The next-generation electric and hybrid powertrains

Replacing fossil fuels is a major objective in sustainable development. The change from internal combustion engine (ICE) cars to fully electric or hybrid ones in mobility, is already here. Electrification is a great opportunity for other industries and non-road mobile machines as well and generally offers potential for massive emission reduction. Business Finland project, BEACON, takes advantage of these opportunities and potentials.

BEACON – Both highly efficient and power dense next generation electric and hybrid electric powertrains.

Initially the first generation replaced the ICE with an electric drive in the first stage, now the second generation of electrified machinery capitalizes on some of the distinct characteristics inherent in electric systems. To attain better control and design, a higher degree of digitalization is required. This results in innovative service offerings. In the second stage, companies can gradually move towards electrified product portfolio without complete paradigm shift. In the third generation and final stage of machinery electrification, new products are fully redesigned. As results, both the mechanical structure and electric propulsion system can be precisely optimized to fully gain the potential of electrification.

The BEACON project addresses the challenge of transitioning to the second and third generations of electric machinery with collaboration among machine manufacturers, electric system providers, integrations, and with a multidisciplinary team from LUT University. The project will develop modelling techniques that lead to a comprehensive analysis of electric subsystems within the context of entire machines. This analysis includes both the economically and technically optimal design of hybrid and electric machinery. BEACON will also show clear steps for progressing from first generation electric machinery to a new product catalogue with fully electric solutions.

For more information:

Professor Aki Mikkola, aki.mikkola@lut.fi

Text written by: Mari Piimäkorpi