Active vibration control systems reduce maintenance cost, allow integration of SRM across markets
Development of low-cost advanced active vibration control equipment integrated with quick processing functions, direct communication procedures, and improved software to attract opportunities in the coming years.
SRM technology has many advantages including low production costs, relatively low cost materials, durability in harsh conditions, and tolerance to phase winding faults. Nevertheless, excessive vibration and noise have hindered the penetration of SRM into many defense and industrial applications.
The CS torque harmonics mitigation controller allows for integration of the torque ripple control into conventional SRM drives, with a simple change in the controller and an addition of an inexpensive piezoelectric sensor. This allows for retrofitting current and future SRM products with this controller, reducing the vibration and noise.
By using the torque ripple mitigation controller, the issue of torque ripple and the resulting vibration and acoustic noise in SRMs drive can be eliminated. It is likely that the first products to use this technology are ground vehicles that require quiet operation, while operating at relatively high temperature environments.
The integration of our close-loop controller into SRM drive systems will allow systems to overcome the issue of vibration and noise in SRM based system. By integrating the Continuous Solutions controller, application such as centrifugal machines, HVACs, washing machines, and variable speed drive systems will be able to use SRM without worrying about excessive vibration and noise. Allowing manufacturers to use cheaper, and more fault tolerant SRM drives instead of using conventional induction machines or PM-based machines such as PMSMs and BLDCs.
Likely Application across markets include:
Civil automotive and tactical vehicles where vibration reduction is needed.
Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) and fully Electric Vehicles (EV) as the primary drivetrain motor-generator unit without the risk of vibration, acoustic noise, or excessive heating.
Aerospace applications such as generators or in APUs (Auxiliary Power Units) in existing and future
Aircrafts such as passenger and cargo aircrafts (Boeing, Airbus, etc.), military airplanes, and future spacecraft intended to operate in rough environmental conditions (for instance outer atmosphere and space).
SRM used in generator, APUs, or propulsion system in civic and military Naval application.
Pump applications in rough environments such as remote areas, oil/water wells.
Servo motor in industrial application and where precision and high temperature operation is need.
Home appliances such as washing machines, dryers, and many other low cost oriented products.
It is estimated by Allied Market Research that the electric motor market will reach $129 billion by 2020 with a market increase of around 5% in the following years. This can be attributed to the increase demand in energy, the introduction of electric motor drives into new applications, and the increase demand in the automotive and home appliance markets. Furthermore, the reduced price in semi-conductor based switches, and microcontrollers/DSPs used in electric motor drives have allowed a significant increase in efficiency and reduction in the overall unit price of electric motors and drives.