ProteanDRIVE®: a Digital Propulsion System in the Wheels

Authors

Dr. C. Hilton MA PhD, Protean Electric Ltd, Farnham

Year

2018

Print Info

Fortschritt-Berichte VDI, Series 12, No 807

Summary

The notion of a high-bandwidth, digitally controlled propulsion system as a module housed within the wheels is attractive to vehicle designers and dynamics engineers. From both mechanical and control perspectives the simple interfaces to the vehicle make this type of system attractive as a solution for modular vehicle architectures, enabling designers to reimagine the vehicle free of the need to accommodate traditional powertrain components. Vehicle dynamics engineers have access to independent four-quadrant torque control at the wheels with very fast response times for torque vectoring and traction control. Without halfshafts transferring drive from transmission to the wheels greater manoeuvrability is possible. The ProteanDRIVE system combines a direct-drive electric motor with motor control, inverter and friction brake into a single package that offers a practical powertrain option for electric and hybrid vehicles. Developing the system to fit within such a confined space and to survive the harsh environment has led to a high level of integration of sub-systems which brings challenges but also opportunities. The resulting product offers mass, inertia and efficiency advantages over conventional electric powertrains. More than a century after Ferdinand Porsche designed electric hub motors for horseless carriages at the Lohner-Werke in Vienna an updated version may be uniquely placed to take a significant role in the future of mobility.