Robust, Compact, and Low-Maintenance Magnetic Gear System

This project will combine several cutting-edge technologies to meet the demanding performance requirements of electrified aircraft propulsion. First, the magnetic gear will be integrated with the motor to reduce the size and weight of the necessary structural material. Second, multiphase motors will be evaluated for use in the magnetically geared motor (MGM) to provide redundancy and reduce acoustic noise. Third, different magnet arrangements, such as Halbach arrays and flux focusing arrangements, will be elevated for both the motor and gear. Fourth, coreless rotors will be considered to reduce the weight of the MGM. Fifth, polymeric composite materials will be elevated for reducing the weight of the structural material. Together, these technologies can allow an MGM to meet the stringent requirements for aircraft propulsion.

Magnetically geared motor (MGM) technologies can provide a lower cost solution for not only semiconductors, but also for automation robotics that require torque magnification and slip/control, where currently 1:1 magnetically coupling devises are used. Additionally, there are potential needs for NASA and military rover applications that require operating at severe temperatures with no noise and high reliability.

There are application needs for magnetically coupled pumps in the chemical and food processing industries that can take advantage of precise torque control/slip and gear ratio multiplication. Magmotor Technologies is a sister company of US Hybrid and has been providing the three winding maglev motors for silicon processing that are used in clean room environments.

This is early/mid-stage (TRL 4) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.

None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.