New TM4 SUMO medium-duty electric motors boost torque and speed 45% with SMCs in place of permanent magnets
08 June 2016
TM4 will introduce three new SUMO medium-duty (MD) powertrain options at the 29th Electric Vehicle Symposium & Exhibition (EVS29), offering an increase of up to 45% in torque and speed, thanks to a new technological advancement.
Until now, the main rotor technology found in TM4’s electric motors was based on surface-mounted permanent magnets. The desire to limit the use of rare-earth magnets has resulted in a technology choice that leverages the reluctance torque of TM4’s external rotor design (earlier post) and decreases by 25% the use of these elements. By substituting some of the magnets with soft magnetic composites (SMCs), variable reluctance adds up to 45% extra torque and operating speed compared with previous technology in same package dimensions.
The new technology was developed in house with the support of Rio Tinto Metal Powders and the National Research Council of Canada (NRC). This partnership has made possible the conception and production of an innovative motor design combining new materials, a new forming process and an optimized fabrication method.
We improved the torque density and operating speed range while maintaining a competitive price. One of the decisive criteria when selecting a powertrain is how much performance you get for the price, weight and packaging. This new motor design allows us to optimize our direct drive powertrain systems on all of these aspects. TM4 is constantly seeking ways to improve, through innovation, its products and services to serve its customers better.
—Stéphane Poulin, Vice-President Engineering at TM4
The LSM200-2200,2600 and 3000 motors will be officially launched at the EVS29 expo on 20 June.
A wholly owned subsidiary of Hydro-Québec, TM4 designs and manufactures electric motors, generators, power electronics and control systems suitable for the commercial, automotive, marine, mining, rail, motorsports and recreational vehicle markets.
Quebec-Hydro ($3.2B profit per year) announced today that it will:
1. finance early installation of 2500 quick charge facilities.
2. keep future electricity rates to cost of living.
3. increase Hydro production with new facilities.
4. increase sales and profits by 60% to 90%.
5. continue to produce efficient e-motors and batteries.
No announcements on future H2 stations yet!
Posted by: HarveyD | 08 June 2016 at 02:57 PM