Goals
- Electrify two bicycles for under $200 each
- Demonstrate axial-flux switched-Reluctance motor technology
- Using hubmotor built into rear wheel
- Using motor driving a chain or belt on rear wheel
The switched reluctance motor
Switched reluctance motors rely on the electromagnetic attraction of ferromagnetic materials (such as steel) to an applied magnetic field, instead of relying on permanent magnets or magnetic induction.
Advantages
- Can be made cheaper due to the lack of permanent magnets
- No detent torque (cogging) from permanent magnets
Challenges
- Axial flux-type motors are relatively rare for switched-reluctance motors
- Control technology is still somewhat undeveloped (leads to characteristic V8 sound)
Preliminary work
- Preliminary CAD of hubmotor:
