Tula DMD aims for more-efficient e-machines

The race is on among OEMs and suppliers to optimize the efficiency, performance and cost of electric-vehicle (EV) propulsion systems. Electric machines have moved to the front of the development class, with engineers working to squeeze gains out of devices that are already, in some cases, more than 90% efficient.

Tula Technologies is well known within the IC engine community for its Dynamic Skip Fire (DSF) control technology that enables rapid, precise “any time, any cylinder” cylinder deactivation (see SAE Tech Paper 2013-01-03599) for improved fuel economy and reduced NVH. The company's latest innovation, Dynamic Motor Drive (DMD), uses control fundamentals proven in production DSF applications and extends them into e-machines.