Iron-Nitride Alloy Magnets
Technology Description:
Case Western Reserve University is developing a highly magnetic iron-nitride alloy to use in the magnets that power electric motors found in EVs and renewable power generators. This would reduce the overall price of the motor by eliminating the expensive imported rare earth minerals typically found in today's best commercial magnets. The iron-nitride powder is sourced from abundant and inexpensive materials found in the U.S. The ultimate goal of this project is to demonstrate this new magnet system, which contains no rare earths, in a prototype electric motor. This could significantly reduce the amount of greenhouse gases emitted in the U.S. each year by encouraging the use of clean alternatives to oil and coal.
Potential Impact:
If successful, Case Western would create iron-nitride magnets for electric motors that contain no rare earth minerals and could power an EV motor better than today's best commercial magnets.
Security:
The U.S. produces a small fraction globally of industrial rare earths. Developing alternatives to the use of rare earths has the potential to reduce our dependence on these materials and will have a positive impact on our national economic and energy security.
Environment:
The transportation and electric power sectors account for nearly 75% of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions each year. Better magnets would support the widespread use of EVs and wind power, significantly reducing these emissions.
Economy:
The U.S. spends nearly $1 billion per day on imported petroleum. Improvements in magnet technology would enable a broader use of EVs, which would help insulate our economy from unexpected spikes in the price of oil.
Contact
ARPA-E Program Director:
Dr. Ji-Cheng Zhao
Project Contact:
Prof. David Matthiesen
Press and General Inquiries Email:
ARPA-E-Comms@hq.doe.gov
Project Contact Email:
david.matthiesen@case.edu
Related Projects
Release Date:
04/20/2011