Lightweight High Efficiency Electric Motors and Actuators for Low Temperature Mobility and Robotics Applications

Space Exploration Vehicles and Lunar Surface Systems require electromechanical systems that are varied and include long life capability, high reliability, high thermal tolerance, high vacuum tolerance, significantly lower mass and volume, higher mass specific power and improved efficiency over the state of practice components/systems. Space, Weight, Power efficiency, and Cost (SWaP-C) are the key performance drivers for most designs. The objective of this proposal is to demonstrate QM Power's high performance motor and actuator technology called Parallel Magnetic Circuit (PMCTM) that excels at all of those key performance parameters in low temperature lunar environments. PMC motors and actuators have higher power density (over 20% lower weight and volume than alternative high perofrmance electric motors and actuators), higher torque density, run cooler, and operate more efficiently (over 90-94%) over a wider power output range than any known conventional AC or DC motors or actuators.

High energy prices and usage have accelerated the growing global demand for energy efficient products and low cost energy generation. QM Power has begun working with strategic industry leaders to demonstrate the improved efficiency and performance of PMC enabled motors, generators and actuators for power tools (Black & Decker), electric or hybrid electric vehicles (Ferrari), wind and hydro power generation (NREL), linear actuators/pumps/clamps (NSF), industrial motors (BC Hydro), military (US Army Medical) applications and a variety of other stand-alone applications. According to Frost and Sullivan reports, the global market opportunity is around $70 billion per year.

Due to the improved efficiency and other specific performance characteristics, PMC would greatly increase the range, payload capability, and functionality of the targeted mobility or robotic manipulator arm systems found in exploration vehicle or lunar surface systems. The motors and actuators developed in this effort will be ideal for rovers (drive train, suspension and steering), cranes, instruments, drills, crushers, and other such facilities whether for lunar missions or other space exploration missions including Mars.

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.