Electric motors get green light - Isis Project No 3056

A lightweight electric motor has been developed that offers increased efficiency for a variety of high torque to low weight applications including hybrid vehicles and renewable energy.

The Oxford Invention

A new topology of motor featuring a segmented armature and the novel use of materials has been designed and developed by the Electronic Power Group within the Engineering Department at the University of Oxford. The key features of this design applicable to motor and generator applications are:

• Greatly reduced weight – the use of iron and copper is reduced
• High efficiency (up to 97%) through the intelligent use of new materials
• Excellent manufacturing possibilities
• The design allows for the use of novel combinations of materials even for large machines
• Reduced torque ripple due to multi phase winding
• Improved cooling characteristics due to segmented design
• Scalable for large generators such as those used in renewable energy (e.g. low speed wind and tidal) applications.

These features combine to give a motor that is both lightweight and delivers extremely good power to weight performance. An Oxford motor for automotive application weighed just 13kg but delivers a peak torque of 130Nm (10Nm/kg) and peak power of about 50kW. Simulations show that the same motor is capable of achieving a peak torque of over 200Nm and a peak power of over 150kW. Suitable for high torque applications the technology could be applied to regenerative braking systems within hybrid vehicles for example or wind turbines without the requirement for direct drive gearboxes. A prototype has been built which has matched its modelled characteristics.

Marketing Opportunity

Lightweight motors that deliver high torque density are in demand in many new applications including hybrid vehicles, aerospace and renewable energy, driven by a desire to conserve energy and yet deliver high performance.

To see Dr Malcolm McCulloch discuss the motor and the future of vehicle technology, click here (External Link).

Patent Status

Isis would like to talk to companies interested in developing the commercial opportunity. Please contact the Isis Project Manager.

Request Further Information: Project Number 3056 - Electric Motors Get Green Light