AML Selected for Transformational Electric Aircraft Propulsion Program
MELBOURNE, Fla., Aug. 28, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Advanced Magnet Lab, Inc. (the “Company” or “AML”) announced today that the U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) has selected AML for the development of innovative lightweight and ultra-efficient electric propulsion motors, drives, and associated thermal management systems for commercial electric aircraft.
The program couples AML’s novel permanent magnet rotor and stator technology with integrated power electronics and cooling, which have the potential to enable power densities beyond 12 kW/kg for the full electric drivetrain. Today, aircraft, using gas burning turbine engines, achieve approximately 6-9 kW/kg.
This transformation from gas to electric propulsion requires novel technologies and various breakthroughs to improve energy efficiency, while also reducing carbon dioxide emissions, nitric oxide pollutants and noise levels.
AML and its team have proposed a solution with the following elements:
- a dual permanent magnet rotor based on AML’s PM-360™ magnets,
- enhanced cooling allowing for high current density stator coils,
- high-power density power converters, and
- a shared closed-loop cooling system.
AML’s novel approach is based on a breakthrough magnet technology called PM-360™, which significantly increases the performance of magnet-based products at a competitive cost. For electric propulsion, AML’s solution incorporates a dual PM-360™ rotor, which provides the optimum motor performance and eliminates iron that is used in conventional motors.
The ultimate goal of the program is to develop innovative lightweight and ultra-efficient electric motors, drives, and associated thermal management systems (collectively referred to as the all-electric powertrain) that will help enable net-zero carbon emissions in commercial aircraft. Single-aisle and twin-aisle aircraft that carry 100 or more passengers account for more than 90 percent of global emissions from commercial aircraft.
“We are extremely excited to be provided the opportunity to develop and exhibit our capabilities and technologies for the future of aviation,” stated Dr. Philippe Masson, CTO of AML.
AML is collaborating with the Center for Advanced Power Systems (CAPS) at Florida State University, which is developing the high-power density power converters which will drive and control AML’s motors.
Presently, AML is engaged in multiple commercial programs, including for medical and other electric motor applications, which are all based on PM-360TM. Additionally, AML’s technology provides for an alternative to regions outside of China for the production and supply of permanent magnets.
AML received its competitive award from ARPA-E’s Aviation-class Synergistically Cooled Electric-motors with iNtegrated Drives (ASCEND) program. This announcement is for Phase 1 of the program, which is $654,354.
For additional information about Advanced Magnet Lab, Inc. and its technologies please visit www.aml-enabled.com.
ABOUT
Advanced Magnet Lab, Inc. (AML) is a recognized leader in the development of technologies and solutions for electrical machines and other magnet-based applications. AML’s capabilities are driven by a technology platform comprised of a comprehensive portfolio of intellectual property including proprietary software (CoilCad™, MOEM™), magnet and manufacturing technologies and unique know-how. AML’s capabilities address products and solutions for energy, transportation, medical, and research.
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SOURCE Advanced Magnet Lab, Inc.
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