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Development of Magnetic Materials for High-Efficiency Motors

Project overview

Project period: FY2014 to FY2021, FY2021 budget: JPY 330 million
PL: OZAKI Kimihiro (Director, Magnetic Powder Metallurgy Research Center, Materials and Chemistry, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology)

In Japan, motors currently account for the majority of total power consumption. At the same time, the electrification of automobiles (e.g., HEVs, EVs, and FCVs) is expected to increase the demand for motors. Therefore, increasing the level of energy conservation for motors is a critical issue in terms of medium- to long-term energy supplies and demand strategiesy.

The efficiency of a motor depends greatly on magnets, iron cores (soft magnetic materials), and other magnetic materials. The purpose of this project is to achieve smaller, more efficient motors by developing innovative, high-performance magnets that do not use heavy rare earth elements (mainly dysprosium) for which there is considerable supply risk, and by developing high-performance soft magnetic materials which lessen energy loss when used to power motors.

  • Structure of high-efficiency motors (example) High-performance magnet Iron core (soft magnetic material) High-performance magnet Maximization of neodymium magnet performance New high-performance magnet Low-loss soft magnetic material Motor design High-efficiency motors Next-generation vehicles Home appliances and industrial machinery
    Project diagram

Basic information

Technical field
  • Rare metals
Project code P14015
Department in charge
  • Materials Technology and Nanotechnology Department (TEL: 044-520-5220)

Last Updated : April 26, 2022