Daikin motor wins technology award
21st March 2025
JAPAN: A high-efficiency IPM motor with reluctance torque used in air conditioners has been awarded Japan’s 18th Electrical Technology Foundation of Electricity Award.
The rare earth magnet motor was developed by Daikin Industries and Osaka Public University and has been adopted by Daikin in its residential and commercial air conditioners.
The Foundation of Electricity award is given to recognise achievements in electrical technology that have made a great contribution to society. It was established in 2008 by the Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan as part of its 120th anniversary celebrations.
In addition to recognising its contribution to reducing electricity consumption, the motor was commended for expanding the potential of power-saving technology beyond air conditioning applications to other industries, such as industrial equipment, hybrid cars, and EVs.
A permanent magnet motor consists of a magnet that rotates at the centre and electromagnets around it. When electricity is passed through the coil of the electromagnet, the magnets rotate due to the mutual attractive and repulsive forces between them.
Unlike conventional SPM motors, IPM motors have rare earth permanent magnets embedded in the rotor and achieving stronger magnetic force. In addition, by redesigning the shape of the iron core, reluctance torque (the rotational force caused by the attraction of the iron core) has been increased, enabling higher torque and greater efficiency.
By combining an IPM motor with an inverter for control, efficiency has been improved and capacity expanded capacity during stable operation, achieving both power-saving operation and comfort.
