electric motor efficiency

[Higgler]

A question on improving the efficiency of electric motors, either dc or ac motors.

While visiting a university last year, I was shown that flowing ferrite particles in a tube through an inductor changes it's inductance. Most people realize that varying the magnetic core internal to any inductor/toroid will change it's electrical properties, so maybe it's an obvious result.
My question is; could an electric motor efficiency be tweaked/optimized by flowing ferrite particles around it's windings via a plastic tube? Is this physically possible with most motors?

I realize batteries are important to make electric motor cars viable. I'm curious if the efficiency of electric motors used in these electric cars is poor and is there room for improved efficiency?

Thanks,
kch

 

[dpc]

Don't think so. The magnetic circuit is the most efficient part of the motor and the motor is the most efficient part of the car.

If you could build a superconducting motor, then you'd have something. But you are starting with something that already has an efficiency of 85-90% or better, so any improvements will be incremental.

 

[Higgler]

Thanks,
I wondered what the efficiency was in the typical motors.

kch

 

[Skogsgurra]

Even better. I saw a drive plus PM motor that had a peak efficiency 95.6 %. Yes, drive plus motor.

Gunnar Englund

http://www.gke.org

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100 % recycled posting: Electrons, ideas, finger-tips have been used over and over again...

 

[Higgler]

I guess batteries are the key to electric powered cars and not the motor.

Coworkers of mine are developing a 3 wheel high speed electric car and I now realize I don't need to bother them with improving electric engine efficiencies. Unless I make a very high temp superconducting wire of course.


Thanks,

kch

 

[itsmoked]

"electric motor" please. Not "electric engine".

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[Higgler]

I thought I'd look up the engine/motor difference in Wikepedia.

An engine whose purpose is to produce kinetic energy output from a fuel source is called a prime mover;

alternatively, a motor is a device which produces kinetic energy from a preprocessed "fuel" (such as electricity, a flow of hydraulic fluid or compressed air).

thanks,
kch

 

[Skogsgurra]

That's somewhat academic. We are talking about electric motors and internal combustion engines here.

I sometimes use the word "motor" when I mean "the engine" in a car. A split second later, I am corrected by every automotive guy that happens to be within hearing distance. Even those at nearby tables.

It is only fair that we electric guys are equally touchy.

Gunnar Englund

http://www.gke.org

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100 % recycled posting: Electrons, ideas, finger-tips have been used over and over again...

 

[burnt2x]

"I guess batteries are the key to electric powered cars and not the motor."

I'd say "the whole is composed of its parts." Having said that, can't run anybody's e-car without the motor/s; and vice versa! Try a deep disharging battery with a very inefficient motor and you'll see what I mean!

This electric guy's a lil bit touchy too.

 

[ozmosis]

There are numerous discussions about motor efficiency and the two different methods of measuring it. An interesting paper is:

http://www.leonardo-energy.org/drupal/disknode/get/21/kul_iee_eff.doc?download