Electric vehicles are no longer solely a futuristic concept, as they have become a common presence on roads in the United States. The transition towards electrification is progressively taking place within various industries and communities each year. However, despite the advancements, there is still an opportunity for enhancing the accessibility, sustainability, and security of the technology. Engineers at Marquette University are diligently addressing these challenges to pave the way for a more electrified future.
At the forefront of these efforts is Dr. Ayman EL-Refaie, who is making significant contributions to the planet’s electric future. Serving as the Thomas and Suzanna M. Werner Endowed Chair in Secure and Renewable Energy Systems, as well as a professor of electrical and computer engineering in the Opus College of Engineering at Marquette, EL-Refaie is currently leading two major Department of Energy grants that are poised to shape the future of electric vehicles.
One of these projects involves the development of an electric drivetrain to power aerospace propulsion for hybrid and electric planes. Although electric airplanes are not yet widely utilized, a lighter weight motor with sufficient power for air travel could potentially revolutionize airlines, supply chains, and the environment. Collaborating partners for this project include the National Renewable Energy Lab, Florida State University, and Raytheon Technologies Research Center.
Additionally, EL-Refaie is focused on reducing dependence on heavy rare-earth materials for electric vehicles – a material in limited supply that is mostly produced by China. Diminishing or eliminating this dependence could significantly impact the manufacturing of EVs and alleviate potential global monopolies over the technology. Collaborating partners for this project include Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, General Motors, Niron Magnetics, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
During a recent Q&A session, Dr. EL-Refaie provided insights into the latest developments in his work and his vision for the future.
In response to inquiries about the progress made in their work, Dr. EL-Refaie shared that they are currently in phase 2 of their Department of Energy project focused on electric drivetrains for aerospace propulsion. Their work has received positive reviews from the Department of Energy, and they are now in the process of constructing a full-scale 250 kW system that they aim to test in the summer of 2024. Furthermore, they are making significant progress in their Department of Energy project focused on developing low-cost electric drivetrains that eliminate heavy rare materials and are progressing towards building a full-scale motor prototype.
Dr. EL-Refaie also discussed the trends he is witnessing in the United States and globally in relation to electrification. He observed that the interest and growth in the electrification space are currently at an all-time high, and this trend is anticipated to continue. He anticipates that consumers will gain a deeper understanding of the technology beyond its novelty, and he also foresees increased adoption of hybrid and electric planes.
Looking towards the future, Dr. EL-Refaie envisions a promising outlook for the technology but emphasizes the need for consistent support from the government, continued public support, and industry commitment to commercialize the newly developed technologies. He underscores the goal of transitioning this technology out of the laboratory and expresses gratitude to the Department of Energy, collaborators, and the wider field for sharing that vision.
Conclusively, as the transition towards electrification continues to gain momentum, we can anticipate a surge in electric vehicles on the road, deeper comprehension of the technology, and the potential introduction of hybrid and electric planes. Dr. EL-Refaie’s work is contributing to driving these advancements, and the future undeniably appears to be electrifying.
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