The photo is sourced from newsroom.unsw.edu.au
This innovation is classified as IPMSM (interior permanent magnet synchronous motor). The rotors of such motors are equipped with magnets to create a good torsion torque. However, due to thin iron partitions inside the rotor, IPMSM have poor mechanical performance limiting the maximum velocity of the motor. Specialists from the University of New South Wales succeeded in by-passing this limitation thanks to the new rotor layout significantly increasing the reliability and reducing the amount of rare-earth metals per generated energy unit by 70%.
The new motor was developed using the artificial intelligence software, which helped to assess 90 potential options. The selected option had the power-weight ratio of 7 KW/kg, and the maximum velocity of 100 thou rpm, which is twice the previous record for IPMSM. This solution may help in resolving one of the dilemmas for EV manufacturers: how to increase the driving range without increasing the rechargeable battery size leading to heavier battery-powered vehicles. Higher velocity of the electric motor will allow reducing the EV weight, hence to increase its driving range.
The new solution may be subject to scaling-up and optimisation: for example, the absolute motor power may be set as 200 KW, and the velocity may be reduced down to 18 thou rpm, which is optimal for the electric vehicles. According to the designers, the new motor may be ready for massive EV production within the period from 6 to 12 months.
