DRIVE

Rapid structural transformation takes place in green transports and the growth rate is very high in the green energy sector.

To meet tomorrow's demands for green energy and green transport, we are now running the research project DRIVE.

The phase-out of conventional cars has begun and many are being replaced by electric vehicles. In parallel, there is a large expansion of renewable energy production from solar and wind. Within the DRIVE research project, we develop new innovative solutions throughout the whole value chain, from harvesting and storing energy to charging and driving the vehicles of the future.

Sub-project 1 Harvest Energy

New types of wind mills and thermoelectric systems for renewable energy from wind and land will be developed with the help of industrial players. Project manager Jonas Örtegren Lector

Sub-project 2 Store Energy

Super capacitors, a type of fast battery, can be cycled millions of times while batteries can only handle a few thousand. Researchers at Mid Sweden University are a world leader in large-scale production processes for supercapacitors, which builds on the paper industry's methods with cellulose supplemented with graphene, which provides an inexpensive and environmentally friendly component. Furthermore, new knowledge is being developed for a silica-graphene composite with the aim of increasing the storage capacity of lithium-ion batteries for electric cars. Project manager Dr Nicklas Blomquist

Sub-project 3 Charge energy

By combining Mid Sweden University's latest research results in energy storage and power electronics, research will be developed on intermediate storage of renewable energy for use in real estate and electric cars. The energy storage should also serve as a power buffer in houses and properties and enable fast charging of vehicles without the need for increased installed power in the grid or new power lines. Project manager Professor Kent Bertilsson

Sub-project 4 Drive Energy

Research on a completely new electric motor, specially adapted for electric cars, is carried out with the help of the power electronics industry. Today's electric motors are optimized for full power which is not suitable for normal driving modes for cars. The new type of engine preliminarily shows 30% lower energy losses - which gives longer driving distances for electric cars. In addition, it is built for low voltages that are both better for the batteries and safer than today's 400 volts. Project manager Professor Kent Bertilsson

Sub-project MILAB

The Drive project is in many cases based on advanced material technology and to support the project's sub-activities, but also indirect regional industry with adequate infrastructure, the current laboratory will be supplemented and renewed with new instruments to constitute a strong innovation engine for the region's material companies.