www.srdrives.co.uk

SR Drives Ltd is a leading engineering and technology provider in the field of advanced electrical machines and drives systems with a particular focus on Switched Reluctance Technology. Based in Harrogate UK and founded in 1980 the company has over 20 years of experience in helping customers develop new products and improve profitability.

Advanced Electrical Drive Systems

The company undertakes research, design, development and technology licensing in the field of advanced electrical drive systems to a wide spectrum of user markets worldwide. In recent years there has been a particular emphasis on automotive applications and related fields to supply the growing interest in the use of electrical systems to improve vehicle fuel efficiency and improve performance.

Figure 1 (Click to enlarge)

As part of Emerson, a large multi national engineering company based in St Louis, Missouri, USA, SRD has access to a number of world leading technology centres and also to Emerson’s high volume manufacturing engineering expertise. The association with Emerson allows SRD to provide customers with a continuous service from initial concept developments through samples and pilot units to very high volume manufacture and supply of both electric motors and controls from appropriate Emerson manufacturing facilities located worldwide.

In the automotive field SRD has focused on new applications which cannot readily be met using standard/existing components due to demanding performance, cost and size/shape challenges. This focus includes both the passenger car market and closely related fields for commercial vehicles and off road equipment.

SRD Ltd’s patented switched reluctance motor drive technology offers a blend of performance characteristics that are uniquely well suited to many of the emerging applications for electrical drive systems in automotive applications. See figure 1.

The technology is being applied to a wide variety of automotive applications from small engine auxiliaries to large hybrid traction schemes with electrical supply voltages from 12V up to several hundred volts at higher power. Applications include:

• Starter generators
• Hybrid power train systems
• Full electric traction
• Transmission systems
• Turbo machinery
• Various actuators

  (Click to enlarge)

SRD Ltd is currently heavily focused on starter generators and various forms of hybrid power train systems to meet demand generated by the need for improved fuel efficiency and/or reduced emissions.

An example is the mild hybrid configuration shown here which includes an SR machine integrated into the transmission and operating at crankshaft speeds. This machine provides engine starting and hybrid assistance as well as electrical power generation over the full engine speed range. The system is rated at 15kW and provides 120Nm of engine start torque.

For more information on SRD’s services and the capabilities of SR technology for automotive applications please contact.
 

Dr Mike McClelland
Automotive manager
SR Drives Ltd
East Park House
Otley Road
Harrogate UK
HG3 1PR

Tel : +44 (0)1423 845200
Fax : +44 (0)1423 845201
Email : info@srdrives.co.uk