Electrostatic motors reach the macro scale
C-Motive Technologies has created a 360-watt electrostatic motor that improves efficiency by 30% to 100%, using sustainable materials and capable of driving industrial applications, with future models planned up to 3,750 watts.
Read original article
C-Motive Technologies has developed a prototype 360-watt electrostatic motor that challenges the dominance of electromagnetic motors. This innovation, co-founded by Daniel Ludois, aims to leverage the efficiency of electrostatic principles, potentially offering a 30% to 100% increase in efficiency compared to traditional motors. Unlike conventional motors that rely on rare materials, C-Motive's design utilizes aluminum, plastic, and fiberglass, making it more sustainable. The prototype achieves torque of 18 newton meters and is the first electrostatic machine capable of driving industrial loads, such as constant-pressure pump systems. The development of this motor addresses the historical limitations of electrostatic motors, which have typically been small and low-powered. C-Motive's design incorporates multiple rotors and stators, enhancing performance through precise electrostatic charge management. A significant challenge was creating a dielectric fluid with high permittivity and breakdown strength, which the team successfully developed after extensive testing. The company is now testing a more powerful 750-watt motor and plans to expand its range to 3,750 watts for various industrial applications. This advancement could open new avenues in motor technology, potentially transforming sectors reliant on electric motors.
- C-Motive's electrostatic motor offers significant efficiency improvements over traditional electromagnetic motors.
- The motor is made from sustainable materials, avoiding rare-earth elements.
- It is the first electrostatic motor capable of driving industrial applications effectively.
- The development involved overcoming challenges related to dielectric materials and high voltage requirements.
- Future models are expected to range from 750 to 3,750 watts, targeting industrial automation and HVAC applications.
Related
AI discovers new rare-earth-free magnet at 200 times the speed of man
Materials Nexus and the University of Sheffield collaborated to create MagNex, a rare-earth-free permanent magnet using AI, significantly faster than traditional methods. MagNex offers a sustainable, cost-effective alternative for powerful magnets.
EV Motors Without Rare Earth Permanent Magnets
The July 2024 IEEE Spectrum issue discusses the development of rare earth-free electric vehicle (EV) motors to address environmental and supply chain concerns. Initiatives worldwide, including collaborations by automakers, aim to enhance motor efficiency and performance through alternative materials and designs.
EV world in serious trouble if China cuts off rare earth materials
The automotive industry grapples with China's control over rare earth elements crucial for EV motors. Researchers seek alternatives to reduce reliance, but face performance compromises. Developing rare earth-free EV motors is crucial amid escalating US-China tensions.
First engine in history without cylinders/pistons: Turns on its own without fuel
The Omega 1 engine, developed by Astronaerospace, operates without cylinders or pistons, producing 500 to 1000 horsepower, improving fuel economy by 30%, and supporting various fuels for zero-emission mobility.
Electrostatic Motors Reach the Macro Scale
C-Motive Technologies has developed a 360-watt electrostatic motor that may enhance efficiency by up to 100%, using sustainable materials and a new organic dielectric, with plans for higher wattage models.
- Some commenters highlight alternative motor technologies, such as ultrasonic motors and electrostatic speakers, suggesting a broader context for motor design.
- Concerns are raised about the sustainability claims of the motor, questioning the use of exotic dielectric fluids and the overall environmental impact.
- There is skepticism regarding the practicality and reliability of the motor at high RPMs, particularly related to the dielectric fluid's performance.
- Historical references to electrostatic motors, including Benjamin Franklin's experiments, spark interest in the technology's development.
- Criticism is directed at the article's claims about efficiency, with some commenters doubting the stated improvements over existing motor technologies.
12 commentshttps://www.meddeviceonline.com/doc/what-are-canon-s-linear-...
https://www.amazon.com/Electrostatics-Exploring-Controlling-...
Only insulation resistance should be the loss at very low speeds.
I don't know chemistry... so I figured I'd wait until I was actually ready to try things with it (having the power supplies figured out) before I got it in the house. I'm not there yet, but I understand 1700 volt transistors are a thing now.
But the most interesting (and problematic!) part of their design is the use of a dielectric liquid to increase field strength. They don't give any specifics, but reliability and weight issues aside, I'd imagine that drag-related losses would get significant at high RPM. Maybe the point is to go slow?
I want to know more about Ben Franklin's electrostatic turkey roaster
[1] http://jazzman-esl-page.blogspot.com/2016/12/wire-stator-esl...
All of those will end up in a landfill/junk yard. Seems like a huge waste.
> And although there are many different kinds of electric motors, every single one of them, from the 200-kilowatt traction motor in your electric vehicle to the stepper motor in your quartz wristwatch, exploits the exact same physical phenomenon: electromagnetism.
Well, basically your whole experience of the world is just electromagnetism, nothing more. And electrostatics is part of electromagnetism theory.
> In some applications, these motors could offer an overall boost in efficiency ranging from 30 percent to close to 100 percent, according to experiment-based analysis.
What practical electric motor is even close to 30% efficient? This is laughably low.
Edit: it's BOOST over the current efficiency.
Related
AI discovers new rare-earth-free magnet at 200 times the speed of man
Materials Nexus and the University of Sheffield collaborated to create MagNex, a rare-earth-free permanent magnet using AI, significantly faster than traditional methods. MagNex offers a sustainable, cost-effective alternative for powerful magnets.
EV Motors Without Rare Earth Permanent Magnets
The July 2024 IEEE Spectrum issue discusses the development of rare earth-free electric vehicle (EV) motors to address environmental and supply chain concerns. Initiatives worldwide, including collaborations by automakers, aim to enhance motor efficiency and performance through alternative materials and designs.
EV world in serious trouble if China cuts off rare earth materials
The automotive industry grapples with China's control over rare earth elements crucial for EV motors. Researchers seek alternatives to reduce reliance, but face performance compromises. Developing rare earth-free EV motors is crucial amid escalating US-China tensions.
First engine in history without cylinders/pistons: Turns on its own without fuel
The Omega 1 engine, developed by Astronaerospace, operates without cylinders or pistons, producing 500 to 1000 horsepower, improving fuel economy by 30%, and supporting various fuels for zero-emission mobility.
Electrostatic Motors Reach the Macro Scale
C-Motive Technologies has developed a 360-watt electrostatic motor that may enhance efficiency by up to 100%, using sustainable materials and a new organic dielectric, with plans for higher wattage models.