Advanced Motors

Hybrid- and fuel-cell-based transportation vehicles will depend on high performance electric motor drives. An interior, permanent-magnet synchronous motor (IPMSM) has the right performance characteristics for this application, but there is a need to increase the motor efficiency and the constant-power speed range. This project will apply existing compaction and powder filling technologies to the fabrication of the rotors, which will allow for optimum motor structure shaping and material selection. Improvements to the magnetic performance of the composite iron materials also will be addressed. Phase I will optimize motor performance without the constraints of conventional fabrication methods; build and test a prototype motor to validate the design models and the construction techniques; and add nanomaterial to composite iron to improve magnetic permeabilty and saturation. V Commercial Applications and other Benefits as described by the awardee: The improved motor efficiency and power density should provide increased range and performance for transportation vehicles. Other high performance applications include air compressors and air conditioners.