A new three-year project could help lower the price of electric automotive motors while saving on precious metals.
The £1.5m ($2.3m) project is one of 16 funded from a £10m ($16.2m) pot created by two UK quangos. Jointly run by automaker Jaguar Land Rover, electromagnetic software developers Cobam Technical Services and auto consultancy Ricardo. the project is aimed at developing a low-cost electric motor initially for the luxury vehicle market.
An electromagnetic simulation using Opera software Image: Ricardo Plc |
Much of the expense of electric motors comes from the use of rare and highly expensive metals to create the permanent magnets which make the motor run. However, Switched Reluctance Traction Motors remove the need for permanent magnets, thus presenting a cheaper and more environmentally practical solution.
Using a design software system called Opera, the project will explore ways of designing, developing and manufacturing SRT motors with the intention of creating the first protoype, along with the software and tooling to allow full manufacture if deemed viable.
One of the most significant challenges, particularly with the luxury market in mind, is to develop a motor that is quiet enough as well as developing a streamlined manufacturing process.