Electric Motor Breakthroughs
One would be forgiven for believing that there has been little improvement in motors in decades. Efficiencies, reliability, torque densities and power densities are well known to far exceed internal combustion engines, so what is there that needs improvement? And might there be dramatic improvements at hand? This presentation will focus on new and emerging topologies that can provide for considerably higher torques and powers. It will explore new, improved materials that can be reasonably expected to offer significant gains in motor performance. It will include some speculation as to the areas in which additional future breakthrough improvements may occur. Concepts for various lightweight, purpose-built motor types that offer the potential for important innovations in precise autonomous control, made uniquely possible owing to the electric aircraft’s highly concentrated energy pack, will be included.