Data acquisition


SMART BEARINGS PROVIDE CRITICAL DATA FOR PREDICTIVE MAINTENANCE OF EV COMPONENTS


It is clear that the shift to e-mobility is happening now, rather than in three-to-five years’ time. Every component in a vehicle — from, major body structures down to individual bolts and screws — has an integral role in keeping it running sustainably. That includes bearings. Here, Chris Johnson, managing director at specialist bearing supplier SMB Bearings, explains the vital role smart bearings will play in today and tomorrow’s electric vehicles (EVs).


“E


lectric vehicle sales in China are forecast to hit a record 6 million this year as demand for cleaner cars surges,” reports Bloomberg. This is just one of many testa-


ments to the rising popularity of EVs. McKinsey & Company recommends that automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and suppliers already shift production from internal combustion engine (ICE) to EV components. At the same time, these components must be designed and built to


support optimal energy savings.


This especially applies to EVs. According to Possi- bilities of Increasing the Electric Vehicle Range by Slovakia’s University of Zilina, EVs have a significantly shorter range compared with conventional ICE vehi- cles, so any potential energy savings are a must. Consequently, the race is on to build lighter, more efficient EVs and to maximise vehicle range per charge. Smaller and lighter bearings are needed as EV parts also become less heavy and more compact for example, due to improvements in battery energy


density that enhance the driving range of vehicles. That is why vehicle developers are looking closely at every bearing location in EVs. They must ensure that each bearing helps optimise friction performance, reduces energy expenditure and yields the highest levels of electromobility perfor- mance. Bearings in EVs will remain essential across the vehicle itself  steering columns, motor shafts, wheels, wipers and electric mirrors, windows and seats will all rely on bearings. And there are the drive trains and chassis systems, which rely on elec- tric motor bearings designed for very low noise and low vibration applications.


In all cases, these bearings must enable smooth, fluid motion — for instance, while turning the steering wheel or adjusting the wing mirrors. A quality bearing must be optimally-sized for a given application and able to withstand high stress and loads. In other words, automotive bearings should be chosen carefully.


THE POWERTRAIN


According to figures published by ACS, EV motors provide up to 15,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) compared with less than 8,000 rpm for ICEs, and


84 November 2024 Instrumentation Monthly


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