Editors: | F. Kongoli, M. de Campos |
Publisher: | Flogen Star OUTREACH |
Publication Year: | 2018 |
Pages: | 184 pages |
ISBN: | 978-1-987820-96-6 |
ISSN: | 2291-1227 (Metals and Materials Processing in a Clean Environment Series) |
At least almost half of the electric energy of the world is consumed by electric motors.Thus, there is big pressure on increasing the efficiency of electric motors, and rigorous specifications such as IE4 - (Super Premium Efficiency) are now requested by the European Union [1].
Electric vehicles need machines with very high efficiency, and this can be achieved with improved materials. For example, axial flux machines may use amorphous or nanocrystalline soft magnetic materials, and wind turbines can be improved with better magnetic materials. Off-shore wind turbines need to be without gearbox (i.e. direct drive) in order to reduce maintenance problems. Rare-earth magnets are necessary for direct drive wind turbines. Moreover, the correct choice of the magnetic materials can lead to significant weight reduction of the turbines, and thus the turbines can be built taller. Tall wind turbines are necessary because strong and constant winds are found at heights of about 150 meters or more. The proper choice of materials is essential for better motors and generators, which will ultimately reduce the energy consumption in the entire world. In this study, different possibilities of magnetic materials are discussed and compared.