Low Cost, High Power Density Axial Gap Motor for Hybrid Electric Vehicles

50055-98-I Low Cost, High Power Density Axial Gap Motor for Hybrid Electric Vehicles--Precision Magnetic Bearing Systems, Inc., 36 Green Mountain Drive, Cohoes, NY 1207-4806; (518) 783-4343 Dr. Dantam K. Rao, Principal Investigator Mr. Curt Richardson, Business Official DOE Grant No. DE-FG02-98ER82647 Amount: $75,000 Hybrid electric vehicle transportation systems require electric motors that can be mass produced at low cost and with high power density. Target goals are $4/kw and kw/kg respectively. The design should also incorporate low part count for mass-producibility and contain an efficient cooling system. This project will design a 100 kw motor with kw/kg power density that can meet the target cost goal. It will meet the target goals by eliminating iron laminations in the motor and using optimally designed stators and rotors. Design modifications will significantly reduce the cost. The motor design will employ a unique stator configuration that can double the torque capacity compared to conventional motors of similar size. Design drawings will be generated that will form the basis for fabrication and testing of a full-scale prototype 100 kw motor in Phase II. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits as described by the awardee: Similar high power density motors can be used in locomotive generators, compressor and submarine drives, portable generators, and auxiliary power units. _