Bridge-Configured Induction Motor: FEM-Driven Co-Generation of Levitative Force for Electric Vehicle Applications

Electrical machines are increasingly pivotal in e-mobility and transport systems, driven by their environmental benefits and electrification of powertrains. While conventional machines in electric vehicles (EVs) primarily generate torque, integrated designs capable of producing both torque and lateral forces present novel opportunities for advanced vehicular control. This research explores a Bridge Configured Winding (BCW) Induction Machine (IM) designed to simultaneously generate torque and electromagnetic lateral forces. By injecting DC currents through bridge points in the stator windings, the machine adjusts air-gap magnetic flux to produce controllable suspension forces, enabling rotor displacement in vertical and horizontal directions. The BCW configuration inherently manages unbalanced stator magnetomotive force (MMF) components, reducing mechanical vibrations. A numerical analysis of a medium sized 50 HP, 4-pole BCW IM, modelled in COMSOL<sup xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">TM</sup> Multiphysics, confirms its ability to produce lateral forces without compromising rated torque output. Results demonstrate the machine’s dual functionality, maintaining traditional torque performance while enabling intelligent force control for applications such as active suspension or stability systems in EVs. This study highlights the BCW IM’s potential as a multifunctional solution for next-generation electrified transport, balancing propulsion and dynamic vehicle control within a single integrated architecture.