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Nidec develops ‘first magnet-free motor with SiC inverter’
The Japanese motor-maker Nidec claims to have developed the first motor-drive system in which a magnet-free switched reluctance (SR) motor is powered by an inverter incorporating silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor devices.
It says that the 44kW liquid-cooled prototype occupies less than a third (32%) of the volume of a conventional motor and inverter of a similar rating, and weighs 31% less.
Nidec believes that the development could lead to future drive systems that are compact, lightweight and have a low power consumption. Compared to conventional silicon semiconductors, SiC devices exhibit lower power losses, improved heat resistance and higher current capacities.
During 2015, Nidec is planning to develop an integrated motor-drive system with the inverter inside the motor housing.
