Japanese motor-maker Nidec claims to have developed a motor-drive system in which a magnet-free switched reluctance (SR) motor is powered by an inverter incorporating silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor devices. The news was reported by the Drives & Controls web site.

The 44kW liquid-cooled prototype reportedly occupies less than one-third (32%) of the volume of a conventional motor and inverter of a similar rating and weighs 31% less.

Nidec says that the development could lead to future drive systems that are compact, lightweight and have low power consumption. Compared to conventional silicon semiconductors, SiC devices exhibit lower power losses improved heat resistance and higher current capacities.

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