Innovation Exchange challenge: measure and use eddy current and hysteresis loss data in permanent magnets

Hirst Magnetics carry out magnetic measurements using a pulsed field magnetometer (PFM). The development of more powerful motors in the EV industry has demonstrated that magnet and motor manufacturers do not measure or understand the losses associated with dynamic hysteresis and eddy current losses in motors. These can involve hundreds of watts (of heat generated in magnets) and are relying on static measurements to design motors which are of course are dynamic systems. As magnetic materials dislike heat, such sources must be measured and reduced where possible.

Hirst Magnetics invites companies, universities or individuals who develop magnetic models to work with them to explore how eddy current correction and hysteresis loss data can be simulated in a dynamic motor environment. This will help build more efficient and cost-effective motor and generator designs.

Challenge Requirements

Hirst Magnetics are looking to use the dynamic information available in the PFM measurement technique to extract the eddy current loss and hysteresis losses with frequency. Working with the Challenge Holder the solution provider should aim to identify the critical parameters which can be extracted and measured to increase the accuracy of the motor and generator models. As the PFM is a commercially available instrument and a well-established technique the results are likely to be readily exploitable in less than 1 year.

The solution is likely to be a software model extension to an existing motor modelling package or approach with a defined data input from a PFM. The software model extension should operate in an existing electromagnetic model package used to model generators or motors.

Eligibility

Entrants to this challenge must be one of:  

• a UK registered business of any size
• a academic institution
• a research and technology organisation (RTO)

Your project must:

• have a grant funding request up to £25,000
• last up to 3 months
• carry out its project work in the UK
• intend to exploit the results from or in the UK

Rewards and benefits

Selected applicants will be given an opportunity to pitch to Hirst Magnetics. Successful solutions from the pitch day will be awarded up to £25k over 3 months to explore their solution with the Hirst Magnetics with the possibility of further adoption upon successful trials.

The benefits package for a successful applicant may also include:

• Support from KTN
• Support in the development of a prototype or pilot
• Technical support
• Invitation to attend or present at KTN events
• A potential business collaboration
• Investor introductions (if investment is required)
• Support if any Innovate or similar competitions are relevant.