Axial Flux Motors & Next-Gen Inverters Revolutionize RCVs

The world of robotic combat vehicles (RCVs) is rapidly evolving, with manufacturers constantly striving to enhance their performance, stealth, and efficiency. These vehicles face numerous complex challenges, including the need for increased power and torque while maintaining compact size, reducing weight, and ensuring silent operation. Furthermore, optimizing space, reducing noise and vibration, and improving mission endurance are critical for the success of these vehicles. As the demand for cutting-edge military technology grows, axial flux motors and next-generation inverters provide significant advantages in overcoming these challenges.

The Key Challenges Facing RCV Manufacturers

RCV manufacturers are tackling several critical issues to meet the evolving demands of modern military activities. One of the primary concerns is achieving higher power and torque without increasing the physical size of the motor. As these vehicles become more advanced, reducing their weight is crucial for performance and maneuverability. Additionally, stealth plays a vital role in military operations. Minimizing noise and vibration during operation is vital.

Another challenge is optimizing the vehicle’s space. With complex internal systems and components, maximizing available space is vital to ensure that each component of the vehicle functions efficiently. Lastly, manufacturers need to increase the energy efficiency of these vehicles to extend mission durations and minimize energy consumption without compromising on performance.

Innovative solutions can enhance performance while meeting the rigorous demands of modern RCVs. The company’s axial flux motors and inverters are at the forefront of this revolution.

Axial Flux Motors: Compact, Powerful, & Efficient

Evolved axial flux motors are engineered to deliver high power density, meaning they produce a significant amount of power for their compact size. This is especially beneficial for RCVs where space is limited and maximizing power output is essential. These motors are perfect for small, agile vehicles that require immense torque and power in a tight space.

Additionally, these motors operate silently or nearly silently, a critical feature for stealth missions where noise levels must be minimized. The low vibration levels of the motors also contribute to reducing the vehicle’s overall profile, making it more difficult to detect during operations.

Perhaps one of the most compelling features of evolved axial flux motors is their efficiency. Both as motors and generators, these units boast excellent efficiency, which leads to lower heat generation and, by extension, a reduced thermal signature. This is an important consideration for military applications where thermal visibility can be a vulnerability.

Flexibility & Configurability

Another key advantage of axial flux motors is their versatility. Some of these motors are highly configurable to meet specific needs. Whether manufacturers need male or female shaft versions, dual-shaft designs, or customized connectors, some manufacturers can provide tailored solutions. Additionally, the motors can operate across a wide voltage range—from 80 volts direct-current (VDC) for the smallest units to 800V DC—offering flexibility for manufacturers to optimize their systems of any voltage.

Some manufacturers can also match the varying power requirements of different RCVs. Tracked RCVs, for example, often require a different power delivery system compared to wheeled vehicles. Evolved axial flux motors, with the ability to feature up to four motor stacks in a single unit, can deliver the power and torque necessary for tracked vehicles—for low-speed, high-torque applications or high-speed, low-torque demands.

The Next Generation: More Torque, More Efficiency

Manufacturers are developing the next-generation of axial flux motors, which offer even greater torque at lower speeds—ideal for tracked RCVs that require high torque for climbing, towing, or pushing. With peak efficiencies of more than 96%, these new motors not only provide better performance but also extend mission durations by reducing energy consumption.

Next-Gen Inverters: Compact, Powerful, & Cost-Effective

In addition to axial flux motors, RCVs require next-generation inverters that are designed to be compact and efficient. Some inverters’ high power density allows RCV manufacturers to optimize the use of available space. Their improved performance and cost effectiveness compared to past iterations make them an attractive solution for manufacturers that want to maximize value.

These inverters also offer OEMs with flexible control configurations, allowing theses components to function as either an auxiliary unit or as a vehicle controller. Manufacturers can even include custom features through user code, providing additional flexibility for unique mission requirements.

Low Maintenance, High Reliability

Reliability and low maintenance are paramount for military applications. Both the axial flux motors and Gen 6 inverters are designed to be maintenance-free, which means less downtime and reduced need for spare parts. This enhances vehicle uptime and operational readiness, which is crucial in high-stakes environments.

Simplifying Logistics & Product Support

Beyond the performance advantages, evolved axial flux motors and next-gen inverters offer significant logistical benefits. The flexibility of the hardware means that manufacturers can achieve commonality between different platforms, simplifying maintenance and logistics. With strong product support from the manufacturer’s dedicated applications team, OEMs can be assured that they have access to expert guidance for product integration and selection.

Conclusion

As the RCV industry continues to evolve, they will need component manufacturers to provide innovative solutions to the complex challenges faced by manufacturers. High-performance, efficient, and highly customizable axial flux motors and inverters, can help shape the future of military unmanned ground vehicles and RCVs. 

You can learn more by checking out this Tide Talks video discussing the details of an RCV case study.