In-wheel motors (IWMs) have become a mature technology that is well-suited for new user-centric electric vehicles (EVs). IWMs can be integrated in multi-functional and controllable modules consisting of the electric powertrain, friction brake and suspension/steering actuation. By combining several vehicle functionalities in a compact solution, the modules offer substantial opportunities to enhance the design and the operation of EVs. This is the starting point of the SmartCorners project.
Using machine learning and AI, an adaptive multilayer control strategy will be implemented with historical and current data from the vehicle, its environment, and users, including relevant EV fleets. This approach will pave the way toward software-defined vehicles, enabling rightsizing, holistic optimisation, innovative fault mitigation and actuator allocation strategies as well as more efficient, adaptive, predictive, and personalised system operation.
SmartCorners is organized around the following objectives
- (O1): Accelerated design and testing methodologies of adaptable, efficient, right-sized, flexible and user-centric smart corner systems (SCS) based on in-wheel powertrains
- (O2): New series of scalable and flexible SCS for next-generation EVs
- (O3): Predictive, user-centric, AI- and model-based control solutions for SCS equipped EVs
- (O4): Holistic thermal and passenger comfort management
SmartCorners is targeting the following impact
- Societal impact: Greenhouse gas and emissions reduction in road transport through transition toward e-mobility; increased electric vehicle (EV) acceptance with overall positive environmental effect.
- Economic impact: overall cost reduction of EVs (by 5...10% depending on the vehicle segment as compared to benchmarked EVs).
- Technological impact: new design of smart corner systems as components of promising EV architectures; new methods of DT-based validation of EV technologies (with >30 % reduction of the development time).
- Scientific impact: new concepts for user-centric EVs, their novel multi-physics development as well as the relevant manufacturing decision-support framework.
In conclusion, SmartCorners will provide a significant competitive advantage for the European industry thanks to the multi-disciplinary team and participative approach.
