Driving Research Forward
University of Windsor researchers are constantly pushing the leading edge of technology forward. Automotive research at University of Windsor is poised to lead Canadian innovation on connected, secure, autonomous and electric vehicles as researchers develop new personal and commercial vehicles with a multi-pronged approach. Tomorrow’s vehicles must be greener, safer and better for Canadians.
In 2021-2022, connected and autonomous vehicles took a big step forward at University of Windsor as Dr. Ning Zhang was appointed Canada Research Chair in Edge Computing and Internet of Vehicles. Dr. Zhang is developing advanced vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure systems that communicate quickly and efficiently over distances, and intelligently manage data in moving vehicles. He and his research team are also developing intelligent systems for caching and delivering content, scheduling computational tasks, and managing AI-aided resources to ensure vehicles can access the data needed to complete computational tasks in real time.
Dr. Ning Zhang (seated, centre-left) with his research group, standing (from left to right): Mina Zamanirafe, Ashab Uddin, Weiyang Feng, Chang Wang and Jay Nagarajan Bottom (from left to right): Niloofar Naghdipour, Pegah Mansourian, Li Yu
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Automotive research grants active in 2021-2022
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Electric vehicle research grants active in 2021-2022
The automotive landscape is changing in Canada and that means changes here in Windsor too. University of Windsor researchers are responding to the rise of electric vehicles and the new investments that will come to our region as a result. The Faculty of Engineering boasts several researchers whose industry partnerships and reputation for innovation will ensure University of Windsor remains a leader in automotive research. One of these research groups is Dr. Narayan Kar’s Centre for Hybrid Automotive Research and Green Energy (CHARGE) Lab. CHARGE labs works on the essential aspect of electrified vehicles such as e-motor and drive design through accurate modelling and optimization considering real-life constrains towards enhanced efficiency and reliability. Their work accelerated over 2021-2022, as they filed a new patent for an innovative approach to state-of-health monitoring in electric vehicle drive systems and components. The technology, developed in partnership with Magna International, will contribute to major advances in reliable, lightweight, and cost-effective integrated electric vehicle subsystems. Dr. Kar notes that Canada has set lofty goals with respect to electric vehicle ubiquity, and this means that technology must advance quickly. “The CHARGE Lab team is close to a major breakthrough with our initial subsystem prototypes – it is an exciting time to be working on tomorrow’s electric vehicles!”
Researchers in UWindsor’s Centre for Hybrid Automotive Research and Green Energy work on a state-of-the-art EV electric motor test system that will be used to conduct next-gen electric vehicle research.
“Working with University of Windsor researchers is a key part of Magna International’s research and development strategy. University of Windsor has one of North America’s best R&D programs in Electric Mobility and our collaborative research has led to significant technology transfer, patenting, and talent development. It provides an opportunity for Magna to work with best-in-class research teams across Canada to innovate, develop and demonstrate advanced technologies in automotive electrification which aligns with one of our strategic goals. This year in collaboration with Drs. Narayan Kar and Ram Balachandar in Engineering, we developed novel powertrain cooling technologies and condition monitoring software that are now being tested so that we can bring them to market. We see this partnership as a long-term benefit to the company and look forward to many years working together.“
- Lakshmi Varaha Iyer, PhD, Engineering Manager – Electric Machines & Power Electronics, Corporate R&D and Engineering, Magna International Inc.