Electric Vehicle Propulsion
LaunchPoint High-Efficiency, High-Power-Density, Halbach Array Electric Motor
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Electric Motor |
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Electric Motor |
A second generation Halbach array electric motor has been developed by engineers at LaunchPoint Technologies. The new motor (Figure 1) was designed as an inrunner and is slightly larger than the original outrunner motor prototype (Figure 2).
Both motors utilize the same brushless, axial flux permanent magnet design with an ironless rotor and stator. This design eliminates iron eddy-current and hysteresis losses permitting more efficient power production at the lightest weight possible.
The power density plots shown below represent the estimated capability/performance range for motors that LaunchPoint can currently design and build. Dynamometer tests of the most recent motor demonstrate performance values that are closely aligned with model predictions.
Under a separate SBIR grant, LaunchPoint is also developing a controller for this motor and will be applying both technologies to the design of an electric tail rotor for a hybrid-powered helicopter.
The high power density provided by this new motor design enables:
- Extended battery life
- Longer ranges
- Larger payloads
for a variety of electrically-powered and hybrid vehicle applications including:
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs)
- Manned aircraft and underwater vehicles
- Motorcycles
- Bicycles
Power Density Potential Vs. Shaft Speed and Shaft Power at 93% Efficiency
Power Density Vs. Shaft Speed at Multiple Shaft Power Levels
