Finished projects
Over the last years we have succesfully made several important steps from mathematical theory towards a production ready motor. These steps include 5 generations of prototypes that were made to prove the methematical theory, simplify construction and succesfully integrate the motor into a vehicle. With these projects we have shown the potential of our motors and have acquired our first commercial customers in need of a custom made high torque electric motor, among others in-wheel motors for the propulsion of a small city car.
Elaphe*1
Produced in 2003 this is the first prototype showcasing our innovative electomagnetic topology. It was made as an electric bicycle propulsion and it succesfully proved the theory.
Elaphe*1 - first generation of prototypes
Elaphe*2
The next generation solved some construction and bearing issues, but most of all it is important because of cogging torque reduction compared to Elaphe*1.
Elaphe*2
Elaphe*ET
Produced in 2007 this was the first application aimed prototype and is the first prototype produced in the newly established Elaphe Ltd. company. It was designed for an ultra-light electric sailplane, but the lack of available suitable controllers, forced us to forfeit the project. Since then controller and other compatibility issues have been carefully considered at the design phase of the project, as a consequence of this failiure. None the less, we were able to test some other new features, especially cooling and classical inner rotor construction. This was also the first prototype completely designed by the Elaphe research team.
Elaphe*ET 30 kW motor
Elaphe*3 and the Electric Scooter
In order to test our construction outside of the lab as well as add some new features, we decided to create a motor for an electric scooter. We had some Taiwanese electric scooters for personal use so we used those as our benchmark. In collaboration with an industry partner we were able to create a superior motor at just over half the weight of the Taiwanese motor. We have three working prototypes, with one of them powering a scooter, that is regularly used for presentations, promotion or just trips to the shop. Other than the usual high torque the specialty of this motor is very little cogging torque, compatibility with ordinary scooter controllers, excellent thermal properties, speciall rim design and a few smaller features.
Elaphe*3 on a scooter
A close up
Electric bicycle
With many things learned from our first succesfull application oriented prototype we decided it was time to make one without an industry partner. In order to speed up the process of integrating the motor into a vehicle, we chose an electric bicycle as the target application. To comply with legislation the motor is limited to 250W and a top speed of 25km/h. With this motor we have tested a new winding tool, as well as some controller solutions. The motor and the bicycle it powers are currently serving as an educational tool on the Faculty of engineering Slovenia.