Nottingham university advances electric car tech in collaboration

A collaboration between the University of Nottingham and tech company Sprint Electric has resulted in an advanced power converter designed for electric motors, with potential applications in manufacturing and renewable energy.

Over the last five years, University of Nottingham researchers have partnered with Sprint Electric to develop the Generis AC regen drive, a cutting-edge technology in AC drive systems.

Presented at the Smart Production Solutions exhibition in Nuremberg, this innovation is the outcome of two Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) between the university’s Power, Electronics, and Machines Centre (PEMC) and Sprint Electric.

KTPs aim is to link businesses with innovative ideas to academic expertise for developing new products or services. Sprint Electric embraced this collaboration, establishing a base at Nottingham’s Jubilee Campus.

Andrea McCluskey, business development officer for KTP at the University of Nottingham said: “KTPs meld the theory from the academic side with specialist knowledge and expertise from within a business. What they have achieved will absolutely transform Sprint Electric as a company, and part of the electronic motor industry as a whole. Not only will it give them a significant competitive advantage, but it could also completely change the landscape for other businesses now and in the future.

“It is a win-win situation for all parties. Knowledge Transfer Partnerships are an invaluable opportunity to establish long-lasting professional relationships which have the potential to turn into very valuable strategic relationships between academia and industry. Transferring research into real-world applications is the ultimate dream of academics who want to generate real global impact, and this is only possible by working with an industrial partner.

“You also get to see graduates develop, increasing their knowledge and expertise; the company obviously benefits through increased profits; and the Associates benefit through career development and exposure to the industry, sowing the seeds for the next generation of business leaders. KTPs also aim to train future business leaders, in that businesses hope the Associates will stay in industry rather than academia.”