An axial motor can deliver high torque density while taking up minimal space, making it applicable to various fields of electric mobility, from electric motorbikes and cars to aircraft.
.svg)
In 2022, the world witnessed a record-high sale of electric vehicles of 7.8 million. That is a 68% increase from 2021.
The demand for electric vehicles is continuing to grow. This comes as no surprise, as they are the principal technology that can decarbonize the transport sector. To accelerate the transformation of electric mobility, we need to introduce a component that can revolutionize the way we move - an axial motor.
In this blog post, you will learn about the advantages of axial motors over traditional radial motors, their range of applications in electric vehicles, and the potential they hold for a more sustainable, emission-free future.
Axial motors are electric motors that differ from traditional radial motors in their magnetic flux path, which runs parallel to the motor's axis instead of perpendicular to it. The classic cylindrical design is a defining feature of a radial motor, whereas an axial motor has a shape similar to that of a biscuit tin, making it suitable for alternative installations based on its unique structure.
The axial length-to-diameter ratio of these motors is lower, giving them a flat and wide shape that has led to their nickname as 'pancake' or 'flat' motors. Due to the shorter, more direct path that the magnetic field takes, they have the potential to achieve high efficiency, often surpassing 96%. This is as good as, if not better than, the top-performing radial motors currently available on the market.
The axial motor's ability to generate torque at a greater diameter means it can be manufactured with less material. The slim and lightweight structure of this type of motor results in machines with a higher power and torque density compared to similar radial machines, without requiring a very high-speed operation. Compared to conventional motors, axial motors offer higher torque for the same motor volume. This is due to the active magnetic surface area being the rotor's face, rather than the outside diameter, resulting in more efficient use of space.
When speaking of winding, axial motors offer a significant advantage over radial motors. It has a greater amount of active winding copper and less overhang, which allows for an easier increase in the number of turns and generates less heat due to the end effect. Additionally, the winding can come into contact with metal, which acts as an excellent heat conductor, resulting in a simpler cooling system.
An axial motor can deliver high torque density while taking up minimal space, making it applicable to various fields of electric mobility, from electric motorbikes and cars to aircraft. Many people tend to believe that high power density is determined solely by speed, and therefore neglect the significance of torque density. However, relying only on achieving high speed will lead to a shorter lifespan and increased noise levels. In reality, the key to achieving high-speed performance is by increasing torque density, which is where the axial flux technology excels.
Axial flux engines are poised to revolutionize the electric motorbike sector, primarily due to their superior power density and compact dimensions. These innovative engines optimize spatial utilization, accommodating substantial components within a reduced frame. This sophisticated design yields elevated performance, extended range, and heightened design adaptability while maintaining a sleek appearance. Consequently, axial flux engines are poised to redefine the electric motorbike landscape by delivering enhanced efficiency and performance without compromising spatial economy or aesthetic integrity.
In the maritime industry, axial flux engines are poised to introduce a significant paradigm shift. Their exceptional power density and compact design hold the potential to redefine marine propulsion. By optimizing spatial utilization and accommodating powerful components within limited spaces, axial flux engines offer improved vessel performance, extended operational range, and enhanced design versatility. This shift in propulsion technology ensures that marine vessels can achieve greater efficiency and power output without compromising spatial efficiency or the vessel's aesthetic appeal.
Axial flux engines present a promising advancement for electric aviation, driven by their superior torque-to-weight ratios and efficiency. This technology's lightweight construction enables reduced aircraft weight, leading to the use of lighter materials and extended flight range. The compact nature of axial flux engines addresses aviation's spatial constraints, making them a strategic fit. By harnessing these engines, aviation designers can achieve a harmonious balance between performance, efficiency, and spatial considerations, fostering the evolution of electric flight with heightened capabilities and sustainability.
The automotive sector stands on the cusp of transformation with axial flux engines taking center stage. These engines offer distinct advantages, including form-factor flexibility and the potential to elevate vehicle performance. Their compact size opens the door for innovative applications, such as integrating motors on each wheel or axle for precision torque distribution. This innovation not only enhances vehicle maneuverability but also liberates space by eliminating traditional powertrain constraints. The emergence of axial flux engines heralds an era of automotive innovation, defined by improved power dynamics, spatial efficiency, and a redefined driving experience.
Optimizing axial motors presents a challenge because existing radial and induction motors are also being developed for cost efficiency, which continually shifts the target. However, if the heat transfer and volume manufacturing challenges can be overcome, these motors are inherently less expensive due to their use of less material.
They can achieve a power density of 10 kW/kg, which is four times that of a radial motor for an electric vehicle. This means that less copper and steel are required, along with smaller magnets, all of which reduce costs. Additionally, the lighter weight of these motors leads to savings in system costs within the vehicle.
The demand for electric vehicles is on the rise, and axial motors are emerging as a primary enabler of sustainable and efficient transportation solutions. Their flat and wide shape makes them suitable for alternative installations, while their ability to generate torque at a greater diameter means they can be constructed with less material, resulting in machines with a higher power and torque density. Axial motors have the potential to achieve high efficiency and offer higher torque for the same motor volume. They apply to various fields of electric mobility, from electric motorbikes and cars to aircraft, and have the potential to revolutionize the industry.
Info: 7.8 million electric vehicles were sold in 2022, an increase of 68% from 2021.
