Modeling and Simulation of Electric Motors Using Lightweight Materials

Abstract

Electric motors are utilitarian devices of great potential as they can limit the amount of pollution by drastically reducing the release of harmful gases. The implementation of the right type of advanced materials plays a vital role in the amelioration of modern automobiles while maintaining and/or improving the performance and efficiency of the electric motor. The use of lightweight materials could result in a better-performing vehicle that can be much less heavy. The replacement of regular cast iron, steel, and aluminum with lightweight materials such as fiber-reinforced polymer, carbon fiber, and polymer composites can reduce the weight of the motor without impacting its performance and improve its energy-saving capacity. This paper explores a way to reduce motor weight by employing a PA6GF30 30% glass fiber-reinforced polymer casing to reduce the weight of the motor while making cooling system modifications. This material was applied to the motor casing, which resulted in a significant reduction in weight compared to the water-cooled electric motor of aluminum (Alloy 195 cast) casing.

Keywords

• electric motors
• fluid/water cooling
• lightweight
• PA6GF30
• cooling system