2024 Agenda

With rapid rates of electric vehicle adoption continuing in major markets globally, key themes are emerging. Economies of scale, potential raw material constraints, demands for longer range and a seamless charging process are raising as a necessary next phase of the evolution and might become a potential challenge for all the stakeholders involved.

A quantitative and qualitative perspective on the essential topics shaping the E-Mobility transition will be shared in the presentation.

• S&P Global: research in the automotive business
• Vehicle in operation forecast
• Consumer sentiment about xEVs and charging
• Latest advancements about batteries and expected driving range
• Charging infrastructure deployment risk and opportunities

The global economy is under pressure from multiple, complex and interconnected crises. This session will cover the issues the global economy is facing. How to face them and how to overcome the challenges

• Geo-Political risks & overseas competition
• Adapting business models
• Supply chain challenges

During this session the speaker will delve deep into how the stilfold technology can be used to create sustainable and eco- friendly designs that contribute to a greener future. Our speaker will delve deeper about the futuristic and electric scooter designed using this innovative industrial technology.

• Sustainable production to climate neutral
• Design and technology for reducing and rethinking how we make things
• The STILFOLD solution and using origami to decrease weight, material and CO2 emissions

This presentation will focus on the e-mobility sector using non-grain oriented electrical steel. Nevertheless, will still cover the market volumes for GO. Our speaker will delve into the following topics during the discussion:

• Production & demand for GO and NGO by region
• Global trade flows for GO and NGO
• Market drivers of demand and supply
• Trend towards thinner electrical steel
• Focus of E-mobility on electrical steel demand
• Demand and capacity outlook for EV grade NGO

Electrification is at its centre, software defined vehicles and changing consumer behaviour in mobility are redefining the automotive industry.

During this session McKinsey Center for Future Mobility will outline a masterplan that can help automotive players in Europe revive its strengths and master the significant challenges ahead.

The presentation will focus on:

• Investments in electrification
• Transition to software defined vehicles
• Expand beyond traditional car manufacturing
• Customer experience brand differentiation

This presentation also gives a compact overview of leading international specifications (IEC/ASTM) for modern transformer liquids, with a focus on the specifications for mineral oils, and a compact guidance in liquid selection
•    Based on these specifications, market trends and requirements, new high performance transformer liquids have been developed
•    It provides additional benefits for the end-users/operators and OEMs. 
•    Supply chain flexibility will become more important to deal with developments
 

The urgency to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change is pushing governments and industries to explore alternative sources for transportation.

The speaker during the presentation will delve deep into:

• The role of hydrogen mobility
• Value chain of hydrogen
• Key trends in hydrogen mobility

Climate change is accelerating, and the transport sector is one of the very few still showing increasing emissions in Europe. This is although the homologated CO2 emissions of new registered vehicles reduce year-over-year. This supports the need for an accelerated transformation and carbon neutrality strategy in the sector. Important is that such strategies follow a holistic perspective that takes into consideration the product life cycle. Enabling factors include market demand and supply, technology, supply and infrastructure – some of these factors will require additional policy support and partnerships. 
 
The speaker will focus on: 

• Key challenges 
• Main strategies 
• Enabling factors  
• Life cycle stakeholder collaboration 

The most widely used procurement specification for transformer oils – IEC 60296 – defines two different types of recycled transformer oils: re-refined and reclaimed. Even though under the same generic classification of recycled they are both markedly different in terms of their functional and environmental performances. In this presentation we will discuss and learn more about these differences namely on:

• The chemical and physical processes involved in their production
• Their chemical composition/structures
• Their inherent oxidation stability

Driven by regulatory, economic and social requirements, the automotive industry has set ambitious sustainability targets to reduce carbon emissions, improve sourcing conditions and supply chain dependencies. Automotive OEMs with ambitious sustainability agendas are increasingly moving towards ‘magnet-less’ Externally Excited Synchronous Motors (EESM) replacing permanent magnets with coils.

