In-Wheel Motor
BluWāv is spear-heading hub-motors technology sought after by most OEMs wanting to move the powertrain function of the vehicle out to the
corners of the vehicle. In addition to an obvious packaging advantage for improving the passenger compartment, the desire to incorporate significant
improvements in vehicle dynamic control rank as a significant desire. This design enables consumer benefits like all-wheel drive, extended brake life,
enhanced safety and increased interior package space. The manufacturers also benefit from complexity reduction, brake warranty reduction, modularity
across vehicle lines and design flexibility.
BluWāv's technology consists of an electric drive solution to power each of the vehicles drive wheels with an independent motor. This
segmentation of BluWāv's family of in-wheel hub motors (46kW Hub
Motor) are designed either power a four-wheel series hybrid vehicle with
independent torque control at each wheel or supplement a conventional two wheel drive system by powering the second axle.
The in-wheel motor's low-speed torque and fast response time replaces costly advanced vehicle systems such as anti-lock braking, traction control and
vehicle stability systems. The BluWāv system regenerative braking capability reduces brake wear and extends range in electric operation
mode.
Applications:
2WD, Electric Smart Roadster
Originally built as a showcase technology demonstration, the Smart Roadster has garnered significant publicity for BluWāv at EVS-20, the 2005
Bangkok Motor Show, and through features in Automotive Industries, and an upcoming special on PBS's MotorWeek. The Smart Roadster is also used as a
development vehicle to create, test, and optimize individual wheel torque control and to investigate the effects of differential torque management on
vehicle stability including an industry-first electric vehicle yaw control system. WaveCrest converted the production 2003 DaimlerChrysler Smart
Roadster from a gasoline to battery electric using a pair of WaveCrest designed and built 22 kW in-wheel motors and motor controllers.
4 Wheel, In-wheel Series Hybrid
The configuration of 4 in-wheel motors in a series hybrid configuration represents the farthest push down most technology roadmaps that exist.
Whether powered by an on-vehicle or removable generator set, a fuel cell and hydrogen storage system, or a large enough energy storage solution to
provide plug-in hybrid-compatible 40 mile or more range, the series hybrid maximizes the use of electric drive while reserving precious package space
for all the remaining vehicle components.
BluWāv's experience in wheel motors has led to the design and build of a complete electric drive and energy storage system for a military
vehicle implementation. While details are confidential to our customer program, below is shown a basic system sketch:
Between the vehicle control unit, motor control units, and energy storage system, this total vehicle system consists of 12 separate microcontrollers
that continuously monitor vehicle conditions, compute torque commands, execute motor commutation, and monitor and balance LiIon energy storage
systems.
In addition to in-wheel motor development and manufacturing, BluWāv can supply the vehicle control system (Supervisory Control Unit) for distributed
torque applications and energy management systems (hyperlink to BMS page). Combining these separate expensive systems into a single dynamic control
center for the vehicle results in a cost-effective solution that provides higher levels of safety and functionality and a seamless propulsion system
integration for customers.
BluWāv is currently developing a line of customized automotive in-wheel system solutions from sub-class A passenger cars to class 4 trucks and
commercial vehicles.
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