Halbach array DC motor/generator

Patent · Tue Jan 06 00:00:00 EST 1998

OSTI ID:871313

Merritt, Bernard T ^[1]; Dreifuerst, Gary R ^[1]; Post, Richard F ^[2]

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1. Livermore, CA
2. Walnut Creek, CA

A new configuration of DC motor/generator is based on a Halbach array of permanent magnets. This motor does not use ferrous materials so that the only losses are winding losses and losses due to bearings and windage. An "inside-out" design is used as compared to a conventional motor/generator design. The rotating portion, i.e., the rotor, is on the outside of the machine. The stationary portion, i.e., the stator, is formed by the inside of the machine. The rotor contains an array of permanent magnets that provide a uniform field. The windings of the motor are placed in or on the stator. The stator windings are then "switched" or "commutated" to provide a DC motor/generator much the same as in a conventional DC motor. The commutation can be performed by mechanical means using brushes or by electronic means using switching circuits. The invention is useful in electric vehicles and adjustable speed DC drives.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: Regents of University of California (Oakland, CA)
• Patent Number(s): US 5705902
• OSTI ID: 871313
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

halbach
array
dc
motor
generator
configuration
based
permanent
magnets
ferrous
materials
losses
winding
due
bearings
windage
inside-out
design
compared
conventional
rotating
portion
rotor
outside
machine
stationary
stator
formed
inside
contains
provide
uniform
field
windings
placed
switched
commutated
commutation
performed
mechanical
means
brushes
electronic
switching
circuits
useful
electric
vehicles
adjustable
speed
drives
stator windings
rotating portion
losses due
stator winding
electric vehicle
permanent magnet
permanent magnets
switching circuit
dc motor
electronic means
electric vehicles
mechanical means
stationary portion
adjustable speed
uniform field
halbach array
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