On this session our speaker will delve deeper into the major benefits of a range of epoxy- based mass production encapsulants under the ARALDITE® brand:

• High Tg and thermal conductivity
• Excellent mechanical properties for reliable coil fixation
• Performance at high rotation speeds and range of operating temperatures

The presentation focuses on conducting a comprehensive vibration analysis of dry-type transformers for offshore wind energy. By investigating the dynamic behaviour and structural integrity of these transformers, the study aims to improve their reliability, performance and longevity in the demanding offshore environment, thereby increasing the efficiency of offshore wind applications.

• Improving structural integrity
• Optimizing performance
• Predictive maintenance strategies
• Safety aspects

Radel® PPSU is a thermoplastic resin that offers high performance in wire insulation applications that transformers and generators windings for electrical power grids can benefit of.

On this session the speaker  will focus on the main benefits of Radel ® PPSU and how it can contribute  to sustainable solutions with a lower carbon footprint:

• Offers excellent electrical insulation properties combined with high mechanical performance and resistance to insulating oils.
• Can be easily extruded by conventional extrusion equipment, with significant energy savings and no solvents.
• Guarantees a high thermal class - 200°C, thanks to an higher tanDelta than standard enamel.

On this panel the panellists will delve deep into the strategies and sustainable practices in the steel, copper and oil industry.

•    Explore the green transformation in the steel, copper, and oil industries and its significant influence on the sustainability of the transformer supply chain.
•    Discover strategies for reaching climate neutrality in these sectors and the existing sustainable practices implemented to foster greener product lines. 
•    Gain insights into the changing interpretations of 'green' from present perceptions to future prospects.





 

Additive Manufacturing (AM) has transformed the production of electrical machine windings, unlocking innovative design possibilities and a broader range of materials. Join this session to explore cutting-edge insights and progress enabled by 3D printing in the domains of winding design, thermal management, and manufacturing processes.

The presented topics include:

• Mitigation of high frequency losses and hotspots
• 3D-printed coils for lightweight applications
• Strategies for thermal management and direct cooling

In addition to traditional power grid application, amorphous materials also been widely used in new energy generation (photovoltaic, wind power), rail transit, data centre, large industrial & mining enterprise, public buildings etc

Based above, amorphous technology has been widely used in distribution transformer sector in many countries like: America, China, Japan, Brazil etc and we see growing demand in Europe as well.

This session will focus on:

• How amorphous technology can contribute to reach carbon neutrality earlier and faster
• Advantages of amorphous transformers compared with GOES transformers. Energy efficiency improvement plan. Distribution transformer
• Key solutions in distribution field. Amorphous technology
• Growth in Amorphous steels market

CWIEME industries play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the energy sector. Are the new objectives viable and sustainable? How can the industry afford the transition?
This session will address the main challenges the industry has to face and debate key principles of the circular economy and its impact minimising waste and maximising resource efficiency. 

Whether you are a seasoned engineer or just starting out, this is a space to connect, inspire and empower the Women in Engineering at CWIEME. 

* Refreshments provided
 

CWIEME industries are dynamic and have experienced wide disruption and progression over the last decade. Rising global trade disputes and geopolitical tensions are increasing costs and cutting margins. At the same time, the regulation forcing decarbonisation is disrupting existing business models and demanding immediate capital investment.

To successfully navigate this changing landscape, the long-term success of a company requires a stronger focus on people, and gender diversity can help companies gain a competitive advantage. Hear from industry leaders who have already been on a journey to encouraging a more diverse workforce and who have seen the benefits in action. Gain insight into successful strategies, as well as the obstacles faced along the way, and discover the wide array of benefits a more diverse workforce can bring to your business.

As the automotive industry continues on it’s path to a zero emission world, the electric motor supply chain is crucial. Alongside evolving supply chain dynamics, critical performance parameters such as power density and efficiency are essential to the wider electric vehicle system, particularly as the price of batteries is not falling as quickly as anticipated.

In this session we will explore the role of OEMs and suppliers in the market and emerging technologies they are using to achieve these performance gains.

