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Reducing Rare-Earth Magnet Reliance in Modern Traction Electric Machines

Author

Listed:
  • Oliver Mitchell Lee

    (Warwick Manufacturing Group, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK)

  • Mohammadali Abbasian

    (Warwick Manufacturing Group, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, UK)

Abstract

Currently, electric machines predominantly rely on costly rare-earth NdFeB magnets, which pose both economic and environmental challenges due to rising demand. This research explores recent advancements in machine topologies and magnetic materials to identify and assess promising solutions to this issue. The study investigates two alternative machine topologies to the conventional permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM): the permanent magnet-assisted synchronous reluctance machine (PMaSynRM), which reduces magnet usage, and the wound-field synchronous machine (WFSM), which eliminates magnets entirely. Additionally, the potential of ferrite and recycled NdFeB magnets as substitutes for primary NdFeB magnets is evaluated. Through detailed simulations, the study compares the performance and cost-effectiveness of these solutions against a reference permanent magnet synchronous machine (PMSM). Given their promising performance characteristics and potential to reduce or eliminate the use of rare-earth materials in next-generation electric machines, it is recommended that future research should focus on novel topologies like hybrid-excitation, axial-flux, and switched reluctance machines with an emphasis on manufacturability and also novel magnetic materials such as FeN and MnBi that are currently seeing synthesis challenges.

Suggested Citation

  • Oliver Mitchell Lee & Mohammadali Abbasian, 2025. "Reducing Rare-Earth Magnet Reliance in Modern Traction Electric Machines," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(9), pages 1-35, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:9:p:2274-:d:1645929
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Yuanfeng Lan & Mohamed Amine Frikha & Julien Croonen & Yassine Benômar & Mohamed El Baghdadi & Omar Hegazy, 2022. "Design Optimization of a Switched Reluctance Machine with an Improved Segmental Rotor for Electric Vehicle Applications," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(16), pages 1-16, August.
    2. Zhenyao Xu & Tao Li & Fengge Zhang & Yue Zhang & Dong-Hee Lee & Jin-Woo Ahn, 2022. "A Review on Segmented Switched Reluctance Motors," Energies, MDPI, vol. 15(23), pages 1-27, December.
    3. Piotr Bogusz & Mariusz Korkosz & Jan Prokop & Mateusz Daraż, 2021. "Analysis Performance of SRM Based on the Novel Dependent Torque Control Method," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(24), pages 1-18, December.
    4. Yuanfeng Lan & Yassine Benomar & Kritika Deepak & Ahmet Aksoz & Mohamed El Baghdadi & Emine Bostanci & Omar Hegazy, 2021. "Switched Reluctance Motors and Drive Systems for Electric Vehicle Powertrains: State of the Art Analysis and Future Trends," Energies, MDPI, vol. 14(8), pages 1-29, April.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

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