Abstract
The use of electric drive for motor vehicle ancillaries is questioned when adequate power is available from the vehicle's own source of motive power. The term ‘motor’ is extended to include any electromagnetic device which converts electrical energy to mechanical energy. Reference is made to one of the earliest and best-known applications of an electric motor, i.e. the starter motor. Rotating machine construction and performance characteristics are outlined in some detail, and reference is made to applications appropriate to the machine characteristics. Simple control systems are mentioned to show their interdependence with motors as part of the application. The background and current status of the ‘disc’ motor is presented showing the advances made and the problem to be solved in the context of the motor vehicle industry. Machine rating based on the thermal stability of the insulation system with time is discussed. Life, reliability, and cost as major industry objectives receive mention at appropriate points in the text. A typical application is dissected to illustrate the process and some of the details taken into account by a designer before any calculations are made. Reasons are given to show that the application of an electric motor to a motor vehicle is almost wholly a mechanical engineering function with the basic electrical design taking an essential but minor role in the process from demand through to supply.
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