With the high cost of running motors affecting operators' wallets and the environment, companies are increasingly choosing motors made with permanent magnets to increase sustainability and efficiency at the same time.
The market for permanent magnet motors is projected to grow an average of 11.7 percent each year between 2014 and 2020, according to Allied Market Research. At the end of this period, the market will reach $45.3 billion by 2020 as global demand for rare earth magnets grows.
Of the segments in the permanent magnet motor market, automation tools could dominate applications for this technology. A greater need for automation in industrial facilities could prompt more orders of these types of motors compared to less effective models. Permanent magnet motors generate less heat because they consume less power, making them more efficient.
"Reduced field excitation losses resulting in increased performance of the motor leads to low energy consumption in operation of PM motors," Allied Market Research wrote. "Additionally, high power density, reliable performance, electric stability and durability along with simplified construction help in increasing its efficiency. Therefore, these motors are largely used in factory automations and other machinery tools since many years."
In addition to being used for automation and machinery tools due to its high performance, permanent magnet motors also lend themselves to boosting efficiency in large vehicles like cruise ships.
Permanent magnet motor buyers value quiet
In March 2014, Rolls-Royce announced it would introduce permanent magnet technology in delivering its tunnel thrusters to Norwegian ship owner Volstad Shipping AS, The Maritime Executive reported. The Rolls-Royce permanent magnet tunnel thrusters are powerful yet do not produce much noise or vibration.
John Knudsen, president of offshore at Rolls-Royce, said the company's offshore team worked with the ship's owner and designer to come up with the features of the ship, according to The Maritime Executive
Rolls-Royce recently won the chance to supply a Norwegian Cruise Line's ship with permanent magnet tunnel thrusters, Ship Technology reported. Jay McFadyen, senior vice president of Rolls-Royce America Marine Services, also noted that one of the striking features of this technology is how quiet it is, which is ideal for cruise ships like the Norwegian Epic.
"This highly innovative and cutting-edge permanent magnet technology is suitable for a range of applications in both merchant and offshore vessels, where exceptionally low noise levels, high-power output, and rapid response to power demand will benefit operators, crew and very importantly, passengers alike," said McFadyen according to Ship Technology.
McFadyen touted the benefits of a permanent magnet motor thruster that is both efficient and durable as the rotor is equipped with powerful magnets.
Other positives of permanent magnet motors
With the increase in demand for permanent magnets, marine vessels could transfer into more green machines because of the following benefits:
Low maintenance. While low noise is valued, the low cost of maintaining permanent magnet motors is also welcomed by manufacturers. Since permanent magnet motors produce less heat than other motors, they also require less maintenance. A permanent magnet propulsion line machine is likely to see fewer failures compared to synchronous machines, according to Maritime Reporter & Engineering News.
Fewer emissions. Another benefit highlighted by the source is its reduced environmental impact. Much of the energy used to power motors is wasted. However, ship builders could lower these vessels' carbon dioxide emissions by installing compact permanent motor technology that runs better and lowers fuel consumption. A permanent magnet machine uses 2 to 4 percent less fuel at full load than induction machines, according to Maritime Reporter & Engineering News. This efficiency rate is 10 percent higher for partial loads.
Longer in operation. Compared to motors that generate high heat, permanent magnet technology could lengthen the lifespan of this equipment. The ability to control the speed of these permanent motors could further increase fuel efficiency.
