Amorphous metals, also known as Metglas, possess a unique atomic structure that sets them apart from traditional crystalline metals. The amorphous metal motors lamination core is mainly used in power transformers, inductors, and other fields. Its application can greatly improve the efficiency and performance of equipment.
In these areas, traditional crystalline iron cores can no longer meet the requirements. Let’s delve into the industries and applications where amorphous metal motors are making a significant impact.
Properties of Amorphous Metals
Compared with crystalline alloys, amorphous alloys have undergone significant changes in physical, chemical and mechanical properties. Taking amorphous alloys dominated by iron as an example, it has the characteristics of high saturation magnetic induction intensity and low loss.
However, amorphous alloy materials also have shortcomings that cannot be ignored: they are too hard and extremely brittle; they are not easy to process and cut; their thickness is only 0.03mm and their filling coefficient is low; they are also very sensitive to mechanical stress, making their application difficult.
Industries Benefiting from Amorphous Metals Motors
Automotive Industry:
In the automotive sector, amorphous metals find applications in electric and hybrid vehicles. The lightweight and high magnetic permeability of these metals contributes to enhanced motor efficiency.
New energy vehicles have high requirements on the size, weight, and power density of motors, so most motors are designed to have a control frequency of 200-1600HZ.
Current motors designed based on silicon steel generally generate serious heat, which puts huge pressure on the cooling system and reduces the operational reliability of the entire power/generation system.
The low iron loss of the new amorphous soft magnetic materials under high-frequency control (equivalent to 1/8-1/10 of silicon steel) can significantly reduce the temperature rise of the motor.
At the same time, amorphous motors have the advantages of small size, lightweight, high efficiency, high power density, low hysteresis, and low noise. They are currently one of the excellent solutions to solve the temperature rise of new energy vehicle motors.
The optimized design of the new amorphous motor will also optimize the drive/power generation system to a certain extent, improving space utilization and overall machine operating efficiency.
Power Tools and Appliances:
Amorphous magnetic metals are gaining traction in the manufacturing of household appliances and consumer electronics. Their magnetic properties make them suitable for various applications, ensuring efficient operation in devices like refrigerators and power tools.
The application of variable frequency air conditioners puts new requirements on compressor motors, especially volume and efficiency. The performance of silicon steel motors is not satisfactory, especially the low efficiency in the high-frequency band.
The new amorphous alloy material can significantly reduce the core loss of the motor, and the optimized amorphous compressor for inverter air conditioners can perfectly solve the problem of volume and efficiency.
Industrial Machinery:
In the realm of industrial machinery, particularly in robotics and manufacturing equipment, amorphous metal motors play a pivotal role. Amorphous materials are used instead of silicon steel as the stator core part of the motor.
The amorphous material still has the characteristics of high saturation magnetic induction, low loss, and high magnetic density at high frequencies to increase the number of stator poles of the permanent magnet motor.
This results in smaller size, energy consumption, higher efficiency, and torque at the same power and speed making them an ideal choice for demanding industrial applications.
Medical And Military:
Medical and military motors have one or more special requirements of high speed, low-temperature rise, low noise, small size, high efficiency, or high frequency.
The high saturation magnetic induction intensity, high magnetic permeability, and low iron loss of new amorphous materials at high frequencies can further improve the efficiency and power density of micro motors, reduce temperature rise, and completely replace some traditional silicon steel motors in medical/military applications.
It can be applied in equipment and facilities exert better performance, and can even meet special performance requirements that could not be achieved in the past.
Renewable Energy:
The renewable energy sector, including wind turbines and solar power systems, benefits from the use of amorphous metal motors.
The high-efficiency and energy-saving high-frequency generator uses new amorphous materials to replace silicon steel sheets. Its iron loss at high frequency is 1/8-1/10 of that of silicon steel sheets. The temperature rise of the motor is reduced, and the efficiency can be increased by 3%- 10%.
It has the characteristics of small size, high efficiency, and high power density. It is especially suitable for medium and high-frequency DC power generation systems and mobile power generation systems.
They can effectively reduce energy consumption, improve the utilization efficiency of fuel kinetic energy, and extend sustainable working time.
Aerospace Industry:
In the aerospace industry, amorphous metal motors are making significant strides due to their unique properties. Their lightweight nature, high strength, and corrosion resistance contribute to improved efficiency in aerospace applications.
Amorphous metals’ magnetic characteristics enhance the performance of motors used in satellite systems, propulsion systems, and other aerospace components. The reduced weight and increased durability of these motors play a crucial role in optimizing fuel efficiency and overall performance in aerospace vehicles.
In the rapidly growing field of UAVs, amorphous metal motor stator and rotor lamination contribute to the development of efficient and agile unmanned aerial systems. Their compact size, high torque, and energy-efficient performance make them integral components in UAV propulsion and control systems.
Conclusion
In general, amorphous iron core, as a metal material with unique advantages, has broad application prospects. I believe that in the future development of science and technology, it will receive more attention and application.
FAQS
How are amorphous metals produced?
Amorphous metals are typically produced by rapidly cooling molten metal. This rapid cooling prevents the atoms from arranging themselves into a crystalline structure, resulting in an amorphous structure.
There are also many amorphous structure metals with unique magnetic properties, but the commercial focus is on iron borosilicate (FeBSi), the most commonly used formulations are 85% to 95% iron, 5% to 5% boron, and 5% to 10%.
How do amorphous alloy motors differ from traditional motors?
Amorphous iron cores differ from traditional electrical steel motor cores in their atomic structure. While traditional motors have a crystalline structure, amorphous alloy motors possess a non-crystalline, disordered arrangement.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of amorphous metal alloy motor cores?
Amorphous motor cores offer high efficiency, reduced energy losses, and enhanced magnetic properties. They contribute to energy savings, improved performance, and durability in various applications.
The production of amorphous alloys can be costlier, and challenges in mass production exist. The extreme thinness (25 microns) and high hardness of amorphous metals make them difficult to cut, stamp, and stack process into traditional motor structures. However, ongoing research aims to address these concerns for broader adoption in industries.
Do amorphous alloy motors cost more than traditional motors?
Initially, amorphous alloy motors may have a higher upfront cost due to the specialized materials used. However, the long-term energy savings often outweigh the initial investment.
