Mechatronics research
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| Axial Flux Motor |
Research in Mechatronics focuses on the design and control of axial flux electric motors.
The axial flux motor demonstrates similar properties to the "normal"
radial flux architecture except that is very short in length and has a much
larger diameter. Whether this is an advantage or not depends upon it's
application, but it most certainly has led it to acquire common names such
as a pancake motor or disk motor.
Since the late 1980's, research into axial flux machines has shown that this alternative topology has promising application to low-speed direct drive systems. To date, the school has developed axial flux machines for use in:
- solar racing cars
- high performance electric vehicles
- electric bicycles and scooters
- ceiling fans
- evaporative air-conditioners
Desert Rose Solar Car
This machine architecture continues to achieve electrical efficiencies and volumetric power densities beyond its radial counterparts in direct drive traction systems.
The activities have resulted in a spin off company, In Motion Technology, to commercialise the technology.
Research Coordinator: Prof Friso De Boer
