Technology & Products

An axial (versus radial) internal architecture that enables higher torque/power density, lighter weight, improved thermal performance, and higher efficiency.

A stator made with amorphous iron (rather than silicon steel) provides up to 20X the magnetic permeability of silicon steel and reduced hysteresis and eddy current losses.

Dual rotors utilizing ferrite (versus rare earth) magnets for much lower and more predictable costs, ready availability, lower magnet eddy current loss, and no reliance on China.

Standard NEMA and IEC form factors and dimensions allow for easy substitution of common induction motors and high-cost, rare earth-based permanent magnet motors.

This rating is no longer allowed in many regions due to its low efficiency. The efficiency standard for a 2 hp motor in IE1 class is 81.5%.

This rating is still common in many regions, but not in the U.S., Canada or Europe. The efficiency standard for a 2 hp motor in IE2 class is 84%.

This standard has become more widely adopted, including in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, as regulations and standards for energy efficiency become more stringent. The efficiency range for a 2 hp motor in IE3 class is 86.5%.

This rating is relatively new, not yet widely adopted, and currently only applies to certain types and power ranges of motors. The efficiency standard for a 2 hp motor in IE4 class is 88.5%.

This rating is the highest efficiency level currently defined for electric motors. As of 2023 it has not been adopted anywhere. The efficiency standard for a 2 hp motor in IE5 class is about 90%.

Note that 50 Hz motors are typically about 0.5 to 1 percent lower in efficiency than 60 Hz motors. Also, efficiency falls off if the motor is not run a full load.

The FluxDynamics AxialPM™ 2hp motor is over 93% efficient.

1. Lower Cost: Induction motors are typically less expensive than PM motors.
2. Widely Available: Dozens of major manufacturers, local outlets, and support.
3. Established Standards: Commodity-like standards for dimensions, efficiency, inter-changeability.
4. Line Operation: Induction motors can be operated directly on the AC power line and do not require a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD).

1. Lower efficiency: Induction motors are less efficient than PM motors, especially when operating in variable speed applications.
2. Limited torque density: They can require larger physical sizes to produce the same torque as a PM motor.
3. Fixed speed operation: When operated directly from the AC power line.

1. High efficiency: PM motors are more efficient than induction motors, because only the stator needs to be energized.
2. Wide efficiency range: PM motors are far more efficient as the load and speed of the motor varies.
3. Higher power density: PM motors have a higher power density than induction motors, which can mean a smaller frame size.
4. Variable speed operation: PM motors are run with a variable speed drive that can operate the motor over a wide range of speeds and loads.

1. Higher cost: PM motors are typically more expensive than induction motors, which is a barrier to adoption in many applications. Most PM motors today use rare earth magnets, which are much more expensive than ferrite magnets.
2. VFD required: PM motors require the use of a Variable Frequency Drive.

1. Much Lower Cost: Ferrite magnets are far less expensive than rare earth magnets.
2. Reliable Supply: Multiple vendors are available around the world and in the US. No supply chain concerns.
3. 3. Good high temperature stability: Ferrite magnets can withstand high temperatures, making them suitable for use in high temperature applications.

1. Lower magnetic strength: Ferrite magnets have a lower magnetic strength than rare earth magnets, which can limit their performance in power dense applications.
2. Lower energy density: Ferrite magnets have a lower energy density than rare earth magnets, which means they require more magnet material to achieve good performance.

1. High magnetic strength: Rare earth magnets have a very high magnetic strength.
2. High energy density: Rare earth magnets have a higher energy density than ferrite magnets, which means they can achieve a higher level of performance with less magnet material.

1. Much Higher Cost: Rare earth magnets are far more expensive than ferrite magnets, which can make them cost-prohibitive for a number of applications.
2. Environmental concerns: Rare earth magnets are produced from rare earth elements, which are difficult to mine and process. This leads to environmental concerns related to mining practices and the disposal of waste materials.
3. Uncertain Supply: Most rare earth magnets are produced in China. Consistency of pricing and availability is uncertain.

Renewable energy sources such as wind and solar are becoming increasingly cost-competitive with fossil fuels, and their adoption is likely to continue to grow in North America. This could put downward pressure on electricity costs, as renewable energy sources have lower operating costs and are not subject to fuel price fluctuations. However, renewables are intermittent and are often paired with energy storage systems which has pushed up costs of electricity in areas where they have been used.

Moreover, the price generally paid for electric generation is often based on the highest price paid for the last power to be brought on line to satisfy total customer demand. In current systems this is power generated by fossil fuel generators. Therefore, low-cost producers make higher profits as long as 100 percent of the electricity is not produced by low-cost sources

Much of North America’s electricity infrastructure is aging and in need of repair or replacement. This could put upward pressure on electricity costs as utilities invest in upgrading the grid and building new power plants.

Weather events causing disasters are increasingly common. These events often damage and destroy distribution systems for electricity. Repair and replacement costs must be covered, which drive up the cost of electricity. Weather events have also generated fires caused by falling power lines. Utilities are now being held responsible for the damages from these fires which increases their liability and insurance costs.

The electrification of many applications, such as transportation, heat pumps for space and water heating, induction stoves, additional air conditioning needs, more air flow and filtering for buildings to reduce toxins and pollutants, will also increase electricity demand.

As demand increases, more power plants and power lines need to be constructed, leading to higher utility costs. Recently, electricity demand has been increasing at a rate faster than new renewable sources are being installed. This leads to the extending of lifetimes for existing fossil fuel generators. Increased electrical efficiency is the cheapest way to solve this issue.

The introduction of carbon pricing mechanisms, such as carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems, could increase the cost of electricity generation from fossil fuels and encourage the adoption of renewable energy sources.

Natural gas is a key fuel source for electricity generation in North America. Fluctuations in natural gas prices will affect the cost of electricity. Higher natural gas prices could lead to higher electricity prices.

Efforts to improve energy efficiency in buildings, appliances, and industrial processes could help reduce overall demand for electricity, and save money for the user, year after year.