Magnets for a Green Economy: Motors and More!

Extensive improvements have been made to electric motors and generators over the years, but for anyone who is imagining a carbon-free future, there’s a long way to go. 

The global sales of electric cars reflect these improvements, more than doubling in 2021 to 6.6 million. Though projections vary, those numbers don’t seem to be slowing; however, each new electric car needs an electric motor. That seems obvious, but what might be less obvious is that many electric car motors use permanent magnets. 

Permanent magnets are among the most efficient options for electric motors. That said, some use Alternating Current induction motors and generators, which are less efficient, heavier, and larger. That makes them a fine choice for heavier machinery, including trucks and ships. Many wind turbines also rely on permanent magnet generators. 

In some places, complex designs that combine the permanent magnet approach with an electromagnetic approach are starting to emerge, namely by Tesla, whose all-wheel-drive Model 3 and Model Y pair a permanent magnet synchronous reluctance motor at the rear with an induction motor at the front. The goal, of course, is to optimize performance. 

History of Magnets and Motors

Early motors were mostly used in stationary jobs. Instead, you might see them in action to run a printing press. The thing is, permanent magnets didn’t have very strong fields for many years. In the 1930s, alnico (aluminum, nickel, cobalt and iron) was used to make stronger permanent magnet direct current (DC) motors. 

In the 1950s, ferrite or ceramic magnets came on the scene, followed by samarium-cobalt magnets. Finally, in the 80s, neodymium magnets were invented, which were the strongest of all, but standard grades have a lower maximum operating temperature than samarium-cobalt.

Go Green with Apex Magnets

We offer a range of ceramic, samarium-cobalt, and neodymium magnets (plus custom alnico by quote), all of which are great for producing clean energy. From motors to windmills, they’re integral to the effort toward building a green economy. 

Whether you know what type of magnet your business needs or you’re unsure, we’re here to help! Contact us today at 1.304.257.1193 to speak with one of our experts.