An electric wheel vehicle propulsion system has several potential advantages in the area of mobility, vehicle-design flexibility, and the accomplishment of multiple functions. Such a system has been developed by Delco-Remy Div. of General Motors, as prime contractor to USATACOM, and has been applied to an M-35 military vehicle. The system consists of six-wheel mounted and unique brushless synchronous motors powered by an engine- driven alternator.
This paper describes the application of these brushless synchronous motors in the M-35 vehicle which serves as a testbed and reviews the subsystems necessary to achieve a functional vehicle. Subsystems examined include the power-train elements (engine, alternator, power converters, motors), the dynamic braking system, the engine alternator control loop, the motor field control loop, and the operator controls. Preliminary test results also are reviewed.
