Multi-physics Optimization and Control of Slot-Module Axial-Split-Phase Electric Machines for Electric Vehicle Application

Based on China’s established “dual carbon” goals in the energy sector, this project is dedicated to developing high power density, high reliability drive motors for electric vehicles, further enhancing the overall performance of electric vehicles and increasing their market penetration in China. The project innovatively proposes a high-performance, high-reliability axial flux motor for electric vehicle drives—namely, the slot unit modular axial phase-divided motor, with its topology and evolution process illustrated in Figure 2. This new axial flux motor can be used in scenarios such as passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Moreover, the research methods developed for this new axial flux motor can be extended to electric ships and electric aircraft.

In terms of theoretical value, current research by scholars both domestically and internationally predominantly focuses on radial flux motors for electric vehicles, while multi-physics field analysis of axial flux motor topologies is still lacking. Existing studies often struggle to accurately account for the impact of magnetic field saturation on motor performance, and the lengthy electromagnetic field calculation times for axial motors lead to low iteration efficiency of design schemes. Additionally, there are still relatively few research schemes and optimization frameworks for multi-disciplinary calculations and optimizations involving multi-physics fields. To address these issues, this project will focus on the proposed slot unit modular axial phase-divided motor, studying various aspects such as its topology design, multi-physics field modeling and analysis, optimization, and control. The goal is to enhance the output performance and control characteristics of electric vehicles, allowing China to establish an early presence in axial flux motor research, and providing theoretical guidance and solutions for the early commercialization of axial flux motors.