2010 (2)
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2018 (91)
While specific numerical test data comparing an iBEE motor to a rare earth motor directly isnt widely available, the reported characteristics suggest the following:
Feature/Metric |
iBEE Motor (Magnet-Free EESM) |
Rare Earth Motor (PMSM) |
Power Efficiency |
Comparable to PMSMs, especially for peak power and efficiency. |
High power density and excellent efficiency, especially at variable loads. |
Torque Density |
Aims to match PMSMs, but might require different design optimization. |
High torque density, compact for given output. |
Materials |
No rare earth elements, uses copper coils and electrical steel. |
Requires rare earth elements (neodymium, dysprosium). |
Environmental Impact |
Significantly lower carbon footprint (up to 40% reduction). |
Higher environmental impact due to rare earth mining/processing. |
Cost |
Potentially lower BOM cost due to no rare earths. |
Higher material cost due to expensive rare earths. |
Supply Chain |
Less susceptible to supply chain disruptions or geopolitical issues. |
Vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and price volatility. |
Thermal Management |
Simpler; no risk of demagnetization at high temperatures. |
Critical to prevent demagnetization at high temperatures. |
Durability/Maintenance |
Potentially higher durability due to fewer wear parts. |
Robust, but permanent magnets can be prone to demagnetization if overloaded. |
Control Complexity |
More complex control systems required for excitation. |
Simpler control of the magnetic field (inherent in magnets). |