NuGen Mobility, Inc. (NuGen) is proposing an innovative solution for future combatant craft generators based on its patented axial flux PM motor technology and a novel high efficiency three-chamber internal combustion engine. While it has been recognized that permanent magnet motors offer higher overall efficiency and result in lower overall Cost of Energy (COE), axial flux topologies have been shown to present more significant improvements to power density and efficiency. Furthermore, NuGen has demonstrated that Variable Air Gap Axial Flux Motors have higher efficiencies across the operating range and not just at one sweet spot. Combining this with the proposed three-chamber engine leads to more cost-effective and physically smaller solutions, while providing the flexibility to adapt to varying use and operating conditions. Applying this to marine generator applications will present the highest efficiencies at multiple modes of operation, with exceedingly lower weight-to-power rations than conventional generators. The proposed design is efficient, meets power demands on the order of two to three times current capability, has weight-to-power ratios less than or equal to 20-30 lbs/kW, supplies clean AC and DC power simultaneously, and requires limited maintenance and limited or no support systems.
Keywords: Axial Flux, Axial Flux, Combatant Craft, Marine Generator, Permanent Magnet Motor, Small Boats, High Power Density, High Efficiency
