Power electronic supply of electrical machines: accurate magnetic loss measurements enabling reduced heavy rare-earth material utilization

Research Project, 2026 – 2028

Non-existence of physical-based models able to predict magnetic and loss performance of electrical machines has lead to that empirical fitting models with ‘build factors’ of 1.7-2 when following the IEC60404 standard (70-100 % extra losses) are used for vehicle e-motors. There are several reasons for this gap, in a large Vinnova project soon to end, effect of the steel cutting and composing sheets to stators utilizing welding/interlocking has been investigated. Now, in the research effort proposed here, the uncertainties regarding loss and magnetic performance is to be narrowed further, focusing on achieving realistic wave-forms in the parameterizations. An important feature in this is the possibility to set-up a unique tailormade test equipment for this purpose.  The primary users are electric motor designers, electrical steel producers, and power electronics engineers across the automotive, industrial, and aerospace sectors. They will utilize these improved measurement methodologies and empirical datasets to optimize inverter-fed drive units, resulting in substantial energy savings and improved performance across a wide range of applications. Furthermore, for Chalmers it also gives the possibility to strengthen the position as a key knowledge-builder in this very important research topic.