• In-depth understanding of the entire eDrive unit value chain
• The impact of motor performance on the electric vehicle
• Technologies emerging to deliver performance
• Impact of material supply on the future of the electric motor

The current Ecodesign regulation for transformers (EU 2019/1783) is under review. Two important items being analysed are the pertinence of higher energy performance standards, as well as the introduction of circular economy requirements. The European Copper Institute has conducted a quantitative comparison between various scenarios and design strategies, determining the total cost of ownership and the impact in terms of material use and life cycle assessment.

• Can alternative design strategies uncouple energy efficiency from material use?
• How far do lower energy losses reduce the material use in power generation?
• Will the saving in energy losses compensate for the higher unit cost?

Adhesives for EV motor cores with excellent adhesion and ATF oil resistance using corn-based bio-materials are unveiled. They are available in various configurations to match the customer's requirements for application method, curing condition, viscosity, and type of steel sheet.

• Adhesives for EV motor cores with corn-based bio-additives
• Excellent adhesion and ATF oil resistance
• Customization for application methods, curing conditions, viscosity, and steel sheet compatibility.

NGOES solutions for cutting-edge traction motors (grades, stacking technology, etc.). Minimize CO2 footprint with new CO2-reduced top-grade(s).

• NGOES
• E-mobility
• Efficiency
• Sustainability

The electrification is imperative. The global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change are driving the electrification of various sectors. Transformers, electric motors and insulation materials are essential components enabling this transition.

The panel will address the challenges and seizing opportunities through collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices.

This high-level discussion will explore and discuss emerging research areas and opportunities for innovation in motor design, materials, and manufacturing. During this debate the panellists will provide valuable insights into the latest developments and prospects in motor technology, innovation, and collaboration across industries.

• Emerging trends in motor technology
• Advancements in electric motors
• Application of motors in electric mobility
• Challenges facing the adoption of new technologies
• Solutions and opportunities for collaboration

The market for electric motors for electric vehicles is rapidly changing. The projected growth drives optimisations in all directions to cover the specific needs of the industry where various motor types and components are considered. Within these motor optimisations, the laminated stator and rotor stacks are an important topic. 
This presentation discusses relevant characteristics and presents an innovative process chain that combines blanking, annealing and gluing to support the optimization. Verification tests are discussed that also include the relevance of some system choices in the electric motor that can affect the result.
•    Relevant KPIs for laminated stacks for high performing electric machines
•    An innovative process chain
•    The benefits of annealing and gluing
•    The impact of system choices

Joint industrial projects and shared learning are advocated as essential for shaping supportive frameworks and ensuring a sustainable and resilient supply chain amid the energy transition. The pivotal role of electrical steel in advancing towards a sustainable future, emphasizing resilience and collaboration in the supply chain. It highlights efforts within the steel industry to adopt eco-friendly methodologies, reduce CO2 emissions, and foster green lead markets.

• GOES
• Green lead markets
• Joint approaches
• Sustainability

This session will review HVWW® technologies for use in critical motor applications.  This innovative wiring solution is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of advanced electric vehicle technologies, ensuring optimal efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. 

The speakers will have specific discussion on the key performance differentiators and benefits of HVWW® products: 

• Optimise efficiency and durability of motors while reducing the carbon footprint 
• Meet rigorous industry standards and regulatory requirements 
• Customised option to offer flexibility 

With high global inflation leading to a sharp rise in procurement costs, how can SMEs survive in an increasingly deteriorating competitive environment?

Reducing procurement costs requires a systematic approach and leveraging data- driven strategies. This session will give you all the insights to reduce costs.

• How to enhance SMEs' competitiveness in a high inflation and high-cost market environment.
• MCPP - Motor Components Purchasing Platform: A brand new service for the motor industry aimed at empowering SMEs.
• How does MCPP ensure purchasing efficiency, product quality, and savings in purchasing costs?

Discover how voestalpine is leading the decarbonisation with their ambitious 3 stage plan and explore cutting edge solutions designated to meet your company targets for electrical machines.

Attend this session and gain insights into voestalpine’s commitment to sustainability and its vision for a greener future. During the session our speaker will share the ambitious decarbonisation strategy highlighting milestones and targets until 2050.

