Research and Product Development Programmes
Smart Motor has been approved as a R&D partner by the Norwegian Research Council and we are at any given time actively engaged in a number of research and product development programmes.
SmartMotor leverages research and product development programmes as core components for our IPR and product development. Our current IPR and product portfolio have been substantiated through a 400 MNOK project portfolio investment.
We are currently actively involved in 5 research and product development projects carefully aligned with our strategic long-term aspirations and ongoing customer projects.
SmartMotor targets an overall resource allocation of 20% to IPR and product development. We are a proven partner of the Norwegian Research Council.
When running research and development programmes we always ensure that they are based on existing customer projects, and further, we always secure participation and contributions from commercial and industrial stakeholders.
High Efficiency Electrical Machine, 17 MNOK (2011-2013)
Creation of multi-MW electrical machines with overall efficiencies substantially better than the existing motors and generators available today. Application of high temperature superconductor technology. In quantified terms, the stator and rotor losses should be reduced from 3% of the power output for conventional machines at full speed to below 1%.
Downhole and subsea systems, 31 MNOK (2010-2014)
Creation of novel efficient and survivable electric drive-trains for subsea and downhole applications. These novel systems will include electric machines, electronics and communication solutions and will be based on the DC supply concept advantageous for deep wells.
Novel generator systems for Small Hydro, 25 MNOK (2010-2013)
Development of novel electric generator and grid coupling solutions, which in turn will enable the creation of new concepts for small hydro power stations and provide new solutions for large hydro power stations.
Submerged propulsion system, 5 MNOK, 2010-2011
Creation of novel submerged propulsion system for high-speed boats with electric motor integrated into the pod.
High Temperature Power Electronic Packaging, 2009-2012
Research on packaging for reliable high temperature operation of μ-electronics.
NOWITECH, 320 MNOK, 2009 – 2017
NOWITECH is pre-competitive research laying a foundation for industrial value creation and cost-effective offshore wind farms. Emphasis is on “deep-sea” (+30 m), including bottom-fixed and floating wind turbines. SmartMotor is responsible for generator-related activities.
Weight reduced wind power system, 19 MNOK, 2006-2009
Competence-building project, including the development and verification of a new generation system for wind turbines meeting new grid codes requirements and reducing generator mass by at least 25 %.
PM-Innovation, 17 MNOK, 2005-2009
Study of a new fundamental design principle: axial flux permanent magnet machine with ironless stator. It was found that for applications where the required size of the machine makes it difficult to obtain a constant air gap between the rotor and stator, like oval or off-centred rotors, the ironless design will be superior.