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A Halbach Array Motor for Use Over a Wide Temperature Range
Completed
TRL 5 (started at 4, targeting 5)
Description
Motors used in rovers, cranes and instruments for use on lunar and Mars missions present unique design requirements. Weight reduction is critical, so motors with high power density and torque density are desirable. Also, the motors need to be designed to work over a wide temperature range: from 40 K to 403K. The proposed axial flux, coreless, brushless, Halbach array motor has been demonstrated to have the highest power density and the highest efficiency in land based applications. In this phase I effort, the motor will be developed for use in lunar and Mars missions in which the operating temperature range is from 40 K to 403K. This would be a significant technical advancement.
Benefits
lightweight commercial aircraft alternators unmanned aerial vehicle propulsion electric vehicle wheel motors
Lunar and Mars missions with a wide temperature range Rovers Cranes Drills Crushers
Details
| Technology area | Materials, Structures, Mechanical Systems, and Manufacturing > Mechanical Systems > Electromechanical, Mechanical, and Micromechanical Devices |
| Program | Small Business Innovation Research/Small Business Tech Transfer (SBIR/STTR) |
| Lead organization | LaunchPoint Technologies, Inc., Goleta, CA |
| Start date | 2010-01-29 |
| End date | 2010-07-29 |
Project contacts
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How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 5) — 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.
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