|
Reluctance torque assisted motors are motors that use reluctance torque generated by the saliency of the rotor, either in a primary or an assistive capacity. Six technical reports were published in step with practical applications in various fields, and have contributed significantly to the practical use of reluctance torque assisted motors. Advances in magnetic materials are essential for bringing reluctance torque to the point where it can be effectively employed, and the high-level performance of neodymium magnets, in particular, has been beneficial. Against this background, a "Investigation Committee for Performance Improvement of Reluctance Torque Assisted Motor by advances in magnetic materials" was formed, and from April 2009 until September 2012, the Committee investigated the effects of advances in magnetic materials on the high-level performance of motors. During this period, the problem of resources such as the short supply of rare earth elements surfaced, and research and development efforts turned to motors that could be designed without the need for such elements, or using only limited quantities thereof, rather than the rare earth magnets conventionally used as though supplies were inexhaustible. Also, advances in magnetic materials during that time have led to improvements in the performance of reluctance torque motors. In this report, the authors summarize advances in magnetic and electromagnetic materials, as well as the latest technological trends involving reluctance torque motors aimed at using little or no rare earth elements. |
