Automotive drives and electrical Machines
As part of topology studies, electrical machines are being designed electromagnetically and mechanically at IMAB with regard to their potential applications in electrified vehicle drivetrains. The design targets are optimal machine control, machine efficiency and high power density.
Further projects on vehicle drives are researching electrical machines of highest power density. For this purpose, high-speed prototypes, which are characterized by very low-loss flux-conducting material and extensive analysis on machine design (strength, storage, rotor dynamics). The designed machines are electrically and mechanically measured and evaluated on IMAB test stands in the power range up to 400 kW.
The simulation and calculation of electrical drives is also part of the joint project KISEL, where system and component models for the prediction of electrical drivetrain performance are created in close cooperation with various partners of the NFF.
Power supply and control of electric drives
Numerous projects at IMAB include studies on modular control systems and power electronic inverters. The aim is the optimal machine control taking into account machine parameters and the best possible use of electrical limits (voltage, current).
Flywheel systems
As part of the public funded project enersphere, flywheel storage systems are being developed and prototyped at IMAB, which can guarantee energy buffering for outputs of up to 500 kW. Elementary research projects here are superconducting bearings, electrical machines with high rotor peripheral speeds and their power electronic control and grid connection.
Linear motors
As part of research projects on linear actuators (linear motors), novel bearing concepts and electromagnetic designs for linear motors are being investigated. The aim is the representation of linear motion processes, as they are realized at the moment by e.g. hydraulic systems. For this purpose, tubular linear motors are being investigated that use f.e. SMC materials and are fitted with highly integrated cooling systems.
Linear generators
As part of the research project GEKO, linear generator systems are designed and compared. The aim is the connection to free-piston internal combustion engines. This enables the generation of electrical energy due to efficient combustion processes (power to gas).
Electric bicycle drives
As part of the public funded project LeichtLast an electric drive for cargo bikes is designed electromagnetically, prototypically constructed and measured.
Inductive charging
The inductive charging of electric vehicles (busses, cars) is part of several public funded research projects at IMAB. In the project InduktivLaden, the work focuses on the electromagnetic design of a charging system (20 kW) and on the power electronic vehicle connection. These systems will are build up, integrated and tested in electric vehicles eGolf. The STILLE project focuses on the interoperable coupling of different charging systems. Topology comparisons are carried out on specially adapted test facilities at IMAB.