On Thursday 29th October 2020, the IET Midlands Power Group were pleased to host the latest in their technical talks, this time on the subject of Electric Vehicle Technologies and Applications. The talk, given by Professor Wen Cao of Aston University, supported by Doctor Bing Ji of Leicester University, was delivered via webinar to an audience of 200 attendees.Prof Wen Cao, who is Chair Professor of Electrical Power Engineering at Aston and a member of the MPG Committee, delivered a comprehensive presentation covering the state of EV technology today by looking at the rationale for continued development of EV solutions, the options available regarding the selection of electric motor/drive train design, the continuing development of power electronics technology in motor control systems and the challenges of battery design and production. The talk also looked at the environmental impact of current EV solutions, particularly the use of rare earth materials in the manufacture of machine rotors which is considered unsustainable. The ultimate objective is to develop high reliability solutions incorporating high efficiency machines operating across the range of operating conditions, with the right power and torque characteristics, and which can be manufactured at the right price.
Professor Cao also described the work being pioneered at Aston University on V2G (Vehicle to Grid) applications through which EVs will, through collaboration with Distribution Network Operators (DNOs), become an integral part of the storage capacity offered to the provide grid security.
The talk was followed by an extensive Q&A session during which Prof Cao and Dr Ji answered over a dozen informed questions. A copy of the questions and answers can be found at https://communities.theiet.org/communities/files/154/18753.
A copy of the webinar slides is available at https://communities.theiet.org/communities/files/154/18738
Midland Power Group would like to thank Professor Cao and Doctor Ji for an excellent talk and also thank the MPG Panellists and Community Support who coordinated the talk.
Attendance to the talk earns 1 hour of CPD – certificates will be provided.