A novel belt alternator starter (BAS) is proposed to replace the starter and alternator in a hybrid electric vehicle. The BAS designed utilizes an 18 rotor, 12 stator pole switched reluctance machine (SRM) configuration, with concentrated bar windings wound in parallel. Through iteration of various machine geometry parameters, the SRM can meet the torque and speeds demands over standardized drive cycles described by the US Environmental Protection Agency. / With the depletion of oil wells and changing global climate, a large emphasis is placed on the research, development and adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) to replace vehicles driven by internal combustion engines (ICEs). However the global supply chain is still not ready for such a large demand in EVs; therefore hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) aim to ease the transition between ICEs and EVs. The research outlined in this thesis investigates the design of a 18 stator, 12 rotor pole (18/12) configuration switched reluctance machine (SRM) utilizing novel technologies for use as a belt alternator starter (BAS) motor in an HEV. Background research on current trends and technologies for electric motors and vehicles is performed before evaluating initial geometry for the motor core to be designed. Initial geometry is brought into JMAG to develop an electromagnetic model and begin the geometry optimization. The 18/12 design process highlights how changes to motor parameters from a geometry and winding standpoint will affect motor performance. After the motor core geometry yields suitable performance, a mechanical design is proposed encompassing the rotary assembly, cooling as well as solutions for mounting. / Thesis / Master of Applied Science (MASc) / Hybrid electric vehicles are becoming more prevalent as stricter restrictions are placed on fuel economy and emissions targets. Full electric vehicles on the other hand have not yet become the standard form of transportation due to the limits on range and infrastructure. Because of this, automotive manufacturers are researching and developing new methods in which they can meet these restrictions and limitations. Switched reluctance motors aim to be a solution to meet these demands while forging a new path by alleviating the demand on rare earth metals for the motor core. In this thesis, a design is proposed to fill an existing role in vehicle electrification best suited for a belted alternator starter.

<p>The optimization of the electrical system voltage range of a mild hybrid electric vehicle is examined in this research study. The objective is to evaluate and propose the optimized vehicle voltage level for the mild hybrid electric vehicle from both technical and economic aspects. The approach is to evaluate the fuel economy improvement from the mild hybrid electric vehicle of various voltage level for the cost benefit study. The evaluation is conducted from the vehicle system level with discussions of components selection for system optimization. Autonomie, a simulation tool widely used by academic and automotive industry, is used for the vehicle simulation and fuel economy evaluation. The cost analysis is based on the system cost factoring in the component cost based forecasted production volume. </p> <p>The driver for this study is to propose an optimized voltage for the mild hybrid electric vehicle for the vehicle manufacturers and suppliers to standardize the implementation to meet the fuel economy and emission requirements and vehicle power demand. The standardization of the vehicle voltage level can improve design and development efficiency, reusability and reduce cost in developing non-standard voltage levels of the mild hybrid vehicle. The synergy in standardized voltage level for the mild hybrid vehicle can accelerate technology implementation toward mass production to meet regulatory emission and fuel economy requirements. </p>