Technical Innovations

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June 2002
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Advanced propulsion system from UQM

UQM's Integrated Electric Traction System (INTETS) is shown without its electronic housing cover. It offers regenerative braking and full power at 250-400 V dc input.

UQM Technologies, Inc. unveiled at last year's SAE World Congress its Integrated Electric Traction System (INTETS) advanced propulsion system for hybrid, electric, and fuel-cell vehicles. The INTETS can be used as a sole propulsion system for small- to mid-size vehicles or as an axle-drive system for larger vehicles. An intelligent electronic controller allows tailoring the system for many different applications. Applicability to a variety of vehicle configurations was an important design consideration during its development. According to Jon Lutz, Director of Engineering at UQM, the system is very adaptable to off-highway applications.

"Its highly integrated design offers a compact footprint, an important edge in a highly competitive arena where the size and weight of virtually every component is crucial to achieving maximum efficiency and economy," said William G. Rankin, President and Chief Executive Officer of UQM Technologies. "This is especially true in the case of next-generation advanced technology vehicles where increasing fuel economy or range is an absolute imperative."

Externally there have been no modifications to the system since it was unveiled in 2001, with only minor internal modifications, according to Lutz. During the testing phase of the system completed at the end of March 2002, Lutz claims that the system achieved a peak efficiency that exceeded 91% for the complete system (including the motor, inverter/controller, and gearing) and a peak power of 75 kW (100 hp), surpassing the company's goal of 70 kW (94 hp). It also achieved a peak torque of 1700 N•m (1255 lb•ft), surpassing the goal of 1650 N•m (1215 lb•ft).

The INTETS has a length of 380 mm (15 in) and a 280-mm (11-in) diameter without the system's optional inverter. It integrates a 30-kW (40-hp) continuous power brushless permanent magnet motor using neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets for quick off-the-line acceleration. The system incorporates epicyclic single-stage gearing, off-the-shelf differential componentry, and parking pawl. Components are used for multiple purposes to reduce part count and cost, and feature geometry specifically designed to minimize noise. Components are designed to meet FMVSS standards and a 240,000-km (150,000-mi) life.

Last year, UQM began supplying propulsion motors, generators, and power electronic controllers to PEI Electronics as part of a program with AM General Corp. to develop a pre-production HMMWV powered by a hybrid electric powertrain. Funding was provided for the program by the Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) of the U.S. Army. According to Rankin, "The military has always led in the adoption of advanced technologies in its equipment and systems. Hybrid-electric HMMWVs (provide) significantly improved mobility and fuel economy, the ability to operate in low noise and heat signature 'stealth' mode, and considerable onboard electric power for a multitude of uses."

In 2000, UQM entered into a three-year contract with John Deere to develop proprietary brushless permanent magnet motors, electronic controllers, and related components for hybrid-electric vehicles and evaluate their commercial potential.

- Jean L. Broge

Cummins ventures for new engine series

Cummins and Kukje will combine engineering and marketing experience in its partnership to develop a new family of indirect-injection, smaller displacement engines.

A collaboration between Cummins Inc. and South Korea's largest manufacturer of agricultural machinery, Kukje Machinery Co., will form the basis of the design, manufacture, and marketing of A Series engines for industrial markets. The engines will be available from 13 to 45 kW (18 to 60 hp) with 0.9- to 2.3-L displacements. "Cummins can now power equipment with engines ranging from 13 to 2600 kW (18 to 3500 hp)," said Mark Yragui, Vice President of Industrial Business at Cummins. Yragui added that with the launch of the smaller engine ranges, Cummins will be able to become more of a single-source engine supplier.

The A Series will include optional features such as dual hydraulic pump mounts, crank-mounted PTO, a variety of drivetrain-mounting configurations, one-side serviceability, integrated cold-start aids, and a low-noise signature, says Cummins. The A Series lineup includes three engine families with a total of six different power ratings and torque curves.

The largest of the three families will be the naturally aspirated A2000 and A2300 available from 34 to 45 kW (45 to 60 hp). A turbocharged version of the A2300 will provide a higher power-to-weight ratio. The A1400 and A1700 engines will generate 23 to 28 kW (31 to 37 hp) in a very short footprint. Using the same block, power-cylinder technology, and feature content as their four-cylinder counterparts, these three-cylinder engines are suitable for space-constrained applications, claims the company. The smallest of the three will be the 13-kW (18-hp) A900, a three-cylinder, 0.9-L displacement diesel.

- Jean L. Broge

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