Collaborative Research: Mixed-Pole Multi-phase Synchronous Reluctance Motor Drives

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $290,477 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Electric machines are essential to modern life, powering everything from transportation electrification, shipboard power systems for military applications, industrial equipment, robotics and wind energy systems. However, many high-performance machines that are required today for these highly demanding applications depend on rare-earth magnets - materials that are expensive, challenging to extract, and are vulnerable to global supply chain disruptions. This research explores a new class of electric machines called mixed-pole, multiphase synchronous reluctance machines. When multiple winding sets with different pole configurations are successfully combined to interact with each other and with the rotor of a different pole number, their associated magnetic fields can be manipulated to great advantage, resulting in improved energy conversion, high torque density, and fault tolerance - all without using magnets. Unlike conventional motors based on fixed number of poles, or harmonic excitations of additional windings, this concept leverages the interaction of magnetomotive forces at different fundamental frequencies, opening new possibilities for efficient, flexible and scalable motor control. This research has the potential to transform the future of electric motor systems across many sectors, particularly electrified transportation and aviation, shipboard systems, and wind energy, by reducing dependence on critical materials in the next generation of motor-drive systems. The out

Key facts

NSF award ID
2510475
Awardee
Tennessee Technological University (TN)
SAM.gov UEI
KZNHNMDUTJA5
PI
Joseph O Ojo
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
OPTIMIZATION & DECISION MAKING, Control systems & applications, Electric power networks, CONTROL SYSTEMS, ENERGY CONVERSION
Estimated total
$290,477
Funds obligated
$290,477
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028