Analysis of iron loss in a wheel motor using high quality silicon steel plates

To extend the driving range of an electric scooter, the high efficiency direct-drive wheel motor has become an attractive alternative. For this reason, high quality silicon steel plates are applied to the wheel motor in order to reduce iron loss. However, finding a suitable steel plate with the characteristics of high efficiency, high output power and low manufacturing cost, is difficult. This paper investigated variations of the eddy current loss and iron loss characteristics in a wheel motor with six types of silicon steel plates under different operating conditions. Results of this study could provide a useful reference for material selection during the process of the wheel motor design.