Multiphysics Analysis and Power Density Improvement for Traction Motor by Applying CNT-Cu Winding

Recent research trends on the electric machine are focusing on not only motor topologies, but also motor component materials. The application of carbon nanotube composite material to the motor is one of the ways to bring innovative changes in motor power generation. Compared to copper, carbon nanotube-copper (CNT-Cu) composite conductor has high conductivity at high temperature, low temperature coefficient of resistance, excellent thermal properties, and also advantages of having low weight. In this study, the power density improvement of the motor for the electric vehicle was carried out by applying the CNT-Cu composite winding. Furthermore, the effect of CNT-Cu windings on the motor was demonstrated by conducting an AC copper loss analysis and calculating through the equivalent circuit based motor thermal analysis.