Would you believe if someone told you that the world is moving towards a low-carbon future in the transport industry? Between new technologies and sustainable solutions for the automotive industry, a magnetic engine valued at $1,2 million may be the key for a new era and a goodbye to hydrogen. With this engine, the automotive and aircraft industries will be able to improve their performance with a lighter and more efficient component that wastes less energy compared to existing electric engines. According to the predictions, more than 50,000 tons of this engine will be produced until 2029.
This engine is the ultimate solution for the automotive and aircraft industries
Pursuing a low-carbon transportation industry has become an achievement for the vehicle manufacturers. The initiatives that emerged in this market are countless and represent significant progress for companies and engineers. From alternative fuels with low emissions to renewable energy sources, innovative initiatives are expected for companies.
Among the most relevant solutions, electric engines stood out for their practicality. Another bullet point is that the accessibility to the resources needed for electric motors’ operation has become a highlight for automakers, as you only need a charger to plug your vehicle. But even this well-established market is facing small revolutions with big releases like this revolutionary engine.
Now, a startup from Monash University has promoted the concept of an electric engine to a new level. Recently, Kite Magnetics announced a manufacturing facility in Melbourne’s southwest, Australia, where its new lightweight electric generator and engines will be produced on a large scale. Named as Aeroperm technology, the engine combines novel nanocrystalline magnetic materials and advanced manufacturing techniques.
Aeroperm is lighter and more efficient than other engines available on the market
According to the engineers responsible for this new engine, Aeroperm technology allows the development of electric motors that are lighter and more efficient than the ones available on the market. This is only possible once the new technology combines novel nanocrystalline magnetic materials and advanced manufacturing techniques.
The nanocrystalline nucleus is made of a magnetic soft material composed of “nan-scale crystals within an amorphous metal matrix.” Due to its nature, this material is considered innovative and the key to Aeroperm’s success among the other electric engines available on the market.
How can Aeroperm improve the electric aircraft industry?
With its innovative nanocrystalline core material, mostly composed of iron, the energy waste is “97% less” compared to the existing engines. Also, according to Kite Magnetics, Aeroperm improves the efficiency while reducing the mass and operation costs of electric generators and motors. In addition, this technology could benefit industries beyond the automotive and aircraft industries.
Richard Parsons, Kite Magnetics co-founder and chief executive officer (CEO), said: “Aeroperm is accelerating electrification with smaller, lighter, and more efficient motors, driving down EV costs and extending the range of electric aircraft”.
The Victorian government provided a definitive investment to Kite Magnetics
Due to its achievements, Kite Magnetics is ready to reach another level. With an investment made by the Victorian government, the company is prepared to increase its production of Aeroperm to 50,000 tons. It is expected by 2029 and should boost the local and export markets.
Also, Kite Magnetics intends to develop and certify a 650-kilowatt electric propulsion unit capable of replacing turbodrop engines on aircraft by integrating its technology with large propulsion systems using hydrogen fuel cells.
In a statement, the Victorian government confirmed the investment and revealed its expectations that the new manufacturing facility will provide more than 140 highly skilled jobs and up to 550 indirect jobs.” However, the statement made by the authorities did not reveal the scope of their investment.
“Kite Magnetics is innovation at its best. They are producing a new technology that will shape the automotive, transport and mining industries into the future, while backing quality jobs right here in Victoria”, states Danny Person, Victorian Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs.
As Aeroperm and other solutions keep improving, the hydrogen applied to engines is about to say goodbye. Trying to anticipate it, a giant of the automotive industry is looking forward to releasing its new and ambitious engine.