Take a deep breath… " THE optimised Ç components, T are you and simulati? THE no, toolkits for P owertrains which integrate U ltra high-speed engine s solutions" or project OCTOPUS (octopus) is the name of Bentley's latest research project.
A three-year project that aims to make advances in electric motors and the rest of the kinematic chain, taking as a starting point the conclusions of a previous investigation that lasted 18 months.
The conclusions of this investigation regarding the new electrical machine indicate a superior performance of permanent magnet motors, highlighting the fact that it is no longer necessary to use rare earth magnets (despite the name, they are relatively abundant), or copper windings.
In this way they obtain benefits not only in terms of costs, but also ensure that it is recyclable when its useful life ends.
The project focuses not only on the electric motor itself, but also on the development of the transmission's electronics and packaging. At the same time it introduces “next generation materials, manufacturing processes and simulation and testing cycles”.
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In the end, the OCTOPUS project will culminate in a new electrified driving axle, but with new levels of integration and performance, according to Bentley.
When will we be able to see the practical results of this project in a production model? Stefan Fischer, director of powertrain engineering at Bentley Motors, responds:
“It's no secret our ambition to lead the way in offering sustainable luxury mobility, (with the plan) Beyond100. We have a clear roadmap where we will have a hybrid option on all models by 2023 (...), and our next goal moves towards an all-electric Bentley in 2026.”
The OCTOPUS project is supported by OLEV (Office for Low Emission Vehicles), in partnership with Innovate UK (innovation agency in the United Kingdom).