Scalability and Flexibility in Electric Motors

Motor speed, torque and power characteristics vary greatly for propulsion and auxiliary work function applications. Different vehicle classes demand different system voltages and desired speed torque characteristics.

For example, a high-speed propulsion application will vary greatly from the speed and torque characteristics of auxiliary and work functions, such as an electro-hydraulic pump.

As engineers develop new electric and hybrid vehicles, having access to a portfolio of flexible and scalable motors is desirable to meet overall vehicle objectives including performance, efficiency, reliability, standardization and cost.

Global Motor Series delivers on scalability and flexibility

Parker has addressed this need with the introduction of the GVM (Global vehicle motor) series, which consists of high-power density and high efficiency permanent magnet motors.

The GVM product family is a comprehensive product offering covering a range of power from 2 kW to over 250 kW of continuous power. GVM covers typical system voltages of 24, 48, 96, 350 and 650 VDC vehicle work or auxiliary functions, as well as propulsion applications.

To address vehicle engineers’ need for flexible and scalable electric motors, Parker relied on the following jwt features while designing the GVM Series.

First, we defined the GVM offering with three motor “frame” sizes. The frame size is defined as the dimension across the face of the motors. GVM’s frame sizes are 142 mm, 210 mm, and 310 mm, and are offered with industry standard direct pump mount interfaces, as well as with a multitude of traction and propulsion face mounts.

Next for each frame size, the length of the active magnetics, consisting of the stator assembly wound with copper and rotor assembly of steel and permanent magnet material, can be increased. The active magnetics are referred to as “stack lengths”, as they are typically incremented in 25 mm or 50 mm segments to standardize design and the manufacturing process. By increasing the active length of the stator and rotor, the motor’s toque capability also increases, resulting in greater efficiency.

Third, within all these combinations, there are a multitude of additional choices within the GVM Series. For instance, our stator architecture enables us to select different wire gauges and turn counts. This provides the GVM with the ability to optimize where the torque is produced on the power curve based on available voltage and current.