In the relentless pursuit of a sustainable and technologically advanced future, there is one innovation that is emerging as a game-changer across multiple industries. Reshaping the landscape of transportation, energy, and automation, with a tantalising promise of a future where efficiency levels continue to rise…
Efficiency Redefined: Understanding the Core Advantages
Axial flux motors, also known as pancake or disc motors, are a type of electric motor that differs from traditional radial flux motors due to their unique design and arrangement of their magnetic flux. Their magnetic flux flows parallel to the axis of the motor, as opposed to the radial flow in traditional motors, which ultimately allows for a more compact, quieter, efficient, and lightweight motor.
Their compact size, however, doesn’t impact efficiency. Thanks to their short magnetic paths, which help reduce energy losses, leading to better overall performance, while their flat and compact design also facilitates effective heat dissipation and cooling.
Axial flux motors are also well-suited for regenerative braking systems, largely due to their ability to convert kinetic energy back into electrical energy during the braking process, which contributes to their overall efficiency, adaptability, and capacity to conserve energy.
When space is a critical factor in performance, axial flux motors are hard to beat, with their high torque density; meaning they can generate a significant amount of torque relative to their size. In terms of converting electricity into a spinning torque, axial flux motors are as efficient as standard radial flux motors. The big difference is the axial flux motor’s smaller size and lighter weight for any given power output, which makes them a game changer for a range of uses and industries.
Small Motor: Big Applications
Axial flux motors are changing the landscape of the electric motor frontier and are being used across multiple applications, especially those which require relatively low speed and high torque, such as long blade fans, generators, propulsion systems for boats along with rotating systems such as periscopes, gimbals and turrets.
Electric Vehicles: Driving Change at Full Throttle
The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is undergoing an evolution, and axial flux motors are steering the industry into a new era. Their high-power density not only extends the range of electric vehicles but can also accelerate charging times and enhance overall performance. Leading automotive manufacturers such as Mercedes-Benz, Ferrari and Renault have been integrating axial flux motors to redefine the driving experience as we know it.
Aviation and Aerospace: The Sky is the Limit
The world’s fastest electric vehicle, Rolls-Royce’s electric aircraft the ‘Spirit of Innovation’, utilises three axial flux motors to drive its propeller. The compact size, and light weight of axial flux motors contribute to the aerodynamics and can significantly reduce the weight of the aircraft.
The aerospace industry is not immune to the allure of axial flux motors, Battery Electric Aircraft (BEA) concepts have been leveraging the motors' lightweight and efficient design to redefine electric propulsion systems, thanks to their adaptability for different aircraft configurations. Meaning they can be used for traditional fixed-wing aeroplanes or in unconventional vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, paving the way for faster, greener, and more efficient air and space travel.
Robotics and Automation: The Robo Revolution
In the realm of robotics and industrial automation, axial flux motors are catalysts for innovation. Their compact size and high-power density are perfect for the development and application of agile and versatile robotic systems, unlocking new possibilities for automation across a myriad of industries.
It is the design of axial flux motors that creates a lower rotor inertia, the lower inertia facilitates faster acceleration and deceleration of robotic joints, which enhances their overall agility and control. Meaning that robotics equipped with axial flux motors can quickly respond to changing environmental conditions, navigate complex terrains and smaller spaces with greater ease and precision.
Fast Forward: A Future in Flux
Like anything, the axial flux motor, while filled with promise for a greener, cleaner, faster future, isn’t perfect. While these motors offer a multitude of advantages, across numerous industries and applications from motoring, marine and military, they also pose manufacturing challenges due to their unique design.
If industry predictions are anything to go by, the axial flux motor market is one to watch, predicted to grow at a CAGR of 11.8% and be valued at USD$1387.7million by 2030, with the automotive industry driving the demand.
Electric Motor Power has identified the huge benefits of harnessing this technology and believe it is an exciting time to be part of a transition to cleaner, green energy, making a commitment to investing in the research, development, and manufacturing of these motors, with the ultimate goal of providing a unit that is affordable for end users in volume production.
For more information on our axial flux motor developments, contact us.