Magnetics Business & Technology - January/February 2023 - 28

INDUSTRY NEWS
Mercedes-Benz Will Manufacture
Axial-Flux Electric Motors at Berlin Site
The YASA motor topology also removes the stator yoke, which
reduces the stator iron mass by up to 80%. This innovation provides
more than 30% power density advantage and a 5% range
benefit over the radial electric motors on which most of today's
first generation mass-market EV's depend. The YASA motors
feature a proprietary 'Yokeless And Segmented Armature " , leading
to the company's name. The armature windings consist of
separate segments particularly suited to mass manufacture with
minimal application engineering.
Leveraging its purchase of axial-flux motor developer YASA in
England, Mercedes-Benz soon will build the high-performance
motors at its Berlin site, as the luxury car brand seeks to go all
electric by 2030. The move comes as the company embarks
on transforming its sprawling manufacturing site there with new
electrification and digitalization initiatives. By insourcing further
electric drive components, the Berlin plant is charting a new
course for its future and expanding its portfolio of products.
Mercedes-Benz acquired YASA last summer, securing access to
its innovative axial-flux technology. Based in Oxford, the company
specializes in making permanent-magnet axial-flux motors
and controllers aimed at helping electrify automotive and aviation
markets with both hybrid and pure electric powertrains. Designed
with a radically different magnetic configuration than traditional
motors, axial-flux motors typically are lighter yet have high power
and torque densities while using fewer magnets than a comparably
rated motor. They are gaining favor with many e-mobility
manufacturers seeking to maximize power while reducing vehicle
weight.
The core advantage of an axial-flux motor is that the spinning
rotor has a larger diameter, because it turns alongside the stator,
rather than inside it, explains YASA. Torque equates to force
multiplied by radius. With an axial-flux design there's a larger
radius than in a conventional radial motor, you get more torque
for the same force. This means for the same permanent magnet
and copper winding provision, you get more torque. This aspect
of axial-flux motor design typically delivers a 30% torque density
advantage over a conventional radial motor.
" The transformation of the automotive
industry is more evident at our Berlin
site than at any other Mercedes-Benz
plant, " says Jörg Burzer, member of the
Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz
AG, Production and Supply Chain. " The
transformation from a production site for
purely conventional drive components
to a competence centre for digitalisation
and production in the field of e-mobility is
a significant step for us and our employees.
With the production of high-performance
electric motors, the Berlin plant
will become a key pillar of the sustainable
Mercedes-Benz electrification strategy. "
Jörg Burzer, member
of the Board
of Management of
Mercedes-Benz AG,
Production and
Supply Chain
Mercedes-Benz is investing a low tripledigit
million euros amount in the transformation
of its Berlin plant within the next six years.
See www.mercedes-benz.com.
Bolstered by $110 Million, Infinitum
Speeds Ahead to Build Plant in Mexico
for Aircore Motor
With another capital raising in November for $30 million, Infinitum
Electric is on a path to build a highly-automated 65,000 plant
in Tijuana, Mexico for manufacturing its novel Aircore motor and
commercializing a new traction version for the electric vehicle
market. Half the size and weight of conventional motors with the
same power, it uses 66% less copper and no iron, and consumes
10% less energy. The new funds come on top of $80 million
raised by the company in May.
28 Magnetics Business & Technology * January/February 2023
www.MagneticsMag.com
http://www.mercedes-benz.com http://www.MagneticsMag.com
Magnetics Business & Technology - January/February 2023

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Magnetics Business & Technology - January/February 2023
