A larger version of, TheWheel™ SM500/1, a direct-drive synchronous electric wheel hub system, which was first introduced in 2001, and TheWheel™ SM500/2, which was introduced in June 2004. Although it requires VDC power to operate, the built in CANopen system regulates the also built in inverters to produce exactly the required AC power to ensure optimum operation of the synchronous direct drive traction motor. Suited for medium to heavy buses and trucks.

(Click on any image above for AutoCAD Download)

TheWheel™ SM500/3FE is being developed for high torque applications such as steep climbs and/or heavy vehicles.  As the surface area of the permanent magnets was increased by an additional 50% compared to TheWheel™ SM500/2 the approximate performance in key parameters will also increase by 50%, while maintaining the same diameter and can still be fitted with the same "super-single" tires placed on the e-Traction® Bus and the Whisper™.

SM500/3FE mounted on a universal rear (extreme low floor) axle with spring leaf suspension and Knorr brake system

Two mechanical brake systems have been contemplated to assist the electrical (reversed and regenerative power) braking normally used. The Knorr system illustrated above is directly mounted on the splined axle widely being used in public transit buses in Europe. The Kobelt brake system illustrated below is mounted on the vehicle axle using a brake disc afixed to the rotor of the wheel-hub system. In view of homologation requirements, this arrangement is intended more for military and industrial applications.

The Kobelt brake system is illustrated on the left using two different (parking and fail safe) spring configurations. Also shown above are the electrical connections for power supply and data communication as well as the liquid cooling connections.

A special version of this system, TheWheel™ SM500/3FEXL, capable of carrying 25 metric tons, has been designed for heavy duty industrial applications and use for monorail systems. Though its weight may increase slightly, the performance of this system remains identical to that of the version illustrated in the table below. A custom steering and suspension system has been developed for four wheel applications such as the AGV Container Transporter.

Heavy duty steering suspension arrangement for TheWheel™ SM500/3FEXL with a Knorr brake system.

Performance Comparison of the Product Range:

Five wheel hub direct drive units have been designed and three have thus far been extensively tested in both aluminum and steel versions: they are the SM500/1, SM500/2 and SM700/3. The first non wheel hub version of this direct drive system is the SM350/1. For a detailed comparison of the individual systems click on the table below for an enlarged version of the table as a PDF image.

Click on any chart below for a PFD version of all three combined:

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Last modified: June 12, 2007