The presentation will be covering the following:

• voestalpine's flagship product line, featuring the only published Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for electrical steel as of Jan. 2024
• Dive into the features and benefits of isovac® electrical steel, made in Austria, tailored for high- performance motors, generators and static machines
• Discover voestalpine’s cutting edge solutions for premium quality electrical steel with a reduced carbon footprint
• Gain exclusive insights into voestalpine’s ambitious decarbonisation plan and its impact on the steel industry

The IRA and EGD are two separate initiatives, however there are synergies between them, particularly in areas aiming to reduce inflation aligned with goals for environmental sustainability and climate action promoted by the European Green Deal.

On this unique discussion the panellists will debate about the following topics:

• Transition to clean energy
• Energy efficiency and cost reduction
• Green investments and job creation
• Innovation and research collaboration

The current Ecodesign regulation for electric motors (EU 2019/1781) will be reviewed in 2024. Energy performance and circular economy angles will be analysed. University of Coimbra and the European Copper Institute have carried out an exploratory study covering possible design strategies and technology choices, as well as their impact in terms of material use and life cycle assessment.

• Strategies for induction motors to comply with an increased efficiency level
• Opportunities for alternative motor technologies to enter into play
• What are the environmental impacts at product and at system level?

Reliability is the cornerstone of EV infrastructure that underpins its functionality, usage, and acceptance by consumers and stakeholders.

In this session, the speaker will discuss the critical aspects of reliability of EV charging infrastructure. The presentation will include the technical impacts on reliability, business and customer focus, challenges identified by DNV, and the role of regulations and industry standards in enhancing the overall reliability of EV charging networks. 

• Importance of reliability 
• Technical impact on reliability 
• Business and end- user
• Challenges identified by DNV 
• Regulations and progress 

Rare Earths are essential in a wide range of technologies, including electric vehicles, wind turbines, smartphones and many others. As the demand for these technologies continues to grow, the future of rare earths is expected to be shaped by several key trends and market dynamics. This session will cover the key challenges and opportunities for the industry and how to find the balance between the resources and the market demand:

• Resource and supply challenges
• Pricing development and market dynamics
• Technology development, sustainability, and the circular economy
• Efforts that need to be made to meet the demand challenges, for decarbonisation

In this conversation, the participants will share personal stories and offer practical tips supporting colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

A day in the life of a distinguished professional with a significant amount of years' experience sharing their career path. This session will provide you the key skills and give you guidance through discussions and practical exercises

Experts covering the key CWIEME sectors of engineering, procurement, components, raw materials and process machinery will provide insights into the key trends shaping the industry in 2024 and what to expect moving forward.

How industry is approaching the task of redressing gender and race-based imbalances in the workforce. The panellists will discuss best practices for working effectively with colleagues, partners and customers from diverse cultural backgrounds.

A group of reputable professionals with different backgrounds in terms of geography, sector and experience will come together to discuss how the future engineers can contribute to build a greener future and contribute to reduce greenhouse gas emissions

The flourishing transformer market is a beacon of opportunity for emerging talent in a wide range of fields, from engineering and sales to marketing, management, and cutting-edge areas such as artificial intelligence and big data analytics. The sector's expansive growth and integration of high-tech advances promises a wealth of potential to make a meaningful impact on one's career. However, a critical challenge lies in developing skills to meet the industry's escalating demands.

This is where the Transformers Academy, a pioneer in e-learning within the transformer domain, steps in. It offers a range of courses and study programmes tailored to different levels of professional experience, bridging the gap between current industry needs and future talent. The aim of this presentation is to highlight the vast opportunities that exist in the transformer sector and how targeted education and training can significantly enhance career paths for individuals and add value for employers.
 

Embrace diversity and mingle with fellow attendees and enjoy valuable connections you make at Women in Engineering at CWIEME.

We will host a session to provide students the opportunity to engage in a dialogue with industry experts from different fields

Advisory Board members and CWIEME industries professionals will host a guided tour around the exhibition for the students, providing insights along the way and stopping at 4-5 key exhibitors who will be ready to discuss opportunities