Performance analysis of Cd-Co-Cu magnets in electric drive

model geometry
Model geometry

This CMI-funded research was conducted at Ames Laboratory in a collaboration between CMI projects Finite Element Modeling of Magnetic and Electrochemical Systems (2.1.13) and Reduced Rare Earth Content High Performance Magnets (2.1.14). 

Achievement:

  • Assessed potential for using Ce-Co-Cu magnets in high speed motors applications
  • Ce-Co-Cu outperformed bonded magnets and ceramic (ferrite) magnets while performing acceptably compared with Sm-Co
  • Identified areas for future improvement

Significance and Impact:

  • Ce-Co-Cu is being investigated as a potential gap magnet. Our results demonstrate how Ce-Co-Cu fits in the gap, compared with other commercial magnets
  • Provides opportunity to engage with potential industrial partners. Ce-Co-Cu if deployed commercially as substitute for Sm-Co, may save processing cost and reduce the use of Co
graph showing output power comparison
Output power comparison

Details and Next Steps:

  • Improve model based on recent improvements to chemistry
  • Sm-Co magnets are known for high temperature performance. Modeling will be extended to high temperature performance of Ce-Co-Cu magnets to compare losses in both materials
efficiency comparison  
Efficiency comparison