UK-ALUMOTOR
UK-Alumotor, supported by Driving the Electric Revolution (part of the Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund), will develop a dedicated supply chain to manufacture a patented electric machine (e-machine) which will exploit UK-based high-value manufacturing technology. The e-machine will leverage specialist material, transferring technology developed within the aerospace & motor sports sectors, together with commodity materials. The e-machine will make use of aluminium & iron, rather than copper and rare earth metals (used in permanent magnet motors) which suffer price volatility and import tariffs. This provides the UK supply chain with competitive advantage to fulfil the growing market demand for traction e-machines during the next decade and beyond.
Image credit: Ricardo PLC
The UK-Alumotor consortium, led by Ricardo, is a diverse team of partners from across the UK. Our manufacturing partners Aspire, Brandauer, GTR and PSI will assess, select and develop low-cost, lean manufacturing processes that can be scaled to deliver the e-machine at appropriate volumes. These scalable processes will ensure quality, minimise material waste together with the lifecycle assessment impact of the e-machine.
Image credit: Ricardo PLC
Our academic partner WMG will support the programme through literature review, technical workshops and dedicated advisory work. They will deploy learning from the programme to improve their e-machine models in support of virtual validation.
The lifecycle impact of the product will be considered throughout the supply chain. Using widely available, and recycled, metals within the e-machine will reduce the lifecycle impact of the e-machine compared with permanent magnet-based motors.
Project Collaborators
UK-Alumotor is a transformative programme that will build a UK supply chain to deliver a high performance, e-machine at a reduced cost and volume in order to drive the electric revolution, both within the UK and the export market.
Projects & Collaborations
DEMAND-REPAIR
Exploration of novel advanced technologies and innovative titanium powders to repair next-gen aero-engine components in the field. Development of atomised titanium alloy powders with microstructures beneficial for HVAF and cold spray processes.
HILO SILVER
This project will investigate the prospect of commercialising silver alloys as cost-effective and low silver alternatives to front-side pure silver paste in solar cells whilst maintaining the key properties of low resistivity, oxidation resistance and solderability.