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Integration of High-Speed, Alternating-Current Induction Motor/Inverter System for Electric- and Hybrid-Electric-Vehicle Auxiliary Motor Drives--VPT, Inc., 2801 Commerce Street, Blacksburg, VA  24060; 540-552-5000

Dr. Charles Konrad, Principal Investigator, cekonrad@roanoke.infi.net 

Dr. Dan Sable, Business Official, sable@vpt-inc.com 

DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-00ER83122

Amount:  $515,000

The fuel cell is considered to be the most promising energy source of electric and hybrid-electric vehicles.  Among the most critical components in a fuel cell system are the compressor and auxiliary motor/drive needed for process air management.  A highly integrated, high-speed motor and drive is needed to meet efficiency and density requirements of the air system, and to insure optimum efficiency of the fuel cell.  This project will develop an integrated induction motor/inverter that will increase the operating speed to 12,000-20,000 RPM, providing a significant reduction in motor size and weight.  Phase I established system feasibility, and concluded that an induction motor design that was compatible with existing motor manufacturing facilities offered the best combination of cost, performance, and efficiency.  The motor design was completed, and a computer simulation indicated that the composite efficiency (motor plus inverter) would be above 90% throughout the entire compressor operating speed range.  In Phase II, the system design will be completed and packaged into a common housing to minimize size and cost of the system.  The system will then be integrated with an air compressor and tested with the fuel cell.

Commercial Applications And Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Although the compressor drive system is designed specifically for the transportation industry using fuel cells for vehicle power, it would also provide a reliable, low cost unit for use in stationary fuel cell generators up to 50 kW.