Hybridization and Control Design of Electric Motor for Conventional Vehicles

Supervisor Name

Rashad Mustafa

Supervisor Email

rimustafa@birzeit.edu

University

Birzeit University

Research field

Mechanical Engineering

Bio

Associate Professor at the Mechanical and Mechatronic Department at Birzeit University

1. Innovation and Uniqueness • Unlike full electric conversion systems, this approach retains the ICE, making it a cost-effective hybridization solution. • Uses in-wheel axial flux motors, known for their compactness and high power-to-weight ratio, eliminating the need for major drivetrain changes. • Integrates a custom torque vectoring control system, enhancing vehicle dynamics by individually controlling rear wheel torque—something typically found in high-end electric vehicles. • The system is designed to be plug-and-play, facilitating straightforward retrofitting. 2. Technical Implementation • Dual Configuration Options: o Option 1: Mounting motors directly on rear wheels. o Option 2: Installing an axial flux motor in the spare wheel space and connecting it via the differential. • Smart Control System: o Real-time control via Latte Panda controller with a Windows-based interface. o Inputs from throttle, steering angle, and wheel speed sensors ensure accurate and responsive performance. • Battery and Inverter: o Li-ion battery optimized for urban driving (2 hours minimum electric-only mode). o Auxiliary inverter tailored for noise reduction, multi-input control, and heat management. 3. Safety and Design Considerations • Electrical Safety: Risk mitigation protocols for Li-ion battery installation and high-voltage components. • Space Optimization: Strategic placement of components to avoid intrusion into passenger or cargo space. • Cost Management: Components are chosen for affordability and compatibility with mass production goals. 4. Commercial Viability • Designed as a scalable product for the automotive aftermarket industry. • Can be implemented by authorized service centers with minimal retraining. • Appeals to environmentally conscious consumers and fleet operators looking to reduce fuel costs and emissions without buying new vehicles. 5. Potential Impact • Environmental: Reduced urban pollution by enabling electric-only operation in traffic. • Economic: Provides vehicle owners a cost-effective path to hybrid functionality. • Technical: Opens doors for further R&D in adaptive control systems and hybrid retrofitting standards.