The Schedule

Invited Talk by Prof. David Trumper

This presentation will focus on an overview of the author’s work with students and research collaborators to design novel rotary and linear levitation systems. The presentation will discuss a range of different designs, with an emphasis on the key challenges faced and lessons learned. The presentation elucidates the operating principles of novel electromagnetic actuators at the heart of these systems. Central to the presentation is the role of physical insight in guiding design approaches and in solving problems encountered along the way. The presented projects will include such topics as:

- bearingless motors and electromagnetic position sensors for rotary blood pumps

- high-force/low-noise linear motors for motion systems in semiconductor lithography

- novel levitation linear motors

- atomic force microscope probes and stages

- fast tool servos for diamond turning

- magnetically levitated steel broom handle production and levitation of flexible elements

Invited Talk by Prof. Jian Guo Zhu

The concept of application-oriented design optimization aims to develop electrical drive systems for best appliance performance. To achieve this goal, a system-level holistic approach is developed to optimize the electrical machine topologies and materials as well as drive methods and control parameters. On the other hand, the system performance could be severely affected by various uncertainties, such as material diversities, manufacturing tolerances, and operational environment variations, resulting in a high probability of failure. The six-sigma robust design approach is proposed to select the optimal design with the least sensitivity to these uncertainties for high-quality mass production of electrical drive systems. This speech reports the recent advances in this field with various examples of electrical drives.

Networking Break with Coffee

Invited Talk by Prof. Chuxiong Hu

Sensorless control strategies for permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) have the potential to simplify the mechatronic system, reduce the cost and prolong the service life. This presentation discusses the ideal sensorless control (ISC) of PMSM, which aims to be applicable across the entire speed range, robust to motor parameter variations, and possess high electrical efficiency. Achieving ISC is essential as it can be more extensively applied in industrial scenarios such as speed and position servo control with variable loads. Recently, we have proposed a novel position estimation algorithm based on fundamental PWM excitation to address ISC. The method is tested through sensorless positioning, speed control, and dynamic trajectory tracking control, and the results have demonstrated the ideal nature of the proposed method. The potential of integration with existing industrial systems and the versatility offered by ISC suggest a pivotal role for smart and sustainable industrial development.

Invited Talk by Prof. Narayan Kar

Electric vehicle (EV) markets are growing exponentially across the world. As the demand for EVs increases, so does the demand for light, efficient and sustainable traction electric motors. Traditional critical minerals and materials such as copper, aluminum, steel, rare-earth permanent magnets (PMs), and technologies for traction motors are reaching their performance and sustainability limits. Copper and rare-earth PMs currently account for nearly 50% of the total electric motor material costs, are limited in quantity, and their extraction and refinement process is fraught with ecological and socio-cultural implications. Such potential unintended social, environmental and economic consequences that accompany them should be acknowledged and addressed. Considering this, use of carbon nanotubes for their extraordinary electrical, thermal and mechanical properties as well as use of copper-clad aluminum conductors to replace/reduce copper winding; carbon-fibre composite for electric motor non-magnetic parts to replace aluminum composite; and reducing/eliminating rare-earth PMs in electric motors can be revolutionary. Thus, this talk will explore new and non-traditional materials, methods and processes for electric motor technology and revolutionary synergy that can transform the EV motor industry by developing new ultra-high-power dense and efficient electric motors that are dependable and sustainable. Such new ultra-light and ultra-efficient traction motors will enhance mileage of EVs, reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improve materials circularity.