Sometimes, the right motor for the system doesn’t exist yet. It starts as an idea, and undergoes a lengthy process of refinement, CAD creation, simulation, prototyping, testing, and then reworking. But when the need arises, engineers have demonstrated admirable aptitude for redesigning electric motors.
#15 – Raser Technologies P-50
In 2006 Raser Technologies designed this highly efficient 300V AC induction motor for vehicles. It produces a peak output of 48kW (64hp) while weighing just 30kg, and running up to 94% efficient. Raser claims that by using electromagnetic windings instead of permanent magnets on the rotor, torque per heat generation was doubled. The design also produces close to a 90° torque angle to support a continuous 120 Nm (89 lb-ft).
#14 – Physik Instrumente N-422
The N-422 is a linear actuator using a piezomotor. By employing ultrasonic expansion and contraction, the rod is moved with 300nm accuracy, and a max speed of 5mm/s. It’s powered from 48V.
#13 – Baldor LMDS2504-2A0
This black box is a dual-axis stepper machine. Two steppers drive the treads underneath, to move the box in the X and Y directions. Control is open-loop, and movement is repeatable within 5 microns. Static force tops out at 133 N (30 lbs).
#12 – Celeroton CM-1-1000
Leave it to the Swiss to develop a 1,000,000 RPM motor. This 2-pole motor runs from 54V and 1.7A, with a rated torque of just 1 mNm.
#11 – QS Motor 4000W Brushless Hub
Hub motors are mounted in the center of a wheel and directly drive it. This model is a 13” wheel with a continuous power output of 4kW (5hp), running from 60V-72V, and has a top speed of 90 km/h. A disc brake is incorporated.
#10 – Juken X23
The Juken X23 is a tiny stepper designed to drive gauges. The shaft has a transparent light pipe that illuminates attached needles. Using 5V it can rotate up to 200°/s with at least 1 mNm, or up to 600°/s unloaded.
#9 – Scorpion HK-4525-520KV
Stand back! The scorpion means business—230A peak to be exact. This little 4.5cm BLDC is designed for powerful remote-controlled helicopters. Phase resistance is only 0.012Ω, and peak power is a potent 10.2kW.
#8 – Polygon motor
Polygon BLDCs are used in laser printers, and they swiftly whirl to 50,000 RPM. A laser is then pulsed on the broad edge to scan dots across a page.
#7 – General Motors’s BLDC
GM needed a new motor to power its new line of small electric vehicles. Their BLDC design uses a clever arrangement of magnets and other structures to generate about 130 horsepower and an impressive 542 Nm (400 lb-ft) of torque. This powers the Spark EV car.
#6 – Solarbotics TPM2
It may be the size of candy, but with just 5V 20mA it soars to 32,500 RPM. As for torque, it’s somewhere around 0.04 mNm.
#5 – Physik Instrumente M-660
This rotary platform is just 14mm tall and incorporates a piezomotor that spins from ultrasonic vibration. The resolution of the commanded angle is a super fine 0.0002°, and the max speed is 720°/s. It comes with an integrated optical encoder.
#4 – Bodine Electric 42A-CG Model 4886
When you need a lot of torque in a small package, a gearmotor can be the answer. The 42A-CG-4886 embeds a 60:1 ratio, and cranks 75 Nm using 24V 18A.
#3 – ABB 70 MegaWatt AC Synchronous Motor
This enormous motor has a power output that is 10% of a nuclear reactor. It produces 70 MegaWatts (94,000 horsepower). Word to the wise: consult your local power utility before turning it on.
#2 – iFlight BetView 5D Gimbal Full Upgrade Kit
With the explosive growth of low-cost aerial vehicles, and the desire to mount cameras to them, BLDC gimbal motors have also grown in popularity. With a gyro that determines the 3 axes of aircraft tilt, 3 gimbal motors turn and compensate in realtime. The iFlight BetView kit combines a lightweight aluminum frame, a battery, two GBM5208H-180T motors, and one GBM8017-120T motor.
#1 – Faraday’s discovery
Here we have it: Michael Faraday's invented electric motor in 1821. Shown on the right side is a permanent magnet in a pool of mercury. A current-carrying wire comes down from the top, and its magnetic field pushes the wire around the magnet continuously. This machine was the first to convert electricity into rotary movement.
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