Posted July 8, 2024

Our research group has been awarded a National Science Foundation Partnerships for Innovation grant to develop "Electric Motors that Create Magnetic Forces to Eliminate Bearings."

This project addresses a critical industry challenge: bearing failures account for up to 75% of all motor failures, while lubrication poses contamination risks in many applications. Our innovative approach uses electromagnetic fields already present in motors to provide contactless rotor support, eliminating traditional bearings altogether.

We'll be demonstrating this technology at 100 kW power levels relevant to industrial applications, focusing on compressor systems where reliability and elimination of oil contamination offer immediate benefits. The project leverages our breakthroughs in combined winding design and control techniques while using standard motor components..

For more details, please visit the NSF funding announcement page.