Physics Commons^™

Practical Aspects Of Modern And Future Permanent Magnets, R.W. Mccallum, L. H. Lewis, Ralph Skomski, M. J. Kramer, I. E. Anderson

Ralph Skomski Publications

The mandate to reduce greenhouse gases will require highly efficient electric machines for both power generation and traction motor applications. Although permanent magnet electric machines utilizing Nd2Fe14B-based magnets provide obvious power-to-weight advantages over induction machines, the limited availability and high price of the rare earth (RE) metals make these machines less favorable. Of particular concern is the cost and supply criticality of Dy, a key RE element that is required to improve the high-temperature performance of Nd-based magnetic alloys for use in generators and traction motors. Alternatives to RE-based alloys do exist, but they currently lack the energy density necessary …