘base unit’ with ‘multi-purpose adaptors’, but for low voltage off-highway traction and implementation drives. In this case the ‘base unit’ is a fully integrated Interior Permanent Magnet (IPM) motor & controlle cartridge and the ‘multi-puropse adaptors’ include hydraulic pumps, e-axles and gearboxes.
The consortium is made up of Ashwoods Electric Motors, Curtis Instruments, Caterpillar, Niftylift and the University of Bath. The IPM e-Cartridge will be designed and developed by Ashwoods and Curtis. Bath University will then simulate the IPM e-Cartridege in different configurations and on different duty cycles for Niftylift and Caterpillar to identify the most effective drive train configurations. Finally the technology will be integrated to Niftylift and Caterpillar vehicles for testing and demonstration.
The consortium have every expectation to be exploiting the outputs of this project in their own vehicles or through their existing high volume OEM relationships by the end of 2017.