Advanced search

In preparation of the new multi-annual financial framework of the European Union, we, the European Technology Platform ERTRAC and the European Partnerships 2Zero and CCAM, representing the Road Transport Research community, call on the European Union to urgently take strong actions to support the transformation of the sector towards digitalisation and decarbonisation and to defend its competitiveness in the face of a fierce international competition challenging the European economic sovereignty. 

This document reports on the laboratory testing of the Thermal Management System (TMS) for a 150 kW High-Power Converter (HPC). Two prototype heatsinks, one made of copper and the other of aluminium, were tested. The aluminium heatsinks showed significant weight reduction while maintaining heat dissipation efficiency. The TMS is integral to the RHODAS project's 150 kW Integrated Motor Drive (IMD), ensuring optimal temperature for power converters in electric vehicles. The TMS, including the aluminium heatsink module, radiator, fan system, coolant pump, and piping, demonstrated effective performance under various thermal loads in laboratory conditions.
 

Supported by Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses, the TMS design proved to be robust and scalable. Test results will guide future optimizations to enhance thermal efficiency and system integration for vehicle applications. The TMS is critical in preventing overheating, improving reliability, and extending the lifespan of components in electric vehicles (EVs).

The research presented in a poster format, focuses on the environmental impacts of electric traction machines (ETM) used in the electrification of vehicle fleets. While Electric Vehicles (EVs) offer significant benefits in terms of decarbonization, concerns have been raised regarding the environmental effects throughout the lifecycle of ETMs, from resource extraction to end-of-life treatment.

In this study, the VUB aims to analyze the environmental impacts of ETMs, with a particular focus on the use of permanent magnets (PM) containing strategic raw materials. The research explores novel recycling processes for PMs, aiming to mitigate environmental impacts associated with their production and disposal.

The research methodology employs Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), taking a cradle-to-grave approach to evaluate the environmental footprint of ETMs. Two scenarios will be compared: one with standard end-of-life treatment and the other integrating innovative PM recycling processes.

The results of the study are expected to shed light on the potential environmental benefits of circularity strategies in ETM design. Insights gained from this research will inform Maxima’s broader objective of developing more efficient ETMs with reduced reliance on strategic resources.

The article delves into the evolution of battery chemistries, energy densities, and thermal management systems, which collectively impact battery life and overall vehicle longevity. Additionally, insights into battery recycling and second-life applications are discussed as essential strategies to mitigate environmental impacts and enhance the sustainability of EV operations.

This document provides an in-depth analysis of the market uptake, affordability, and infrastructure availability for alternatively powered cars and vans in the European Union, focusing on data from 2021 and trends over the past five years.

This document identifies the needs of the automotive industry for an effective implementation of the novel eMotors to be developed in HEFT project. 

This report specifies the active electronic switches and resistive and reactive passive components, as well as converters' materials such as bus-bars and coolers that will be developed in the RHODaS project.

Based on system and component specifications, a selection matrix is developed and active and passive components to be used on the prototypes are selected, as well as their joining elements, connections and casing.

This paper is an introduction to the MAXIMA project which aims to design and develop a low-cost modular permanent magnet (PM) axial flux electrical machine (EM) for the automotive market with improved performances while limiting the use of critical raw materials (CRM) and the environmental impact.

Climate change has created an increased need for innovation in various sectors, including the automotive industry. Many corporations are striving to fulfil this need by developing and producing electric cars. However, the production process remains inefficient and environmentally harmful. The EU-funded HEFT project will reverse this trend by introducing a revolutionary synchronous motor for electric cars, which will be recyclable, cost-efficient and require fewer materials while producing fewer emissions and creating novel European circular economies. 

HEFT Project proposes a set of innovation challenges on electric synchronous motor configuration based on SiC inverters (direct cooling of rotor and stator, advance insulation for high voltage, multibarrier rotor topology, wave windings) and advanced materials (advanced GBD magnets, epoxy for magnet fixation, composite for motor housing, insulation resin). These innovations will result in a high-efficient and low-cost solution that will be validated on 2 motor topologies.

In the frame of the European project SCAPE, this work analyses the environmental impacts associated with key materials from parts and auxiliaries of a conventional EV power converter. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology was used to perform the assessment. Four end-of-life scenarios with different recyclability rates per material category were evaluated considering optimistic, pessimist and current recoverability rates. Results showed the consumption of non-renewable energy resources mainly based on fossil fuels as the major contributor to environmental impacts. Particularly, metals from the printing circuit board, such as gold, silver, and Copper + Molybdenum are the largest contributors. Recycling scenarios led to savings of up to 40% among impact categories.