In the production of electrical sheets for electric motors, the material is optimised in complex rolling and annealing processes to achieve the best possible magnetic behaviour and high homogeneity of magnetic and mechanical properties. The materials consist almost exclusively of iron and, with the exception of silicon, contain virtually no additives, which results in limited strength values.
However, simulations show that electric motors could be improved by taking into account local magnetic and mechanical inhomogeneity in the electrical steel. It would therefore appear to be advantageous to deliberately bring about a change in the material at defined points, for example by reducing the magnetic conductivity and increasing the strength in return. In the design of electrical machines, a targeted compromise could thus be realised for the entire structure of the soft magnetic material. This offers potential both for saving material, for example rare earths for permanent magnets, and for increasing the performance of motors.
The theoretical and simulative considerations are to be prototypically realised in the real production chain within the project. The TU Ilmenau will focus on design and dimensioning as well as simulation, while questions relating to technology and material parameters will primarily be addressed by the co-operation partner TEPROSA.
After the design of simplified test specimens by the TU Ilmenau, the technologies for material structure modification are selected and devices for the targeted local treatment of the sheets are built by TEPROSA. The material properties of the treated test specimens are analysed (TEPROSA and TU Ilmenau) to determine the process parameters. The findings will be used by the TU Ilmenau to create a reference design and motor components for an optimised machine.
