Technology Demonstration of Innovative High Frequency Flux-Reversal Machine

A new concept for high speed brushless motors and generators, called a flux-reversal machine (FRM), has been conceived and demonstrated as a proof-of-principle generator. The FRM offers many advantages relative to other machines in its class. These include simple and robust construction, no magnets or coils on the rotor that can have a smooth cylindrical OD, low cost mass production potential, high efficiency, and high power density. Design of an 18,000 rpm, 3-phase, 3-kW FRM generator is underway, and the primary objective of Phase I is to fabricate and test this unit. The stator laminations are only 5.1 in. diameter by 3.4 in. long, with coil windings extending the overall length to 5.5 in. Additional Phase I objectives are to select and conduct a preliminary design for a final specific Navy FRM application. An advanced prototype FRM will be built and tested for this application in Phase II. The proposed team has successfully leveraged earlier SBIR contracts for linear motor and generator development into readiness for multiple commercial applications using internal and third party funding. Similar approaches are planned for the FRM, where existing market push is much stronger.