Motors / generators are playing an active role in our daily lives. For example, each car is equipped with 50 to 100 motors, which supports the safety, comfort, and energy saving of driving. This applies not only to electric vehicles and hybrid vehicles, but also to vehicles that use internal combustion engines. And such motors must operate in harsh environments such as cold / hot places and in gasoline. However, if it breaks quickly, the reliability of the car will be impaired. Therefore, we are conducting research with the aim of realizing highly reliable motors and generators that have a long life even in harsh environments.
Basic Information
Faculty name/Affiliation
Assistant Professor Naoki Fukuda/ Department of Mechanical and Precision Systems Faculty of Science and Engineering
Specialized Fields
Electrical equipment, motorized force application, tribology
Research theme
Research on improving reliability and extending the life of electric motors / generators
Research on electrical components and electrification of automobiles
Research on improving the reliability of electric sliding contact mechanisms used in motors / generators The mechanism that supplies electricity while rubbing from a stationary object to a moving (rotating) object is called an electric sliding contact mechanism. Electric railway pantographs and trolley lines are typical examples. This mechanism is used as a brush / slip ring (commutator) in motors and generators, and is an important part for rotating motors and generating electricity. In other words, improving the electrical conductivity and wear resistance of the brush leads to the high reliability of motors and generators. Therefore, in order to clarify the sliding energization phenomenon of the brush, we are conducting tests and analyzes using a sliding test device.
Research on high efficiency of motor control Appropriate control is required to operate the motor in an energy-saving and smooth manner. Therefore, power electronics such as inverters and DC choppers are playing an active role. In this research, we are investigating the highly efficient operation of synchronous motors (reluctance motors), which have been widely used in electric vehicles in recent years, by using power electronics. We are also proceeding with analysis with a view to increasing regenerative energy.
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